B&W Vario ND Filter

[wparsonsgisnet]

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I recently did a family shoot at the beach -- on a *Really* sunny day, shooting with my M(240) at ISO 200 and f11-16 with the 35mm f1.4 fle.  I got great shots, even tho I was pretty stunned by the brightness myself.  However, for a few shots that I want to use I will need to blur the background with PS.

So, I just bought a B&W Vario ND filter in 46 mm that will fit mey 35 and 50 'lux's.  I contemplated buying 2 of the 803 filters (B&W's nomenclature for the 3 stop ND filter) and combining them  when necessary.  The vario offers 5 stops, almost as much.  

 I did read about the occurrence of X's in the image and other light transmission problems, when the sun is not to the side, though this filter is not supposed to use polarization.

Any comments about my choice of the Vario vs a pair of the 3-stop filters?

Edited July 21, 2020 by wparsonsgisnet
correct typo in subject

[250swb]

 I can see the problem Bill. I was looking to reduce the number of landscape filters I carried and only found contradictory opinions about variable ND filters. In one sentence they say they use two layers of polarising glass, the next sentence that the filter doesn't have a polarising effect, and the next sentence that there can be colour shifts across the frame using wide angle lenses (as with a polarising filter). 

As I hate polarising filters anyway, feeling they can kill the image dead (I still carry one for that 'one in a hundred years event'), and with the possibility of colour or tonal shift (for B&W), I stuck to stacking normal ND filters. So I think the analogy for the variable ND would be with the weather forecast, 'sunny but with the possibility of showers'. It will be interesting to read other comments.

[wparsonsgisnet]

Thanks for the input.  I'll try it cranked up and if I get the problems others warn about, I'll return it and get 2 3-stop ones.  I'll report here.  

[wparsonsgisnet]

BTW, the specs for the vario nd filter on B&W's site, specify that the 46mm filter that I need has a 49mm diameter screw-ring; the filter will fit both my 35mm 'lux or my 50mm 'lux.  My 35 'lux fle has a shade that screws on the outside of the lens and will have to be replaced when using an nd filter because of the clearance between the inner part of the shade and the new, longer lens-with-filter.  The 50 'lux asph has a retractable shade of its own that won't interfere with the new, rubber one that I will need for the 35.

I found this rubber one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VJ7P63B/?coliid=ASIN-B07VJ7P63B-ATVPDKIKX0DER&colid=BDSI5ZFTJ7YJ&psc=1

in a set that comes with 2 shade forms and a lens cap.  I was waiting to see how the vario nd worked before getting the new shade.  This set comes with a round one and a cut-out one for wider lenses.  When I make the decision on the lens, I expect I'll get a 46mm or 49mm lens shade like this set.

Regards to all,   Bill

[stuny]

Good to see you posting again, Bill

[wparsonsgisnet]

The filter came and working with it using artificial light, I don't see any anomalies.  There are not click stops; the filtration change is continuous.  If it's not polarized, as claimed, it's magic.

 I've ordered the collapsable hood and cap.  They'll be here tomorrow and I have an outdoor shoot set for this weekend.  Results will be reported following the shoot.

Best to all,  Bill

[eideticon]

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Reviving an old thread - how did the vario nd filter work out?