3 stop ND filter for Summilux

[Muizen]

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In the past I never used any filters on my cameras, except UV filters.

Now on my M9 I use Summilux 50mm ASPH and Summilux 35mm ASPH that both have 46 mm diameter.

I feel that a 3 stop ND filter would enable me to shoot wide open in most high light circumstances with these lenses.

- Is a 3 stop ND filter a good choice indeed?

- Can anybody recommend me a high quality filter?

Thanks for helping me out!

Harry

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[01af]

I feel that a 3-stop ND filter would enable me to shoot wide open in most high light circumstances with these lenses.

- Is a 3-stop ND filter a good choice indeed?

- Can anybody recommend me a high quality filter?

Where I live (Central Europe, latitude approx. 50° N), on a sunny day I typically shoot f/5.6 - f/8 and 1/500 s at ISO 160/23°. So with an ND 0.9 filter (three f-stops) you'd get f/1.4 and 1/1000 s - 1/2000 s at ISO 160/23°. Should be fine.

 

When you live closer to the equator (Southern Europe, Northern Africa, South of USA, etc.) then on a sunny day you might end up at f/1.4 and 1/4000 s at ISO 160/23° - ISO 80/20°. Maybe an ND 1.2 or 1.8 filter would be more appropriate then. However ND filters denser than ND 0.9 are harder to find, more expensive, and often not multi-coated.

 

Regarding filter brands, I'd stick to B+W and Heliopan.

[Dannybuoy]

I've just bought two ND8s that I'm going to stack on my Summilux 50mm when I'm in the Alps in a weeks time. Just cheap ones but I want to be able to shoot wide open in the bright sunshine out on the slopes ;-)