ND Filter Question for SL2-S and 50mm Summilux-SL

[Dr. G]

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I'm going to Anguilla where I will be shooting on the beach in full sun.  I'm fairly certain that even at 1/16,000 it will be impossible to shoot wide open at f/1.4 with the Summilux-SL.  I don't have 82mm ND filters,  Would a 3-stop be sufficient or should I get a 6-stop ND filter?

[BernardC]

45 minutes ago, Dr. G said:

I'm going to Anguilla where I will be shooting on the beach in full sun.  I'm fairly certain that even at 1/16,000 it will be impossible to shoot wide open at f/1.4 with the Summilux-SL.  I don't have 82mm ND filters,  Would a 3-stop be sufficient or should I get a 6-stop ND filter?

Using the "Sunny 16" rule, daylight full-sun exposure is roughly 1/125 at f:00 and EI 100. That corresponds to 1/16,000 at f:1.4.

I would still bring a weak ND, because the Sunny 16 rule is based on Rochester NY latitudes, and Anguilla is much closer to the Equator. A 2 or 3 stop (0.6 or 0.9) should be fine. It will also protect your front element from sand and salt water.

[tangosix]

I just returned for Isla Mujeres and without a ND filter the the lowest fstop possible was 2.8 to 3.4 during full sun.  The mistake I made was not considering how much reflected light from white buildings, rock and sand would increase the brightness.  It was brutal. 

The flip side is that images captured under patios and shade were some of the sharpest and vibrant I have ever experienced.  

The trade-off is being able to capture the cafes and shaded areas during the day without touching the filter of course. 

 

[robb]

I’d say a 6 stop.  I also have those for video needs.

Robb

[Olaf_ZG]

2 hours ago, robb said:

I’d say a 6 stop.

Robb

+1

if I want to shoot full open, i would rather shoot on 800iso in some darker areas than not be able to reach 1.4 at all.

[trickness]

I shoot my M 50 Lux wide open all the time on my SL2 in very bright daylight and have never used an ND filter

[robb]

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I know my 50 1.0 had some difficulty in many areas outside.  I had to shoot iso 50 I think to ease that but still liked having the ND.  

Robb

[Ken Abrahams]

In Australia the sunlight is harsh even when it appears in winter months but less so than our "brutal" summer. To shoot the Summilux M 1.4 on my SL's I need to use a 6 stop ND but you might get away with a   3 stop. Take both for those situations,

Ken  

[tangosix]

Can we discuss polarizers and the effects or benefits of using one in an island environment? 

What would be the benefits?