Neutral density filters?
I want to shoot moving water and get that “silky” look, but since I have to leave the shutter open for so long, wayy too much light comes in.
I’ve heard that a neutral density filters will fix this.
But I don’t know anything about them. Like, how do you know which one you need?
Any help?
Also, how do you attach?
It seems that these filters are just thin pieces of plastic. How do they stay on the camera lens?
A neutral density filter is basically sunglasses for your lens. It reduces the amount of light entering the lens without affecting color. The filter will be marked with a measurement of how much light it will stop. For example, 2x, 4x, and 8x. 2x reduces light by 1 F-stop, 4x by 2 F-stops, and 8x by 3 F-stops. Just lower your shutter speed instead of adjusting F-stop when you check the light meter.
You can get these filters in what is called a “screw-on” mount. This means that the filter has a screw thread on the back of the frame that screws onto your camera lens. Each lens has a different diameter and that is how you size the filters. This diameter will be marked in mm on the end of your lens (it is NOT the lens focal length). For example, some common diameters are 77mm and 52mm.
Different manufacturer’s use different materials. Some use plastic frames and others use metal. Tiffen is a reliable brand as is B+W. Sunpak is also making a name for themselves with their new entries into the filter arena (they are respected flash manufacturers).
You can find neutral density filters at most camera stores. Online, Adorama carries a good selection.
http://www.adorama.com/searchsite/default.aspx?searchinfo=neutral%20density%20filter
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