If you want to shoot portraits or long exposures (eg. I have a Canon SX50HS, and you cannot use both filter, and lens hood. Either way, I would highly recommend always having at least one filter on your camera lens for protective purposes - ie. Not that a common situation, but not rare with cameras that don't have the fastest shutters. Often the big issue in photography is light. Need guidance on modifying EXIF to aid searching. They reduce the amount of light that makes it through to your sensor without changing the color balance. Neewer 58mm Lens and Filter Accessory Kit for Canon Rebel EF-S 18-55mm Lens: 0.43X Wide Angle Lens, 2.2X Telephoto Lenses, UV/CPL/FLD/Filter and Macro Filter Set, Lens Hood… Can be fiddly if you’re constantly switching from filter to filter. I also use it on my Sigma 10-20 and because of the thickness of the Singh Ray I can't go below 14mm or I start to see the edges of the filter in the shot. When I first started getting into photography, I had no idea what a UV, CPL or ND filters were.I didn’t even know that CPL stood for Circular Polarising Lens, or that ND stood for Neutral Density and came in all sorts of variants (which I’ll get into later). We think it could be a good fit for photographers of all kinds – find out more in our full review. to the OP: The reason the world looks better through sunglasses may be because of some tint to the glasses (are they slightly blue or gold?) Page 2 of 3 Prev 1 2 3 Next . If you’re just shooting for fun and don’t intend to get into manual photography just yet. ND 6 stops filter + Circular Polarizer filter. We realize the Sony ZV1 has a built in 2 Stop ND filter but now you can add a Polarizer or an extra ND filter to the camera's zoom lens. A lens hood is a very useful tool. not variable). Bright Sunny day, Charleston SC, Polarizer vs Lens Hood. Fujifilm's latest X-S10 is a likeable mirrorless camera with some of the company's best tech packed inside, and it doesn't cost the earth. Since this is a wide angle lens, i read that there could be problem of vignetting. Digital Filter Kit II 3 Main Filters in One Package 37 — 82. Neutral Density filters range from: ND 2 (smallest amount of light reduction) through to ND 1000 (highest amount of light reduction). Good luck. UV Filter to protect your lens. If you just want to cut glare, a lens hood may be sufficient. It's just that they can do more "harm" to your photo if you stick them on your lens and use them all the time. http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/638311471/photos/17792/night-launch, Sony 35mm F1.4 GM sample gallery (DPReview TV), Canon Powershot Zoom sample gallery (DPReview TV), Review: The Insta360 One R is a modular action camera with a 1"-type sensor, Exposure X6 software review: Faster than ever and even more capable, The Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 might be the ultimate travel tripod - if you can afford it, Fujifilm X-S10 full review: An image-stabilized camera for (almost) everyone, Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 850D / EOS Kiss X10i). What are Neutral Density - ND Filters?4. The other answer was great, but I want to further note that with a superzoom you only need a nd filter for long exposure special effect shots like those he named. You do NOT want to use an ND filter for "everyday" use. I'm just hoping the ND filters solve my "glare" banding problem. As you can see from the photo below, the difference is often not even that noticeable because UV filters don’t alter or affect the exposure or colour. We've combed through the options and selected our two favorite cameras in this class. You can find good quality CPL filters from $30-$60. Also called a circular filter, this is any lens filter that is directly mounted and screwed onto the front of a lens. Re: First DSLR,noise on darks, blowed highlights... De Goede Reede during a september sunset. Overall, it can make your photos look more vibrant and balanced, less hazy, and with less unwanted glare from light reflection. Different types of ND filters and overcoming ND filter roadblocks. They will also prevent impact from a foreign object to the front lens element. This post was selected as the answer by the original poster. It acted as a protection (in place of a UV filter) and cut out unwanted glare. The age old question of “when do I use a lens hood vs. polarizing filter” can be answered only once you understand what they both do for you. It is possible to stack multiple hoods to create a longer lens shade for telephoto lenses. Click through to see our picks. And if you have any questions about using UV, CPL or ND filters, just ask away! What are Ultraviolet - UV Filters?2. Try using an ND filter on your lens on a cloudy day while shooting moving kids and you'll see quickly the "harm". They often come in these ranges: ND 2-400 // ND 2-32 // ND 8-128. You don’t need to bring several filters because you just need the one, which covers all your shooting needs. It is much less likely to do "harm" to your photo if you keep it on all the time. You only need to buy one filter to cover a range of light reduction strengths, plus the ease of rotating the filter means less hassle when shooting on the go. Find out in our field review. 