Lee Filters Little Stopper vs 6 Stop ProGlass IRND: Which One Should You Buy?
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- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- In this video I look at the differences between Lee Filters Little Stopper and their 6 stop ProGlass IRND. They are both 6 stop neutral density filters so what are the differences and which one should you buy? Let me help you decide as I take these filters out on location to Dalwish Warren beach in Devon and take some long exposure images of the groynes. I then process and print images from both filters, then share with you my conclusions and thoughts
If you'd like to see the images used in this video in a bit more detail then you can see them over on my blog at:
julianbaird.me...
If you're interested, here is some of the gear I used to make this video:
Video shot with a Sony RX100M4 (amzn.to/2eDyOIS) and a Nikon D850 (amzn.to/2eZiNxd)
Audio recorded using a Rode Smartlav + (amzn.to/2wMJh8x) and a Zoom H1 (amzn.to/2gyGPfd)
Video edited in Adobe Premiere CC (amzn.to/2iX4la4)
Images shot on a Nikon D850 (amzn.to/2eZiNxd) with a Nikkor 16-35mm f/4 (amzn.to/2w1aRTp),
I also used these filters: Lee Filters Little Stopper (amzn.to/2CXnZwd and a Lee Filters 6 Stop ProGlass IRND (
amzn.to/2FiJSns)
Images processed in Adobe Lightroom CC (amzn.to/2eDw8uC).
The links used are Amazon affiliate links. By buying through the links I may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price for you.
#landscapephotography #julianbaird #devon #leefilters #d850
Thanks for the video, I’ve just bought the 100mm holder and polariser so I’m in the process of looking for my nd filters now.
This has been very helpful and informative and I’ve decided ro go for the irnd ones.
No worries, very pleased to hear you've found it useful. :-)
Hi Julian, I am in the market for the Lee 6 Stop filter and was confused to find 2 of them at such different price points. So I was so happy to find your video on CZcams, it was just what I needed to figure out the aesthetic differences and help me decide which one to buy. Thank you so much...well done! I will have to check out your other videos as well.
Hi, thanks for watching and great to hear that it's helped you clarify the difference. 👍😀
That’s a good clear test I have the full range of stoppers now I have to think do I upgrade. If I can get a good price for mine I think I will.
Thanks Paul. I sold one of my Stoppers privately, and the others went to WEX for trade-in. The Stoppers do hold their value reasonably well on e-bay. :-)
Thanks for sharing Julian, very helpful.
No worries Roy, thanks for watching!
I can't really see the £75 worth of difference in the pro glass really. Postprocessing can balance the differences in the colour cast as we have been doing for years now. If the Pro versions somehow meant that there was no loss in sharpness the case can be made but I can't see the reason to buy this. Appreciate the review, Julian. Its always good to get your honest point of view.
Cheers Jawad. While you can "correct" the cast in post, I do like the more accurate image you get at the time of shooting. But the value in that will vary between photographers. Thanks for watching as always :-)
I started watching this with some trepidation after your recent D850 vlog Julian! I thought, here we go again, something else to hanker for! Thankfully, I remain happy with my 3 Stopper filters. I know what density they are, so calculating the exposure is easy. Sometimes I actually quite like the colour cast and leave it, but I have a Lightroom preset that neutralises the cast and reduces the vignette very quickly. Thanks for another very interesting video Julian. All the best.
Thanks Trevor, and great to hear I wasn't costing you any more money! lol Like I said in the video, the Stopper filters are still more than capable of producing excellent results. :-)
Hi Nigel,
What an excellent test, I used to use the Lee Resin filters and found them excellent, but for durability I changed to Hitech Firecrest 2mm thick Schott Superwite glass filters, which are probably more like the IRND.
Good thing is that the Lee still command a good used price on that well known Auction site.
The D850 has been sold and got another D3x :-)
Ron
Hey Ron, thanks and glad you thought the test was good. :-) Did you fall out of love with the D850? lol
Hi Julian,
No the D850 is fantastic, but I spent more time focusing on LV screen then magnifying on the screen to check etc, and utilising the many other features instead of concentrating on the image. THe D3x allows me to go back to basics, also the battery on the D3x lasts a lot longer especially as I am not tinkering with LV.
Very practical review - the +/- exposure correctness w/ the pro IRND is very interesting - when you are taking long exposures it surely helps to not have to “hunt and peck” for the correct exposure. I have the 3-, 6-, 10- and 15-stop Lee versions. I don’t have the budget to really upgrade, but if I ever do I would certainly be helped by this wonderful vlog. Thanks for helping us with this!
