Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring)

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I don't think any other brand can compete with this great Singh-Ray.
I'm not professional photographer, but I now know why the professionals use and recommend these Singh-Ray filters, especially this Vari-N-Duo. Once you use it you will realize that it worth every single penny you spent on it. Your pictures will look different 'a much better different'.
It takes little bit practice to get used to using it, for it is two great filters in one.
It gives a great clarity, rich but neutral colors, cuts down light to whatever level you want, fantastic for creating motion, silky running streams and water falls, clouds... excellent Polarizing performance for richer colors, darker sky, it cuts reflections and shining from different surfaces.
Get one you will be happy!

I used this 77mm on my Nikon 12-24mm and it does a great job on it but I have to be honest with you ,this filter can't be used on anything wider than 14mm, unless if you want to sit and crop every image that you take that wide.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This filter is excellent at doing what I purchased it for. I purchased it for mountain photography and in particular scenes with large amounts of snow and bright reflections. The variable ND portion of the filter was excellent for stopping down and being able to get a real time sense of the effect through the view finder. The warming polarizer was also a nice addition to an already useful filter. I was able to select wider apertures and slower shutter speeds with ease and artistic effect.

I have but two complaints, #1. For a thing ring filter, this is still rather thick. This is to be expected, but it starts to vignette below a full frame 35 mm on my Canon 24-105 f/4 L. You can easily compose around this by going wider than expected, and planning to crop out the vignette, but it makes a bit more work. #2. I did find that adjusting the circular polarizer and the ND ring would often knock one another out of whack. This is not to say it was difficult, I just would prefer a small knob or something to help differentiate while looking via viewfinder. (The fact that my hands were already cold probably contributed to this problem . . . )

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I have a couple of fixed ND filters that I have been using for stills, but needed something like this to shoot video. After using this for a few days I really don't see the point in carrying around my others filters now. This is such a versatile filter, very sharp and color shift is minor. For stills it's better since I can open the filter up, focus, then close it down; way fast then before. As others have mentioned below 35mm you will get vignetting. As long as you know that going in then you'll love this filter.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I got this filter especially because I enjoy playing with long exposures on moving water - ocean waves, streams, waterfalls. I was able to get that milky effect on a bright sunny day. The only thing I haven't gotten used to yet is that it will vignette on my 5D with 24-105 at somewhere around 35mm or less, as most everyone has pointed out. I was a little apprehensive about the warming polarizer but I'm glad I got this filter and not the one without the polarizer. Like any, you can choose to use the polarizing effect or not. And you can add graduated neutral density in front of it. Awesome purchase.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

It is very nicely made and is impressive with its clarity. I researched many options. The best option available. However, It would be nice, if the rings were a bit stiffer for more precise control.

But, it is smooth. I am sure it will give me years of reliable service.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I know when buying this I was looking for details on vignetting, so here are the details I found with my camera so far. I am using a Canon 5d mark ii FF with the 24-105mm kit lens. I purchased the thin mount version to minimise vignetting on the wide angle shots. When at 24mm it definately vignettes at the four corners of the picture, but I expected that. The vignetting dissipates as you increase the focal length by zooming in. What I mean by that is that at 24mm it is a hard black ring around your picture at the four corners and becomes more and more transparent and backs out of the picture completely at around 40mm. It is a little deceiving when taking the picture around 35mm because it appears gone in the viewfinder but is still slightly in the picture.

For those of us that like everything perfect and are looking for the all around perfectly versatile setup this messes that up a bit. But, it can be cropped out afterwards in post processing. I am not crazy about this limitation but I am willing to put my perfect wold aside because this filter works really well for shooting video and once you are past the vignetting region of your lens the picture quality is really great.

Disclaimer here, I am not a professional photographer so please bear that in mind when reading this, but I think I know what a good image is and using this filter has gotten me over some hurdles and roadblocks.

