#NiSi Ambassador

[cecphotos]

NiSi True Color ND-Vario variable ND reviewed by a square filter guy

NiSi True Color ND-Vario variable ND reviewed by a square filter guy

By Chris Ewen Crosby (Chris is an official NiSi USA Ambassador and reseller)

A few weeks ago I was approached by NiSi to review their new True Color ND-Vario Variable ND Filter. For those that have worked with me you might be cringing now. For those that haven’t, I’m not the biggest fan of Variable ND filters. There I said it. My past experiences with Variable ND filters have been disappointing to say the least. So when NiSi approached me to test and review their new True Color ND-Vario you can imagine that was a little bit hesitant and somewhat skeptical. Nevertheless, I accepted the opportunity to put my money where my mouth was. I’ve been recommending to my students that they stay away from variable ND Filters and it was time to test if this was still sound advice. So, do you think I can change my ways? Well, let’s find out as I share my thoughts and sample images from the test.

Ladies and Gentleman, Full Disclosure

Before we begin I must first disclose that I’m now an Official NiSi Optics USA Ambassador and Reseller. So, yes, my opinions could come with some bias, but I only stand behind product I believe in. I wasn’t forced to NiSi products, I simply went with a superior product that turned into a great relationship with NiSi. If you are interested in hearing why I switched to NiSi please check out my blog where I’ve reviewed and compared NiSi vs other products I’ve used. So without further ado, let’s talk about the NiSi True Color ND-VARIO Pro.

Common issues that variable ND’S have

So as I eluded to in my introduction, I’m not the biggest fan of variable ND filters. My past experience with them have made me stay away from them. On of the most common things you find with Variable ND filters is vignetting as you rotate the filter to add or subtract darkness. Typically the extremes of the filters capability would produce the vignetting or what is commonly called the “X” effect where you see a dark “X” appear in the middle of your frame. They performed decently in the middle of the capability of the filter, but not at the extremes.

One of the other issues found with Variable ND filters is color cast. Often times it is a blue cast, but can also be a magenta, green, or yellow cast of color. This is something you never want in any ND filter as a photographer. You want to have the same color performance with your filters that you would have if you didn’t have them on. They should only darken your exposure and do nothing else to the image quality.

Frist Impressions

As I unboxed the ND-VARIO I was pleasantly surprised by a few things right away. The filter comes with a lens cap and a pouch in addition to a foam cushioned plastic case. That’s 3 forms of protection for your investment. I definitely didn’t get any of these 3 with my past variable ND purchases. I was lucky to get a plastic case, but most of the time you were on your own to protect and transport the filter. The lens cap is a real bonus. It can be used to cover the filter while walking between shots, or just storing the camera in your bag. No need to take off the filter and put it back on to protect the filter from scratching. This is very convenient in the field and will save you time during your workflow.

Another notable mention is the quality of the build. The filter ring is made from high quality aluminum, making it feel very strong, yet be very light in weight. The Knurled ring makes for easy gripping of the filter as your attach and detach the filter from your lens. The filter rotated very easily, but not easily enough that it would spin in a gust of wind or a slight nudge. The friction was just right.

Upon rotation I discovered another win. The ND-VARIO has hard stops at 1 & 5 Stops (Other models available for 5-9 Stops). This means that the filter does not rotate 360 degrees and there are marks on the filter ring to show you where each stop is. While the exact darkening does vary with your focal length and aperture, I found the indicated stop numbers on the ring to be with 1/3 of a stop of accuracy and spot on for most.

Bring on the images already!

OK, OK! I know by now you are ready to see some sample images. So without further ado…here they come. The first set of images were taken late afternoon in Death Valley. I thought this area would a perfect proving ground for the color and detail of the filter. Luck was also on my side due to the clouds that came into frame just before the test. Clouds are a great tool to use for testing the white balance performance of the filter. They are a neutral area during the middle of the day. For this test I used a fixed white balance of Shade so that there would be no variation in the white balance from photo to photo and we could see any color shifts that were taking place. The photos have only been sharpened, noise reduced and profile corrected. You may find a slight difference in exposure from photo to photo. Take a peak at the photos below.