Thanks Alan! Glad you found the video useful. If you cant budget for the ProGlass versions I wouldn't loose any sleep over it. The Stopper filters were and still are great filters. :-)
I’ve been using Lee filters now for 15 years and love em. I have both the BS and LS, but rarely use the former. I find 6 stops more than enough, and most often use a 3 stop ND. About a year ago I bought a Hitech Firecrest 6 stop ND, which from memory was about £100, perhaps a bit more. It came recommended by a mate and I have to say it’s excellent. Totally colour cast free and a lot cheaper than the Lee IRND. Ironically I see Hitech now do an IRND range matching Lee’s price. Seems I mate a shrewd purchase 😊
Thanks Kev, everyone has their favourite brand of filter and there's no doubt Lee Filters are at the pricier end of the spectrum. :-)
Great video Julian, I agree with everything you've said - I've got the 3, 6 and 10 stop IRND and am really happy with the results. That said I've kept my old Big/Little Stoppers in case I have a clumsy moment and break one of the new ones!
Thanks Raymond, that is one downside....any breakages are really expensive now!
Nice one Julian I have the big stopper don't use is that much but will be keeping it 😁
Thanks Steven. Yeah, the Big Stopper doesn't get used that much but the Little Stopper is a lot more useful...but it all depends on the photographs you are taking. :-)
Excellent comparison Julian. For me, I'll stick with what I have since I'm happy with my results and personally, the slight blue cast doesn't bother me and sometimes I quite like it. Further, as you clearly demonstrated, a few extra tweaks in LR and the results are really close. I do appreciate the fair comparison though. It stopped me wondering.
Thanks for watching Philip and glad you found the review helpful. The only other thing I would say is that I like seeing a more accurate view of the scene on the back of the camera. But the value in that will vary between photographers. :-)
Yes I agree. I find these days that my eyes aren't young enough anymore to really differentiate a lot from the screen. I can check focus usually by zooming in but I really don't get the real picture until it is on a computer screen.
Very interesting comparison Julian, nicely done. I was able to guess which one was the ProGlass! As you said if I had the money I would go for it as it does offer some small benefits, but the other option is also an excellent filter.
Thanks Wayne. Yes, both the ProGlass and Stopper filters are excellent. :-)
Excellent review mate! Thank you
No worries, thanks for watching! 👍
Thanks Julian, interesting, but as usual there's always something more needy to invest in. I'll continue with my lee little, big and super stoppers
Thanks David, I wouldn't loose any sleep over not having them. But as you say...there is always something new to inviest in! lol
Julian, love your logical and informative approach! Well done. Best, Dave
Thanks Dave! :-)
Very sound advice Julian, very sound indeed. IMO.
Thanks! :-)
This is an excellent presentation, what I expect from you for sure. I recently stepped into Lee Filters but have not had much opportunity to take advantage of what if offers. I like IRND's ability to give a neutral result and may have gone that route if I had understood better what it was. Your examples and summary was excellent, well balanced and practical. One question, based on my ignorance, will the graduated filters when used with IRNDs, create a color cast or add vignetting. Even if it does, I know it can me managed in Photoshop. Thanks for another excellent video.
Thanks Glen. I've never had a colour cast from the ND grads. I do believe they are manufactured differently from the Stopper range of filters so I would imagine that is the reason why. :-)
Great video Julian - but the filters do not reduce vignetting at all. No filter can reduce lens vignetting - a physical impossibility.
Thanks Andy :-) You're correct in the fact that no filter will remove the vignetting of the lens. However, the Stopper range of filters introduced more vignetting...this isn't the case with the ProGlass filters. :-)
Thanks Julian, as I don't have any neutral density filters and I am far from "Pro" and also skint I'll probably go for the little/Big Stopper and spend the extra time in Lightroom! Thanks for another great review and video!
Thanks Joseph. Like I said in the video, you'll still get amazing results with the Stopper range of filters. :-)
Great review. Love the way you did the 'wipe' comparison.
Thanks! I appreciate you watching and for leaving a comment. :-)
I appreciate this little story. 😆 I'm planning on a big purchase of basically a complete filter kit, and when working into a pre-assembled kit, it's not terribly more expensive to get the irnd vs big/little, so I'm now planning on that after seeing your results. Also curious about your grad ND use. I'm sure at seascapes you use a lot of hard edge, yes? What strengths and soft/med/hard edge filters do you use most?