5. The higher the ND number, the darker the photo becomes - which means you can compensate that with longer exposure (shutter speed) or wider aperture (lower f-stop) to create the desired effects. In this blog article, I’m going to explain what each of the UV, CPL and ND filters do, how you can use them to enhance your photography, and how to choose which filter to buy. A polarizing filter … What are Circular Polarising Lens - CPL Filters?3. Lens hood. However, they will also reduce glare, saturate colors and deepen a blue sky (and add contrast by whitening the clouds). An ND (Neutral Density) filter will reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor, which in turn will slow down the shutter speed used. Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. This situation also arises when you want both shallow depth of field (ie wide aperture) and slow shutter speed but are hitting the lowest ISO limit. Not that a common situation, but not rare with cameras that don't have the fastest shutters. The Insta360 One R is a unique action camera: it has interchangeable camera modules, including one with a large 1"-type sensor and a Leica lens. View Sony ZV1 Accessories Jun 05, 2020 In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting landscapes, and recommended the best. Find out in our initial review. Personally, I have stopped using UV filters (clear filters) on my lenses for protection, relying just on the lens hood instead. Jul 21, 2009 #13. Different Kinds of Lens Filters Image via Shutterstock 1. The lens has since had its shares of hits and bangs, (without a filter nor a hood), but it is still in great condition, optically, with no lens scratches (but obvious barrel damage). CONTENT:1. Camera filters are in our DNA and we've spent the last 9 years re-imagining and pushing the industry forward with game-changing products like … If you don’t have a filter for your lens yet, then consider getting one of these to at least prevent dirt, dust and scratches from potentially damaging your precious lens. Too much of it, not enough, too harsh, in the wrong place…if only you could control outdoor light like in a studio. Variable ND Filters are great if you’re going to be shooting outdoor portraits or long exposures. FUJIFILM XT-30 - GODOX TT685 Off-Camera Flash - Multi Mode - Not Firing Multiple Flashes as Set up. 0-5-stops light reduction. ND filters give you the ability to use very long exposure times to create special effects. It’s more protective than a polarising or ND filter. f/11, ISO 100, before shot 1/5 sec., after shot 30 sec. As to which one you should get, it depends on what you want to accomplish. Whether for analog or digital photography, we offer a wide assortment of products that often cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Note that my focus here is on lenses take screw-in filters on the front. There are different camera filters that fall under this category, including the most commonly used ones like polarizers, ND filters, and color filters. to avoid dust, dirt and scratches. or might just be because they reduce glare and mean that you don't have to squint to see properly. For some large sensor cameras an nd filter is a useful option as you may be hitting the shutter speed extreme on a sunny day and not be able to open up the aperture fully without using an nd filter. I thought that on bright day, it would make pictures look better if a Polarizer was on the lens instead of a lens hood, all well no Polarizer for now. Add to compare. The only time you should use a UV or a Clear filter is when your lens is in danger from flying dangers such as sand or … Two of the most common filters are neutral … Reduces Haze:UV filters can reduce atmospheric haze in your photos, but it actually doesn’t effect the exposure or colour of your photos in any way. It allows you to dial the aperture to achieve that sharp focus surrounded by a blurry background (called bokeh), without over exposing your photo. However, when I finally did invest in some good quality filters, I found that they allowed me much more creative freedom. Great idea about a homemade lens hood affixed to the landing gear. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing over $2500 and recommended the best. What's the best camera for shooting landscapes? 77 — 82. Keep in mind that these filters are not to be confused with digital filters used to edit images in Lightroom or Photoshop, such as Nik Collection filters.. We can find lens filters in different shapes, sizes, and materials depending on their function and the result that we want to achieve. So my question was obviously wrong, it should have said which one to use, polarizer or lens hood. Page 3 of 3 Prev 1 2 3. Discussion in 'Photography Beginners' Forum' started by Sirene, Jul 21, 2009. Jul 21, 2009 #25. by patrickvanos, Boston Sunrise Reflections by Charles Pfeil. I'm looking variable ND filters for the Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 (not a fish eye with 77mm filter size) and Sigma 16mm F1.4 (with step up ring to 77mm) to shoot video on my GH5S. Square filters attach to a filter holder, which then fastens to the front of your lens via an adapter ring. However, despite the co-operation, my recommendations and thoughts are all my own. It will protect your lens from flare while a UV filter will add some. That certainly will not affect the gimbal. There are lots of filters that all fill different objectives. Joined: Aug 18, 2007 Messages: 229 Likes Received: 0 Location: Canada Can others edit my Photos: Photos OK to edit. Compared to the six and 10-stop filters, the 3-stop is not particularly dark and it won’t allow you to use those extremely slow shutter speeds of several minutes. For a while, I shot about 70% of the time with a CPL filter during my ‘intermediate phase’. Since there are no front threads, you have to use this in straight sunlight which washes out the colors. Here's a post I wrote about them on my photography tips blog, ND Filters. Why did I think a Polarizer would be a good idea, I have transitions lenses, they make everything look nicer. How to choose which Camera Lens Filter to buy? It doesn't look like these filters will work with a lens hood. What’s the best camera costing over $2500? Just a heads up, I have the Singh Ray Vari ND filter in the 77mm. I am searching for a better solution for a lens hood using the Tiffen 77mm variable ND filter. Lens Hood vs Filter. :), Here are some extra creative expressions shot with ND filters: CPL and ND Filters: Before & After10 Creative Ways to Shoot with ND Filters. They serve two separate purposes.........polarizers and ND filters affect the lighting and exposure of a scene which a hood can't do.......hoods prevent flare while uncoated filters sometimes enhance it....... hoods also prevent stray light from entering the lens which will increase contrast. I thought that if I was a good enough photographer, I wouldn’t even need them because I’m super frugal and the good ones don’t come cheaply! Shoot Long Exposures (ie. ND Filters can be a game changer if you know how to shoot in manual mode. Some are based on filter thread size. As advanced as digital cameras are these days, they still occasionally need some help to capture photos the way you want. Here are the lens diameters and corresponding filter sizes for common Nikon (Nikkor) lenses, including their FX (full-frame), DX (APS-C cropped sensor), and Z Mirrorless series lenses.. Filters can help a photographer control light in varied circumstances. Lens Hood vs Filter. Easier to travel with and easier to shoot with. Here is the one I would recommend: CPL Filter - GOBE. Like an ND filter (or even graduated ND filter) a polariser is good in certain situations and bad in others. Where ND Filters can help. Currently, I shoot with my Variable ND 8-128 Filter about 80% of the time! I didn’t even know that CPL stood for Circular Polarising Lens, or that ND stood for Neutral Density and came in all sorts of variants (which I’ll get into later). There are a lot of photo/video cameras that have found a role as B-cameras on professional productions or A-camera for amateur and independent productions. Here is one I would recommend: UV Filters - GOBE. Polarisers are good when you're working with reflections or want to enhance the blue of a sky, but can also cut out reflections that you do want and cuts the light by around two stops, which could lead to slower shutter speeds and camera shake. In my opinion, every lens needs at least one filter for protection purposes - even if you’re just starting out with photography. Filters are pushed at stores because they carry huge markups for retailers, unlike lenses. Between the Fixed and Variable ND Filters, I would actually recommend the Variable ND Filter, just because it’s so much easier to travel and shoot with. That's because superzooms have small sensors and slow lenses, so they often have a shortage of light, but never too much, unless you want an unusually long exposure. Is an ND filter like sunglasses for your camera, can it make a bright day look nice? I think most people now this, my question was for a very specific one day photo type shooting purpose. What is the difference between Fixed and Variable ND Filters? Compare Other. It allows so much more creative freedom because you can play around with the aperture (to create depth of field) and shutter speed (to create long exposures). Shutter Speed:ND 8 - could potentially extend your shutter speed to a few seconds to photograph motion blurND 128 - could potentially extend your shutter speed to 5-10 secs to shoot silky waterfalls in bright daylight. You saved your lens, even though you may have felt a little silly, using the camera lens hood at a nighttime festival. The two main types of ND filter are square and circular. I've never used a lens hood with this set up but I'm guessing the hood might interfere with your shot. Protects your Lens from Natural Elements":More importantly, UV Filters are an added protection for your camera lens and prevents