Using BIG Stopper (10 stop ND filter)

What is a ND filter?
In short it is a filter that blocks out light uniformly without any colour bias. A 10 stop ND filter effectively blocks out light akin to a sunglass. Can you imagine, 1 stop reduction is half the amount of light . 10 stop is.... alot of light being block!
I use Big Stopper from LEE and you probably get equivalent from other manufacturer such as HiTech.

You can find an excellent reference on ND filter from the following link.
Credit : The Ultimate Easy Guide To Neutral Density Filters by Peter Hill.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/peterh111/journal/4421304-the-ultimate-easy-guide-to-neutral-density-filters

The biggest challenge in using an ND filter is the exposure and composition because the light blockage would render the camera focussing system useless. In many instance it may be visually impossible to see the subject clearly.

The best way is to mount the camera (without the filter) on a tripod, focus (NB: set the lens focus mode to MF after the focus is locked), compose the frame and meter the scene. The best mode of exposure is Manual exposure mode. After metering, without the ND filter, mount the ND filter and the re-exposure with compensation. The easiest way to compensate for the ND would be to use a free application such as "Longtime Exposure" from Apple Store.

The application is free and easy to use. First choose the filter (how many stops ND filter) that you would like to use in the picker. Then choose the metered exposure time without the filter. The 'compensated' exposure time will appear. Set this new' exposure time on the camera and your exposure will be correct. Lastly mount the ND filter onto the camera.

If the new compensated time is longer than the maximum that you can set on the camera (example 30 secs) you'll need to use the BULB mode. Happy shooting. "CLICK"

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/longtime-exposure-calculator/id362297743?mt=8

De-costing the LEE filter system

Are you getting frustrated at the cost of the LEE filter system and lack of stock (long lead time)? Not sure about you , but I'm.
Well, for a start I want the best optical glass in front of the lens and therefore I'm willing to invest in it (money and waiting time). However, for the filter holder, and lens adapter ring I am willing to compromise and use third party system.

You can find these high quality 3rd party Lee compatible accessories at Sim Lim Square Level 6 (Orient Photo) and start to save a tiny bundle. Click!

Famous Quotes

'The only way to keep your heart beating as a photographer is to shoot what you love.' Joe McNally (legendary magazine photographer)

Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. - Ansel Adams

A good photograph is knowing where to stand. - Ansel Adams

My Landscape Gears

Bodies
Canon EOS 5DMk2 (prefered) Full Frame
or
Canon EOS 1DMk3 (1.3 crop)
Or
Lumix GF-1 M43 (when I feel like travelling light)
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Lenses
Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 ZE
Canon EF 24mm II f/1.4L USM
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH
Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH
Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH
Panasonic Lumix G HD 14-140mm F4-5.8 OIS

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Flash System - not used
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Filters
Hoya Circular PL
Hoya ND8 (4 stop)
Lee .6 ND Grad Soft (2stop)
Lee Big Stopper 10 stop ND
(PS: Do you know that Rowell conceived a technical approach of extending the dynamic range of film. He developed a set of graduated neutral density filters and had them produced by Singh-Ray)
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Tripods
Manfrotto 190xprob + 486RC2 Ballhead
Manfrotto 345 table top kit
Benro C-1681EX with B1 Ballhead
Sirui T-0005 (traveller's and Best CSC companion)