This was legitimately the best explanation of how ND filters work. I feel like most channels that discuss this topic only ever go so far as to say something along the lines of “bro, you need an ND filter” without touching on the nuances that can separate which one to get... as well as the situations in which they would be applied.
Thank you for saying that, Clifton! When I teach filmmaking workshops, I get the sense most people haven't used NDs, so there's a lot of confusion about why they're needed, and which ones to buy. I was hoping to solve some of that with this video.
I've wondered if there is a slightly different way to figure out what ND filter to use: 1. Set your camera to manual mode 2. Enter your desired settings 3. Your light meter telling you how far you are over exposed is the filter to use. If it says your exposure is 6 stops over exposed, then use a 6 stop filter.
Sir, Your educational skills are impressive! And having seen hundreds of videos of filming /photo tips here on CZcams, this is the first time I've had the feeling of suddenly having a 3D screen on my phone watching your video. Thanks! Crisp and clear 👌🏻
Moruanyi Ntsimane: Same here, mate! I had two windows open on my PC [this video, and Amazon], and was about to order a VERY EXPENSIVE nd & cpl combination filter before this video saved me 😉🎊🎉🎈. I decided to go with a kit combination instead (8stop, 64stop, and a CPL), and I bought a 10stop separately, and still all together they were waaaaaay less than what I was about to spend for 1. Isn't CZcams and this CZcamsr great!!!
Maybe that's a common knowledge, but no one ever explained how to count stops and how to manipulate it properly on the camera. You are the best I have ever seen. Good stuff!
I can't thank you enough! Your video is succinct and abundantly informative. So far NO ONE has met that bar! I have burned through far too much time to arrive at an abysmally persistent lack of clarity. SUBSCRIBED! 😆
I am just getting into film making and cameras and this has been the clearest expaination of an ND filter that I have gotten yet! I also really apreshiate the fact you mentioned the filters you use, gives me a nice guideline which I am very greatful for
03:47 Determining which ND Filter to use is what I have been looking for, for quite a while. Thank you Griffin for making this easy to understand. With a quick test I kept coming up with a 5 to 6 stop ND Filter requirement for my Leica 10-25 on my G9 at F1.7, 200 ISO, and pretty much the highest shutter speeds required for a very Sunny afternoon. Interesting new learning curve results for my first try, but I think I understand how to find what ND filters I need; and it sounds like a 5+ stop variable ND Filter is where I will be landing eventually. Bummer that I will have to obstruct light coming into the lens for any reason for Ocean landscape photography and video in Summertime.
Griffin, you have produced the best evidence and clear conclusions regarding the useful strengths of ND for large sensor video. Thanks for helping save people from needlessly buying useless ND filters and repeating experiments that you've already settled.
Griffin, great video! I have been using ND filters for about a year. I originally bought a really cheap 3-pack online...didn't want to spend too much $ on something that I might not use very often. Ironically enough, I use them all of the time. I'm so glad I found this video. What a great explanation/education. I'll be upgrading to the Hoya filter you recommend. Thank you for the testing/results, and recommendation.
Well done Griffin! Best understanding and explanation of how an ND Filter works I've watched!! You helped take the guesswork and made it easy math. Nice to see you startup Indy Mogul again. Thx 🍻
My first camera a Sony NXCam came with inbuilt ND filters and the smarts to indicate which ND level to switch on, ND 1, 2 or 3 when shooting in bright conditions. It taught me the value of ND filters. So straightaway I bought a variable ND, for my GH5. Make sure you buy one with its own lens cap!
You did a better job explaining this than most of the guys that work at camera stores I've been to. So simple. I think I might get fixed filters instead of a variable. Not sure if you agree, but I mostly shoot on my kit lens (with a diameter of 58mm & my Canon 50mm STM with a 49). I personally love using my prime lens since it's my highest quality lens right now. A mix of Photography & Filmmaking.
very informative video! and you have skill to explain in a very clean way Mr. Griffin. Big fan of yours. one day i would like meet you in person. Big love from India!
