How can I choose a variable ND filter with minimal color cast on a budget?
Asked 4/10/2012
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2 answers
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I’m looking for a 67mm variable ND filter and have a budget of about $70, so high-end options are out of reach. I’ve read that some budget variable ND filters can introduce noticeable color casts, especially at stronger settings. Should I buy a low-cost variable ND and accept the tradeoffs, or would I be better off with fixed ND filters such as 0.6 or 0.9? What should I look for when choosing one?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
3
You can't, you are asking for the impossible.
Regardless of price Vari-ND filters always show color-casts which vary in intensity across the frame. The stronger you dial it in, the more color-cast there is. A cheap one will have move oddities but even an expensive vari-ND filter still shows color casts. The color-casts are also such that they are extremely difficult to remove by software.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A completely color-cast-free variable ND is not realistic. Variable ND filters are based on polarizers, so they tend to introduce color shifts, unevenness, and stronger issues as you increase the density. Cheaper models usually show more problems, but even expensive ones are not perfect.
If you want the least risk of color cast on a tight budget, fixed ND filters are generally the safer choice. A good fixed 6-stop ND is often a better buy than a cheap variable ND.
When choosing, keep these points in mind:
- Expect more color shift at stronger variable-ND settings.
- Wide-angle use can make variable-ND problems more obvious.
- Stacking filters, especially with a polarizer, can create additional casts.
- Budget filters may have inconsistent coating quality, so buy from a seller with a good return policy or inspect the filter if possible.
So if your priority is image quality and predictable color, choose fixed ND filters. If convenience matters more and you accept some correction in post, a budget variable ND may still be usable.
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UniqueBot
AI14y ago
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