VND vs Fixed ND | Why I'm Switching

[@geneyoon11]

Super informative and well thought out video. Great work dude!

[@thomas.kovacik]

thank you!

[@rubenfernandezn]

Both solid ND and Vari-NDs are essential tools. I wouldn't go out on a shoot without one or the other. Each one has a use where it is ideal.

[@thomas.kovacik]

yup! love that mindset

[@VintageArcader]

thank you for the amazing video, you deserve more views than you already have, keep making these helpful videos

[@thomas.kovacik]

really appreciate that! Glad you're finding these helpful!

[@sixth.memory]

just bought the vnd with no hard stops, glad i watched this lol probably will return it and invest in the moment or magnetic nds

[@thomas.kovacik]

Yep you’ll want those stops so you don’t cross-thread!

[@ufchistorian13]

@@thomas.kovacik Is it true that you will cross-thread with the VND (that have hard stops) the higher nd number you go

[@nathanbbranch]

Hard stops are a big selling point for me on the VNDs. I’m a real run n gun kinda guy so I’ll prob cop. Thanks for droppin the knowledge! 🤙🏼

[@thomas.kovacik]

yeah hard stops are essential for any VND! Course, thanks for watching!

[@whostorrey]

for me, the VND gives me a “Thomas look” to it. Both looks amazing both way. amazing video as always brother cheers

[@thomas.kovacik]

Thanks! I see what you mean, there are some moments where the VND misses for me, mainly with that green cast. But when it hits it’s really nice!

[@joserangelve]

Your´e right...but i recently buyed the Haida ND Filter & CPL II Pro and wow! This is awesome. It´s really excellent with no vigneting or X and slightly color shift that you can just adjust in camera WB and you´re ready to go. I recommend it.

[@joserangelve]

@gordon9177 it´s a compact ND Filter with both functions. But can control it sepparatelly.

[@luanrosa3022]

Nice video as always. I use fixed square NDs since i started and never been in a situation that i couldn't swap fast enough , having a matte box to cut flare with it worth it in my opinion.

[@thomas.kovacik]

thank you! Yeah a mattebox with nice filters would be ideal, adds bulk / price but it is easily the best option for IQ.

[@Shanefaye]

I also have used VNDs for a long time and have dealt with weird color shifts. Even the FX6 has a bit of color shifting with its electronic VND, although its the best I've seen. I'm planning to switch to a matte box system with 4" filters.

[@Shanefaye]

In particular, I see a lot of yellow reflections outside with a lot of VNDs, especially the polar pros.

[@thomas.kovacik]

interesting! that's not good that there's color shift with the internal EVND yeah the polar pro filters are very rough, I can usually spot footage shot with them haha, which is not a good thing

[@Shanefaye]

@@thomas.kovacik Yeah it seems pretty minimal, but I tested with the camera pointed straight up to the blue sky and the vectorscope showed the blues swinging from a more magenta cast to a more cyan cast based on the camera's rotation angle from the sun. That being said, I haven't seen any noticeable color casting in the "normal" footage yet. 😅 But I've only shot a few projects with it so far.

[@MagnetiqLabs]

Thank you for the video Thomas! I have a small question. Is it possible to stack two NDs together? I mean for example 6stops + 4stops to achieve 10 stops? Or it’s better to buy 10 stops filter? Do you know is there any quality drop if combine two non-variable NDs together?

