Variable ND Filter Comparison
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- Опубликовано: 16 сен 2020
- We compare Peter McKinnon's Polar Pro, B&W, Syrp and Tiffen variable ND Filters. Let's see if those pricey Peter McKinnon filters are worth it compared to some of the less expensive options. Is there a good variable ND filter out there? #FilterComparison #VariableNDfilter #NDfilter
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PolarPro Peter McKinnon Edition Variable Neutral Density Filter Kit
B&H - bhpho.to/33z9LMt
Amazon - amzn.to/2H5mP4x
Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter
B&H - bhpho.to/2FspqoV
Amazon - amzn.to/3iQ056s
B&W Variable Neutral Density Filter
B&H - bhpho.to/33D8vrA
Amazon - amzn.to/3iCSpol
Syrp Variable Neutral Density Filter
B&H - bhpho.to/3kql4gJ
Amazon - amzn.to/2ZL64SL
B&W Neutral Density Filter
B&H - bhpho.to/35FoJ6l
Amazon - amzn.to/2RAE3IY
Altura Neutral Density Filter
Amazon - amzn.to/3hEZxiH
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Jay P. Morgan has been working as a Commercial Photographer and Film Director in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years developing an impressive list of clients from Paramount to McDonald's. Jay P.'s experience with elaborate set design and extensive lighting are key to the success of his illustrative work.
Thank you for actually testing these with actual numerical results and visual samples!
Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!
Well done! Coincidentally I've been looking for a ND filter solution for still photography the last few days but honestly didn't have a clue which brands would provide the best results. This comparison video gives me some great information to help make a decision.
Glad I could help! Let us know what you decide!
Very helpful. I watched this after buying the Freewell 6-9stops and I don’t regret. No big issues with the X pattern or color shifting and affordable comparing to the Polar Pro and other more expensive VND filters.
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experience.
You guys are a joy to watch, great chemistry between you two.
Personally I prefer the B+W here, rather deal with a bit of desaturation rather than Tiffens brutal vignetting.
Thanks guys, you talked me into keeping my 3 budget non variable filters.
Glad you are happy with your filters!
Great video & very detailed comparison!
I would really like to have seen Freewell vs Peter Mckinnon (Polar Pro)
There are some videos out there, but a lot of them seem biased or not very detailed.
Keep up the good work! :)
Great suggestion! We will have to do a sequel!
Thank you for your comparison. I shoot cinematic documentaries and short films where I have enough time to use hard stop neutral density filter. When I saw the difference in quality, I decided to get several good ND filters instead of variable ones. Your comparison gave me a clear idea of what I need. Right now I am using a cheap VND which is horrible when it comes to skies.
They sure are horrible when it comes to skies. Thanks for your comment!
This was great. Would love to see the same comparison but for portraits. Its tough to shoot a 2.8 or wider in the middle of the day. Would love to see how the color and sharpness affects portraits. I think that would be a great follow up video, since some of use do not do videos or landscape photography.
Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching!
I bought 2 years ago a B+W nd 6 stops and the quality it's really great! One year before I got a tiffen polarizer and it's really good, if you give it to much not, it has a sweet spot! Recently I bought in keeckstarter a REVORING with Polarizer and ND ,, I hope that it's god like the others!
Thanks for your time
Great to hear you have had success with the B&W and The Tiffen. Let us know how the Revoring does.
How do you like the revo ring?
Hey there! Thanks for the video. I did have a couple thoughts though while watching.
First, I'm not sure how you measured the stops of reduction on the filters, but I consistently get 8.33 stops on the PolarPros, not 7.33. When I use a spot meter or histogram, it's always around 8.33 stops. And I have two sets and I checked them both.
Secondly, I agree that the B+W filters are outstanding, but I don't believe the name stands for "black and white", instead I believe it represents the names of the partners involved: Biermann and Weber.
Lastly, while the Tiffen may be tempting from a price to performance ratio, I've experienced pretty terrible quality control and overall ergonomics with their variable NDs and would strongly advise against them. If budget is important, there are much better options that cost even less such as K&F for example.