After the first test in Death Valley I found that there was very little color shift. The only color shift I noticed was a extremely light shift to the yellow/red side. So little that it is hardly noticeable. Overall, I would say that the color performance was extremely good from the filter. I didn’t notice any vignetting and I was testing the 82mm version of the filter on my wide angle lens. I did notice a slight polarizing effect in the sky on the picture take at 1 stop, but it wasn’t something I was very worried about. The detail from photo to photo is perfect even at 100% zoom. To be honest, I liked the look of the badlands after putting the filter on, it did provide a very light polarization and controlled the color of the highlighted areas of the badlands.

Test #2

For a second test, to be sure that I was being fair, I went to a local location in the Port of Los Angeles next to the Vincent Thomas Bridge and took some shots during the blue hour. Not only did I think this would be a good test of the white balance, but also a better area for you to see the difference in shutter speeds and the effect it will provide. The water around the bridge was perfect for just that. Again, the white balance for test 2 was shot at a constant “shade” setting in camera to preserve the white balance integrity. See the images below.

As you can see the results of the 2nd test were equally impressive as it relates to white balance and color cast. Virtually no change in color through the photos. I will mention that both situations had changing light. The death valley scene had passing clouds changing the light and the Vincent Thomas scene was shot during blue hour so the colors were changing as was the light. Even in these difficult lighting situations the filter performed very well.

Fun Facts: Both sets of images were taken on a Canon 5D Mark IV & Canon 16-35mm F2.8ii. White balance was set to constant. No white balance adjustments were done to any photos. Very light sharpening, noise reduction, and some light exposure adjustments were made for constancy due to the changing light.

Summary of Wins for the True Color ND-VARIO Pro Variable ND

Great presentation of packaging and protection of of the filter by having a canvas case, plastic case, and lens cap for the filter

No Color Cast

Great Build with Knurled ring, aluminum frame and hard stops at 1 and 5 stops

No Vignetting during rotation and due tot he larger front threading, no vignetting even at 16mm on my 82mm lens ring

Overall, I was pretty surprised by the results of the test. I went into the test thinking that there was going to be an issue with vignetting and color as most variable ND filters have. I am very impressed by the build, color performance, and the presentation.

So, the question that some of you have probably is, “is this filter worth buying?”. My answer is yes, if you prefer circular filters over square systems, or if you are a videographer or portrait photographer. Variable ND filters are very handy for video and portrait because it allows you to adjust quickly in changing light when you are using a shallow depth of field. For those that prefer circular filters this is also a highly recommend as it performed very well. I would recommend this filter to anyone who fits those 3 categories.

Variable ND filters are something that everyone looks into when they first get into ND filters as they combine many filters into one. Traditionally that savings doesn’t mean great performance, but in this case, the NiSi True Color ND-VARIO Pro provides fantastic performance for a great value.

If you are interested in learning more and NiSi Filters, I offer free consultations, yes free. Schedule one below and let me tell you about the NiSi system and help you find exactly what you need for your camera and lenses.

Have a question about the True Color ND-VARIO Variable ND? Drop a comment below and I’ll answer it for you as quick as possible.

[aintquiteright]

During workshop by Giorgosthalassinos

[connor-burrows]

"Palette of Colors" by Giorgosthalassinos

[clogging]

During workshop by Giorgosthalassinos

[littleredroseonthevalley]

Jeremiah

Or, The Renounce of Oneself

Summary: In the aftermath of the Duke’s passing, the newly-widowed Duchess recieves a welcome visit.

Rating: MA - for mature adults only.  May contain explicit language and adult themes.

Words: 1511

Notes: So, here we are again. I am sure we are eager to talk about Hamid’s fat dick so I’ll be brief.

This also serves as a celebration for my two-thousandth post, so congratulations to me, I suppose.

I hope you enjoy it, and don’t forget to reblog!

But those who reject Faith after they accepted it, and then go on adding to their defiance of Faith, – never will their repentance be accepted; for they are those who have gone astray.

