This was legitimately the best explanation of how ND filters work. I feel like most channels that discuss this topic only ever go so far as to say something along the lines of “bro, you need an ND filter” without touching on the nuances that can separate which one to get... as well as the situations in which they would be applied.
Thank you for saying that, Clifton! When I teach filmmaking workshops, I get the sense most people haven't used NDs, so there's a lot of confusion about why they're needed, and which ones to buy. I was hoping to solve some of that with this video.
I've wondered if there is a slightly different way to figure out what ND filter to use: 1. Set your camera to manual mode 2. Enter your desired settings 3. Your light meter telling you how far you are over exposed is the filter to use. If it says your exposure is 6 stops over exposed, then use a 6 stop filter.
Sir, Your educational skills are impressive! And having seen hundreds of videos of filming /photo tips here on UA-cam, this is the first time I've had the feeling of suddenly having a 3D screen on my phone watching your video. Thanks! Crisp and clear 👌🏻
I am just getting into film making and cameras and this has been the clearest expaination of an ND filter that I have gotten yet! I also really apreshiate the fact you mentioned the filters you use, gives me a nice guideline which I am very greatful for
Moruanyi Ntsimane: Same here, mate! I had two windows open on my PC [this video, and Amazon], and was about to order a VERY EXPENSIVE nd & cpl combination filter before this video saved me 😉🎊🎉🎈. I decided to go with a kit combination instead (8stop, 64stop, and a CPL), and I bought a 10stop separately, and still all together they were waaaaaay less than what I was about to spend for 1. Isn't UA-cam and this UA-camr great!!!
I can't thank you enough! Your video is succinct and abundantly informative. So far NO ONE has met that bar! I have burned through far too much time to arrive at an abysmally persistent lack of clarity. SUBSCRIBED! 😆
Maybe that's a common knowledge, but no one ever explained how to count stops and how to manipulate it properly on the camera. You are the best I have ever seen. Good stuff!
03:47 Determining which ND Filter to use is what I have been looking for, for quite a while. Thank you Griffin for making this easy to understand. With a quick test I kept coming up with a 5 to 6 stop ND Filter requirement for my Leica 10-25 on my G9 at F1.7, 200 ISO, and pretty much the highest shutter speeds required for a very Sunny afternoon. Interesting new learning curve results for my first try, but I think I understand how to find what ND filters I need; and it sounds like a 5+ stop variable ND Filter is where I will be landing eventually. Bummer that I will have to obstruct light coming into the lens for any reason for Ocean landscape photography and video in Summertime.
Well done Griffin! Best understanding and explanation of how an ND Filter works I've watched!! You helped take the guesswork and made it easy math. Nice to see you startup Indy Mogul again. Thx 🍻
Griffin, great video! I have been using ND filters for about a year. I originally bought a really cheap 3-pack online...didn't want to spend too much $ on something that I might not use very often. Ironically enough, I use them all of the time. I'm so glad I found this video. What a great explanation/education. I'll be upgrading to the Hoya filter you recommend. Thank you for the testing/results, and recommendation.
Griffin, you have produced the best evidence and clear conclusions regarding the useful strengths of ND for large sensor video. Thanks for helping save people from needlessly buying useless ND filters and repeating experiments that you've already settled.
very informative video! and you have skill to explain in a very clean way Mr. Griffin. Big fan of yours. one day i would like meet you in person. Big love from India!
Great video and tutorial. I just started my photography course and this helped a lot :) keep it up. Looking forward to dive in into other video's of yours!
You did a better job explaining this than most of the guys that work at camera stores I've been to. So simple. I think I might get fixed filters instead of a variable. Not sure if you agree, but I mostly shoot on my kit lens (with a diameter of 58mm & my Canon 50mm STM with a 49). I personally love using my prime lens since it's my highest quality lens right now. A mix of Photography & Filmmaking.
My first camera a Sony NXCam came with inbuilt ND filters and the smarts to indicate which ND level to switch on, ND 1, 2 or 3 when shooting in bright conditions. It taught me the value of ND filters. So straightaway I bought a variable ND, for my GH5. Make sure you buy one with its own lens cap!