Get to know the calculations, know your powers of 2, logs, exponents and roots. To get the the needed optical density (0.9, 1.8, 3.0), take the number of stops you need to adjust and multiply by the log of 2 and get the closest to that number. d=n×log(2) eg. Need to adjust by 3 stops? d=3×log (2)≈0.903 round to 0.9. 5 stops? d=5×log(2)≈1.505. If you want to approximate it based on your iris values, use d=2×log(a÷b), where a is the f/stop for correct exposure and b is the f/stop you will use. eg. d=2×log(4÷1.4)≈0.912. This works better if you know the precise iris value in √2^n.
Great video and tutorial. I just started my photography course and this helped a lot :) keep it up. Looking forward to dive in into other video's of yours!
Hey! Found your channel quite by accident an was so impressed with the ease of your explanations, accompanied by visual demos, that I'm subscribing right off! Thanks for the great work! Looking forward to learning more!
I can't change the lens aperture on DJI Osmo Action Camera; therefore, it's a must to have these ND filters on a bright and sunny day. Thanks for the information. :)
Thank you for taking the time! I'm a complete beginer at this filter business and this was the most practically informative piece on the subject that I found ! I do have one question - which you may already be covering in another video (?) in order to control the image when filming indoors, under standard lighting intensity - would you say that aND2 filter is a good idea ? as an ND8 seems like it may be a bit much to overcome with lighting? Thanks in advance for your reply if you get this, otherwise, may this just be to say thanks ;)
Man, you have no idea how tickled I am to find a filmography-type channel that uses 30fps. Good LORD, I am SO tired of seeing 24. THANK YOU. The only way it could be better is if you break the 180-degree bullcrap and use a 1/40th or 1/50th shutter speed to add back a bit of missing motion blur from 24. Another upside to 1/50th, specifically, is that it will allow you to film in PAL with no flicker.
The best video on how to choose the right ND filter I have ever watched! Actually I am deciding what ND filter solution I should by, variable or not, and I think I would buy a ND 8-64-1000 package considering that I have a 18-105 F4 lens, though I find the ND8 pretty much never needed because it's too bright.
Thanks for the video. Trying to decide on a filter for an f2 22mm lens and deciding how many stops I'll need. I live in the southwest aka basically desert haha
I am a beginner in some ways. I can take good photos and video because I understand the concepts very well and have some experience. My first camera was a canon AE-1 film antique. I took some amazing photos with it. One set of photos was in Thailand. I took some in a temple where no flashes were allowed and had to shoot at 1/4 second handheld. I leaned on a wall and held my breath. A bunch of the shots came out perfectly. I was never so proud of myself. Anyway the point is that I now use a m50 as my camera to return to this great hobby and I am learning about things like ND filters and other filter types. Your video is very easy to understand, low on fluff and bull and enjoyable. Thanks a lot and I will subscribe and like and go get some ND filters. My question is should I get a bunch of nd filters or sone variable ones? I am not rich but I am not very poor. So I have to be careful about spending but not that careful. Is that confusing enough? Now you know absolutely nothing about what I can afford.
A variable ND would be a good idea, if you don't yet know exactly which exposure reductions you'll rely on. I personally use ND4, ND8 and ND64 for much of my shooting (that is, 2-stop, 3-stop and 6-stop filters). But that's what I find I need for my specific lens choices and lighting conditions. You may need something completely different, depending on your creative choices.
This was legitimately the best explanation of how ND filters work. I feel like most channels that discuss this topic only ever go so far as to say something along the lines of “bro, you need an ND filter” without touching on the nuances that can separate which one to get... as well as the situations in which they would be applied.
Thank you for saying that, Clifton! When I teach filmmaking workshops, I get the sense most people haven't used NDs, so there's a lot of confusion about why they're needed, and which ones to buy. I was hoping to solve some of that with this video.
Can't agree more!!
I have been looking for someone to explain this as eloquently and easy to understand as you did. Thank you very much.
I'm glad you found it useful!
and THAT'S how you do a walkthrough video. adjusting the f stops and putting the filter while recording. Epic.
