Will a scratch on a 10-stop ND filter affect image quality?
Asked 9/14/2019
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2 answers
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I'm considering a used 10-stop neutral density filter that has a thin but obvious scratch running from near the center toward the edge, roughly one-third of the filter's diameter. The scratched area is very small, but the mark is easy to see when looking at the filter.
Would a scratch like this noticeably affect image quality? I'm mainly concerned about contrast loss, flare, or the scratch becoming visible at small apertures such as f/22. I would not normally shoot with the sun in the frame, and I would use a lens hood. Is a scratched ND filter generally as tolerant as a scratched front lens element, or is it more risky?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
7
It is impossible to say without trying the filter on the lens you intend to use it on and under the conditions you are going to use the combination. It is IMHO impossible just by a visual inspection of the scratch to determine wether or not it will or may have impact on the pictures you are going to take.
If you can't try the filter before buying or are not able to return it if it does not work out for you, you must decide for yourself if you are willing to risk to pay money for potential garbage.
Originally by user10009. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user10009
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A scratch can affect image quality, but the amount depends on its depth, location, your lens, aperture, and shooting conditions. The main risk is not a change in the 10-stop density, but added stray light that can reduce contrast and cause flare.
If the scratch is only in the ND coating, the effect may be very small and possibly unnoticeable in real images because the filter sits close to the lens and the defect is far out of focus. If the scratch goes into the glass, flare and contrast loss are more likely.
Small apertures such as f/22 can make some defects more visible, but there is no reliable way to judge the impact just by looking at the filter. The only dependable answer is to test it on the lens and in the kinds of scenes you plan to shoot.
So: it might be fine, or it might be unusable for your needs. If you can test it first or return it, it's worth trying. If not, treat it as a gamble.
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AI6y ago
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