Also, I generally find that comparisons of colour casts should always be followed up with a friendly reminder to redo your white balance in camera after adding any filters, which of course reduces most of the issues experienced, save for the cross polarization.
Hope that's helpful! 🤓👍
Great points. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!
I love you
right on point... I actually bought the B+W based on your recommendation Gerald and I love it .. the PolarPro was too expensive for me.
Thanks Gerald!
Shill
Nice work guys. Thanks for the review - very helpful. I've been using the Promaster 77mm variable nd and find it very satisfying - not much vignetteing and good color overall, but now I'm looking for a 114mm variable nd to us eon Canon CN-E lenses. Any thoughts or recommendations? After seeing your review I'm considering just using standard 114 filters but the time saving (I shoot video) is a big factor.
If you are doing run and gun then variable ND is a good option and the Promaster is as good as any out there. I think the B&W by Schneider non-variable NDs is a much better way to go if you have the time. bhpho.to/3aWWOj4
I bought the Polar Pro matte box system. So far so good. I have no issues other than the price. Seems much better than my other brands of VND
Great to hear! And they did do well as the low and high ends.
This presentation helps in an unexpected way; I've been using an inexpensive polarizer for a while, and today had cconditions for a very nice image. Using the filter to accentuate a blue sky, when I processed the picture, the colors were terrible. I went back to reshoot, without filtration and the result was much better. Your video helped me understand why. I'm replacing the polarizer this week. BTW, my ND filters, one Lee and one Hoya, work well. They are not variable.
Yeah, the ND filters that are not variable are much better. Thanks for sharing you comment!
I really enjoyed this video, but I have to say that I have never known a subject with such differing opinions and test result as that of VND filters. When initially researching to get one for video on my Lumix G80/85 I was so confused but eventually decided to go with the Tiffen and I have not regretted it. (I am just a hobbyist but still want my videos to look the best I can). But after watching this and reading some of the comments, I decided to do a test myself for colour accuracy, as this was one of the biggest criticisms of the Tiffen. I took a series of photos fixed on a tripod with and without the filter. I set exposure THEN white balanced for all the shots and they were all consistent in colour with no light or dark patches. If you didn’t know, you honestly wouldn’t know which had the filter and which didn’t. I find myself distrusting some reviewers now but based on my own experience, I would definitely say, that I not only enjoyed this video but would trust it too.
That's a great test that you did. Thanks for sharing your results. Appreciate the great feedback!
Thanks a lot for saving me the headache of that cross hatching, do you also have any videos on selecting which stop you need for when? :)
Here are our videos about ND filters: ruclips.net/user/TheSlantedLenssearch?query=nd%20filters
Thank you slanted lens for presenting a good comparison of various variable neutral density filters. I myself have a tiffin and will certainly go through these particular test maybe not as extensive but will attempt to do them. As for video I like Sony's electronic ND let me know what you think and you've also really pushed me towards looking at the FS6 as opposed to the A7S3 thanks.
For video variable built in NDs is so important. For serious video work that is a good decision.
Good review as always !
I appreciate that. Thanks for your comment!
I've found the solution to my problems in video thanks to a fixed ND64 (+ ND8 stacked if I'm filming at f1.4) and with the full frame sensor with dual ISO capabilities...I never have to swap ND filters in this way!
Bright ambient light = base ISO + ND64
Medium ambient light = Second circuit ISO + ND64
Low ambient light = No filter
Great tip! Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Thanks for this, great video. Proper ND's it is!
Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with your purchase.
Great review/comparison!
Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!
I have been using the Tiffin variable for a number of years and generally it works well, for most of what I need, when shooting video. If I am shooting photos, I will go with the B+W but I generally only use a 3 stop (if I need more, I will again add another).
What should be said though, is whilst the Tiffin maybe the cheapest in test, it is really a mid range variable ND filter in terms of price.
Yep, very good points. Tiffen is mid range in price and performs very well.
Great video, very detailed!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!
