Are ND Filters a Waste of Time for Video?

How important are ND filters for video? We like our blurry backgrounds, so usually people just expose with shutter speed, but that does introduce jerky motion that isn't very pleasing results. So the only real solution is to either stop down for less Toneh (illegal) or use an ND filter. ND filters introduce their own problems though, vignetting, color shifts, your lens cap no longer working etc.
Let's test out both a variable ND and a fixed ND1000 to see which is better. Variable ND's usually vignette more, are bigger, and you can't use your lens hood which introduces lens flares. The fixed ND filter depending on the strength might not be perfect for vlogging situations outdoors.
K&F Concept sent me both a variable nd and a fixed nd to test, there's coupons down below!
1.1 ND1000 on Amazon: amzn.to/2OQLIBF
1.2 ND8-ND128 on Amazon: amzn.to/39pRgNa
Use the code: B2DLGB6J get 20%OFF until 2020.08.31
2.1 ND1000 on KF webshop:www.kentfaith.com/search_%20K...
2.2 ND8-ND128 on KF webshop: www.kentfaith.com/KF01.1077?u...
Use the code: KF10US get 10%OFF until 2020.08.31
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[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

"Am I gonna be on TV?" "On KZbin. It's like TV. Just as good!" *Lady in blue walks away unimpressed* Now THAT'S good content!

[@james_3828]

I was the kid at the beginning on the blue scooter

[@yezhacker]

1:56 the disappointment when you said "KZbin." 🤣

[@toddmcgowan9449]

The IBIS was terrific when you had the lens cap on!!!

[@RohitSingh-eu3xv]

Colors as well.

[@MikeKasprzak]

We could see the true color of the darkness in your heart.

[@TheConvectuoso]

ND filter of Infinity

[@francisschweitzer8431]

ISO 10,000,000,000

[@juanjosealegret]

Hi, what lens did you used?

[@mrdangerdave]

1:44 My, oh my! If only the camera was a little bit blurry on that woman's shirt! 😲Too sharp and pointy😲 My eyes will never be the same again! 😳

[@moetarded7757]

Some pasties for that lady. Lol

[@StarshipGhost]

Now that motion blur looks much better. K&F has the best budget variable ND if you don't want to buy that expensive Polar Pro one.

[@eszesfilms1651]

or slr magic 1.6 to 8 stop. Sharp, no x pattern, only problem is a slight warm tone but its better than magenta or green (in my opinion) But yeah its a litte bit higher price. I have K&F 2-5 stop. Its good for price just not enought for me for bright sunlight so SLR magic maybe on the way soon to me.

[@InvertedHermit]

The best way I’ve found on my Fuji XT3, is to set the aperture and shutter manually and then with an ND filter on, set the ISO so that it can drop at least 2 stops darker. That way it can still drop the iso to expose you correctly when you step into a bright scene. I hope that made sense. Anyways, it seems to work fine for me.

[@amirulizzad6122]

The motion blur is definitely better with the filters but the color and sharpness definitely suffered. And the exposure transition when using iso priority is actually smooth... You just need better ND filter

[@Herfinnur]

I commented this on your last video in more detail, but it bears repeating: I prefer adding motion blur in post with Davinci. It's fast and easy, looks just as good as the real thing, means you don't have to worry about it while filming and if you need to grab stills from your daylight video they will all be sharp

[@apexcreations1817]

I use those guys. Very respectable filters AND a good price. Affiliate links below... I forgot I don't have affiliate links. I got excited. I'm sorry.

[@JF..]

🔥

[@capturedbyfabian]

Damn that was a good test. The sharpness dropped right away big time when you slapped that ND.

[@TwoOneSe7en]

This is honestly one of the cleanest and best looking videos you’ve ever uploaded. I thought it looked great, man.

[@finnillson4808]

There will never be perfect auto exposure until we have electronic variable NDs in our camera like the Sony FX9 has.

[@mani-rc2tv]

And that isn’t possible with IBIS in consumer cameras. They should make one regardless for those of us who don’t need IBIS.!

[@kovoulis]

And the sony zv-1

[@koolkutz7]

Agreed. They should be inevery camera that I want to buy from now on!