Hey! Found your channel quite by accident an was so impressed with the ease of your explanations, accompanied by visual demos, that I'm subscribing right off! Thanks for the great work! Looking forward to learning more!
Thank you for taking the time! I'm a complete beginer at this filter business and this was the most practically informative piece on the subject that I found ! I do have one question - which you may already be covering in another video (?) in order to control the image when filming indoors, under standard lighting intensity - would you say that aND2 filter is a good idea ? as an ND8 seems like it may be a bit much to overcome with lighting? Thanks in advance for your reply if you get this, otherwise, may this just be to say thanks ;)
Thanks for the video. Trying to decide on a filter for an f2 22mm lens and deciding how many stops I'll need. I live in the southwest aka basically desert haha
Man, you have no idea how tickled I am to find a filmography-type channel that uses 30fps. Good LORD, I am SO tired of seeing 24. THANK YOU. The only way it could be better is if you break the 180-degree bullcrap and use a 1/40th or 1/50th shutter speed to add back a bit of missing motion blur from 24. Another upside to 1/50th, specifically, is that it will allow you to film in PAL with no flicker.
Wow, really good info here. Thanks for sharing! I'm about to buy ND filters, but I'm hesitating between a set of solid ND (3 and 6 stop) or just one VND. In your experience with solid ND, you usually change the filters many times during the shooting videos? Kind regards
This was legitimately the best explanation of how ND filters work. I feel like most channels that discuss this topic only ever go so far as to say something along the lines of “bro, you need an ND filter” without touching on the nuances that can separate which one to get... as well as the situations in which they would be applied.
Thank you for saying that, Clifton! When I teach filmmaking workshops, I get the sense most people haven't used NDs, so there's a lot of confusion about why they're needed, and which ones to buy. I was hoping to solve some of that with this video.
Can't agree more!!
I have been looking for someone to explain this as eloquently and easy to understand as you did. Thank you very much.
I'm glad you found it useful!
and THAT'S how you do a walkthrough video. adjusting the f stops and putting the filter while recording. Epic.
I've wondered if there is a slightly different way to figure out what ND filter to use:
1. Set your camera to manual mode
2. Enter your desired settings
3. Your light meter telling you how far you are over exposed is the filter to use.
If it says your exposure is 6 stops over exposed, then use a 6 stop filter.
But usually your camera will stop at 3 stops showing you the overexposure (not all of them) so this would not work.
Sir,
Your educational skills are impressive! And having seen hundreds of videos of filming /photo tips here on UA-cam, this is the first time I've had the feeling of suddenly having a 3D screen on my phone watching your video.
Thanks! Crisp and clear 👌🏻
This was the best explainer I've seen for ND Filters. Great job Griffin!
SB Lake Show Thank you!
The explanation is so clear, thank you
I appreciate you saying that!
Thank you! Been trying to figure out what Nd filter I’ll need! This helps a lot, very good simple explanation
The last few minutes of this vid was exactly what I was looking for
I am just getting into film making and cameras and this has been the clearest expaination of an ND filter that I have gotten yet! I also really apreshiate the fact you mentioned the filters you use, gives me a nice guideline which I am very greatful for
Thank you so much! I'm happy to found it helpful.
Cancelled an Amazon order halfway through this video! you saved so much money and so much agony! Thank you! Great content
I'm glad I could help!
Moruanyi Ntsimane: Same here, mate! I had two windows open on my PC [this video, and Amazon], and was about to order a VERY EXPENSIVE nd & cpl combination filter before this video saved me 😉🎊🎉🎈. I decided to go with a kit combination instead (8stop, 64stop, and a CPL), and I bought a 10stop separately, and still all together they were waaaaaay less than what I was about to spend for 1. Isn't UA-cam and this UA-camr great!!!
I can't thank you enough! Your video is succinct and abundantly informative. So far NO ONE has met that bar! I have burned through far too much time to arrive at an abysmally persistent lack of clarity. SUBSCRIBED! 😆
Danielle, I'm so happy to hear that! Good luck in your filmmaking journey.
