Our Favorite Neutral Density Filters | Gear Talk Episode 5

ND filters are like M Night Shyamalan movies, most are terrible, but there are a few good ones. Check out our favorite ND Filters!

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[austintaylor]

if you already know anything at all about filters, just skip to 11:06

[cseiceanu]

The cost of these filters is such a scam. All this talk about quality and color shift etc doesn't really justify the cost. When you pay for a filter as much as you pay for a quality lens it only means one thing, really, manufacturer greed and demand of course.  It's kind'a paying for an iphone which cost under $100 to manufacture but ends up being sold for $600 dollars. I guess that as long as some people are willing to pay for it....well, it's their pocket, but that's one reason of such inflated prices. One can argue forever the prohibitive cost vs how usefull they are. You guys didn't try once to discuss why they are so expensive besides mentioning the quality glass used or how they really help in many situations. Well, a good quality lens costing about 5-6 hundred dollars has many high quality glass elements incorporated which need to be cut and polished and coated plus all the other components and precision manufactured

Aside from that nobody can deny the usefulness of ND fillters, me included....I usually borrow from friends since they cost too much and I can't afford.

Good video though....u guys know your stuff.

[spectremanLIVE]

I saw Dave Dougdale's comparison but, if memory serves me, his comparison did NOT include the Syrp vari ND. Understanding that you guys don't have a lot of time to play with, I'd love to see a comparison of the Tiffen directly against the Syrp from YOUR perspective as Dougdale doesn't seem to have the balanced take on video and still that you do. Thanks.

[progenitoren]

Picture in 1:02 is a combination of two pictures, one with filter and the lovers without filters, right?

[KimberlyAnnPortraits]

I love the Dodge and Burn t-shirt...do you mind sharing where to purchase? ;)

[EthanB-]

Your intro actually fits with the video themes (cameras), it even has the autofocus points

[chebidrums]

great video! how do I know if I'm buying the syrp mk1 mk2 or mk3? thanks!

[talkinpictures]

A very helpful and informative video! Thanks guys!

[idoscharf]

Looking for a solid (as in not variable) filter for stills, mostly around the 4-6 stops range. Can't afford the Singh-Ray, and would like to find something cheaper than the B+W MRC filters without compromising too much on quality. Most important for me are flare resistance and sharpness, and also decent color that can be easily corrected in Raw processing. Any recommendations? I bet the Hoya PRO-ND filters are best after B+W...

[bhavityaindora]

Hey man great video! Can you suggest some ND filters for a beginner?

[SuchetB]

Thank you for the helpful invaluable advice in your video - I subscribed to you after viewing the first minute.

[bodywise]

I have found *all* ND filters shift color. I have used many varieties. The variable ND filter from Singh Ray has internal condensation problems. Double pane. Lee filters are a better alternative you did not discuss. Eliminates vignetting. But a great overview.

[giutubospatubo]

Do not spend $350 in an ND!!! $100 dollar ones like B+W and Hoya work just as good. The only difference is that each brand has a different tint, which you can correct in post anyway. I wouldn't buy variable, specially if you want to go 8 to 10 stops.

[njrivetelite]

I understand there is no such thing as a free lunch and for quality, its nice to save money. People on a budget like to feel that they are getting a good deal. Flashlights at $500 and a single filter being $400 is very overwhelming when a photographer's main gear is already very expensive. What are some other more affordable options where you will retain good quality but not be soooo outrageously expensive?

[jonathancordero]

Hey guys have uou seen the tiffen variable ? I heard that is the best....not sure ....

[IsraelwithAviel]

hi Guys, thanks for the explanation, now i understand why my pics did not come out sharp and why this x dark shape. i used a very expensive glass and i was using this cheap gradual density filter. So I got a question if i want to create this milky shape in the water which nd filter shall i buy the 3 or 5 stops? or which gradual nd filter you best recomend b+w or hoya? thanks in advance.

[stacydrennan]

You claimed that the Singh Ray was the top of the line (in addition to being single pane filters), but those example shots were TERRIBLE color shift vs the Syrp Variable. You didn't sound like you wanted to admit as much, but put those shots up side and side, they weren't even close. I'm not sure I'd ever buy those Singh Ray filters after this video.

[hobbymachine]

15:46 most filters can be dissembled by removing a inmost ring with a flat head srewdriver

[MARBSTUDIO]

how about a polarizer, what would be your choice?

[mikeltrako]

what would be your choice? Hoya 77mm ProND500 Filter or Hoya 77mm ProND1000 Filter?