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WHAT DO I NEED TO CAPTURE LONG EXPOSURE PHOTOS?
If you want to take long exposure photos of waterfalls, fluffy clouds racing across blue skies or a sunset coastal scene you need a 10 stop ND filter. Sure, you may be able to use a 6 stop ND filter but a 10 stop will allow you to do in even the brightest conditions so the 10 stop filter is what you have to get. You can buy screw in 10 stop ND filters however these are not the best 10 stop ND filters to use. Sure, the screw in filters reduce the amount of light and allow for long exposure photography, but they lack the versatility of slot in filters and they also make using other filters very difficult. To take long exposure photographs using a square 10 stop ND filter the equipment you will need includes:- |
10 STOP ND FILTER
Obviously, the first thing you need a 10 stop ND filter. These are available in different sizes with the most common being:
1) 85mm x 85mm
These are suitable for smaller diameter lenses used at focal lengths of 20mm and above. For example, I use an 85mm x 85mm ND filter on my Tamron 28 – 300 lens, which takes a 67mm filter and it works perfectly well.
2) 100mm x 100mm
These are suitable for large diameter lenses used at focal lengths of 16mm and above. For example, I use a 100mm x 100mm ND filter on my Canon 16mm – 35mm lens, which takes a 77mm filter, and have no problems at all.
3) 150mm x 150mm
These are suitable for large diameter lenses used at focal lengths of 12mm and above, i.e. ultra-wide angle lenses. I have no need for 150mm x 150mm ND filters and have no first-hand experience of them however, I would like a set since this size filter would mean I could use almost any lens at any focal length and not have a problem with vignetting.
The 100mm x 100mm ND filters offer the best compromise between size and cost, and I would always recommend this size filter. Even if you only shoot with lenses that take 67mm filters what’s to say you won’t upgrade your lens in the future?
There are plenty of different 10 stop ND filters available and whilst the most well known is the Lee Big Stopper there are alternatives and I have had great results with the Zomei 100mm 10 stop ND filter.
Obviously, the first thing you need a 10 stop ND filter. These are available in different sizes with the most common being:
1) 85mm x 85mm
These are suitable for smaller diameter lenses used at focal lengths of 20mm and above. For example, I use an 85mm x 85mm ND filter on my Tamron 28 – 300 lens, which takes a 67mm filter and it works perfectly well.
2) 100mm x 100mm
These are suitable for large diameter lenses used at focal lengths of 16mm and above. For example, I use a 100mm x 100mm ND filter on my Canon 16mm – 35mm lens, which takes a 77mm filter, and have no problems at all.
3) 150mm x 150mm
These are suitable for large diameter lenses used at focal lengths of 12mm and above, i.e. ultra-wide angle lenses. I have no need for 150mm x 150mm ND filters and have no first-hand experience of them however, I would like a set since this size filter would mean I could use almost any lens at any focal length and not have a problem with vignetting.
The 100mm x 100mm ND filters offer the best compromise between size and cost, and I would always recommend this size filter. Even if you only shoot with lenses that take 67mm filters what’s to say you won’t upgrade your lens in the future?
There are plenty of different 10 stop ND filters available and whilst the most well known is the Lee Big Stopper there are alternatives and I have had great results with the Zomei 100mm 10 stop ND filter.
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FILTER HOLDER
Some photographers handhold filters in front of lenses which is fine in some circumstances but not when using a 10 stop ND filter. I mean, could you really hold a filter nice and steady in front of a lens for several minutes? Would you really want to?
I am guessing the answer to the above is “no” on both accounts, therefore you need a filter holder. The size of filter holder obviously depends on the size of filters you are using. It is not possible to mix and match filters and holders, i.e. you can’t use an 85mm filter in a 100mm holder and vice versa, therefore make sure you get the correct sized filter holder.
Filter holders are available made from both plastic and metal, and whilst the plastic holders are lighter and cheaper I would always recommend a metal filter holder for the obvious reasons they are tougher, they are more durable and they don’t warp and twist when adding and removing filters.
There is a vast selection of filter holders available and the prices range from very cheap (usually Chinese produced filter holders) right through to very expensive. When buying a filter holder you have to remember "you get what you pay for" and you do have to invest a bit of money to get something that works. Never buy a cheap filter (I have been there and done that) as they are a total waste of money and you will end up binning it and buying something decent to replace it.
CLEANING CLOTH AND LENS PEN
A cleaning cloth is an essential bit of kit any photographers seem to forget about. To get the best out of filters it is important to make sure they are clean, dust free and smudge free. You may be able to get away with a dusty filter when using fast shutter speeds but, trust me on this, you won’t when dealing with long exposures and the smallest speck of dust could well ruin your photograph.
Before sliding a 10 stop ND filter into its filter holder you must make sure it is immaculately clean and I would always give the filter a quick brush and then a wipe clean.
So there we have it, if you want to capture some long exposure photos you need to make sure you have the above in your kit bag.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
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