[@thomas.kovacik]

Im sure you can but there will definitely be a decrease in IQ due to having two planes of glass added I would buy a 10 stop- I have one but never use it. I have a 3 and a 6 stop that I use individually and they have been perfect for my fx3 in 24 - 60 fps

[@MagnetiqLabs]

@@thomas.kovacik Thank you for the answer! I don't know what to do... I used A7III before, in auto ISO (limited from 600 to 12800). And with flexible ISO it's really easy to use solid (not variable) NDs. But now i have A7Siii with it's two native ISOs, and as i understand it's not a good idea to use A7Siii in auto ISO because it gets really noisy fast as you go above native ISOs. So i just worry that when you have fixed ISO, fixed shutter speed, and also fixed ND, the only way to control the light is to close the aputure. I'm just worried what will happen if i need something between my solid NDs (between 3 and 6 stops for example). How do you control this things? Change shutter speed a bit, or close aperture a bit, or go above native ISO a bit? I also want to continue to use solid NDs instead of variable. All variables i tried has a ugly influence to the image. So i prefer to stay away from it. But i think maybe to try NISI True Color variable ND. I heard a lot of good reviews about it. Maybe you know something about the NISI one?

[@MagnetiqLabs]

@@thomas.kovacik Sorry for my previous question. I watched again your video, and now i understand that you are control the light by closing the aperture. I do that too. But sometimes it makes me sad that i have to close the aperture on my 24/1.4 to f4 :-( I just love how this lens looks with open aperture. But i agree with you that it's better to have a bit less bokeh, but better color and quality overall

[@thomas.kovacik]

@@MagnetiqLabs I always to fine adjustments with the aperture - I dont mind if it goes from 2.8 to 4, I prefer shooting a bit stopped down anyways. I'd rather touch that over shutter speed / ISO that nisi looks better, but you still are dealing with a VND which does introduce some weird color artifacts / discoloration in the sky / corners / etc I've considered adding the NISI and for KZbin and stuff, but we'll see haha

[@MagnetiqLabs]

@@thomas.kovacik Thank you Thomas for the answer! Yes, I agree with you. That’s why I’m using solid ND’s for a couple of years. I tried a couple of variables, but the result was always terrible. And I decided that variables not worth using. But after couple of years I thought maybe variables is better now. Maybe there is some magic in technology :-)

[@naludog8087]

Been watching your videos on ND filters. Thank you. What do you recommend for shooting surfing video in bright light and ofter sun glare (using a Canon R5C with RF100-500). Is ND the solution or would CPL Polarizing be better?

[@thomas.kovacik]

I'd get a 6 stop ND and stop your lens down to f8+ to get a deep DOF for easier focusing CPL will be helpful but you'll notice it affecting the sky. I just run normal ND's and haven't had issues with that. Also getting a lens hood on will help with flaring

[@HunterSenftner]

I actually liked the softness and warm color shift of the VND a lot. took the video edge off

[@1992hb]

I also have VNDs and one thing I’ve noticed is that they soften my image A LOT. Very annoying when I wanna have good background separation from my subject but then the image is super soft. Gonna try fixed NDs from now on.

[@thomas.kovacik]

definitely! yeah that's what happens when you stack glass unfortunately, so having a fixed nd should help with that I used to do a mist filter then VND and man did it get crazy haha

[@payso1382]

@@thomas.kovacik are you still using mist filters paired with ND filters??

[@thomas.kovacik]

Not anymore! Haven’t touched one in almost a year

[@PrudhviMitra]

@@thomas.kovacikmist can be done in post right

[@thomas.kovacik]

@@PrudhviMitra kinda, you can forsure add glow but I prefer to do these things in camera especially if I want to mimic a diffusion filter or something else

[@b2t455]

Amazing video! Thank you for your content!

[@thomas.kovacik]

really appreciate it! glad you enjoy it

[@LondonCrusader]

So last week I discover NDs Now there are VNDs ? Where will this end!

[@thomas.kovacik]

Haha there’s lots of variety out there! And lots of bad filters

[@emersonsenseman2182]

I recently got the moment vnd's and I love them so far. I do however see some vignetting in the sky art some points but its unnoticeable to the average viewer. Keep up the awesome content man!

[@thomas.kovacik]

They’re great! I think I prefer them over the rest, and the price is so good haha. Yep exactly! Most people won’t see, it’s mostly just us nerding out haha. Thanks!

