ND Filter, Long Exposure, or Both?

[StandardToaster]

If I want to get images like this at a waterfall that's near me, should I use an ND filter, long exposure time, or both? I know that if I do a long exposure time, I would need a tripod, but I just don't know anything about how ND filters work and how to use them properly... 

[bob345]

usually to get pics like that, you use an nd filter with a long exposure. without an nd filter, taking a long exposure like that during the day would overexpose the image even at an aperture like f16

[StandardToaster]

You need nd filter if you are shooting this at broad daylight. Nd filter will stop the amount of light. Without one you wouldn't be able to get this shot alone with long exposure because it be too bright

 

usually to get pics like that, you use an nd filter with a long exposure. without an nd filter, taking a long exposure like that during the day would overexpose the image even at an aperture like f16

 

OK, thank you both, but what if I use aperture f36 and iso 100?

[ALwin]

OK, thank you both, but what if I use aperture f36 and iso 100?

 

You can, however very narrow apertures like f/36 can affect image quality.  Better to use a 10-stop ND filter.

[StandardToaster]

You can, however very narrow apertures like f/36 can affect image quality.  Better to use a 10-stop ND filter.

Do you know of any good ones for a 58mm lens that are not expensive?

[ALwin]

Do you know of any good ones for a 58mm lens that are not expensive?

 

These would be the lowest cost yet good quality ones I would recommend.  Deep ND filters run the risk of color casting, especially if they are cheap and low quality.

https://www.formatt-hitech.com/en/category/filters~4.html

 

After the above, the next best filters would be LEE filters, which are better quality and a bit more expensive.  The Big Stopper is around $150 just for the filter.

http://www.leefilters.com/

[SeanAngelo]

If I want to get images like this at a waterfall that's near me, should I use an ND filter, long exposure time, or both? I know that if I do a long exposure time, I would need a tripod, but I just don't know anything about how ND filters work and how to use them properly... 

 

You would need an ND filter to do a long exposure photograph like you have shown, doing this in broad daylight will not yield you a long enough exposure to make the water like smoke. Even if you are at f36 and ISO 100, it wouldn't be enough as you'd get around 1/2 of a second and plus it would affect the image quality.

[TechStyle]

You would want both. The long exposure would produce the wispy water trails but it will also overexpose since you're taking in a lot of light. The ND filter counteracts this.

[Texhnlyze]

This can be achieved without ND filters by using slow shutter speeds and taking multiple shots. If you were to get ND filters, I would prefer Haida filters instead of Lee filters. The reason is that Haida filters are neutral while lee filters gives off blueish tone.

[ALwin]

This can be achieved without ND filters by using slow shutter speeds and taking multiple shots. If you were to get ND filters, I would prefer Haida filters instead of Lee filters. The reason is that Haida filters are neutral while lee filters gives off blueish tone.

 

Hmm didn't know about this brand before, have to look into it.

[Texhnlyze]

Hmm didn't know about this brand before, have to look into it.

http://www.achim-sieger.de/en/nd-filter-review-lee-big-stopper-formatt-hitech-prostop-irnd-haida/

 

@ second comment http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1265784

[Captain_Slow]

Do you know of any good ones for a 58mm lens that are not expensive?

 

for an ND filter I'd recommend buying a large one, like an 82mm, then getting some step up rings. 

 

this will allow you to use the same filter on different sized lenses without having to buy multiple. 

 

i'd do the same for CPL filters. 

[StandardToaster]

for an ND filter I'd recommend buying a large one, like an 82mm, then getting some step up rings. 

 

this will allow you to use the same filter on different sized lenses without having to buy multiple. 

 

i'd do the same for CPL filters. 

I don't plan on buying bigger lenses in the near future, while I have this camera.

[Texhnlyze]

What camera do you have?

[ALwin]

I don't plan on buying bigger lenses in the near future, while I have this camera.

 

Invest in the Formatt-HiTech filter system, the 100x100 slot-in system will let you use the same filters with almost any size lens so you don't have to buy a set of filters for each lens you own.  Yes it will be a bit of an expensive investment in the initial phase, but the return of investment will be worth it over the long run.

 

I am not a fan of screw on circular filters other than for CPL and protection.  All my ND (deep ND, reverse grad, soft grad, hard grad) filters are 100x100mm or 100x150mm slot-in filters

[1823alex]

OK, thank you both, but what if I use aperture f36 and iso 100?

F36 would probably introduce unwanted lens effects similar to chromatic aberration or something. But yes, you would need both an ND filter and a long exposure. Without the ND filter your image would be overexposed if you were shooting in broad daylight or even cloud cover.