28-45 with var. ND filters

zobeleye · 06-16-2016, 05:23 AM

Hi Guys,

on the verge of buying the beast I am wondering about practicality issues with this lens.
those who own it, what is your take on using it with variable ND-filters ?
I've read in the forum lensbase that the filters are not easily screwed in/turned with the hood on, is that right ?
but I'm thinking I can screw in/ turn the filter and then attach the hood, right?

any comments appreciated

cheers
Stephan

mazwick · 06-16-2016, 05:35 AM

Hi there,
most variable ND filters have a front element, which is a few mm larger than the diameter of the lens. This avoids any vignetting. Therefore you cannot use the hood anyway.

For all other filters (protection, grey, polarizer etc) I never have problems using the hood. However it is a pity that the hood does not have the opening to rotate the polarizer, a handy feature of the older FA lenses.

martin

**MJSfoto1956** · 06-16-2016, 05:51 AM

not a fan of variable ND filters -- especially with wide lenses. I carry three ND filters: 3 stops, 6 stops, and 9 stops. With that combination I can cover most bases. Yes, it is not as convenient as a variable ND, but the quality and consistency is better. Cheaper too.

YMMV

Michael

zobeleye · 06-18-2016, 10:12 AM

HI Mazwick and Michael,
have you actually used the 28-45 with a variable ND-filter ?

I find my Heliopan 0.3 to 1.8 to be ok until about 6 stops, then the blues disappear.
but I need to know to what outer diameter the filter can have, so that I'll still be able to screw it on without having to remove the hood, or leave the hood off completely, which would be a pity.

cheers
Stephan

**MJSfoto1956** · 06-18-2016, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by zobeleye

HI Mazwick and Michael,
have you actually used the 28-45 with a variable ND-filter ?

I find my Heliopan 0.3 to 1.8 to be ok until about 6 stops, then the blues disappear.
but I need to know to what outer diameter the filter can have, so that I'll still be able to screw it on without having to remove the hood, or leave the hood off completely, which would be a pity.

My experience is with a Nikkor 24-85mm and 24-120mm.
At the long end, no problems.
However, at the wide ends you get distinct "patterns" as you get darker.

Michael

itshimitis · 06-20-2016, 02:23 AM

The hood on the 28-45 isn't 82mm. It's a bit wider. The filter thread on the lens is 82mm. When the lens hood fell from my 28 - 45 into the sea 18 months ago, I tried to use the hood from my FA35 and it wouldn't fit. So there is a little more space on the front of the lens to move polarisers etc.

mazwick · 06-20-2016, 02:48 AM

I checked it with my lens. I do not use Helipan but haida, and lightcraft

The hood fits over the filter, but to screw it on the lens and rotate the filter you have to have long and thin fingers...... definitly tricky

I do not recommend it. I bought a cheap filter with the right filter thread and I am happy that way.

martin

---------- Post added 06-20-16 at 11:49 AM ----------

I forgot,
I use it regularly and it works fine, you just have to know when the x shapes are start to appear. But thats is happening with all lenses.

06-16-2016, 05:23 AM	#1
zobeleye Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 85	28-45 with var. ND filters Hi Guys, on the verge of buying the beast I am wondering about practicality issues with this lens. those who own it, what is your take on using it with variable ND-filters ? I've read in the forum lensbase that the filters are not easily screwed in/turned with the hood on, is that right ? but I'm thinking I can screw in/ turn the filter and then attach the hood, right? any comments appreciated cheers Stephan

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06-16-2016, 05:35 AM	#2
mazwick Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 30	Hi there, most variable ND filters have a front element, which is a few mm larger than the diameter of the lens. This avoids any vignetting. Therefore you cannot use the hood anyway. For all other filters (protection, grey, polarizer etc) I never have problems using the hood. However it is a pity that the hood does not have the opening to rotate the polarizer, a handy feature of the older FA lenses. martin

06-16-2016, 05:51 AM	#3
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	not a fan of variable ND filters -- especially with wide lenses. I carry three ND filters: 3 stops, 6 stops, and 9 stops. With that combination I can cover most bases. Yes, it is not as convenient as a variable ND, but the quality and consistency is better. Cheaper too. YMMV Michael

06-18-2016, 10:12 AM	#4
zobeleye Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 85 Original Poster	HI Mazwick and Michael, have you actually used the 28-45 with a variable ND-filter ? I find my Heliopan 0.3 to 1.8 to be ok until about 6 stops, then the blues disappear. but I need to know to what outer diameter the filter can have, so that I'll still be able to screw it on without having to remove the hood, or leave the hood off completely, which would be a pity. cheers Stephan

06-18-2016, 11:21 AM	#5
MJSfoto1956 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 1,305	Originally posted by zobeleye HI Mazwick and Michael, have you actually used the 28-45 with a variable ND-filter ? I find my Heliopan 0.3 to 1.8 to be ok until about 6 stops, then the blues disappear. but I need to know to what outer diameter the filter can have, so that I'll still be able to screw it on without having to remove the hood, or leave the hood off completely, which would be a pity. My experience is with a Nikkor 24-85mm and 24-120mm. At the long end, no problems. However, at the wide ends you get distinct "patterns" as you get darker. Michael

06-20-2016, 02:23 AM	#6
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	The hood on the 28-45 isn't 82mm. It's a bit wider. The filter thread on the lens is 82mm. When the lens hood fell from my 28 - 45 into the sea 18 months ago, I tried to use the hood from my FA35 and it wouldn't fit. So there is a little more space on the front of the lens to move polarisers etc.

06-20-2016, 02:48 AM	#7
mazwick Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 30	I checked it with my lens. I do not use Helipan but haida, and lightcraft The hood fits over the filter, but to screw it on the lens and rotate the filter you have to have long and thin fingers...... definitly tricky I do not recommend it. I bought a cheap filter with the right filter thread and I am happy that way. martin ---------- Post added 06-20-16 at 11:49 AM ---------- I forgot, I use it regularly and it works fine, you just have to know when the x shapes are start to appear. But thats is happening with all lenses.