I've wondered if there is a slightly different way to figure out what ND filter to use:
1. Set your camera to manual mode
2. Enter your desired settings
3. Your light meter telling you how far you are over exposed is the filter to use.
If it says your exposure is 6 stops over exposed, then use a 6 stop filter.
But usually your camera will stop at 3 stops showing you the overexposure (not all of them) so this would not work.
Sir,
Your educational skills are impressive! And having seen hundreds of videos of filming /photo tips here on CZcams, this is the first time I've had the feeling of suddenly having a 3D screen on my phone watching your video.
Thanks! Crisp and clear 👌🏻
Cancelled an Amazon order halfway through this video! you saved so much money and so much agony! Thank you! Great content
I'm glad I could help!
Moruanyi Ntsimane: Same here, mate! I had two windows open on my PC [this video, and Amazon], and was about to order a VERY EXPENSIVE nd & cpl combination filter before this video saved me 😉🎊🎉🎈. I decided to go with a kit combination instead (8stop, 64stop, and a CPL), and I bought a 10stop separately, and still all together they were waaaaaay less than what I was about to spend for 1. Isn't CZcams and this CZcamsr great!!!
This was the best explainer I've seen for ND Filters. Great job Griffin!
SB Lake Show Thank you!
The last few minutes of this vid was exactly what I was looking for
Maybe that's a common knowledge, but no one ever explained how to count stops and how to manipulate it properly on the camera. You are the best I have ever seen. Good stuff!
I can't thank you enough! Your video is succinct and abundantly informative. So far NO ONE has met that bar! I have burned through far too much time to arrive at an abysmally persistent lack of clarity. SUBSCRIBED! 😆
Danielle, I'm so happy to hear that! Good luck in your filmmaking journey.
The explanation is so clear, thank you
I appreciate you saying that!
I am just getting into film making and cameras and this has been the clearest expaination of an ND filter that I have gotten yet! I also really apreshiate the fact you mentioned the filters you use, gives me a nice guideline which I am very greatful for
Thank you so much! I'm happy to found it helpful.
Perfect!
Straight to the bam bam!
No need of a collegial cursus with water and mesh explanations!
All we need is
Numbers means what and situations!
Thank you! Been trying to figure out what Nd filter I’ll need! This helps a lot, very good simple explanation
03:47 Determining which ND Filter to use is what I have been looking for, for quite a while. Thank you Griffin for making this easy to understand. With a quick test I kept coming up with a 5 to 6 stop ND Filter requirement for my Leica 10-25 on my G9 at F1.7, 200 ISO, and pretty much the highest shutter speeds required for a very Sunny afternoon. Interesting new learning curve results for my first try, but I think I understand how to find what ND filters I need; and it sounds like a 5+ stop variable ND Filter is where I will be landing eventually. Bummer that I will have to obstruct light coming into the lens for any reason for Ocean landscape photography and video in Summertime.
Griffin, you have produced the best evidence and clear conclusions regarding the useful strengths of ND for large sensor video. Thanks for helping save people from needlessly buying useless ND filters and repeating experiments that you've already settled.
Short and concise - much appreciated summary for someone with no prior knowledge!
Griffin, great video! I have been using ND filters for about a year. I originally bought a really cheap 3-pack online...didn't want to spend too much $ on something that I might not use very often. Ironically enough, I use them all of the time. I'm so glad I found this video. What a great explanation/education. I'll be upgrading to the Hoya filter you recommend.
Thank you for the testing/results, and recommendation.
Don't get variable ND filter， they are all horrible.
Really helpful. As a beginner I really understand the stop calculation
Well done Griffin! Best understanding and explanation of how an ND Filter works I've watched!! You helped take the guesswork and made it easy math. Nice to see you startup Indy Mogul again.
Thx 🍻
Dude, thank you. I finally understood everything about exposure in general, including how the F-Stop numbers affect exposure mathematically
The Yashica filter reminds me of when I put welding glass in front of my camera. Probably was made of the same glass.
Best explanation out there for nd filters….omgggg
My first camera a Sony NXCam came with inbuilt ND filters and the smarts to indicate which ND level to switch on, ND 1, 2 or 3 when shooting in bright conditions. It taught me the value of ND filters. So straightaway I bought a variable ND, for my GH5. Make sure you buy one with its own lens cap!
