Vivitar variable ND filter. Any good?

[gary_d1]

Hi all.

 

Does anybody have any experience with the Vivitar

variable ND filters.

They are about 1/4 the price of pricier brands. Maybe not

as good as a B&W, but are they decent?

 

Thanks. Gary

[User_6502147]

<p>My neighbor bought a variable ND filter and he sees some strange color effect at the end of the spectrum. I've used my 6X ND made by B+W and I've noticed no negative effects. Besides B+W I'd also trust Heliopan filters.Anyway, IMO it makes sense to install quality glass in the front of expensive optics.</p>

<p>Les</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>The old Ponder and Best Vivitar was a company that made some legendary lenses and many high-quality accessories.</p>

<p>The modern, still-in-business company shares only the name with the older one.</p>

<p>It is another brand on a series of gear that is sold under other names as well at the bottom of the market.<br>

I have got some of these cheap thingies (usually even cheaper on eBay direct from China). Sometimes they are surprisingly useable; other times, surprisingly terrible.</p>

<p>You can get some variable ND filters for around US$10 on eBay, so you wouldn't be risking much. There are also used examples of better brands for sale. I don't think you can mention B<strong>+</strong>W in the same breath as Bower, Vivitar, etc. without giggling, however. </p>

 

[david_henderson]

<p>Simply wanted to comment that whilst my B+W 10 stop doesn't detract from sharpness noticeably, it does produce a significant colour cast. Don't think any filter trying to produce such a dramatic effect is totally perfect. </p>

[jim_momary]

<p>Gary D -</p>

<p>If you want to play, you can do this approximation for a vari-ND thing ...</p>

<p>Screw a circular polarizer on the lens, then add a linear polarizer on top of that. It does a lot of light blocking that way, but also introduces some weird colors. If you have these, it's a no cost test ... otherwise, they are still cheap items, relatively speaking. Also, a lot of surfaces are now introduced in the optical path, not the best concept, but it does give some results.</p>

<p>Jim M.</p>

[gary_d1]

Jim. I do have one of each. I'll give if a try

Thanks all

[thormod]

<p>Hi Jim. <br>

I'm a guy who is frequently proven wrong, but being autodidact - its how I learn.<br>

To my understanding, a circular polarizer is a linear polarizer with a 1/4 wave piece of glass glued to the back side. (I have no idea what a 1/4 wave glass is) But is is necessary to rotate the polarization so a DSLR can focus and evaluate exposure. I do understand why a DSLR needs circular polarization - or rather, won't work with linear. (I think).<br>

I do not understand how it can introduce "weird colors".<br>

Not saying it won't, but why?</p>