Possible ND filters

[davespix]

I have a 4 light setup, not super powerfull but still have problems with getting the dof under control, yes move the lights back but to concentrate some effects with the lights in close and minimum power I find I am at f7 +
Rookie question to the seasoned shooters but would A good quality ND filter be the answer. My cheap digital Nikon is iso 200 and if I minus my ev I open another can of worms. I am seriously looking at a 5d.

[imageswest]

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[davespix]

Ta yes definatly cheaper than a 5d hehe.
Well all food for thought, in studio with steady lights I wonder who all uses them. I am in the Vancouver area and the pro shop says they sell alot of them to studio shooters, hmm but had to ask here.

[Kevin]

I was using Alien Bees in the studio and was typically shooting at f11-13 to get proper exposure at 1/250. I wanted less dof so I opted for using ND filters. Though AB sells ND filters for their lights, I went the route of buying them for use on the lens. I bought a cheap 1-stop, 2-stop and 3-stop set that fits the Cokin filter system. That allowed me to get down into the f5.6-f8 range which I much preferred.

I don't find any issue focusing, even with stacked filters. But I suppose in some situations it could pose a problem.

Your comment about moving the lights further back is the 2nd one I've read today on photo forums. When shooting portraits, it was always my belief to move the lights in close so the light and shadows becomes softer rather than move them away further which would cause them to be harsher. Just an interesting observation.

[StickShots]

You could just get some ND gels to put over your strobes to reduce the output of the light. This is better than adding ND in front of your lens.

[davespix]

Yes gells hmm. I hate to put any filter infront of the lens. But maybe a good quality Lee would be ok in studio.
Now another can of worms were to purchase gells hehe.maybe our downtown pro shops.
I was not keen on moving the lights back Keith, that only makes sense.
I found good deals and way better selection out of the States but our shipping and border costs are almost the same as buying local but then again its more about what is needed.

[StickShots]

You can order it from Vistek (http://www.vistek.ca/details/results.aspx?Manuf=Lee+Filters&q=cto) in Calgary or The Camera Store (thecamerastore.com) also in Calgary.

[Rudi]

Well, a good-quality ND filter will cost a lot less than a 5D... :biggrin:

Ahhh yes, but a 5D inherently has much less DOF than a crop body (plus you can go down to ISO 50)! Not helping, I know... :D

[davespix]

Oh yes convince me ohh wise one, hehe I am looking for an excuse.

[Rudi]

Did I mention that the 5D is the best camera I've ever owned??? :D

[davespix]

Ok. The d70 and d70s are all I know hehe. But years of this camera are wearing thin. Time for a change. I know labels but really I want studio gear and maybe outdoor portrait.
I have been waiting for a good digital other than buying a medium format and loose a wife LOL.

[Rudi]

Well Dave, that was not a joke. The 5D is the best camera I have owned - and that is film or digital! It is exactly what I always wanted in a DSLR. Will Canon make something even better? I hope so, but the 5D is the first DSLR that I have no intention of selling when something better comes along - it will do just fine as a second body, thank you! :D

[bob swanson]

:coo3l: To get back to the original question I once had a small studio in a commercial location and only had a Novatron 1000 4 head system. I couldn't move back any further so my choices were bounce or diffuse. Diffustion filters worked best and were the cheapest route. A couple of the heads and the power box had reduction switches but I ended up with the filters on the heads. Nooooow I have Photogenics mono lights and they are much more adjustable. The only Nikon I can afford or want to is my D-70. Just my thoughts, BS :wacko:

[davespix]

Hey Bob thanks for the reply, I went to Lee's site but could not find them but I will ask localy. So is it a gell ND over the strobe? I believe thats what I am reading. I also have to keep my d70s until its all up and running. Just to get the show on the road then after 3 clients I will proove to my kitchen banker we are good to go.
I live in a boom town right now so construction is at a prime and help is hard to get.Just trying to get info and my lights and other gear ready to move in.

[bob swanson]

:coo3l: They come in sheets about 12 inches square and sometimes with a variety of densities. they are designed to cut to the size that you need. Novatron heads are fairly large so I just tape them on. Above the lip so that I can just peel them back as needed. If you need 3 stops and the sheets come in 1 stop increments than just tape 3 sheets on like a calender. If the shot calls for 2 stops than just peel one back, etc. They also come in a variety of colors if you want to play. I'm certain you can find them at B&H or Calumet, etc.
Good luck, BS:wacko: