Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

What should I be looking for when buying a variable ND filter? I know size, to make sure it's 67mm to fit the fs100, but anything else? I was looking at this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/758944-REG/Fader_Filters_VND_67II_67mm_Mark_II_Variable.html
If I get an ND filter, could I also attach a polarizing filter as well? How would that work? Thanks guys.

Ryan

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

Not such a simple question. Unless you want to buy many -- you need to decide on what lenses you will buy. Then look at a filter than can be used via adaptors.

BUT, adding adaptors plus a lens will vinettee (SP). Adding a ANY second filter increases this worry. An ND is polarized lens. Go to the Tiffen or other site to learn more.

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

Well here is the ultimate variable ND filter from all reviews - Phil Bloom just did a small review as well. Its expensive - Zeiss glass seems to cause that. Superb color and pin-sharp.


Turbolight - HedlerUSA - Heliopan 77mm Variable Gray ND Filter

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

Great it goes to 1-stop, but you'll need 4- to 6-stops more light reduction for F3 and FS100.

Before ordering you might want to ask them about stacking ND filters. You would need a 4X or 6X additional reduction for 800ASA in bright sunlight to get minimum DOFat 1/48th sec.

Perfect for VG10.

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

Why would you put the F3 in the same category as the FS 100? As I recall,
the F3 has built in ND.....so while it is possible that it might need
some additional ND, I don't see how in the world it would need as much as
the FS 100....?

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

My bad -- was thinking of 800ASA cameras.

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

Thanks, Jon. Looks like the Tiffen is available for $189.95 at
Bill

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

My FS-100 arrives today so I will test my Genus variable ND first before I start looking for better options - but he Tiffen is getting very nice reviews I hear.

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

I've got the Genus, and found that with the 3.5 lens I have, wide open, the Genus range covers more than full sun at a 30th shutter. In very deep shadow I had to actually almost increase the gain. This is using a Canon EOS lens and no aperture control, yet. To my eye there's no difference in sharpness with the filter on or off the lens, although I'm withholding judgement on that until someone actually tests the ND with a chart. And even at 3.5 the shallowness of the depth of field looks great.

My single biggest concern with the FS-100 had been the lack of built-in ND but I'm thinking that's not really gonna be much of a problem. I do wish Sony had a negative gain setting, like the EX's, maybe in a firmware update.

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

Tiffen Spokeswoman says their new variable nd filter is completely neutral here:

YouTube - ‪NAB 2011 - Filmtools talks to Tiffen about their new Variable ND Filter‬‏

But they don't mention that in their online print ads.

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

Sorry. Posted at wrong place.

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

I bit the bullet and spent the money for the Heliopan once I saw it in stock.
I got the 77mm size with a step up ring. I looked at the lenses I want to
buy, and they are all 67 or 77mm so with a 67 to 77mm step up ring that I also ordered,
I should be covered. Now I need to wait until it gets here
to figure out a sunshade. Obviously I can't use the one that came with the
kit lens as that is a 67mm one, and I don't think the fader ND filter has
threads on it to snap a sunshade on. Trying to find something that will work,
without spending $500 on a matte box, that would make one expensive sunshade.
But the pictures online weren't great, so maybe the heliopan does have threads on
the front? I'm not sure....if it did, that would be awesome, I could buy a $10 sunshade
with 77mm threads.

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

The Heliopan does not have threads on
the front.

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

Seems like there is a lot of ideas for ND filters out there.

What would be the best 77mm variable ND filter that would allow a polarizer to attach to it as well? Also, are there any problems with using step up rings? Or differences between them?

Re: Very nice vari-nd filter
 

The vari-nd's I've seen already use pola technology, so I have a feeling your results trying to add another polarizer to a variable ND may not be what you hope.
Try taking a vari ND and rotating it for maximum transmission. Turn the entire unit to see whether there is a Polarizing effect. If so, set the effect the way you want it, and lock in the position/ horizon line of the rear filter. You can then use the front filter to limit your exposure, and should still have at least some of your desired combined Pola effect.