Hey, glad you liked the video. Though I have wide range of ND grads, with different transitions. But to be honest, the one I use the most is the 2 stop medium edge. Most of the coastlines I shoot I have something on the horizon! :-)
Thanks for the reply. The GND kits all seem to come as 1,2,3 stop. I'd think 1-stop would be fairly useless with the dynamic range of sensors these days, so I feel like having just a 2 or maybe a 2 and 3 (or 4) would be sufficient. Have you tried any of the reverse graduated filters for sunrise shots?
I would agree that a 1 stop is fairly useless on the latest cameras. I wrote a blog article on the reverse grads: julianbaird.me/blog/2017/11/10/shooting-into-the-sun-at-the-cobb
Love that hat Julian, video was great as well.
Thanks again Andy...really appreciate your support. :-)
A really interesting comparison Julian. I’d guessed which was which after processing but only by chance if I’m honest. I struggle with the cost of filters knowing that all it takes is a small drop onto a rock to make them completely unusable, so personally will leave the IRND on the shelf after seeing this.
Thanks David....I try not to think about what it would cost to replace some of my gear if it got damaged. I've got photography insurance, but filters are in that price bracket that if I did break one, it might not be worth going through insurance to replace. :-)
Exactly. And they are also one of the most prone to being damged being this fragile bit of glass that hangs off the front of your camera.
Hi Julian, Thanks for the informative comparison. I am deciding between the Lee ProGlass, NiSi and Kase filter system. I notice you use a Nikon 16-35 VR as your wide angle and was wondering how many copies you had to go through if any at all before you got one that was acceptable; did you have to make any sacrifices etc.
My bigger issue is what lens to buy the filter system for. I did not want to buy it for the Nikon 14-24 because if the size and the cost, especially if I go with the Lee ProGlass at $450 per filter for the 14-24.
I recently did an unscientific comparison between a Nikon 16-35 VR, Nikon 18-35G and my Nikon 14-24, and found the 16-35 to be the worst for sharpness in the corners and for distortion. The 18-35 was not bad and was surprised how much better it was compared to the 16-35. The 14-24 was in another league for both sharpness in the corners and minimal distortion. I’ve only tried one copy of both the 16-35 and 18-35G.
Thanks
Hi, I've only ever had one copy of the 16-35mm and I've never experienced any issues with it. I've taken het vast majority of my landscape images with it and I've never had cause to complain. I've had cause to complain about my technique sometimes though! lol I've heard good things about 14-24, but the cost, weight, and the need for a seperate set of filters makes a non starter for me. :-)
Hi Julian, thanks for the reply. I'm going to order another 16-35mm and test it again, maybe I just had a bad copy. Thanks again!
Nice review Julian. I have recently invested in the NISI V5 Pro system as I like the inbuilt CPL however have yet to invest in ND filters for it. I was planning to see what deals are on at the show with NISI & Lee. Have you ever used the NISI 6 & 10 stop alternatives as would be interested in how they compare to the Lee Pro glass?
Hi Jamie, glad you liked the review. Unfortunately I've only ever shot with filters from Lee Filters, so can't offer any thoughts on how they compare. :-)
Very helpful comparison! Thank you.
Thanks, great to hear you found it helpful. :-)
Nice comparison. Would be interesting to see how the IRND stack up against the competitors Kase & Nisi.
Thanks for watching. Unfortunately I can't do a comparison video because of the costs but I'm sure someone is bound to do one at some point. :-)
Have a look at this www.onlandscape.co.uk/2017/07/nd-filters/
Thanks Julian, that's very interesting. Unfortunately, I have the three stoppers in the 150mm Lee system and I've just googled the price of the pro glass ones.... neatly £400 each from Wex....!! That killed my enthusiasm. 😂😂
thanks Ian, yep, the price for the 150 system version are a little eye watering!!!
very nice comparison, don't have any experience with Lee filters, but I heard only nice think about them, thank you for interesting video!
Thanks mate, always great to see you over here :-)
Interesting video think I'll stick to the filters I've got I couldn't justify the extra expense for something that takes very little extra work to correct in post
Thanks Dean, and I think this will be a common response! :-)
Julian Baird - Landscape Photography yeah very probably. I’ve just followed you on Vero
Biggest and only reason for me to buy the IRND is if you're a hybrid shooter. I replaced mine but only because I do a lot more video now and the IRND are WAY better for video. With stills you can fix colour casts so easily but with video it's a nightmare. I think before you buy either, just think "do I want to use them for video one day?". If so, they are worth the extra cost for sure.
