Sunday Experiment – LightCraft Fader ND
In preparation for a summer trip to Yosemite and a fall trip to Maine, I’ve been studying images of waterfalls. There is no shortage of fantastic waterfall images all over the web. IMO, the best ones combine high dynamic range with perfect exposure, depth of field with the image tack-sharp front to back, as well as falling water that has just enough “motion” in it to make it smooth and creamy yet it retains some detail.
In addition to a polarizing filter, the best waterfall photogs seem to universally use an assortment of neutral density (ND) filters to reduce light in order to shoot at a slow shutter speed to blur the water. Lightcraft Workshop makes an adjustable ND filter (Fader ND) that lets you get by with carrying just one ND filter. It’s adjustable from 2 to 8 stops and looks and works a lot like a polarizing filter. As you turn the outer ring, the amount of light coming through varies. I ordered one a few weeks ago and it finally arrived this past week. I bought it from a Hong Kong eBay seller – apparently the only source. Singh-Ray also makes one, but it is about twice the price of the Fader ND.
There aren’t a lot of waterfalls in my neck of the woods so practice with the Fader ND filter prior to my trips will be difficult. However, there is a very small one at a state park about 30 minutes from my home. I went there this morning for a test run. One thing is certain, more practice is necessary. These shots were taken with Pentax K7 and Pentax smc DA12-24mm lens at f/16.0 with a shutter speed of 6 or 8 seconds. Although I am not certain on the amount of light reduction I set on the Fader, I believe it varied from 4 stops to 6 stops depending on the image.
I welcome C&C and any advice on technique:
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Date: May 23, 2010
Categories: In the Bag, Landscapes