B+W 10-Stop ND 3.0 Filter...

[Remorhaz]

I recently purchased a B+W ND 3.0 (1000x) 10-Stop Neutral Density filter in 77mm format - this thing basically looks like a piece of black glass in a filter ring . I purchased mine online from Maxsaver.net however you should be able to find B+W filters at any good photography specialist.

The goal of an ND filter is to reduce the amount of light coming through the lens into the camera. Typically this might be for one of two main reasons: To enable the use of larger apertures (for a smaller depth of field) where a bright condition would normally not allow this (without over exposure). Alternatively to reduce/lengthen the shutter speed for creative blur effects with moving subjects or in fact masking them out entirely (e.g. moving people in a scene). Ideally it will reduce and/or modify the intensity of all wavelengths or colors of light equally, giving no changes in hue of color rendition.

The B+W ND 3.0 (1000x) reduces the light by a whopping 10 Stops - this converts say a 1/60 second exposure into a 16 second exposure!

Because this filter reduces the light intensity by about 1000 times (which basically renders the viewfinder almost completely dark) you would normally do the following when using it...
- Use a tripod and remote/cable release (or self timer) (we will end up with much longer shutter speeds)
- Compose the shot without the filter attached (because you can't see anything with the filter on)
- Set the focus (and then set to manual focus), White Balance (manual) and check the exposure (take note of the exposure settings - Aperture & Shutter Speed) without the filter attached (because the camera may find it difficult to do any of these things automatically with the filter on)
- Attach the filter
- Adjust the exposure 10 stops from the one taken above - in Manual mode set the appropriate Aperture and Shutter Speed - either via opening the aperture or lengthening the shutter speed (or a combination of both)

Since we were shooting at Maroubra beach this morning I figured I'd give it a try and the following are my first shots using this filter - I didn't actually take my own advice above (except for using the tripod) and I ended up almost guessing a suitable shutter speed and aperture combination and I let AutoWB (and adjusted the RAW in post) and auto focus do it's thing (infinity probably).

The following shot was taken essentially pointing into the sunrise - the main effect we get here is turning the ocean into a misty blur by the use of a very long shutter speed.


NIKON D90 + 17.0-50.0 mm f/2.8 @ 50 mm, 20 sec at f / 8, ISO 200 + ND3.0 + Hand Grad

This second image also results in that milky moving water even though it is quite light after sunrise (8AM).


NIKON D90 + 17.0-50.0 mm f/2.8 @ 17 mm, 20 sec at f / 8, ISO 200 + ND3.0

[surenj]

Thanks Rodney, this is a useful writeup for anyone considering this filter. Sadly I didn't use mine due to general lethargy and lack of motivation. PS: I reckon there is a color cast from that hand-density-grad of yours....

[Remorhaz]

PS: I reckon there is a color cast from that hand-density-grad of yours....

Note that I manually set the WB to "Daylight" in Lightroom for that image (because I liked the warmer look)...

However the following is the as shot AutoWB (4200K):

[biggerry]

Nice write up Rodney.

The only thing I would add about the bigstoppers - and I have seen it on a few forums is people often forget to look at the composition and concentrate purely on the effect. I think its super imprtant to ensure the 'effect' (in this case the bigstopper) compliments the composition so one is drawn to the image first by the composition then the wow factor with the bigstopper effect!

I look forward to seeing some more results with this filter. Sunday was not a great day for it, however on a nice sunny sinrise I can definitely see its potential.

[surenj]

people often forget to look at the composition and concentrate purely on the effect.

it's about enhancing the image not overpowering it.

[Chaase]

I recently purchased a B+W ND 3.0 (1000x) 10-Stop Neutral Density filter in 77mm format -

Got mine today, mind you 82mm thread for my 17-35 f2.8 II are as rare as hens teeth and just as expensive

I am heading out in a couple of weeks to do this http://www.markgray.com.au/photography-tours/melbourne.php The joy of a full days shooting without Wife nagging and kids will be bliss!!! So it will give me some opportunities to try it out.

[surenj]

17-35 f2.8

Did you mean 16-35?
Ironically, if it was 17-35, it may well be a cheaper 77mm filter....

Please post any efforts in this thread.