Oh, wow everything I needed to know in 5 minutes.
The recommended Hoya NDX8 filter is still available on B&H with a ton of 5-star ratings. Thanks.
Man, this was exactly what I needed. Thank you.
Glad I could help!
Hoya, Hama, Sigma did great 👍 filters for mirror back in the day
You did a better job explaining this than most of the guys that work at camera stores I've been to. So simple. I think I might get fixed filters instead of a variable. Not sure if you agree, but I mostly shoot on my kit lens (with a diameter of 58mm & my Canon 50mm STM with a 49). I personally love using my prime lens since it's my highest quality lens right now. A mix of Photography & Filmmaking.
Thank you so much! Shooting on primes is so much fun, and I like working with fixed NDs, even though it requires more forethought into each shot.
one of the best and simplest videos to understand! thank you
Got a recommendation between an ND2-32 and an ND8-128? Ideally for a f1.4 both indoors and outdoors
INSANELY helpful wow. subbed because of this lol
Glad to hear it, Kevin!
i been having trouble with f stops and i came across your video. this was really helpful . thank you.
Griffin, thank you for such a concise, informative and visually pleasing tutorial on ND Filters - I hit subscribe about two minutes in!
This is the best explained video I have found on the subject. Thank you for sharing!
4:28 no freakin way that was planned and it went SOO smoooth!
Ha ha, it's usually effective to cut during motion. (I bet I DID plan for that edit, but probably meant to do it with the same hand!)
So glad I've found this tutorial, great help!
Thank you so much for this, I just found out I bought a 10 stop😮💨🙄
very informative video! and you have skill to explain in a very clean way Mr. Griffin. Big fan of yours. one day i would like meet you in person. Big love from India!
2:40 for the walk-through of the three filters to have for shooting video (ND8, ND64, ND1000)
You don't know how useful this video was thank you 🙏
Thank you for a very good and simple explanation of ND filters.
This video was so well produced and extremely useful.
My absolute favorite camera gear-do. Thank you very much!
Subscribed because of how to-the-point AND well-explained this was with a live example. Perfect! Thank you!!
Thank you, A J!
Thanks for explaining this 🙏
Glad I could help!
Get to know the calculations, know your powers of 2, logs, exponents and roots. To get the the needed optical density (0.9, 1.8, 3.0), take the number of stops you need to adjust and multiply by the log of 2 and get the closest to that number. d=n×log(2) eg. Need to adjust by 3 stops? d=3×log (2)≈0.903 round to 0.9. 5 stops? d=5×log(2)≈1.505.
If you want to approximate it based on your iris values, use d=2×log(a÷b), where a is the f/stop for correct exposure and b is the f/stop you will use. eg. d=2×log(4÷1.4)≈0.912. This works better if you know the precise iris value in √2^n.
Great video and tutorial. I just started my photography course and this helped a lot :) keep it up. Looking forward to dive in into other video's of yours!
Best explanation video I have ever came across!! Thank you Griffin. I am subscribing for more videos like this.
Hey! Found your channel quite by accident an was so impressed with the ease of your explanations, accompanied by visual demos, that I'm subscribing right off! Thanks for the great work! Looking forward to learning more!
Thank you!
Which nd filter is best for reducing rolling shutter?
Nice shot of big cottonwood canyon
You may also reduce ISO to 200 or 100, with a better image quality. Just booked a variable 5 stops filter (ie: ND2-ND32).
By far the best explanation
Thanks mate
Wow so legit and based on science not by feeling like others lol
Thank you so much
Thanks man! Good stuff. Thanks for keeping it simple. Great explanation.
holy shit, i watched too much vids and yours helped. only yours
I can't change the lens aperture on DJI Osmo Action Camera; therefore, it's a must to have these ND filters on a bright and sunny day. Thanks for the information. :)
Brilliant , best video on ND filters I have seen.
Thank you!
This video is great! Exactly what I needed to hear!
Very useful - thank you for all your help through the years!
