R6L - Red Six Ltd Blog

Review: Polaroid Optics Variable ND Filter vs. LightCraft Workshop Fader ND Mark 2

2012-05-23T01:32:23Z

So I have been told that a Variable ND filter is a must for recording video, especially in event situations (like weddings) where you have no control over lighting. And since your shutter speed is usually fixed, your preference for aperture is generally set, leaving really only a small window with ISO - a variable ND filter just makes things so convenient. At least, more convenient than using set ND filters.

After using a variable ND filter, I definitely agree that they are a must have - though they do come with their drawbacks.

Currently I own the Polaroid Optics Variable ND Filter and the LightCraft Workshop Fade ND Mark 2. The former runs around $55, depending on what size, and the latter runs around $129, also depending on what size you get.

Here are some test shots with them.

Images were shot with a Canon 5DmkIII, using a 70-200mm f2.8L, at the 200mm range.

Image with Fader ND Mark 2

Image with no ND filter

Polaroid Optics Variable ND filter

Notice the striations in the bokeh in the Polaroid VND image, especially in the yellow marigolds. Also, you can see how the contrast flattens with the VND filter in place, as compared with the original image.

Fader ND Mark 2, enlarged image for detail

Image without ND filter, enlarged for detail

Polaroid Variable ND filter, enlarged image

Here you can notice the lessening of detail when a VND is used, though this is more apparent when pushed to maximum zoom in zoom lenses. The plant images have been enlarged to show both the striation drawback and detail loss.

And lastly, here is an image using the 24mm f1.4L with the 5DmkIII.

Image using the LightCraft Workshop Fader ND Mark 2, set to "MAX" setting on the filter

Image shot with Canon 5DmkIII and 24mm f1.4LImage using the Polaroid Optics VND, set to "MAX" setting on the filter

Lastly, you notice a distinct, almost "X" pattern that developes near the maximum setting of the VND, as regards exposure. Instead of the clean exposure across the image, some areas are darkened more so. You can begin to see the "X" pattern starting around the mid range of the two filters.

However, once again, the LightCraft Workshop filter does a better job than the cheaper Polaroid Optics filter.

Overall, I still think the VND filter is a necessity for the videomaker, but they do come with unintended drawbacks.

ECS Senior Girls

2012-05-06T13:39:47Z

Had a friend ask for a favor, which saw me spending about an hour with some of the senior girls from ECS. They wanted some group shots, and the Marvel Avengers Movie wasn't starting for another 4 hours - so why not, right?

Liam Goes to the Zoo

2012-04-30T00:42:08Z

Had some unsed footage of Liam at his first trip to the zoo, decided to use it for the latest Vimeo Weekend Project: Stredit (or "straight edit" - must use all clips from a shoot, and must use them in sequential order).

Will Liam remember his day at the Zoo? Who knows, but it's was something flex the creative muscles, I suppose.

"Half Invisible" by The Shivers (http://theshiversnyc.com/)

Crayons

2012-03-11T03:11:36Z

Wanted to get out and do some more test shots with the Cinevate Atlas FLT (as well as continue to work with using Magic Bullet's Colorista II), and so this is my weekend creative video.

It was inspired by a pinterest pin that Marg told me about. We planned to shoot it like three weeks ago, but things never worked out until this weekend. Which is good, because I got the Atlas FLT in two weeks ago.

Tubs decided she would be in the video as well - I'm proud of her, because a year ago she hated being on camera.

So here's to what we can do with crayons, yes?

Dana+AJ

2012-03-05T06:43:15Z

Awesome fun time hanging out with Dana and AJ on their special day. Also got to work with the Cinevate Atlas FLT and Glidecam 2000 to make this one work.

Then the reception was packed out as well.

It was a lot of fun. Congrats you two!