Neutral Density Filters Emolux - Green.L - Fotga Reviewed

bySalem

1.7K followers

12 years ago

The photos on this blog are not meant to have great composition nor do they show a full range of the capabilities of ND photo filters. The purpose of the following is to show you a comparison between common neutral density filters and the white balance problems that can occur.

Remember that ND filters are supposed to be “Neutral” in that they do not change the actual colours. Instead, they reduce the entire spectrum equally thereby giving you a longer exposure and, usually, more detail. Plus, motion can be deliberately blurred giving you quite dramatic scenes. Like most things, ND filters are not all equal, especially in the entry market such as below.

The following photos were taken with a Panasonic Lumix G5 on full auto settings.

Above, the original photo with no filter.

Above left is the Emolux ND-4(from Singapore). Notice the distinct greenish hue. On the right, is the same shot with a Green.L ND-4(from China). The Green.L filter produces an acceptable picture which gives slightly more contrast than the original. It brightens up the overall photo.

When we get into ND-8 filtering, the differences become more dramatic. On the left is an Emolux ND-8 filter showing the white balance totally off and giving a vivid greenish-blue hue. On the right is a Green.L ND-8 showing an improvement over the Emolux, but still, the white balance is off giving a reddish-blue tinge to the photo. Easily corrected with white balance but should not be there.

Above – These two photos were taken with a Fotga (China manufactured) variable ND filter. On the left is setting 4 and on the right is setting 8. Notice that the colours have not changed. If you want to stay with the less costly filters, I suggest the Fotga slim variable. You need to carry just one ND filter and it will give you the affects you want without change the hue.

ND filters are great for situations such as a beach scene where excessive light can ruin finer details. You have seen other photos where falling water becomes a smooth curtain or crashing waves become a misty scene. There are lots of useful applications. Other blogs will show you the beautiful effects that can be created using the Neutral Density Filter.