Looks like video shooters may want to have a fixed ND as a base, plus a variable ND to adjust for changing light levels. I wonder if the old Cokin-style filters might be worth pulling out again?
That is an interesting idea. The Cokin might not be as fast either. Worth checking out at B&H: bhpho.to/3mwx7Ln
Kenneth - As a video Run an gun shooter, have you tried the Freewell VND system or the H&Y Revoring system ? I switch back from video to stills at sporting events all day long , and a reliable rapid removal system would be heavenly. What's out there for us hybriders ?
We haven't used those, but we will check them out.
Haha, I can't believe this video came out the day after I bought a Freewell VND! Now it sounds like the Tiffen would have been a better bet! Up until now I've been using a Tyfoto VND ($50) and it is amazing, so not sure how it compares to Freewell or Tiffen
People who have been using Freewell are saying they are great. So it sounds like you made a good decision!
Would it have helped correcting color in post, if you put the B+W VND on, then white balanced, then corrected in post? Rather than only correcting in post? I'm torn between the B+W VND and the solids...
It depends on what you do. Solids are better for video.
I'm actually interested in buying a 2 in 1 Vari-ND + C-Pol filter as those exist now and are suuuuper helpful for run and gun filmmaking
That sound like a good thing to check out. Let us know how you like it!
I am using the Polar Pro/Peter McKinnon 2-5 stops. Have you ever done a test with vertical and horizontal images. I am noticing a hugh color shift from vertical to horizontal. Would there be a better filter option that would not do the color shift at much.
I have not done that test. I use it for video mostly and don't shoot vertical. Try the NISI 1-5 variable. It has very neutral color.
I used the tinted windows in my mustang once when I hadn’t packed a Nd filter.
That's a great idea in a pinch!
Thanks for the info!👍
You bet! thanks for watching!
I have been using a Singh-Ray Variable ND filter for a while. it gives me 8 stops to work with, is very color neutral and has a thin ring flavor to reduce vignetting. I took a larger size than needed and use a step up ring to use it on a wide angle. it is around $400 I think
Great information. We will look into that. I see them available at B&H: bhpho.to/3ca8KhH
I have the Freewell VND which is comparable to the PolarPro but I think it does better in the middle range. There seems to be less vignetting.
We have heard good things from several people about the Freewell brand. Thanks for sharing your experince!
I saw a review of a 1 to 5 stop variable ND where the reviewer complained that 5 stops was insufficient for video with large apertures on bright days. Do you know if it works to put an ND64 filter on first and then add a variable ND in front to 'dial in' the right darker density to suit the brighter light? Great video btw.
You are right. 5 stops is not enough. And yes, you can put a 3 stop fixed ND on your lens and then a 5 stop variable on top of it and that should work.
For outdoor flash portrait, what non variable nd filter stop do you reccomend?
I use a 3 stop and a 6 stop B&W filter. I use them separately or together.
this was EXACTLY what I needed ❤ using regular ND filters is the only way 😂
Glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for your comment!
Have you seen the STCoptics over the censor drop in filters??
I am familiar with them but I haven't used them. That would be a great thing to review!
What about reduction in sharpness? Colour can be correct in post, but you can't get lost detail back.
If it is an inexpensive filter the glass could affect the sharpness. Most high quality ND filters will not affect the sharpness.
I have tried several ND filters included the Tiffen, PolarPro and Neewer but I have vignatting in all of them in bright day. How I can shoot videos in bright day without ND filters? Thanks in advance for your answer.
There are only two options. 1. Buy a camera with built in NDs or 2. Don't use a variable ND. Use a square fixed ND filter.
@@TheSlantedLens thanks for your answer
I own a Hoya ProND64 (claimed 6 stops) which I have rarely used. I prefer to use a polarizer occasionally, or really just to stick with the camera's controls. My lenses are not that bright anyway.
That is great if that works for you. I don't get enough control with I shoot at f/2.8 so I need the ND filters.
The freewell ones are the best I’ve ever used.
There are several people who have commented on liking the Freewell. We will have to test those next time.