~ Quran 3:90

The Duchess had only returned to her townhouse, after leaving her son in Harrow for the remainder of the year. The boy crossed the gates unwillingly; afraid it might happen yet another tragedy, such as the one taking place only a week after the last time he performed this ritual.

It had been quite a surprise, and quite sad, for the ducal family to lose its head so suddenly, just on the turn of the fall season.

In parts, that is. Like in any family, its members feel loss differently, depending on who the deceased was, and whether you ask them in public or in private.

For instance, it had not been so hard for the oldest daughters, Madeleine, Pauline and Eleanor. No, they were girls, and as such, they were disappointments and a waste of resources in the eyes of their late father. Not to mention, old enough to have learned to let go of the dogma of paternal infallibility. In retrospect, it was less of a loss than it was a release of their burden.

Not the same could be said of young George. A boy and heir, first term on his boarding school and immensely dotted upon his father, he felt the loss the hardest. His mother had consented for him to spend the first few months after the passing with her and his two sisters at the family estate in Wiltshire, but the period of closed mourning was now over and back he went to school.

Speaking of the widow, well, she was remarkably composed for the situation. You must notice her infamous cold-blooded demeanour, which allowed her to administer and thrive her late father’s lands, and the fact that the rule of thumb at the time was still marriages for convenience. However, even taking into account the prior, she seemed calm during the ordeal.

It is to be expected, if we are to be honest. One is often unsurprised when their victim on an assassination plot comes to pass, after all. In fact, the remarkable thing is for the widow not to show satisfaction instead of grief.

As of now, the Duchess was finally alone for the first time in several months, and is finally allowed to gloat, to giggle happily about a job well performed. She walks to the liquor cabinet and pours herself a stiff drink.

Toasting to no one in particular, she downs the glass merrily. With a content sight, she sits down at her husband’s prized armchair and contemplates her newfound freedom.

The world was her oyster, now.

She was not left to her own company for long, though. Soon after, a footman knocked on her door and announced the arrival of a visitor, who waits on the parlour room. Predicting who it was, she informed the servant she would be receiving them in the study.

“Your Grace!” A man’s voice comes from the doorstep a few minutes later. “A sight to sore eyes. You grow even more beautiful as the time goes by!”

The woman giggles. “Prince Hamid. Always the flatterer, I see.”

“You wound me, milady.” He clutches his chest in mockery. “How can you not know my high opinion for you comes from the depths of my heart and the clearest judgement a man can have?”

“I am sure you say the same to the daughter of the Russian ambassador, but I pay no mind.” She smiles softly at him.

The Turkish nobleman grinned in response. “I may wander to other beds, but rest assured my heart beats only for you. In fact, I came to offer you my deepest condolences for the passing of your husband. He was a good man, and we are all desolate to see him go.”

The woman scoffs. “No, he was not.”

“De mortuis nil nisi bonum.” He shrugs. “I find it a stupid custom of the British, but as a diplomat, I learned to comply with many-a stupid thing.”

“It might as well be, but even the British find to be in poor taste to praise the dead when you helped procure the poison that ultimately killed them.” The Duchess points out, a tone of ennui on her voice as she lounges comfortably on her cushioned armchair. “My many thanks for this service, notwithstanding.”

“It is my pleasure to help such a preeminent lady of society.” He smiles, wicked and flirtatious. “However, if Your Grace finds in her heart to offer a reward to her humblest, most devoted servant, a kiss would be greatly appreciated.”

The Englishwoman laughs and beckons him to join her at a small fainting couch on the side of the room.

“How can I deny you, your highness?” She says, while caressing the side of his face, where a dense, dark beard grew. “Especially when what you ask of me is something I deeply want to do, too.”

“Let us restrain ourselves no more, milady. Let us act on the desires we feel for one another.” He says with a husky voice, eyes shining in lust.

They close the distance between them, the lady’s hand on the man’s scalp, pressing his face closer to hers, all on the while his hands gave her support to sit on his lap.

At that moment, the woman noted with some amusement how glad the Middle Eastern man was about visiting her that afternoon.