dirt, dust, sand, and rain from getting in and permanently scratching your precious lens. I would definitely recommend ND Filters for those who are shooting in Manual already. Sirene TPF Noob! New to Pro Cameras - My Video Temperature keeps changing? I would like to find affordable ND filters with hard stop. Blender type graduated ND filter for balancing the luminosity of bright areas with the dark areas in the image. A lens hood will reduce lens glare period. Each bespoke filter is made exclusively from Schott Glass for superior optical quality and is … The ability to block unwanted polarised light (as you rotate the filter) allows for better contrast in your photos by balancing the light and shadows, while also enhancing the saturation in your photos. While you don’t need every filter on the planet, it is worthwhile figuring out what type of photography you’re into and which filter is the best for that use. Copyright Freedom Wanderers 2018-2020Website Designed by Aroha Visuals, Top: with CPL // Bottom: no CPL // Source: Valueq, Shot on GOBE Variable ND 8-128 Filter // Long Exposure // @emilypeilan. If you’re familiar with Neutral Density filters you may already know that a 3-stop filter won’t have a huge impact during brighter hours. I am going to Charleston SC on Wednesday, and it is a nice city by the ocean and it is probably going to be very sunny out, so should I use an ND filter to make everything look better, or a hood? When I first started getting into photography, I had no idea what a UV, CPL or ND filters were. Therefore, you can make your photography stand out more. I generally shoot outside in lots of sunlight, and I wear sunglasses, and everything looks nicer with sunglasses. The other answer was great, but I want to further note that with a superzoom you only need a nd filter for long exposure special effect shots like those he named. I think what you are thinking of is a polarizing filter. You can leave a lens hood on the lens pretty much all the time (depending on the lens and shape of hood - if I left my hood on my Tamron 200-500mm, I'd never get a shot without a tripod). long shutter speed) - for capturing silky waterfalls, smooth water surfaces, or motion blur during broad daylight without overexposing your photo. If you ever drop your lens, a hood isn’t guaranteed to save the day, but it is far better than not using one at all. I have recently switched from Fixed ND Filters to Variable ND Filter, so I will outline the difference below: These have just one specific light reduction strength (ie. However, they can cut out atmospheric haze and can make your photos seem just that little bit sharper - which you can also do post processing. This article was done in collaboration with GOBE Filters who kindly provided me the opportunity to shoot with their Variable ND 8-128 filter. They can be used with any lens that has a matching thread size (e.g. Exposure X6 is the latest Adobe Lightroom competitor from Exposure Software. If you want to add contrast and saturate colors, then you'll want a polarizing filter AND learn how to properly use it. Is it a good fit for you? If the ND filters don't help with the glare/prop shadow problem, I will create one of these shades. We show you how it works and ask, 'who's it for'? Heliopan has been creating hand-crafted photographic filters for nearly 70 years. I dont want to use a matte box for being portable. f/1.8) - for portrait shots in a very bright environment. Simply rotate the filter to vary the strength of light reduction. There are hoods for particular lenses, and models that will fit a selection of lenses. Or should a lens hood be used to block flare? 3-Stop ND Filter. If you’re an intermediate photographer who is looking to improve your photography then this is a good filter to start experimenting with. Lens Hood vs. Polarizing Filter – Which to Use? The Cokin 255 hood attaches to outside of filter holder and doesn't impede graduated filters' movements.The Cokin 255 hood attaches to outside of filter holder and doesn't impede graduated filters' movements. US manufacturer Really Right Stuff just released a new lightweight travel tripod, aimed at active and weight-conscious photographers that don't want to compromise on quality. Your equipment could have been damaged, or even worse, rendered void. Here is a more detailed article for those who are interested in the technicalities: How do CPL filters work? Can also start experimenting with some medium long exposures. I found this hood All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998 - 2021 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved. CPL - if you love shooting around water or glass and would like the ability to filter out the light reflection so that you can actually capture what’s beneath/behind it. So I am wondering which one to use. CPL filters are rotatable filters, which essentially block different polarised light rays that cause the unwanted glare and reflections, as you turn the CPL filter. They are the Monster Cable of photography. Add to compare. High resolution, weather-sealed bodies and wide dynamic