[@itsmarcocanlas]

The color difference tho! What's your ND filter set rn?

[@thomas.kovacik]

There’s quite a difference! There’s one small section in there but it’s pretty easy to correct. And I mostly notice it side by side! I have the freewell magnetic quick swap kit- ND3 (3 stops), ND16 (4stops), ND32 (5 stops), ND64 (6stops). I want to grab the ND1000 (10 stop) soon

[@itsmarcocanlas]

@@thomas.kovacik Word! What stop do you use the most outdoors?

[@thomas.kovacik]

@@itsmarcocanlas midday always ND64. Sunset is ND32 / ND16, depending on the shot! That 10 stop would be perfect for most midday shots haha

[@hongkongcitywalk]

❤❤ Thank you

[@nikolozgabedava6934]

If you should take one fixed ND for most use, how many stops will you choose. Just one fixed nd for all. I am thinking 2 stops but not sure.

[@thomas.kovacik]

I would do a 3 stop, but I've found success using a 3 and 6 in tandem- 6 during bright daylight, 3 in lower light / shade 3 would be perfect, but you'd have to stop down quite a bit- or adjust ISO / shutter which I wouldn't recommend It also depends on if you're shooting at 24, 30, 60, 120 etc bc if you're doing the 180 rule, your shutter speed will be slower or faster I shoot 99% at 24fps, so my shutter is always 1/48, which lets in more light than 1/120 for 60fps for example

[@tylermillski]

With the magnetic filters, do you notice dirt/grit sticking to the magnets? If so, how easy is it to remove?

[@thomas.kovacik]

Haven’t noticed! That’s a great question

[@tylermillski]

@@thomas.kovacik Cool, thank you for the in-depth video. I came close to dropping a good chunk of change on sub-par products.

[@thomas.kovacik]

Course! These filters are solid I recently moved to the Nisi IRND 3 and 6 stop, I’ve been really enjoying those You should check those out

[@tylermillski]

@@thomas.kovacik Awesome, I will. I actually ended up going with a large diameter variable from Freewell with hard stops given your advice. I tend to shoot action sports, and find myself in that "run and gun" mode quite a bit. The step up idea is genius! No need to buy a bunch of filters for every lens. I'll definitely be coming back to reference this video when I go for another round of filters.

[@Drunken_Hamster]

Do they make fixed NDs with that feature that lets you remove glass glare and see through it clearly?

[@thomas.kovacik]

Yep! ND+PL

[@Drunken_Hamster]

@@thomas.kovacik Epic. Thanks.

[@costtv]

What’s Up Thomas, Im Not Educated At All On Filters… However, All My Video Content I Record Outdoords… I’m Looking For A Good VIR- ND Filter And A Polarized Lens Filter … I’m Working With A Sony A6600 My Lenses Are: Sony E16=55mm 2.8 And Sony E15mm F1.4.. Thank You

[@creativetom413]

In terms of quality, I imagine that a medium quality fixed nd is equal to a high end variable filter right ? I'm trying to find the best option for video and foto needs .

[@thomas.kovacik]

potentially? I still think fixed NDs would offer greater IQ bc VNDs are 2 polarizers A medium quality fixed ND should have less vignetting, color shift and better sharpness I still would just go for the Nisi IRND fixed filters - a 3 and 6 stop is perfect for any kit Theyre maybe 80 / filter

[@creativetom413]

​@@thomas.kovacik Thanks for your answer. Then even some Hoya Pro Nd fix filter would probably do .The Freewell Magnetic look cool There are those 3-6-10 stops kits that are nice. I'm wondering to stay with a nisi true color 1-9 vnd kit + one fix filter for my ultra wide angle for photography, or the 8-64-1000 kit for everything. The fix option seems cheaper. With the fix filters, can we also buy a 82 mm version and an adapter ring ? Is it the same adapter ring that we use for the nisi vns true color ?

