Using ND filters with my 18-55 VR

[996GT2]

I'm about to get a .6 ND filter for my 18-55mm VR from Amazon, but was wondering if the rotation of the lens element during focusing would affect the filter.

I know some graduated filters have a darker top half; is this true of ND filters as well?

 

[magomago]

are you sure that the front of the lens rotates?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

No, it will not affect anything. An ND filter is the same darkness throughout, unlike Split ND filters, which have a darker half and a lighter half, and are usually rectangular to boot.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: magomago
are you sure that the front of the lens rotates?

Yeah, the front of my 18-55 VR rotates during focusing (not zooming). My 50mm f/1.8 doesn't rotate during focus, but it's a less useful lens for the kinds of landscape shots that usually require an ND filter.

Good to know that it won't affect ND filters, though. Thanks fuzzy

 

[996GT2]

One more question: if I'm planning to use the ND filter for landscape shots in sunlight, wouldn't a graduated ND (half dark->clear) to give more sky detail?

How would I use such a filter with the rotating front end of my 18-55? The rotation is only about 35 degrees from infinity focus to close focus.

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
One more question: if I'm planning to use the ND filter for landscape shots in sunlight, wouldn't a graduated ND (half dark->clear) to give more sky detail?

How would I use such a filter with the rotating front end of my 18-55? The rotation is only about 35 degrees from infinity focus to close focus.

Depends on the scene.

Ideally you want square grad-ND filters in a holder.

I recommend the Lee filters. They allow you to position the graduation at any position instead of being forced to use straight down the middle like most screw-on filters.

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
One more question: if I'm planning to use the ND filter for landscape shots in sunlight, wouldn't a graduated ND (half dark->clear) to give more sky detail?

How would I use such a filter with the rotating front end of my 18-55? The rotation is only about 35 degrees from infinity focus to close focus.

A graduated ND filter would let you pull the sky into correct exposure, but a better technique is to take two shots from a tripod: one to expose the terrain, and one to expose the sky. That way you aren't limited to the horizon line of the ND filter, which often isn't where you want it in the frame and doesn't follow something like mountains on the horizon.

If you do use a polarizing or graduated ND filter on a lens with a rotating front element, you should first zoom, then focus, then adjust the filter.

 

[angry hampster]

Don't get a screw-on split-ND. They're a pain in the butt and give you no creative control. Get a Cokin P-series filter holder and adapter ring (52mm), and get a .9 or .6 soft edge grad ND my by HiTech. Get both here:
http://www.2filter.com/

2Filter's a great site with a solid reputation. Make sure you don't get Cokin filters. They have a color cast. HiTech, Lee, and more expensive brands are true neutral.