High Speed Sync vs ND Filters | Which should you use in 2018?

In this video, I talk about which technique you should use for your on location Flash photography work in 2018! Technology has advanced so much and It's time I updated my channel on this topic!

MY CAMERA GEAR: (Amazon/B&H Affiliate Links)

GEAR USED TO FILM MY VIDEOS

HOW I EDIT MY PHOTOS/VIDEOS

MY OFF CAMERA FLASH GEAR

[b]

Coming from a landscape background I find ND filters easy so even with my HSS strobes I prefer exposing for ambient and keeping shutter speed down. You also get much faster recycle time and increased battery life.

[reuvenansh]

Great video! Although you forgot to mention going into HSS immediately loses around 2+ stops of flash power, so that's an advantage of the ND filters. I don't have a mirrorless but if I got it right, the mirrorless view with the ND added doesn't darken the preview like it would in a DSLR, which makes focusing the DSLR harder.

[FranklinLiranzo]

I use both... one small filter is not something my back will notice. if I know ill be shooting for a while and don't want to kill my flash fast, I use the filter open up the aperture and have a longer lasting flash battery. Plus neutral density filters allow us to take longer shutter shots for smooth water, silky waterfalls, etc...

[davidhammond]

I'm considering 6stop ND filter. sometimes its so bright outside that even shooting hss dosen't give you quite the look you need. I like the option of having ND filters. You can shoot in harsh lighting conditions if you have to. It also saves power of your strobes. Im gonna get new ND filters that fit on your sensor of your camera rather then on your lens. Now you don't have to buy several different ND filters. Love your videos, keep them up.

[tonguedrumandgroove]

I've been on hss for a while and considering an ND filter. Reasoning is hss increases wear and tear on your unit and the nd filter can help minimize that.

[mverick]

Love HSS. I prefer HS outside though.

The Issue with HSS over ND filters is when thermal protection kicks in. And in HSS 1/1 is about 1/3 power because of having the ability to recharge for the multiple HSS flash. That's why I like HS flash. It's still full power single flash. Just a long one.

1/1 power - normal mode
V860ii - 30
AD360ii - 75
AD200 - 60

1/1 power - hss
V860ii - 15
AD360ii - 30
AD200 - 50

[walterkancyan]

Very informative, great job especially showing back of camera for settings. One missed point: Using HSS drains batteries rapidly. Using ND filter allows for much longer battery life. Ps love your work!

[terrencerowe]

I’m running ND filters myself. HSS is great, but since budget is a factor I can get more power by not using HSS.

[MileyonDisney]

I prefer HSS. But I use ND to get long exposures and for video so I can get that wide aperture.

[KevvySleeps]

Favorite photography YouTuber, old videos new videos hit different 🤝🏾

[LangstonBall]

I prefer HSS when shooting photos. Like to said, one less thing to deal with. But now that im trying to shoot more video, the ND filter is mandatory out in these bright Cali days. Thanks for the videos! Between you and Joe i've learned a lot. Now if i could only get models to actually show up to shoots...

[EdGobina]

Nice vid man. I prefer ND, I think it's easier to carry around compared to HSS flash and also serves me good when going for some long exposures. I mostly shoot portraits but sometimes the landscape and cloud cover in some locations when I am shooting portraits is just way to cool so I just use the ND to capture that as well.

[ftbalz]

Nice quick overview, and as always great examples!!
One thing the I personally think is the biggest issue for ND's vs HSS.... Lenses. with HSS you can switch between 35mm, 85mm, 135mm, etc which will *probably* all have different thread measurements so for weddings/portrait sessions you can switch around and not even think about it.
With ND's you'd probably have to have 3 different screw on filters ($$) or a large system that you'd have to switch back and forth and take so much more time.

[easton_ography]

I love seeing videos like this Manny. Not because of the subject matter so much (since I've shot both with nd filters and with hss) but more because I just love seeing your OCF work. I've been missing it man!

[insightvideo]

ND filters are good when the light is so bright HSS can’t overcome shooting wide open . They can add that extra stop or two to get you where you want to be. With that said HSS really is the way to go. Thanks for a great video.

[alkcuminproductions]

One thing I must say by watching these tutorials the lighting especially during the day in the United States is different to Trinidad and Tobago especially during fall.

[Ytterdahls]

One of the biggest issues with HHS is if the flash doesn't have enough power. HSS will instantly make the flash drop down in power, so you'll need a pretty powerful flash in a very bright daylight situation, or you'll need to move flash very close to the model.

[kevindud]

i prefer nd filters...because its less equipment and more run and gun. respect your opinion though

[benzene]

It's less about the cost of the flash with HSS, it's the cost of a camera body! I got a Nikon D5300 but I doesn't support HSS. To upgrade my camera body will be a small fortune compared to getting an ND filter if I just want to try some outdoor flash. Thanks for showing you can get pretty much the same results either way!

[jimfeldman]

I would say in most cases, you're right. OTOH, sometimes you're looking for that slow shutter effect and that's where the ND's help out. (and others have said, if video is factored in they're essential)