[@cameraconspiracies]

K&F Concept sent me both a variable nd and a fixed nd to test, there's coupons down below! ND1000 on Amazon: amzn.to/2OQLIBF ND8-ND128 on Amazon: amzn.to/39pRgNa Use the code: B2DLGB6J get 20%OFF until 2020.08.31 ND1000 on KF webshop:www.kentfaith.com/search_%20KF01.976?YB&KF01.976&Kasey ND8-ND128 on KF webshop: www.kentfaith.com/KF01.1077?YB&KF01.1077&Kasey Use the code: KF10US get 10%OFF until 2020.08.31 Today's setup can be bought through my affiliate links guaranteeing the Fuji cult will accept you with open arms. Fuji XT4 with 18-55mm f2.8-4 amzn.to/3f24UHk Samyang 12mm f2 amzn.to/3hFju9c I think maybe an ND128 or ND200, maybe even ND400 would be best for vlogging in harsh sunlight. Variable ND's often vignette at the darker settings, and the fixed ND's are smaller and can usually fit your lens hood on to prevent flaring, which this lens unfortunately suffers from.

[@1BigBucks1]

The variable did vignette and the colors didn't seem quite as good. Shutter speed was improved. That slo-mo looks great every time.

[@xjet]

Oh... oh... after tee-shirt lady I had to rush straight to the comments to see what had been said :-)

[@chiquita683]

We know why you came, pun intended

[@PraneelRamanan30]

the first line of the video itself made me laugh... high quality sarcasm....

[@itsmeRizzG]

Serious improvement over your normal auto shutter! For the love of film school, please keep using one for your reviews!

[@annihilationtextofficialca8941]

I've been using K&F for awhile, no complaints. I always grab the lower cost ones and they seem to help out decently.

[@rj45ac]

I really love your type of humor. :))

[@dannyjonze]

Breaking new ground here, vlogging with the lens cap on.

[@francisschweitzer8431]

How to Vlog during a Super Nova... with Lens Cap on

[@thebunn]

It looks so much smoother. Nice!

[@gregtoope]

I use the K&F variable ND as well. I find the best way to use it if you arent in full manual is to expose for what will be your brightest area and then set your iso to auto. then if you happen to walk in a shadow the camera will up the iso just a bit to compensate. But at least you get the aperture and shutter that you wanted. Overall I'm very happy with the K&F filters!.

[@JoeMustang99]

I buy and use the Freewell 2-5 and 6-9 stop variable ND's. They work fine on an Olympus 12-100 and 300 lenses and seem to be very well made. Narrower range eliminates most of the problems associated with the older style VND. I just leave the 2-5 on my most used lenses all the time.

[@Barncore]

Your improv is hilarious. Love it

[@mcmoose64]

Thanks man , I am looking for a variable ND at the moment . I have a number of K&F products and have found them to hit the sweet spot for price and quality.

[@PhotoGearFun]

Congrats on 10 million views my friend!

[@gkochanowsky]

Your video quality just keeps getting better all the time.

[@hooptiejones]

I knew what an ND filter would do for stills. Now that I'm about to purchase my first video capable camera, this video changed the game for me. I never thought what it could do for video (specifically motion blur; which, is something I'm quite sensitive to). Looking back, it makes perfect sense. Now I'm even more excited.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

I'm just discovering ND's and variable ND's now (what a noob!) Thanks for the video, mate!

[@AdityaVarma]

Hey Casey! Best looking video on this channel. Welcome to cinema!!

[@SteveWB]

The main problem I have with ND filters is like what you mentioned. When your brightness changes a lot you are constantly under or over exposed if in full manual. I think they ND's were intended more for static shots or cinematic use and not so much vlogging. Great video glad you made this one and try to get a refund on that Fuji or use it for a door stop. Panasonic is your friend quit hiding from the perfect camera!!

[@SteveWB]

I like my own comments cause no one else will....lol

[@SteveWB]

I liked that one too!

[@SteveWB]

This is getting out of hand....

[@petouser]

Nice new shirt. You can even use it as a grey card.

[@philsag]

It made the sharpness and colours noticeably softer. I actually didn't mind it though. Some people might even call it "cinematic" - I wouldn't, I hate that word.

[@Liowen]

A ND 1000 is usually for long exposure photography to get the light circles of doom, for vloging it is a bit much. A lot depends on what f/stop (Toneh) you are aiming for, in most cases ND 8, 16, 32, and 64 should cover different amounts of light (higher being daylight lower being more overcast). The variable is nice as you can change it on the fly (ie walking) but for static outdoors I would go fixed. Personally I would leave the ISO in auto to not have to worry about it, the shutter speed should be fine locked if you do that imho.