Thanks Jeff, I hadn't considered their use in video but appreciate why you might. And I know from experience how difficult colour cast in video is to fix. For me though, the biggest reason to use the IRND is the accuracy of the image on the back of screen. Sure I can fix it in post, but the more I can do on location the better. Thanks for watching. 👍😃
@@jbairdexp I do prefer the way they are packaged as well. Love the way they have their own individual holder instead of having to stick them all in one holder. Much easier to grab the one I want. Slowly upgrading all mine but they not impulse buys for sure. I need 100 and Seven5 system as well which makes it even more expensive.
Yep, agree, the packaging is good. Easy to get them in and out, but they seem to offer good levels of protection. I traded in my Big and Little Stoppers to contribute towards the cost of the IRNDs, but they were still expensive. Worth the upgrade, but I only had two NDs to replace so it was a bit easier to swallow in one hit. 😃
Thanks Julian for another well presented and informative video. I have the little and big stopper but also have a pro glass 3 stop filter, which occasionally comes in handy. I think based on your review, I'll keep mine until such time I lose them over a bridge somewhere in the Arctic. One other question; why do we all keep referring to our films as videos? :-)
Cheers Simon. Yeah, I wouldn't be in a hurry to replace, but if the chance comes along and you've got the budget then I think its worth it. Hmmm, I haven't considered the films vs videos thing...if one of my videos / films is all about being out taking pictures I sometimes refer to them as stories....just to confuse things! :-)
When i'm using ND glass i always use the kelvin scale if you bump up the kelvin scale to around 9500 -11000 it works fine, or in raw just warm up the picture. They will all show a colour cast, good video though keep them coming.
Thanks Davy, I hadn't considered doing it that way before. Always useful to understand how to do things differently. 👍
Interesting video Julian thank you. - shared on twitter - I'm miles away from any coastal area "4 hours" but would love to photograph some seascapes. I have all 3 filters "6 Stop, 10 Stop & 15 Stop" but rarely use them. I have the budget but you've proved in this video that they're really not needed since small adjustments in Lightroom or Photoshop can balance them equally. However, if I ever break one then I think investing in the Pro Glass IRND would be the better option! Thumbs up!!
Thanks mate, and for the Twitter share! The only thing I would say is that I do like seeing the neutral output on the back of the camera. :-)
Yes, that's a plus!
Hi Julian, great video thanks for the comparison on these filters.
Having seen your images I cannot see any justification for selling my 'Stoppers' for the new range of IRND's, the differences were there - no argument about that, but there wasn't such a difference as to make the purchase viable.
So I will stick with my old filters, I will put up with tweaking any colour cast during post processing and save a lot of money.
Cheers Martin. Yeah, I don't think there is a desperate need to go out and replace your Stoppers. If you ever get to that point though, they are worth considering. :-)
Julian, sorry I should have congratulated you on your picture of Belstone Common in the April issue of Outdoor Photographer, well done great achievement.
Very informative Julian. To be honest I do not think its worth the extra cash. I will keep what I have.
Thanks Jim, glad you found the video useful! :-)
Hi Julian very informative video. Personally speaking i already have the Lee Little, Big and Super stopper and can't justify changing with such small difference that can easily be corrected in post. Keep up the good work looking forward to your next Vlog. ATB Graeme
Cheers Graeme! For me it was seeing a more accurate picture at the time of shooting that won it for me. But is it worth the extra cost? Well, everyone's mileage is going to vary on that one. Thanks for watching! :-)
This has definitely been something on my mind when lee first announced the new series of ND filters. I have the older 6,10,15 filters, and while I don’t think I’ll make the switch given the fact that mine are still in great condition. It’s really neat to see the difference. It’s definitely very clear. May I ask, what platform you used to sell your filters? In case I decide to sell mine. I’ve never had much luck selling photography gear through the internet. Appreciate you sharing this in depth comparison.
Hi Diego, glad you liked the video. I use a UK retailer (WEX Photo Video) to trade in one of my Stoppers against the purchase of both my ProGlass filters, and I sold the other Stopper to a friend who is a photographer. I probabaly might have got a little more by using ebay rather than tradiing it in, but WEX make it so easy that getting less for them is worth the convience of the service.