I initially bought the Peter Mckinnon twice but both times it had a scratch on it so I decided to get a refund and get the Freewell instead! It seems solid so far and 1/3 the price.
Jeff Michael I have a couple videos on here comparing the two. The freewell crushed the PMVND one when it comes to cleanness
I just ordered the Freewell filters today. I was thinking about the Mckinnon ones until I saw the photo with that green sky color shift. I saw the Freewells being mentioned in the comments so I took a chance on them.
@@TheSlantedLens I bought freewell and filters, a mist filer set with an anamorphic lens. also bought from Neweer magnetic filter set( both for the camera and phone and I bought for the phone. It has not yet been tested fully, but many say freewell products are good quality.
Was the polar pro that you reviewed the version 1 or version 2?
This is the version that we used: bhpho.to/2FspqoV
Great review, I use Hoya Vari ND and I must test them like you did, I also got some a hoya ND8 I will use to see the difference between them.
Let us know how it goes and what learn.
How about freewell variable nd's for video?
Yeah, that one has the hard stop which is a great feature. We will have to test out some of these other brands.
@KennethCMerrill - Non-variable will always beat variable but I would suggest Freewell Variable NDs for your video solution. I find them o be the best. I'm surprised they were overlooked for this comparison. These are better than Tiffen.
We will have to do part two with the Freewell!
Sounds like ..the Tiffen for 1-5 and the polar pro above that..?
That is a good conclusion. Over 5 for Tiffen is not great. The Polar Pro in the middle is not great for color.
Have you tried Hama? They seem pretty good to me.
Have not tried the Hama. I will have to check those out.
Hi, thanks to share the interesting video. Out of curiosity: do you not think a variable ND filer is more convenient if it has a lever on the ring to be able to move the lens more easily to shoot videos? Thank you
The lever is helpful. I have used some with nice ridges that work just as well. It is personal preference. Some people don't like the fact that it will catch on things and move your polarizer.
How on earth you didn't include Freewell var ND?
We are seeing that a lot of people prefer the Freewell.
Good episode. And if someone would invent a great filter holder that would simply flip up out-of-the-way for us hybrid shooters, that would be the ticket. Please comment if you know of a reliable one.
That is an interesting concept. I don't know if any.
Would Basecamp be better?
That's another Polar Pro product. Tiffen has a similar one as well. Haven't used the Polar Pro Basecamp. bhpho.to/33HOeRX
Don't really get the point of VND filters, seems more logic to buy 67mm ND64 + ND 1000, and use step rings.
Variable really aren't as good, they are just fast when shooting video or fast paced shoots.
Haida & Nisi??
Those are some other good choices!
Ha ha. I've used a $30 Polaroid ND for years on my micro 4/3 cameras. Yeah, it has some shift but I can live with it.
That is good to hear. Looks like you can buy them at B&H: bhpho.to/2FRDTdy
I've been using Tiffen and Cokin filters for 30+ years...
That must mean that you love them. Thanks for your comment!
interesting on stacking the 3 + 6 for 9... hmm haven't thought of that... great tip.
Glad to help. Thanks for your comment!
but when you take long exposure picture, there is no way around not using ND even if you don't want it, there is no way your camera can take a picture that is not over exposed without ND. I use ND only on specific type of picture, not on everything... or video with fixed shutter...if you want low f stop, you have to use ND...
Good points. Thanks for sharing!
if you find a Lynch you'll be Wall Street :D
LOL. Thanks for the little bit of humor!
I just sold my Tiffen vnd I owned for 10 years to save up for the PMVND after watching other RUclips "Gurus" who said bad things about the Tiffen. Now I'm feeling sellers remorse. 😂
Hopefully you will love your new purchase!
9:18 B+W is a winner
Thanks for sharing your preference!
The moral of this story is that variable NDs are terrible
They just don't measure up fixed ND filters.
@@TheSlantedLens Which fixed ND filters do you suggest for someone who shoots mostly landscape video and fly fishing videos? Do you think K&F are good enough ?
Stay away from promaster complete junk
Thanks for the warning. Buyer beware.
Very helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!