First, I am able to get great video in broad daylight at f4 with a shallow depth of field. Couldn't figure out why I couldn't do this before. Well, too much light to get a 50th shutter speed. This allows you to stop down the light to get the right exposure with a large aperature. Narrow depth of field with great blurred background and forground. Isn't this why we bought the camera?

This thing works great for blurring water shots. I was able to get up to 2 miniute exposures in the river with beautiful detail and glassy smooth water. The polarizer definately kills the glare and warms the scene. Really nice. Using at its minimum setting with the polarizer diled in worked really well with landscape shots. You will still need a graduated ND filter for bright contrasty horizons because this darkens the whole shot.

Finally the best reason to go with a variable nd instead of a fixed is the ability to set up your shot at the min setting and then dial in the ammount of light reduction. This is paticuliarly handy with video when the light can change subtlely and often. This allows you to fine tune the light easily by turning the dial on the filter and not have to change fixed filters. Gives you more versatlity with aperature settings.

Build quality appears to be excellent.

I haven't seen any anomolies like others have mentioned. I have stayed within the recommended min and max settings and have not seen any issues.

I recommend acheiving a good white balance setting up front and not using auto WB. There can be a slight color shift towards yellow green. This may need tweeking either with the manual WB settings or in post.

Yes it is an expensive filter but seeing that you are getting a good polarizer and several nd filters in one and the convenience of use, it is really not that bad. There are a lot of creative possibilities in this thing.

Hope this helps.

John

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I think the Singh Ray is built to last. I love the thin model for my 10-22 lens. Very satisfied with it, I use it mostly when shooting waterfalls and the ocean. Am looking forward to trying it on other things as well. Great filter, all in one!

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I used to use a 10 stop filter before deciding to purchase the singh-ray. There were two reasons for that: 1) To get different gradients, and 2) reduce the inconvenience of focusing the camera, shifting to manual focus and screwing the lens in. The singh-ray solved these problems, but introduced another: vignetting. On a full frame, I lose at least 5-8mm of focal length if I want to have a clear picture. I picked up the filter with the thin mount to reduce vignetting, but it happens anyways. I am still going to keep the filter for images where I would need to zoom in.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This filter is the real deal. It comes with a very nice case, the build quality of the filter is second to none, and the optical quality is extraordinary. It is easy to screw on to the front of my Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens. Setting the degree of polarization and ND is very easy. My routine is:

-Set white balance
-Set the ND to min
-Orient the camera for the picture you intend to shoot
-Set the degree of polarization
-Ensure the focal length is >45mm (Using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR)
-Focus
-Switch to manual focus
-Set the degree of ND
-Meter in live view (the viewfinder is worthless when the ND is all the way up)

It may sound like a lot, but it's relatively quick and painless. One more thing, I recommend using this filter exclusively with a tripod. The slow exposures this filter can create are beautiful!

I really like the variable ND function, and the options it creates in broad daylight. The polarizer is excellent, and the warming effect is nice. The lamest thing about this filter is the vignette. My experience precludes anything wider than 50mm. However, if you're patient and take panoramas, this isn't much of a limitation.

Singh-ray needs to make a larger version. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Bottom line, if you can get over the vignette, you'll dig this filter. If you even think the vignetting will bug you, I recommend you hold off.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I use this filter with thin ring to reduce the vignetting to a stop for super wide angle lens. I am very happy it does not have any vignetting effect on my Olympus ED 50-200mm (100-400mm equiv.) lens.

I also bought other Singh-ray filters from B+H such as LB color combo and ND Vari (Standard) for different purpose. My intention of buying this filter is specifically for landscaping scenes as it gives me 2-8 stop ND plus it produces great colors for landscaping.

The result as it turned out was to my satisfaction because I am able to reduce very challenging bright light condition while enhancing the natural colors.

