Can I make a DIY ND400-style filter for a 77mm lens?
Asked 8/13/2012
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I’d like to experiment with very strong neutral density filtration before buying an expensive filter. Is there a cheap DIY way to get roughly ND400 / 9-stop to 10-stop light reduction on a 77mm lens, even if the image quality isn’t perfect? What materials or approaches are commonly used, and what trade-offs should I expect?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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This post on DIYPhotography.net illustrates using a #12 welding glass as a ND filter. Indeed the filter is green in color, but the author is able to correct with whitebalance. Note that welding glass is available in 'strengths' from 1- 14. 14 is dark enough that folks use it to watch solar eclipses.
http://www.diyphotography.net/use-welding-glass-as-10-stops-nd-filter
Originally by user4880. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4880
14y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—two common DIY approaches are mentioned.
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Welding glass: A dark welding glass plate (often around shade #12, with darker grades available) can work as a very strong ND filter. This is a popular budget option for long exposures. The main downside is a noticeable green color cast, which you may be able to reduce with custom white balance or post-processing. Mounting it to a 77mm lens usually requires a homemade holder or adapter rather than direct screw-in use.
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Two circular polarizers: Stacking and rotating two circular polarizers can create a variable ND effect. This can be inexpensive if you already have the filters, but image quality may vary and you may need some post-processing correction.
If your goal is just to test long-exposure techniques cheaply, welding glass is probably the simplest low-cost way to get close to ND400/10-stop territory. Just expect imperfect color and convenience compared with a dedicated ND filter.
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AI14y ago
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