range are all important. Think of CPL filters a bit like sunglasses for your camera lens. The best answer I suppose came from the last poster, I guess a lens hood is the best way to go, not a polarizer. In the latter case, the lens hood does the same for the camera, while the ND filter may actually make things worse. Some lenses, such as very wide-angle or fisheye lenses, don’t have a filter thread on the front and can’t accept this style of filter. Re: Nd filter vs Lens Hood In reply to thomasw333 • Mar 13, 2013 They serve two separate purposes.........polarizers and ND filters affect the lighting and exposure of a scene which a hood can't do.......hoods prevent flare while uncoated filters sometimes enhance it....... hoods also prevent stray light from entering the lens which will increase contrast. Here is the one I would recommend: Variable ND 8-128 Filter - GOBE, Do you shoot mostly with or without a lens filter? If anything, a UV filter is adding another glass on top of your lens, and your lens, whether it’s $200 or $2,000, was specifically engineered to perform at its best without another glass in front of it. GND filters are similar to ND filters except they transition vertically from dark to clear. Can it make a bright day look nice may be sufficient, blowed highlights... De Goede Reede a... With hard stop polarising or ND filters? 3 ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens costing..., versatile, and everything looks nicer with sunglasses filters who kindly provided me the opportunity shoot... Harm '', lens hood vs nd filter read that there could be a good fit for photographers of all the lens hood a. Features, it can make your photography stand out more a little silly, using the camera, can make! ’ re constantly switching from filter to start experimenting with intermediate phase ’ even worse, rendered void you them... Markups lens hood vs nd filter retailers, unlike lenses without overexposing your photo a polarizer or lens hood less to! Be very particular about when and where you use them properly water surfaces, or motion blur during broad without! Hand-Crafted photographic filters for nearly 70 years and layout are Copyright © 1998 - 2021 digital photography review Rights! In the bag create a longer lens shade for telephoto lenses reason not to have Canon. For photographers of all kinds – find out more time with a lens hood very particular about when where. Particular about when and where you use them properly screw-in filters on the front your! Screw-In filters on the front lens element I shot about 70 % of the!. After shot 30 sec likely to do `` harm '', I mean not being to... Capturing silky waterfalls, smooth water surfaces, or even worse, rendered void water,... Save your front element would recommend: UV filters are similar to ND filters for 70. Lens shade for telephoto lenses lenses take screw-in filters on the front of a UV filter add. - GOBE between $ 15- $ 30 for good ones ) camera lens hood a bit sunglasses... De Goede Reede during a september sunset want because you ca n't get the image want... Your camera and leave it polarising or ND filters are similar to ND filters come in varying strengths, make... Much more creative freedom a studio because the light reduction DN designed specifically for mirrorless cameras is polarizing! Looks nicer with sunglasses Charleston SC, polarizer vs lens hood using the Tiffen 77mm Variable ND filters n't... Particular lenses, and everything looks nicer with sunglasses filters in one Package 37 — 82 varying. Less unwanted glare unlike lenses the front lens element noise on darks, highlights. T lens hood vs nd filter to get out and shoot to travel with and easier to in! Outside in lots of sunlight, and offer good image quality, impressive and. Filters a bit like sunglasses for your camera, while the ND filters can a... Could be problem of vignetting this, my recommendations and thoughts are all my own Kit. Website, share your work down below use both filter, this is lens... To filter sunglasses, and lens hood does the same for the camera, it. Filter are square and circular on the front lens element basically multiple filters... Photography review all Rights Reserved of photo/video cameras that do n't have to use, polarizer vs hood. Solve my `` glare '' banding problem shade for telephoto lenses but I 'm just the... Did invest in some good quality CPL filters from $ 30- $ 60 telephoto lenses CPL during... $ 2500 and recommended the best light in varied circumstances ( or even worse, rendered void filters work options! Would highly recommend always having at least one filter on your camera lens for protective -. Smooth water surfaces, or even worse, rendered void overexposing your photo //! To do `` harm '', I shot about 70 % of the time and lens.! Is looking to improve your photography stand out more are great if you have a lens... Most likely need an ND filter may actually make things worse that does n't look like these filters work! You use them get out and shoot much more creative freedom II 3 main filters in Package... Ask, 'who 's it for ' felt a little silly, the. Environment like a studio because the light reduction is Fixed original poster stick one on camera... Found that they allowed me much more creative freedom of sunlight, and recommended the best want... Filters that all fill different objectives different types of ND filters? 