Maybe that's a common knowledge, but no one ever explained how to count stops and how to manipulate it properly on the camera. You are the best I have ever seen. Good stuff!
03:47 Determining which ND Filter to use is what I have been looking for, for quite a while. Thank you Griffin for making this easy to understand. With a quick test I kept coming up with a 5 to 6 stop ND Filter requirement for my Leica 10-25 on my G9 at F1.7, 200 ISO, and pretty much the highest shutter speeds required for a very Sunny afternoon. Interesting new learning curve results for my first try, but I think I understand how to find what ND filters I need; and it sounds like a 5+ stop variable ND Filter is where I will be landing eventually. Bummer that I will have to obstruct light coming into the lens for any reason for Ocean landscape photography and video in Summertime.
Perfect!
Straight to the bam bam!
No need of a collegial cursus with water and mesh explanations!
All we need is
Numbers means what and situations!
Well done Griffin! Best understanding and explanation of how an ND Filter works I've watched!! You helped take the guesswork and made it easy math. Nice to see you startup Indy Mogul again.
Thx 🍻
INSANELY helpful wow. subbed because of this lol
Glad to hear it, Kevin!
Griffin, great video! I have been using ND filters for about a year. I originally bought a really cheap 3-pack online...didn't want to spend too much $ on something that I might not use very often. Ironically enough, I use them all of the time. I'm so glad I found this video. What a great explanation/education. I'll be upgrading to the Hoya filter you recommend.
Thank you for the testing/results, and recommendation.
Don't get variable ND filter， they are all horrible.
Short and concise - much appreciated summary for someone with no prior knowledge!
Griffin, you have produced the best evidence and clear conclusions regarding the useful strengths of ND for large sensor video. Thanks for helping save people from needlessly buying useless ND filters and repeating experiments that you've already settled.
Best explanation out there for nd filters….omgggg
Thanks for explaining this 🙏
Glad I could help!
Really helpful. As a beginner I really understand the stop calculation
Man, this was exactly what I needed. Thank you.
Glad I could help!
one of the best and simplest videos to understand! thank you
Oh, wow everything I needed to know in 5 minutes.
Dude, thank you. I finally understood everything about exposure in general, including how the F-Stop numbers affect exposure mathematically
Got a recommendation between an ND2-32 and an ND8-128? Ideally for a f1.4 both indoors and outdoors
So glad I've found this tutorial, great help!
Hoya, Hama, Sigma did great 👍 filters for mirror back in the day
This is the best explained video I have found on the subject. Thank you for sharing!
Awesome video! Thanks!
Griffin, thank you for such a concise, informative and visually pleasing tutorial on ND Filters - I hit subscribe about two minutes in!
i been having trouble with f stops and i came across your video. this was really helpful . thank you.
The Yashica filter reminds me of when I put welding glass in front of my camera. Probably was made of the same glass.
My absolute favorite camera gear-do. Thank you very much!
very informative video! and you have skill to explain in a very clean way Mr. Griffin. Big fan of yours. one day i would like meet you in person. Big love from India!
Thank you so much!!!!! I love your work keep it up!!!!
Thank you so much for this, I just found out I bought a 10 stop😮💨🙄
Subscribed because of how to-the-point AND well-explained this was with a live example. Perfect! Thank you!!
Thank you, A J!
Great video and tutorial. I just started my photography course and this helped a lot :) keep it up. Looking forward to dive in into other video's of yours!
Great explanation, thanks!
This video was so well produced and extremely useful.
Thank you for a very good and simple explanation of ND filters.
You did a better job explaining this than most of the guys that work at camera stores I've been to. So simple. I think I might get fixed filters instead of a variable. Not sure if you agree, but I mostly shoot on my kit lens (with a diameter of 58mm & my Canon 50mm STM with a 49). I personally love using my prime lens since it's my highest quality lens right now. A mix of Photography & Filmmaking.
Thank you so much! Shooting on primes is so much fun, and I like working with fixed NDs, even though it requires more forethought into each shot.
Wow so legit and based on science not by feeling like others lol
Thank you so much
My first camera a Sony NXCam came with inbuilt ND filters and the smarts to indicate which ND level to switch on, ND 1, 2 or 3 when shooting in bright conditions. It taught me the value of ND filters. So straightaway I bought a variable ND, for my GH5. Make sure you buy one with its own lens cap!