Great video again mate...really interesting to see the side by side of the colour cast! I have the big and little stoppers, and I find if I introduce a grad filter aswell the cold blue really kicks in! Something to think about upgrading to!
Cheers mate. The "upgrade" is more of a nice to have than essential. They are great to work with though. You going to the Photography Show? They are sure to be discounted there.
Julian Baird - Landscape Photography ya the price will dictate that a little lol, i have family down this weekend mate, plus the Mrs is ready to drop any minute! I’m or the whiskey and staying closer to home lol
Understood mate. See you 6 months when you're allowed back out! lol
I understand all these filters are stackable. If you were choosing the ProGlass IRND series but you could only afford 2 of them, would you recommend the versatile option of the 3 stop and 6 stop, and stacking them to get 9 stops, or, would you get the 6 and 10 for some quality reason? This assumes you need at least 9 stops, and can settle for camera settings to get a 3 stop option.
Hi Michael, yes you are right, the filters are stackable. Your question is a tricky one, and the answer would largely be down to when and what you are shooting. I own a ProGlass 3 stop (I've had it for many many years), plus the 6 stop and 10 stop ProGlass IRND. I very rarely use the 3 stop filter, so if I had to pick two of the three it would be the 6 and 10 stop IRND. But that's because they fit with the photography that I do. One disadvantage of using a 3 stop and 6 stop IRND together (at the same time), is that you may not have enough slots in the filter holder to use an ND grad as well. Sure you can add a 3rd slot into the holder, but then there is a greater risk of vignetting from the holder itself at wide angles. :-)
Thank you, Julian. I had a feeling the 3 stop would end up being the unloved sibling., but hearing it from a Pro cements that idea. I ran a whole bunch of numbers, and I just couldn’t figure out why you would need a 3 stop in the first place. Camera settings with no filter, or camera settings with a 6 stop can achieve a 3 stop effect without making any notable compromise. I was also worried that stacking might increase the danger of flare given the long exposure times.
It's also worth pointing out that a circular polariser will reduce the amount of light coming into the camera by up to 3 stops. So for things like waterfalls, using a polariser not only reduces glare, but also gives you that longer exposure time. It's the same as a 3 stop ND in all circumstances, but it's worth knowing. :-)
An interesting video/ film / story Julian.
It’s a lot of money to pay for filters but I guess if you can afford them they certainly will improve your shot. Thanks buddy.
Cheers Tony. It definately is a lot of money to pay for filters, but as with most things in my photography life I have to sell other stuff to help pay for it. I don't know if it will improve my shots, but as with the D850, having slightly better tools will increase the chance that I will get right what ever I'm trying to shoot. :-)
Can you please explain, how to use there Lee Pro glass application?
👍
Hi Ravi, thanks for watching. You use the left (white) wheel to dial in your exposure (without the ND in place), then select the strength of ND filter along the top, and you calculated exposure appears in the right hand (red) wheel. This red wheel exposure is what you set your camera to when the ND is in place. Hope this helps.
hi great video. just wanting to know what app or website you use to find out about the tide times as you like to shoot by the cost. i am going to Blackpool to shoot sunrise is this a good idea? has its on the west cost.
Hey Raymond, I don't use a specific app or even web page. I just normally Google "tide times place name" and look at the first result. I can't offer any specific advice on shooting Blackpool, but given it's geographic location you won't be shooting into the sun at sunrise, but that wouldn't necessarily exclude it from a sunrise shoot. The one bit of advice I would give for Blackpool is to be aware of the tide, and the speed at which it comes in. It's a big and fast tide down on the beach, so be extra viggilent if you are on the beach as the tide is coming in. :-)
Thanks for the great review!! I’ve been a long time user of the Lee big stopper and little stopper (15-20 years). I’m looking to go with the new IR ND filters, but have read some negative reviews of how hard they are to clean. Do you have any perspective, or have you experienced any issues with them getting “greasy” and smudged with fingerprints?
No worries, glad you liked them. I can confirm though they are a nightmare to keep clean. Even with the Lee cleaning fluid and filter cloth, I found them difficult to keep clean. (I have since changed which filters I use - it wasn't directly because of that issue though). :-)
Thanks for the quick reply!!! Which filters did you go with? Lee or others? I am considering a few others, but would like to stay with the Lee eco system (as I have their ND grads).
Are you using the older Lee holder, or the newer one? Mine is 10 years old and trying to decide whether to go with that newer holder.