I wish Sing-Ray produces various sizes for this filter.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

It's a bit expensive, but if you need the variable ND filter, this is definitely the way to go. I've only tried it on my 70-200, so I can't comment on the vignetting at wide angles.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

As much as I like that it is both a Neutral Density and a Polarizing filter, the thickness is not wide angle friendly. On a full frame sensor, I need to go at least 40mm to avoid the vignetting. From a guy who usually shoots (landscaper here) 16-20mm, there is huge adjustment period. However, for my portrait work during mid day, this filter is awesome. Shooting at f2.8 with the Neutral Density dialed way up is a fun feature.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This product performs exactly as described. It is invaluable for water and seascape images. It is well made, works flawlessly. It is very easy to use and master. A must have for photographers who do serious seascape and flowing water photography.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

While it is a little long up front, it is a great piece of gear. Used it on waterfalls last week. While pictures were significantly better than previous, it takes some time to get used to it as it does so much. Would purchase again! Not sure if I wouldn't try the front treaded one next time - sure hate I can't put the lens cap back on with the filter still being there.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

People who shot film were accustomed to filters. In the digital age many use "virtual" software based filters. Truth be known. There are two types of filters that all serous photographers should have. A circular polarizer, and neutral density filters.

You can't truly replicate the effects of these using software. Sure you could spend a lot of time HDRing your sky to get close to the effect of a circular polarazer, but what about those silky smooth waterfalls, or artistic long exposures?? You can only lower your ISO so much....

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

Absolutely fabulous to dial in a little polarizing effect with ND all in one filter. Only wish it could be used with a wider lens without vignetting.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

works as advertised
easy to operate
very smooth rotation of the variable lens

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This is the easiest way to reduce light for long exposures. Especially good with moving white water, to get that milky/silky look. It is expensive, but is much easier to use, and smaller/easier to carry, than the Cokin style square/stacking ND filters.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

Like the all in one neutral density filter and Polarizing filter

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This is the best addition to my gear that I've made in a long time. Expensive but worth every penny. The Vari-N-Duo is easy to use and does exactly what it says it can do. Very simple.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I don't think any other brand can compete with this great Singh-Ray.
I'm not professional photographer, but I now know why the professionals use and recommend these Singh-Ray filters, especially this Vari-N-Duo. Once you use it you will realize that it worth every single penny you spent on it. Your pictures will look different 'a much better different'.
It takes little bit practice to get used to using it, for it is two great filters in one.
It gives a great clarity, rich but neutral colors, cuts down light to whatever level you want, fantastic for creating motion, silky running streams and water falls, clouds... excellent Polarizing performance for richer colors, darker sky, it cuts reflections and shining from different surfaces.
Get one you will be happy!

I used this 77mm on my Nikon 12-24mm and it does a great job on it but I have to be honest with you ,this filter can't be used on anything wider than 14mm, unless if you want to sit and crop every image that you take that wide.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This filter is excellent at doing what I purchased it for. I purchased it for mountain photography and in particular scenes with large amounts of snow and bright reflections. The variable ND portion of the filter was excellent for stopping down and being able to get a real time sense of the effect through the view finder. The warming polarizer was also a nice addition to an already useful filter. I was able to select wider apertures and slower shutter speeds with ease and artistic effect.

I have but two complaints, #1. For a thing ring filter, this is still rather thick. This is to be expected, but it starts to vignette below a full frame 35 mm on my Canon 24-105 f/4 L. You can easily compose around this by going wider than expected, and planning to crop out the vignette, but it makes a bit more work. #2. I did find that adjusting the circular polarizer and the ND ring would often knock one another out of whack. This is not to say it was difficult, I just would prefer a small knob or something to help differentiate while looking via viewfinder. (The fact that my hands were already cold probably contributed to this problem . . . )

