Every large sensor & HDSLR shooter needs an ND filter for outdoor shoots and Variable ND’s have proven mighty useful if you’re a one-man band or on the clock. But it is also a known fact that some Vari ND’s dampen your shots quality to some extent. So which is the best Variable ND for the money? Tim Fok put together a very useful test in which he compared the most common brands in detail. This is a guest post written by Tim Fok So I’m on the look out for a new variable ND filter. I’ve used the LCW mark II for a couple of years now, and have never been particularly keen on the softness it’s always seemed to add. But whilst trying to complete my L series lens collection, the hunt for a new ND filter kind of took a back seat, until now.

Here is a little pre-NAB 2011 Quick Take on the new 4X4 Fader ND from Light Craft Workshop. This is not a new idea by any means, but they have added to the fader system with this new “A” and “B” filter set. I wanted to check the sharpness with and without the filter. It looked sharp to my eye. The two filters in the “Off” position added up to about two stops of neutral density. LCW claims that the set will let you dial in from two to eight stops of neutral denisity. We felt comfortable with about four added stops. This is a great tool to be used with a matte box. It is not cheap at around $475 for the set. Here is a rip from the LCW website. Click here to check it out. “The Fader ND Digi Pro-HD is designed to be used with Mattebox. Super high quality glass provide razor sharp image at any focal range. Providing a variable 2 to 8 stops added density. This item comes with two pieces of Fader ND glass (side A and side B) and two filter bag. Size: 4×4 inch (4mm thick)”  

Here is a quick take video on a brand new kind of filter. The Wide Open Camera & Light Craft Workshop 3-Stop Polarizer is a polarizer and ND3 combination filter. I have been working on this ever since HDSLR cameras hit the street. I always find myself adding some type of neutral density filter while shooting outside in bright sun. This filter does the trick. Currently only the 77mm size is available. The Wide Open Camera 3-Stop Polarizer is $125 US. Click here to check it out.

Here is a Quick Take on the new Light Craft Workshop Big Eye MC Pro LCD Loupe Kit, better know as an LCD viewfinder. The LCW Big Eye is made of Silicone Rubber and at first glance seemed a bit odd. I got used to it pretty quickly. Included with the kit is a big eyecup and sticky back frame. We really dig the frame system for viewfinders; it provides enough support to keep the viewfinder in place while shooting and easily comes off when needed. The additional rubber eyecup is Big and soft for long shooting days. The LCW Big Eye has a really nice 3X optical magnification. The optics is encased in an all-metal housing with a knurled knob adjustment ring. The optics seemed to be very clear and the magnification works well. I was surprised at the overall quality of the viewfinder for the price. The Big Eye Kit Retails for just under $150 from the LCW website. *** I did not get a chance to mount the viewfinder or try and fog it up yet. I will update here next week with a field report.