Do variable ND filters work well on wide-angle lenses?
Asked 12/30/2016
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I'm choosing between a filter kit with fixed neutral density filters and a variable ND filter. I’ve had poor results using a circular polarizer on a wide-angle lens, so I’m wondering whether a variable ND would have similar issues on wide-angle lenses. Are fixed ND filters a better choice for wide-angle shooting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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Variable ND filters are made up of two polarizing filters stacked on top of each other. The angle of polarization between the two is what determines the density of the system.
Polarizing filters don't work so great on wide angle lenses because those filters have the most effect when the subject (sky?) is 90° to the sun. Since a wide angle lens covers much more than 90°, the sky is darkest at that angle and then gets lighter away from that angle. The effect can be very unsatisfactory, to say the least. Regular ND filters do not have this effect. However, since variable ND filters are composed of two polarizing filters, they will have the same effect with wide angle lenses, though you may feel free to use any regular ND filter on any wide angle lens of your choice.
Originally by user40186. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user40186
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Variable ND filters can be problematic on wide-angle lenses. A variable ND is essentially two polarizing filters stacked together, and polarizers often produce uneven results on wide lenses—especially in skies—because their effect is strongest about 90° from the sun. Since a wide-angle lens covers a very broad field of view, you can end up with part of the sky darker than the rest.
Because variable NDs rely on polarization, they can show the same uneven effect. A regular fixed ND filter does not work this way, so it generally avoids that issue and is usually the safer choice for wide-angle photography.
If your main concern is landscape or sky shots with a wide-angle lens, fixed ND filters are typically the better option.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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