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I have a couple of fixed ND filters that I have been using for stills, but needed something like this to shoot video. After using this for a few days I really don't see the point in carrying around my others filters now. This is such a versatile filter, very sharp and color shift is minor. For stills it's better since I can open the filter up, focus, then close it down; way fast then before. As others have mentioned below 35mm you will get vignetting. As long as you know that going in then you'll love this filter.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I got this filter especially because I enjoy playing with long exposures on moving water - ocean waves, streams, waterfalls. I was able to get that milky effect on a bright sunny day. The only thing I haven't gotten used to yet is that it will vignette on my 5D with 24-105 at somewhere around 35mm or less, as most everyone has pointed out. I was a little apprehensive about the warming polarizer but I'm glad I got this filter and not the one without the polarizer. Like any, you can choose to use the polarizing effect or not. And you can add graduated neutral density in front of it. Awesome purchase.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

It is very nicely made and is impressive with its clarity. I researched many options. The best option available. However, It would be nice, if the rings were a bit stiffer for more precise control.

But, it is smooth. I am sure it will give me years of reliable service.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I know when buying this I was looking for details on vignetting, so here are the details I found with my camera so far. I am using a Canon 5d mark ii FF with the 24-105mm kit lens. I purchased the thin mount version to minimise vignetting on the wide angle shots. When at 24mm it definately vignettes at the four corners of the picture, but I expected that. The vignetting dissipates as you increase the focal length by zooming in. What I mean by that is that at 24mm it is a hard black ring around your picture at the four corners and becomes more and more transparent and backs out of the picture completely at around 40mm. It is a little deceiving when taking the picture around 35mm because it appears gone in the viewfinder but is still slightly in the picture.

For those of us that like everything perfect and are looking for the all around perfectly versatile setup this messes that up a bit. But, it can be cropped out afterwards in post processing. I am not crazy about this limitation but I am willing to put my perfect wold aside because this filter works really well for shooting video and once you are past the vignetting region of your lens the picture quality is really great.

Disclaimer here, I am not a professional photographer so please bear that in mind when reading this, but I think I know what a good image is and using this filter has gotten me over some hurdles and roadblocks.

First, I am able to get great video in broad daylight at f4 with a shallow depth of field. Couldn't figure out why I couldn't do this before. Well, too much light to get a 50th shutter speed. This allows you to stop down the light to get the right exposure with a large aperature. Narrow depth of field with great blurred background and forground. Isn't this why we bought the camera?

This thing works great for blurring water shots. I was able to get up to 2 miniute exposures in the river with beautiful detail and glassy smooth water. The polarizer definately kills the glare and warms the scene. Really nice. Using at its minimum setting with the polarizer diled in worked really well with landscape shots. You will still need a graduated ND filter for bright contrasty horizons because this darkens the whole shot.

Finally the best reason to go with a variable nd instead of a fixed is the ability to set up your shot at the min setting and then dial in the ammount of light reduction. This is paticuliarly handy with video when the light can change subtlely and often. This allows you to fine tune the light easily by turning the dial on the filter and not have to change fixed filters. Gives you more versatlity with aperature settings.

Build quality appears to be excellent.

I haven't seen any anomolies like others have mentioned. I have stayed within the recommended min and max settings and have not seen any issues.

I recommend acheiving a good white balance setting up front and not using auto WB. There can be a slight color shift towards yellow green. This may need tweeking either with the manual WB settings or in post.

Yes it is an expensive filter but seeing that you are getting a good polarizer and several nd filters in one and the convenience of use, it is really not that bad. There are a lot of creative possibilities in this thing.

Hope this helps.

John

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I think the Singh Ray is built to last. I love the thin model for my 10-22 lens. Very satisfied with it, I use it mostly when shooting waterfalls and the ocean. Am looking forward to trying it on other things as well. Great filter, all in one!