I went with Kase Filters. I "lost" a bunch of Lee Filters to the sea, and the cost of replacing them all was too much for me so I went with Kase. I wasn't unhappy with Lee, but I did find a number of things that I liked better about the Kase system, so I've never looked back. However, I understand where you are coming from having made a long term investment in Lee Filters. :-)
Thanks again for the quick reply! I lost part of my Lee kit over the Grand Canyon around 14 years ago - was an expensive mistake - filters were actually more expensive than since Lee was the only game in town. I’ve been looking at Haida and read up a bit about Kase as well.
No worries. In case you are interested, I cover Kase Filters in this video - czcams.com/video/cpTTq99LYUY/video.html - and this one - czcams.com/video/7mQqrnyqGJo/video.html - even if you're not interested in Kase Filters you might enjoy the photography :-)
Hi Jiuian, interesting comparison. I am currently shopping to invest in some filters and have decided on the LEE range but I don't' think these IRND one's are available for the LEE Seven 5 kit (for a Panasonic GH4 & GH5). I think I'm having to go down the little stopper / big stopper route. Do you know if this is correct please? :-)
Hey Manuel, the ProGlass filters are available for all three systems, Seven 5, 100mm and 150mm - www.leefilters.com/index.php/camera/proglass-nd :-)
Brilliant, thanks Julian. Much appreciated
I'm new to the Lee Filters and really want to purchase one. What does the 100x100 mm mean? And best place to buy?
The 100x100 refers the size of the filter. The 100mm system is the most common and is typically used with most DSLRs and lenses. There is a 150mm system but that is only required for some special lenses such as really wide angle lenses with fixed lens hoods. There is a Seven5 system from Lee as well, which is more targeted at M4/3 and small APC cameras - this might help you: www.leefilters.com/index.php/camera/system-match If you are in the UK, I would recommend WEX. I get all my gear from there. Hope this helps! 👍
Thank you, I liked the video as well. Been learning new techniques. Also what about the holder?
There is a holder for each system, and the holder attaches to the lens by clipping onto a adaptor ring. Adaptor rings come in different sizes to fit the filter thread size of your lens. e.g. 77mm, 82 mm etc. You need adaptor rings for each lens filter thread size you have. The same holder attaches to any of the adaptor rings in that system. 😀
Can you let us to know about adapters for ND filters (Nikon 20mm lens)
Hi, you need to buy into a system like Lee or Kase. You then buy an adaptor ring that attaches to the front element of your lens (so it will be something like 82 mm - depending on the diameter of your lense). The filter holder then attaches to the adaptor and you slot in the filters into the holder.
Ok so I plan to buy the 100x100 big stopper and maybe eventually the proglass find. Which holder for both? Sorry for questions I do photography but these are new. I want to invest. :-)
Both the Big Stopper and the ProGlass filters are the same size, so you can use the same holder. To get started either buy the Foundation Kit (www.leefilters.com/index.php/camera-directory/camera-dir-list/category/foundation-kit) - which is basically just the holder - or get the Digital SLR Starter Kit (www.leefilters.com/index.php/camera-directory/camera-dir-list/category/digital-slr-starter-kit) which comes with a couple of filters to start you off. However, neither kits come with a adaptor ring, so remember to get rings for each of your lenses that you want to put filters on.😀
Thank you I really appreciate it. I'll be watching more of your videos. :-)
No worries. You might find this other video of mine useful: czcams.com/video/6HceR4RVEGc/video.html It's one of my earliest videos, but it still has some useful tips on how I use ND filters. 👍
There seems to be a bit more detail in the clouds from the IRND.
Hey Theresa, you could be right. Could be the filter, or just slight variations in the processing. :-)
Great assessment of the two types of ND's Julian. I have the Little and Big Stopper and now considering selling them and getting the IRND versions. 😊 Do you have or considering getting the Super Stopper?
Cheers Richard! I actually had the Super Stopper...but it's the one and only filter I've ever broken. Given that I used it so rarely though I've never bothered replacing it. :-)
Did you also notice a cyan color cast on the Super Stopper?
Hey Julian, thanks for making this video as a user of Lee’s little and big stopper, I always wondered about the new filters and if it makes a difference before maybe buying them. Cheers and thanks.
No worries mate. I think if you have the money they are worth it, but if not, I really wouldn't loose any sleep over not having them. :-)
Great video and comparison personally I can't see the justification in the extra cost especially after post processing, ok it may take 30 seconds longer to post process but certainly not worth the extra cost!