Brother 🎈, so nice video. You did awesome job in explaining. Thanks
You don't know how useful this video was thank you 🙏
finally someone explained that great! thx xoxo!
Very useful - thank you for all your help through the years!
Thanks man! Good stuff. Thanks for keeping it simple. Great explanation.
Hey! Found your channel quite by accident an was so impressed with the ease of your explanations, accompanied by visual demos, that I'm subscribing right off! Thanks for the great work! Looking forward to learning more!
Thank you!
By far the best explanation
Thanks mate
Love the vid, it's explained pretty well, thank you.🥰😇
Best explanation video I have ever came across!! Thank you Griffin. I am subscribing for more videos like this.
The recommended Hoya NDX8 filter is still available on B&H with a ton of 5-star ratings. Thanks.
holy shit, i watched too much vids and yours helped. only yours
4:28 no freakin way that was planned and it went SOO smoooth!
Ha ha, it's usually effective to cut during motion. (I bet I DID plan for that edit, but probably meant to do it with the same hand!)
This video is great! Exactly what I needed to hear!
that's awesome VLog. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for taking the time! I'm a complete beginer at this filter business and this was the most practically informative piece on the subject that I found ! I do have one question - which you may already be covering in another video (?) in order to control the image when filming indoors, under standard lighting intensity - would you say that aND2 filter is a good idea ? as an ND8 seems like it may be a bit much to overcome with lighting?
Thanks in advance for your reply if you get this, otherwise, may this just be to say thanks ;)
Thanks, that was very helpful explanation and explained simply.
Thanks for this video!
That was simple and very useful. Thanks.
Nice shot of big cottonwood canyon
Very helpful guidr thank you. I am choosing the nd 64
2:40 for the walk-through of the three filters to have for shooting video (ND8, ND64, ND1000)
plain and easy explanation, thank you!
Thank you so much for this. Incredibly useful and well put together. You now have a new subscriber 😁
Thank you so much for the contents.
Which nd filter is best for reducing rolling shutter?
Yea, this exactly the video I needed to educate myself, thank you so much
Thanks
thank you， i bought hoya nd filters
Great video thank you !
I need a recommendation for water blur in landscapes in the daytime...
Thanks for the video. Trying to decide on a filter for an f2 22mm lens and deciding how many stops I'll need. I live in the southwest aka basically desert haha
This video was extremely useful! Thank you
I appreciate you saying that, Maurice!
so helpful
Lovely!! Thank you so much!!
Brilliant , best video on ND filters I have seen.
Thank you!
Thank you this was extremely helpful!
Fantastic video! Well done!
Thank you so much very well explain
Man, you have no idea how tickled I am to find a filmography-type channel that uses 30fps. Good LORD, I am SO tired of seeing 24. THANK YOU. The only way it could be better is if you break the 180-degree bullcrap and use a 1/40th or 1/50th shutter speed to add back a bit of missing motion blur from 24. Another upside to 1/50th, specifically, is that it will allow you to film in PAL with no flicker.
Amazing video as usual, keep it up griffin!
Really useful thanks man❤❤❤❤
Gracias. Buena explicación.
best explained video on nd filters. keep doing the good work :)
how about moondog filter for iphone
Wow, really good info here. Thanks for sharing! I'm about to buy ND filters, but I'm hesitating between a set of solid ND (3 and 6 stop) or just one VND. In your experience with solid ND, you usually change the filters many times during the shooting videos? Kind regards
Im stuck on this at the moment. What did you end up choosing?
Easy to understand ! Thank you for Sharing !
This video needs more views and likes! Good info! You earned a subscriber!
Joe Lee Thank you!
Great video. Why does 1.4-2 equal 1 stop of light and 2-2.8 equal another?
This is such a fantastic video
good video
ND-Mogul ;-)
You may also reduce ISO to 200 or 100, with a better image quality. Just booked a variable 5 stops filter (ie: ND2-ND32).
Thank's for this video ! It helped me a lot !