[@rockyrails]

Love the look with the cap on lmao - I do like the footage a ton more with the shutter at 1/48th - seems to have less warppieeee stuff - them again I could be totally making that up

[@panmaew]

Noticeable color cast on the variable ND which is also susceptible to flare causing a lack of contrast. The 1000x fixed ND seems OK aside from being far too strong.

[@JacobStoneFilms]

I have the SLR Magic variable ND and love it. Better color than the stiffen equivalent and it comes with its own cap. :)

[@Sushanttechworld]

Love from India, your videos are very funny yet informative, keep up the good work

[@bogman192]

first video i've seen of yers - one funny guy. merci.

[@angelophan]

You could get a 6 stop ND, and let auto-ISO handle the exposure. 10 stop might be too much. I think KF has a 6-9 stop variable as well. Auto-exposure might not be perfect, but if ISO is the only variable, it could be good enough to get you back to focusing on content. Motion blur was nice. I think it's easily worth letting ISO be the only variable.

[@JamieFenn]

yea the corners vignette but i dont think you can get rid of that with any ND all the way up like that.

[@aamsergie]

What I love about Kasey’s video is they are All IDENTICAL. doesn’t matter if he’s shooting on an R5 or a webcam attached to a laptop. Nice job showing people you can get consistent vlog with a $100 setup or $3000 setup

[@TriWaZe]

Motion blur is certainly more pleasing, however at the cost of the colors dulling and a decent amount of vignetting. Not sure it's worth all that hassle.

[@CamsCampbell]

I got a Tiffen variable and returned it because of the x factor. I replaced with the K&F and like that better. I think it's the same one you tested here.

[@spex357]

I received the 8-128ND one last week and am impressed with the tool, bar the fact the front isn't threaded. I thought I'd try it on my full spectrum camera which has about ten more stops of light to play with, but it acts as a variable pink ND filter on there, and at 128 the frame is mainly bright Red, and the blue sky has totally disappeared.

[@idencarlomanalo4497]

NICE LENS, YOU NAILED THE MANUAL ADJUSTMENT AGAIN.

[@Hangs4Fun]

"So does that look worse? I mean better... Uhhh, your mom's better" LOL

[@sang3Eta]

HOW TO DO THIS: Use shutter priority and set shutter speed to 2x frame rate, for sweet motion. Fix the f-stop but let the ISO float. Use the variable ND filter if the sun blows out your zebras. Film in a flat profile and grade later.

[@film35guy]

i've always filmed in manual, didn't even know i could film in the other modes tbh lol. will try ur set up, makes so much sense! thanks bro!

[@stephenhowe316]

The Olympus had the best features for casual filming. Manual settings are more suited to specific projects with time to plan each sequence. Let's hope Japan Investment Partners improve the processor, video codecs and bitrate? The XT4 looked more pleasing in 48 shutter, but it 's a fuss each time to correct white balance and exposure. There was some slight vignetting with the Variable at its maximum, but that can work like Toneh to help frame the subject. I thought the IBIS wobble was slightly less irritating today. May be the added weight of the ND filter helped reduce camera shake? When the exposure, focus and shutter were good, the XT4 image quality looked very pleasing.

[@flyerbluedog]

He’s so cinematographic right now! :)

[@divyamkanojia3033]

You are amazing Kasey 👍

[@jorgenbjorn]

It's way more pleasing to look at with motionblur. It was quite dark in the corners though 🤗

[@koolkutz7]

With the K&F filter there was a color shift, some sharpness loss and a bit of dark vignetting in the corners. The crazy 10 stop was way too much power for you to handle! For video outdoors I use manual mode, 1/50th sec (as I am shooting 25p), F5.6, ISO 100, starting with a Hoya ND8 (3 stops), and then adjust as I go along. I have other fixed ND filters but of course not as convenient as variable. I have tried the K&F variable ND which was average and was not very good when using telephoto lenses (which is a lot for me).

[@gabeminetti]

*Serious comment, I know it's weird:* I love what you do and back it up 100%, however I have to say this is probably the best your video has ever looked... Please keep using manual settings and ND filters :D

[@JapanLovers]

best looking video yet 👌

[@EverydayFamilyFL]

What profile were you shooting on? Great vid, just curious. Got my XT 4 last week, and still getting used to it. Use KF filters, happy to see them getting some KZbin love

[@FocalPoint-xh6bi]

Looks great.