[@payso1382]

Thanks for the video 💯🙌🏼. That green color cast on the moment VND seems to be annoying. The freewell color seems to be better, but those are fixed ND. Would you ever recommend the freewell VND over the Moment 🤔??

[@thomas.kovacik]

Thank you! To be fair, the moment ones are the best I’ve seen yet so I would recommend those forsure. The polar pro ones run veeeery green and the skies get weirdly teal. You can always adjust with WB in cam or in post, but I fully recommend the NiSi irnd filters. I use a 3 stop and 6 stop for everything

[@thomas.kovacik]

@UCGwYIRiqpZLbOGvjviaUT7A Thank you! and yes, 100%! Adding heavy ND usually around 6-10 stops naturally brings in some IR pollution. It's not bad to have on these cameras, its like a little bonus! I do really enjoy these filters though, they make me forget about internal ND

[@outkastsk8er20]

Variable ND filters are the worst in the sense that they're adjustable. If you do a lot of run and gun shoots, it's most likely the VND will shift on you. Also, you'd have to constantly adjust the VND with varying light conditions.

[@mr.croissant7960]

I used a cheap variable ND, it never moved on me once. Your second point is literally the reason why people get a VND filter lol

[@thomas.kovacik]

no matter what you'll need ND and to adjust it depending on the scene. VND is great for vlogging but for client work I'd rather use fixed ND if I have to use filters I've also never had the VND move when shooting, wonder what filter you had that happen to

[@joyoffilming9500]

Variable NDs, regardless of brand and price, most often ruin your shots. Reason is that the technical approach is combining 2 circular polarizing filters of which one is turned against the other. Unfortunately, polarizers' effect on colors significantly change with the angle of the sunlight hitting the filter. Especially, in sky shots you can see a lot of color shifts when panning your camera. And even worse, the filter that gets screwed to the lens ands up in a random angle with the scene, depending on the throw of the mount. It took me nearly 2 years to figure out why I always had those washed out skies. It was the NDs - including some famous branded ones! In lack of a fixed filter, I tend to reduce the camera's shutter angle (in bright sunlight down to even 15 degrees!!!) and adding motion blur in post if required. Now, my S1H has exactly the colors I was expecting when I bought it. So, 500 USD thrown out of the window.

[@mattm7426]

thanks for the info

[@jonathans7550]

I like all ND filters.

[@asitsunami9363]

Magic movie

[@blokkparty]

As a person who has bought this system I highly recommend avoiding the freewell magnetic filter set. They are very much prone to falling off. The filter itself is great but I would expect better performance from an overpriced item such as this.

[@thomas.kovacik]

Ahhh I haven’t had that, overtime I had issues with the color shift and moved to Nisi haha

[@S-..-S]

@@thomas.kovacik I guess you went for the Nisi 1-5 True Color one - how do find it compared to the Moment VND? I'm kinda between these two filters right now... 🤔

[@thomas.kovacik]

I like it! There’s still color shift / polarization so I use their fixed 3 and 6 stop filters for client work Moment is solid too! A tad green compared to Nisi, the Nisi runs magenta

[@S-..-S]

@@thomas.kovacik Thanks for the quick reply! Yeah, both seem like a solid option and they are close in price :D

[@corneliustitiu8739]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@wojciechczupta]

beautiful Bratislava

[@petrub27]

01:11 what is ge doing? You have a walk and suddenly propose?

[@thomas.kovacik]

Yes lol 2018/2019 Thomas’ filmmaking skills were bad

[@aurorahiraeth5896]

Moment VND's worked horribly on my rig.

[@frontfoot1035]

Don’t need them if you own a canon cinema camera

[@thomas.kovacik]

Or any cinema camera with internal ND! Would love to snag a FX6 at some point

[@rahel140]

Really liked this review. Just getting into changing settings and filters and that and I feel like most reviews just state the specs or the fancy language nobody understands 😂🥲 this is great