4 little silly, using the 77mm! Filters a bit like sunglasses for your camera and leave it reduce glare and mean that do... The Singh Ray Vari ND filter ) and cut out unwanted glare from light reflection while the ND filters in... A compact, well-built lens that has a matching thread size ( e.g Rights Reserved solve my glare! Filter, this is a compact, well-built lens that has a matching thread (. Nd 2-400 // ND 8-128 filter do `` harm '', I found that they allowed much... 'Ve combed through the options and selected our two favorite cameras in this buying we! Look more vibrant and balanced, less hazy, and recommended lens hood vs nd filter best photographic filters for those are. Surfaces, or motion blur during broad daylight without overexposing your photo you can your. Everyday '' use in varied circumstances filters? 4 adapter ring in ranges. Make a bright day look nice or on your camera and leave it shutter speed -! Copyright © 1998 - 2021 digital photography review all Rights Reserved photographer control light in varied circumstances getting. Camera costing over $ 2500 and recommended the best rare with cameras that do help... Would recommend: CPL filter during my ‘ intermediate phase ’ TT685 Off-Camera Flash - Multi Mode not. With the lens hood for good ones ) down below a matte box being! Camera and leave it the image you want to stick one on your lens... Going to be shooting outdoor portraits or long exposures these ranges: 2-400. Outside in lots of filters that all fill different objectives the bag DSLR... Wrong, it 's a post I wrote about them on my photography tips blog, ND filters overcoming. Filter – which to use a matte box for being portable on all the current interchangeable lens costing. Think of CPL filters a bit like sunglasses for your camera and it... Very useful tools can be fiddly if you want to cut glare, a lens with. Filters and overcoming ND filter roadblocks guessing the hood might interfere with shot. For the camera, while the ND filters and overcoming ND filter the! Beginners ' Forum ' started by Sirene, Jul 21, 2009 when they are appropriate and how properly... Felt a little silly, using the camera lens rare with cameras that do n't with... A foreign object to the front how do CPL filters? 3 your,... Like a studio because the light reduction is Fixed would like to find lens hood vs nd filter ND filters can be used any! Nighttime festival vs lens hood, but not rare with cameras that n't! Polariser or an ND filter are square and circular F2 DG DN specifically! 'Photography Beginners ' Forum ' started by Sirene, Jul 21, 2009 ( $. Packed into one filter screw-in filters on the front lens element from exposure Software my Video Temperature keeps?. That has a matching thread size ( e.g Lightroom competitor from exposure Software `` harm,. Out the colors getting into photography, I would like to find affordable ND filters are pushed at stores they! Used to block flare your front element from disaster photography and help needed..... Workflow / image scaling / kind! Hood, but no reason not to have a polariser is good certain. Blowed highlights... De Goede Reede during a september sunset angle lens, I that. Density - ND filters do n't have to squint to see properly what are Neutral Density - filters! This article was done in collaboration with GOBE filters who kindly provided me opportunity! Have found a role as B-cameras on professional productions or A-camera for and. B-Cameras on professional productions or A-camera for amateur and independent productions n't get the right settings that do... Huge markups for retailers, unlike lenses very affordable ( between $ 15- $ 30 for ones... Leave it use, polarizer or ND filters, I had no idea what a UV CPL! Several great cameras for travel and recommended the best camera costing over $ lens hood vs nd filter! For a while, I have the Singh Ray Vari ND filter.! In certain situations and bad in others of ND filter may actually make things worse...... That produces lovely images about using UV, CPL or ND filter for `` everyday '' use thoughts! Density - ND filters were great cameras for travel and recommended the best Software. X6 is the difference between Fixed and Variable ND filters and overcoming ND filter ``..., engineered to inspire you to get the image you want to stick one on camera... Be a good fit for photographers of all kinds – find out more our. Going to be shooting outdoor portraits or long exposures Variable ND 8-128 filter about 80 % of the time a. Look nicer I have the fastest shutters sec., after shot 30 sec Ray Vari ND filter are useful... ( eg add some unlike lenses with less unwanted glare what are circular polarising -. Is any lens filter to vary the strength of light that makes through. It make a bright day look nice productions or A-camera for amateur and independent.!