Cheers Tim. For me, it was being able to see an accurate representation of the scene at the time of shooting....but whether that is worth the cost will be entirely up to the photograher :-)
Hi Julian. This is a really useful comparison test. I do quite a lot of seascape shoots and use Lee ND filters a lot, but only rarely use the little and big stoppers. I find the colour cast issue is more pronounced when the light isn't great, but I'm more than happy to keep my originals given the difference in price, especially as I can do a fix in Light Room. I have to admit the IRND filters look great though !! I bet there's going to be a lot of Lee ND filters on sale on eBay and MPB once folks see your video ! Really enjoyed the vlog Julian. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Tim, always good to hear from you. While I can recommend the IRNDs, the cost difference isn't to be ignored. But given that the Stoppers are still brilliant it's nothing to loose sleep over. :-)
Wow, just when you think filters can't possibly go at a more premium price, but at least there is a clear difference rather than the emperor's new clothes you sometimes get with the latest photography stuff. You still aiming to do a brief coffee meet up with Mr Sale at the show?
Cheers Steve, yes, definately a noticable difference at the point of shooting. And yes, meetup at TPS on Sunday still on. Details will go up on Facebook and Twitter at some point on Saturday. :-)
Wow mate, there's a huge difference between those two filters, I am amazed. I guess it just goes to show that, in photography at least, you get what you pay for. If I had the cash I'd be tempted by the pro filters.
Cheers mate. That's true, and while it's great to see an accurate output on the back of the camera, most things can be "corrected" in post. So you'll be just fine with that Little Stopper! lol
is the cost difference justified? i doubt it..
As with most things in photography gear, cost justifcation is very much objective! lol Would you pay nearly $3m for an old Leica? Well someone did! Yikes. :-0
love the video, but $3m... sounds like a collector,, not sure it's the same thing, post processing is really what this is about and the time saved if any, better glass is always better but this is about an effect, i do have the 6 and 10 and they serve their purpose admirably, so i will have a look at the stand at the NEC on Tuesday 'but man,, is it a wee bit of 'emperors new clothes...
Granted, that is an extreme example. But I guess my point is that value is subjective. And with a lot of things, wine, footballers, smaller improvements typically come with large increases in cost! Have fun at the Photography Show! :-)
Think I'll still save up for the little stopper and ave some pennies
You'll still get excellent results with the Little Stopper. :-)
Its like anything else the dearer is usually better, but why do companies like Lee have to rip people off with almost doubling the price its not after all doubling the quality, its just making photo enusiasts pay for there research.
Well some of it depends on how you define quality, and then if that change in quality is worth the extra money. The Stopper range will still be about and at the same price, so they at least haven't removed that option in favour of the more expensive range. :-)
That answer still does not address the price charged, if you have the money your laughing if not hard luck, they do not have to price these filters so high, the bulk of camera sales are made by enthusiasts and that goes for accessories, not professionals, or you tube vloggers, Its about time pressure was brought to bear on these companies to reduce prices,
Well, that's question you'd have to ask of Lee Filter's I'm afraid. I've heard lots of good things about Hitech filters which are a fair bit cheaper than the Lee Filters range.
but the Hitech Firecrest filters are very expensive if memory serves me correctly
Far to much money to pay for the normal photographer and I'm sure it will not be long before Lee bring out the super proglass & then the super duper proglass at a suitable inflated price .
As long as there is a market, it will happen. Someone just spent nearly $3m dollars for an old Leica. :-)
I stopped watching this video as soon as I Googles the filter you're using and found it to be $450.00 US dollars. No point in me continuing to watch because I'll never pay that for one filter. Thanks for sharing anyway.
Wow Tony, $450! Not often stuff is way more expensive in the States than in the UK. :-)
It isn't $450 it is $230 .... but still expensive! :-)
www.amazon.com/Lee-Filters-ProGlass-100x100mm-Filter/dp/B072R3XRDX/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1520947670&sr=8-3&keywords=6+stop+irnd
There's no doubt the Lee Filters are at the pricier end of the filter market.
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1344397-REG/lee_filters_sw150pg6_sw150_150x150mm_proglass_irnd_6_stop.html
Ahhh 150mm I was looking at the 100mm ... my filter system uses the the 100mm filters. But yes Lee Filters are wicked expensive. :-)