ND Filter Suggestions

Helvegr

I'm not super familiar with filter manufacturers and was looking to get some suggestions. I'm looking for a couple of 3 stop ND filters and was looking for some suggestions on manufacturers.

I tend to like to stay away from poor quality products even if they are less expensive. I'm all for getting a good product at a good price, but will pay a premium if necessary if it makes a big difference.

Some of the manufactures that I'm always hearing about would include Hoya, Tiffen and B+W. One other question would be if any manufacturer tends to make one type of filter better then another? For example if I was going to buy a polarizing filter, would the suggestions change?

Thanks for the help!

perroneford

All of the one's you mention make good filters. Along with a few others like Heliopan. I tend to use filters from Hoya's HD line simply because I am often in harsh environments with blowing sand, etc. Watch a video on the Hoya HD and you'll see what I mean. But I'd happily use filters from any of the others as well.

Just make sure you are getting good multi-coated filters and you should be fine.

cmason

I buy nothing but B+W filters.....except for ND and Graduated ND. For these two, I buy Cokin. The reason is flexibility, convenience and amount of use. The Cokin retangular filters are extremely convenient to use, and will fit on every lens I own. If I bought B+W circular lenses, I would need several sizes or a step down ring to fit all my lenses. They are also flexible, especially with the Grad ND, where it is very easy to move the filter up and down to properly align the graduation with the horizon. Finally, I just don't use them that much to warrant the expense.

I like the results and do not see any image degradation. The only downside is they can scratch, but thankfully, they are not that expensive.