[@ChristianoGioacchini]

The filter ruined your sharpness and color.

[@chiyolate]

The contrast, it becomes soft especially when there is a bright source of light.

[@ChristianoGioacchini]

Chiyo Late true yes!

[@oscarm4154]

Looks like crappo that nd 😂

[@drfunkmaster]

Color turned to crap

[@techtutorial9050]

It looks overexposed for some reason

[@rawkista]

Didnt see any motion blur 😂 and the filter kinda ruined the fuji color

[@leledreher]

for framerates up to 30 I think the 1/(fps*2) rule makes for much more pleasing motion, for 48+fps it doesn't really matter. just go open shutter when you need the light, go shorter if you need less

[@idzardkruizinga]

Looks really good this lens

[@xjet]

When are you vloggers ever going to learn that real film is the only way to vlog. Super-8 is a fantastic format, especially if you record your audio separately on a wax cylinder! Old-skool Rox! :-)

[@aransamson]

this is the funniest thing i've read all day haha!

[@modiartstudio]

I have K&F variable ND filter, 8-128 stops, no X spot and I can confirm this is the best one you can get for around 50£ from Amazon (UK). Nice cinematic style and great response when you turn the ring for darkness level. You can’t go wrong with it !!!

[@amirulbimo289]

Compared to knf nd 2-400 which one better?

[@findyourride1171]

Footage looks good! I'd rather have the manual iso and clouds (looks natural) than stepping.

[@LazyMitchell]

Firmware 1.03 supposedly fixes the stepping exposure.

[@drfunkmaster]

I like the t-shirt. I must order!

[@ive595]

Wow! I thought I was at the cinema! Just a bit hazy in some shots.

[@drsatindertravelandlifesty2613]

Brother which is best 📷 best for vlog as well as some cinematic

[@robbieedwardes1615]

Variable ND filters aren't great but a 4 and 8 stop should work for you and just let ISO float. Also 1000ND is 10 stops, and the warpy stuff is smoother.

[@thinkreset8612]

Broo,love your videos,. could you make a video of the current state of photography? How people just shoot raw and photoshop the hell out of it and add filters. also Sony reveal tomorrow!

[@bikecommuter24]

I always set my exsposing and outputure manually and my Toneh to 2.8 . 😆 I use K&F Concepts Variable ND and CPL no problems so far and I got their UV filters on my lenses. For the money they work fine. I found if I put my ND fitter on my UV filter and go to the lowest focal length on my zoom lens I will get vignetting but go out a few mm's no problems. My caps fit on my filters. I use a Sony a6600 and mostly with the 18-135mm zoom lens, a Sigma 16mm is on the way though. ✌️

[@joevose6601]

You should try the ND filter on the Fuji lenses, the warpy stuff looked loads better

[@triplescale]

manfrotto has magnetic lens rings wich you can put on your ND filter and your lens to put it on/off quickly

[@barnseymedia]

"its like TV" bahaha great vid.

[@TyRonKitzeRow]

I use a ND64 on my Fuji lens and shoot at 24.98 /48ss outside with a great look

[@mikepawlikguitar]

Kasey, I have a question for you, and I value your opinion. Do you think personally that 2 fixed NDs are decent enough for the RF 24-105mm f/4L since it's fixed @ f/4? I am thinking of getting one ND8 and one ND64. The ND64 will be in order to maintain the 180-degree rule on the brightest days, and maybe some artistic photography, and the ND8 of course for times when the light is becoming less than it was at, say, midday. Thanks man! And keep up the awesome videos. You make me laugh and 'brighten my day' haha pun FULLY intended. EDIT* I should ask, if I just go with the 6-stop ND, the ND64, I suppose I can just bump the ISO anyway if it's too dark.

[@zolisomi9319]

Now I already believe that You are a person. So far the motion was so androidish.... This motion blur is amazing! So cinematic! ...with tonie 1.8 WOW! :D

[@HonestFred]

Good ol Broadview and Danforth; at night you might actually see some aliens

[@Jocoseman]

24fps I've found while it's looking pleasant and smooth, it'll negatively impact the stabilization performance because of the motion blur: the stabilization (especially digital) can get more noticeable and distracting in the video. Higher fps like 30 or 60 with higher shutter speeds (to get the "correct" motion blur) will improve things. But your video looks great, didn't notice it nearly as much as on other videos elsewhere

[@oskarlin]

This is maybe the best looking video you ever made.