Griffin! New Panasonic Lumix GH series are coming! Hope you're a part of it! Can't wait! May 25th!!!
Thank you so much for this. Incredibly useful and well put together. You now have a new subscriber 😁
Brother 🎈, so nice video. You did awesome job in explaining. Thanks
Thank you for taking the time! I'm a complete beginer at this filter business and this was the most practically informative piece on the subject that I found ! I do have one question - which you may already be covering in another video (?) in order to control the image when filming indoors, under standard lighting intensity - would you say that aND2 filter is a good idea ? as an ND8 seems like it may be a bit much to overcome with lighting?
Thanks in advance for your reply if you get this, otherwise, may this just be to say thanks ;)
finally someone explained that great! thx xoxo!
Man, you have no idea how tickled I am to find a filmography-type channel that uses 30fps. Good LORD, I am SO tired of seeing 24. THANK YOU. The only way it could be better is if you break the 180-degree bullcrap and use a 1/40th or 1/50th shutter speed to add back a bit of missing motion blur from 24. Another upside to 1/50th, specifically, is that it will allow you to film in PAL with no flicker.
Thanks, that was very helpful explanation and explained simply.
Very helpful guidr thank you. I am choosing the nd 64
That was simple and very useful. Thanks.
Hoya is an awesome company. Most of my filters and lens covers are by Hoya.
Thank you so much!!!!! I love your work keep it up!!!!
This video needs more views and likes! Good info! You earned a subscriber!
Joe Lee Thank you!
Love the vid, it's explained pretty well, thank you.🥰😇
Great explanation, thanks!
plain and easy explanation, thank you!
Yea, this exactly the video I needed to educate myself, thank you so much
best explained video on nd filters. keep doing the good work :)
Great video. Why does 1.4-2 equal 1 stop of light and 2-2.8 equal another?
I need a recommendation for water blur in landscapes in the daytime...
The best video on how to choose the right ND filter I have ever watched! Actually I am deciding what ND filter solution I should by, variable or not, and I think I would buy a ND 8-64-1000 package considering that I have a 18-105 F4 lens, though I find the ND8 pretty much never needed because it's too bright.
Awesome video! Thanks!
That's it, I'm getting the Yashica
This video was extremely useful! Thank you
I appreciate you saying that, Maurice!
how about moondog filter for iphone
Video starts at 2:40
Amazing video as usual, keep it up griffin!
Variable ND done.
Thanks for this video!
Thanks for the video. Trying to decide on a filter for an f2 22mm lens and deciding how many stops I'll need. I live in the southwest aka basically desert haha
that's awesome VLog. Thanks for sharing.
thank you， i bought hoya nd filters
I am a beginner in some ways. I can take good photos and video because I understand the concepts very well and have some experience. My first camera was a canon AE-1 film antique. I took some amazing photos with it. One set of photos was in Thailand. I took some in a temple where no flashes were allowed and had to shoot at 1/4 second handheld. I leaned on a wall and held my breath. A bunch of the shots came out perfectly. I was never so proud of myself. Anyway the point is that I now use a m50 as my camera to return to this great hobby and I am learning about things like ND filters and other filter types. Your video is very easy to understand, low on fluff and bull and enjoyable. Thanks a lot and I will subscribe and like and go get some ND filters. My question is should I get a bunch of nd filters or sone variable ones? I am not rich but I am not very poor. So I have to be careful about spending but not that careful. Is that confusing enough? Now you know absolutely nothing about what I can afford.
A variable ND would be a good idea, if you don't yet know exactly which exposure reductions you'll rely on. I personally use ND4, ND8 and ND64 for much of my shooting (that is, 2-stop, 3-stop and 6-stop filters). But that's what I find I need for my specific lens choices and lighting conditions. You may need something completely different, depending on your creative choices.
@@GriffinHammond i got the skyreat 6 pack with CPL, UV, ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64
Fantastic video! Well done!
Just what I needed great information
Thank you this was extremely helpful!
Easy to understand ! Thank you for Sharing !
Awesomely explained 👍👌
Thank you so much for the contents.
Thank you. This was very helpful to a filter noob.