The SYRP Super Dark Variable ND Filter Allows You to Capture Even Longer Exposures

How To

by Adam PlowdenDecember 12^th, 2016

SYRP are well known for their motion controlled timelapse devices, such as the ‘Slingshot’ cable cam whose release we covered at Photokina 2016. Addressing the need for longer exposures in timelapse creation, the new SYRP Super Dark Variable ND is the latest addition to SYRP’s range of filters.

Variable ND filters are a must have for those dramatic and surreal long exposures that work perfectly for capturing all the motion of clouds, or water, and sunsets. However, when using such slow shutter speeds, standard variable ND filters can’t bring down the exposure enough.

The SYRP Super Dark Variable ND filter has 5 to 10 stops of light reduction, or the equivalent of using ND32 to ND1024 – an ideal value when shooting long exposures in very bright sunlight. SYRP have noted that you can use this filter at 15-second shutter speed in bright sunlight, ideal for landscapes and long timelapses. Of course, such a reduction in exposure also allows you to achieve very shallow depth of field.

Both ends of the rotating filter have hard stops, which eliminate the cross (X) pattern that occurs when variable ND filters reach the end of their travel and start reversing the exposure. This is a pleasing benefit of the filter, as sometimes it’s difficult to judge exactly when the ND filter rotation has reached the last stop.

Some of these example photos and timelapses in this video shot in Iceland are stunning – a great example of how you can get very creative with slowing down motion, whether that’s in a still image, or a long timelapse.

The SYRP Super Dark Variable ND filters are available in small and large diameter sizes, with the smaller filter at 62mm which includes two stop-down rings to 56mm and 52mm. The larger sized filter is at 82mm, a standard diameter for wide angle lenses, and includes a 77mm and a 72mm stop-down ring. They also have a front thread for filter stacking, and come in a leather pouch case for protection.

The SYRP Super Dark Variable ND filters are available for pre-order now, and would be a great combination with SYRP’s motion control tools for photography and video.

Do you shoot timelapses and need a filter like this? Let us know in the comments!