[@moetarded7757]

Try K&F polerized/ND filter in GoPro with Ulanzi cage. Love it. super wide with stabilizer will have edge of filter in the corners if you move real fast. But the picture balance is better.

[@Skrenja]

I don’t see the point of an ND on a GoPro. Don’t you NOT want motion blur when filming sports and stuff?

[@moetarded7757]

@@Skrenja your right. But use it when I shoot my kids at the park. "Shoot" I mean film. Lol

[@dimilazaridis]

I have the X-T3 and just received the Samyang on the weekend, bought based on the Fuji Rumours site as well LOL. I use a step-up ring for a 77mm K&F ultra slim ND filter and find I don't get the darker corners due to the larger filter. Just started playing with it so it remains to be seen how it ends up.

[@ZoeandDarren]

Yes! It's about time you made a video about NDs!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@willcrespo24]

You can definitely see a slight vignetting on the bottom left side of the lens @4:47. But its minor and for sure having correct motion blur is way better.

[@Panotaker]

I’m going to have to get one of those cameras since they are chick magnets!

[@tomcruz3774]

"I'm a KZbinr. I have the right of way"

[@losac6136]

Fujirumors claims that with the new firmware there's no more stepping exposure. Maybe you should give it a try.

[@annihilationtextofficialca8941]

Thanks for the heads up on the Samyang deal at B&H. Was about to order from Amazon too lol. That's a great deal. I just hope there isn't any major customs hassle coming into Canada for me.

[@cameraconspiracies]

It was like a 1 day deal, so I'm not sure what it's priced at now. But zero hassles, unless you want to return it lol.

[@annihilationtextofficialca8941]

@@cameraconspiracies Reg 399 US, down to 269 right now.

[@cameraconspiracies]

@@annihilationtextofficialca8941 Was $239 when I got it, still decent.

[@hoojamaflicks]

regardless of how you do it and which filters work for your requirements, getting the shutter speed close to 180 rule without a doubt makes footage look much more pleasing to watch.

[@seansvadlenak]

Massively appreciate the 180 degree shutter. I dare say it might look a little smoother.

[@TwoOneSe7en]

Lower left and upper right showing some of the soft vignette. That’s about where it gets it’s worst with K&F. Been using their variable ND’s for a while. Best bang for the buck there is. Polar Pro PM editions are nicer but way way more. These are for the budget minded. 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@henrikolsen5]

The missing lens hood looks like an issue. Loss of contrast when blinded by the sun. Else looks good. Then just we need the wobbles to go away from the IBIS.

[@asslord]

I actually like the ghosting. It gives me an organic summery vibe, which is probably very subjective.

[@caerphoto]

Yeah the flare/glare/ghosting/whatever was pretty bad without the hood on. As for wobbles, I still think the best option would be the X-T40, whenever it shows up, plus a lightweight gimbal. IBIS can't really correct properly for the kind of wobbling you get on very wide lenses.

[@TheVeganHeathen]

Definitely looked uglier than his usual really great looking videos.

[@david.stachon]

It looked good, but a little flat. You might want to check your zebra settings as well. As I understand, Fuji 'warns' with Zebras when you're getting close to washed out, not necessarily that you're washed out. (I think you can set the threshold on that)

[@dronologyfilms1445]

If you want a decent couple of variable NDs that aren't stupid expensive like the Polar Pro, try the freewell. They have magnetic caps to protect them. They have a nice cast with the Fuji colours, as well from what I've seen. I use the 6-9 most of the time because of F Log but when its cloudy as shit I'll use the 2-5 stop. If I'm honest, I like it with or without the ND. Try an episode filming in 60p just to see what it's like. I think you'll notice quite an increase in percievable sharpness/resolution. Yeah, it'll make me puke with the motion but it'll look so different and a good test possibly? That lens has some real character, though! Really liking it.

[@davidmcdowell2788]

Where On KZbin .... Walks away. Hahaha best part of the video

[@ArnaudDelaunay]

Fantastic quality, you made it. But just buy the polarpro ones ! They Come with their own caps 👍. And please review the new 1.03 firmware

[@dunnymonster]

Dude, at 2.00 you were a babe magnet! You Def pulled there my son 👍

[@T-Slider]

10000 is looking good. Iso varying looks very smooth.

[@godsstruggler8783]

A variable Tiffen ND has had its occasional uses for certain video scenarios but not absolutely necessary as there's no harm in shooting at 1/160th now and again.