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I used to use a 10 stop filter before deciding to purchase the singh-ray. There were two reasons for that: 1) To get different gradients, and 2) reduce the inconvenience of focusing the camera, shifting to manual focus and screwing the lens in. The singh-ray solved these problems, but introduced another: vignetting. On a full frame, I lose at least 5-8mm of focal length if I want to have a clear picture. I picked up the filter with the thin mount to reduce vignetting, but it happens anyways. I am still going to keep the filter for images where I would need to zoom in.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This filter is the real deal. It comes with a very nice case, the build quality of the filter is second to none, and the optical quality is extraordinary. It is easy to screw on to the front of my Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens. Setting the degree of polarization and ND is very easy. My routine is:

-Set white balance
-Set the ND to min
-Orient the camera for the picture you intend to shoot
-Set the degree of polarization
-Ensure the focal length is >45mm (Using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR)
-Focus
-Switch to manual focus
-Set the degree of ND
-Meter in live view (the viewfinder is worthless when the ND is all the way up)

It may sound like a lot, but it's relatively quick and painless. One more thing, I recommend using this filter exclusively with a tripod. The slow exposures this filter can create are beautiful!

I really like the variable ND function, and the options it creates in broad daylight. The polarizer is excellent, and the warming effect is nice. The lamest thing about this filter is the vignette. My experience precludes anything wider than 50mm. However, if you're patient and take panoramas, this isn't much of a limitation.

Singh-ray needs to make a larger version. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Bottom line, if you can get over the vignette, you'll dig this filter. If you even think the vignetting will bug you, I recommend you hold off.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

I use this filter with thin ring to reduce the vignetting to a stop for super wide angle lens. I am very happy it does not have any vignetting effect on my Olympus ED 50-200mm (100-400mm equiv.) lens.

I also bought other Singh-ray filters from B+H such as LB color combo and ND Vari (Standard) for different purpose. My intention of buying this filter is specifically for landscaping scenes as it gives me 2-8 stop ND plus it produces great colors for landscaping.

The result as it turned out was to my satisfaction because I am able to reduce very challenging bright light condition while enhancing the natural colors.

I wish Sing-Ray produces various sizes for this filter.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

It's a bit expensive, but if you need the variable ND filter, this is definitely the way to go. I've only tried it on my 70-200, so I can't comment on the vignetting at wide angles.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

As much as I like that it is both a Neutral Density and a Polarizing filter, the thickness is not wide angle friendly. On a full frame sensor, I need to go at least 40mm to avoid the vignetting. From a guy who usually shoots (landscaper here) 16-20mm, there is huge adjustment period. However, for my portrait work during mid day, this filter is awesome. Shooting at f2.8 with the Neutral Density dialed way up is a fun feature.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This product performs exactly as described. It is invaluable for water and seascape images. It is well made, works flawlessly. It is very easy to use and master. A must have for photographers who do serious seascape and flowing water photography.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

While it is a little long up front, it is a great piece of gear. Used it on waterfalls last week. While pictures were significantly better than previous, it takes some time to get used to it as it does so much. Would purchase again! Not sure if I wouldn't try the front treaded one next time - sure hate I can't put the lens cap back on with the filter still being there.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

People who shot film were accustomed to filters. In the digital age many use "virtual" software based filters. Truth be known. There are two types of filters that all serous photographers should have. A circular polarizer, and neutral density filters.

You can't truly replicate the effects of these using software. Sure you could spend a lot of time HDRing your sky to get close to the effect of a circular polarazer, but what about those silky smooth waterfalls, or artistic long exposures?? You can only lower your ISO so much....

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

Absolutely fabulous to dial in a little polarizing effect with ND all in one filter. Only wish it could be used with a wider lens without vignetting.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

works as advertised
easy to operate
very smooth rotation of the variable lens

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This is the easiest way to reduce light for long exposures. Especially good with moving white water, to get that milky/silky look. It is expensive, but is much easier to use, and smaller/easier to carry, than the Cokin style square/stacking ND filters.

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

Like the all in one neutral density filter and Polarizing filter

Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm Vari-N-Duo Polarizing Variable Neutral Density Filter (Thin Ring):

This is the best addition to my gear that I've made in a long time. Expensive but worth every penny. The Vari-N-Duo is easy to use and does exactly what it says it can do. Very simple.