Using a variable ND filter

LeonThePeon · Jan 1, 2016

I picked up a kit that had a UV, a variable ND filter and a circular polarizer. I threw on the VND - and even after making adjustments - at just about all stops - the effect has, what looks like, an inverted bell curve. (Where the center is darker than the sides.

Anybody else using a variable ND filter have this affect? Or did I pick up a bad brand?

(Promaster Quad Filter Kit for Phantom 3)

If there's another brand with a variable ND filter that does better - suggestions would be appreciated. Otherwise, I'll probably trade it back for a 8 ND.

Noodle · Jan 1, 2016

I read someone using one of those 2-400 variable ND filter and it creates this vignette side-effect on their video.
So yeah, should stick to fixed ND filters. Get at least ND8 and ND16, 8 for cloudy day and 16 for bright sunny day.

JustinJ · Jan 1, 2016

... As for brands,

Polar pro & taco seem the most popular

(I have taco multi coated - 4/8/16/32nd pack £50 or $75)

Phantomfreak · Jan 2, 2016

I have the polar pro kit with the ND4, ND8, and the polarizer.. It works great, heres a few pics using the ND8 filter

apsphoto · Jan 2, 2016

variable ND filters are not good to use, they have all kinds of issues, best to use solid NDs.

Alan

LeonThePeon · Jan 2, 2016

Thanks everybody - I'll probably go swap it out for a fixed ND8 and ND16. Although the the Polar Pro 6 pack with ND and polarizer in one sounds interesting too - to get a little more contrast with the foreground.

LeonThePeon · Jan 2, 2016

Phantomfreak said:
I have the polar pro kit with the ND4, ND8, and the polarizer.. It works great, heres a few pics using the ND8 filter

Nice pics! Is that your house? [emoji15]

Phantomfreak · Jan 7, 2016

LeonThePeon said:
Nice pics! Is that your house? [emoji15]

No, that would be nice if it was.. I live at the top of a canyon in the Hollywood Hills with many estates around the area like these in the photos, I fly around and take pics sometimes..

LeonThePeon · Jan 11, 2016

Phantomfreak said:
No, that would be nice if it was.. I live at the top of a canyon in the Hollywood Hills with many estates around the area like these in the photos, I fly around and take pics sometimes..

Ah... paparazzo... Got it!

LeonThePeon · Jan 12, 2016

Just a heads up - I decided to return the "Promaster Quad Filter Kit for Phantom 3" after I inquired Promaster about it. I sent a picture that showed the affect and asked what's up - The gist of their response was: "This is one of the down sides of having such a wide angle lens and using a variable ND filter."

... Shouldn't sell it as a "kit for Phantom 3" then... IMHO