Camera Labs

Hi

I need a ND filter system and it needs to be usable in arctic environment.

My experiences...
Circular I've only used pol filters:
Well I use pol filters a lot, and I've had some problems with the edge of the filter being in the corners of the shot, so I can't use the Hoya filter I bought for my 10-22 mm, at less than 15 mm or it will get those black corners
If it gets below -10 degrees C, I can't unscrew the filter, and where I live it gets a lot colder than -10 degrees.

Holder system for ND
I have a Cokin P filter (the cheap Cokin system) and the holder is in the picture at less than 15-20 mm or so, plus massive flare...
And it is a bit time consuming to use, and lots of parts you can loose, I have already lost one filter, and you have to unscrew it to put on the lens hood - and I've tried once that I couldn't unscrew it when I was out in the cold.
One of the adapter rings were lightly bended, so it was very difficult to make it fit

So I'm thinking the circular would be good, because I can have them on with the lens cap on when it's in my bag. I'm worried about the edges, and not being abel to unscrew them, and I need several and in different filterseizes
For circular variable its the edges again, and that they might not be abel to move. Plus its pricy since I need one for each filter seize.
For holder system its being out in the cold with lots of parts, and if the adapter ring wil freeze.

So do any of you have experiences?
What do you prefer?

If you purchase just 1 CPL - the largest you need! then get a couple of cheap step-down rings, to whatever mm your lesser lenses need, it will save you money.

Sorry I can't help with the different systems. (although I believe `Lee` filters, are good?)

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Nikon D700 & D7100 bodies + Nikkor 300mm F2.8 VR11, 1.7TC, 50mm F1.4G, 16-35mm f/4G VR, 105 F2.8 VR macro, 70-300mm lenses. A couple of filters, Giotto tripod & ballhead. Lowepro Slingshot 302 AW

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcarlos/

Ok so what types should I get ND 2, 4, 6, 8???
They are pretty expensive, so I'd prefer just to get a few, but if I stack them, then the edges will be visible at wide angle shots. It's a bit of a problem.
Graduated I think is much easier and more exact in Lightroom.
Another advantage about the circular types, is that they don't take up as much space

I use a variable nd circular filter by marumi. It has 8 stops as you rotate it, ie it darkens as you rotate.

I have found that it works very well at 2, 4 and around 6 but struggles above 7 and close to 8.

I bought it to start learning about nd filters and whilst it s not as good as a true nd it's a good learning tool.

If you are looking at buying one filter them I would probably go for a 4. It really depends on when and how you are looking to use it though.

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Canon 550D, Canon EFS 17-85 IS USM, Canon EF 75-300 IS USM, Canon EFS 10-22mm USM, Canon EF35mm F2.

Got some of the gear but really still no idea...