Without separating, Hamid unbuttons the back of the Duchess’ mourning dress, dextrously manoeuvring through the intricate design of the clothes. The woman was no less enthusiastic, unfastening and removing the diplomat’s setre, the top jacket of Turkish traditional wear.

With Hamid bare-chested, copper skin covered with a moderate, flattering amount of body hair exposed, they broke their kiss and stood from the fainting couch.

Once on foot, the prince hugs the duchess from behind, trailing kisses on the exposed neck and shoulders, both hands squeezing softly the still firm, generously sized breasts. She throws her head backwards as an act of delight, but also to offer the man easier access.

His hands softly trail down her stomach and uterus, finally reaching the lower half of her clothing. Using the same adroitness, the man was able to rid her quickly of the offending pieces of fabric.

Now completely on the nude, the Duchess turns to face her lover, one hand holding his trousers and the other resting on top of his heart. Piercing him with her fiery eyes, she says, “You may wander, my prince, to hop in every bed here to Constantinople, but remember you do under my blessing. You are my lover and mine alone.”

“Yours and yours alone.” He smirked and kissed her lips softly. “Now, allow me to worship you properly.”

He leads her back into a sitting position on the fainting couch and then kneels in front of her. Gently tearing her legs apart, he kisses the inner part of her right thigh before leaning further ahead to use his folded tongue to stimulate her clitoris.

She moans in pleasure, secure on the study walls’ discretion, rolling her eyes with the sensation. The broad shoulders of the Ottoman prince supported her failing legs, while her fingers knotted on his hair, prompting him to go further.

Not soon later, she reaches her thunderous orgasm.

“Tasty.” The Turkish man comments, teasingly. “I suppose you would like to go on?”

The woman chuckles, exasperated. “Just do it, Hamid.”

“As milady commands.” He says, lowering his trousers and letting his long and thick member roam free.

The Prince takes his time into penetrating the woman, going inch by inch and allowing her to accommodate the sizeable organ.

In time, he picks up the pace, bringing her upper body into a sitting position, her breasts pressing against his chest. Finally, she pushes him to the ground, where she rides his member to both of their orgasms.

Afterwards, they both lay together at the carpeted floor, the Duchess nested on Hamid’s arms.

“Do you ever wonder about the past?” He suddenly asks.

“Not often.” She responds, dismissively. “I try not to dwell too much on things that cannot be changed. Why you ask?”

He sighed. “I suppose it is the effect of the Duke’s passing. The little I cared for the man, and it is very little, I cannot help but wonder what if you had married me instead.”

“If you wanted me to marry you, it would had helped if you proposed instead of picking up and leaving for Constantinople.” She points out, factually.

The man could not help but chuckle at the bluntness. “I admit that oversight of mine.”

“Do not look to the past, Hamid.” She advises. “Not when the future looks this bright.”

“I suppose you are right.” He smiles and kisses her again. “May I stay here for a while?”

“You may stay for as long as you wish.”

Taglist: @catlady0911; @mrsernestsinclaire; @tornbetween2loves

[deerwooduk]

Did you know you can get filters to enhance the stars when photographing the night sky? What effect do they have and are they worth buying? This video is NOT sponsored but I am a NiSi brand ambassador. Filter I used: https://bit.ly/3nQaMKS Photography Mentorship Programme ➡️ https://bit.ly/Disappointed with Your Night Sky Photography? ✨ 📷 via Pocket https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LWkUzf4LYU

[therutshack]

Hans Gunnar Aslaksen is a designer and enthusiastic landscape photographer living in Larvik, Norway. After bringing his camera to Vøringsfossen in 2016, he was immediately hooked and has always enjoyed being out in nature. As a self-taught photographer, combined with the skills from his profession as a designer, Hans is eager to dive deeper into the fantastic world of landscape photography. Brand ambassador for NiSi Filters. Photographer of the Year 2018, Capture Landscapes.

[visualword]

Bryan Minear

Bryan Minear is an American photographer located in Michigan. With a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, he seeks to “portray atmosphere and emotion” in all of his work. Minear specializes in landscape, lifestyle, and commercial photography. He is recognized as an Official Fujifilm X-Photographer, as well as an ambassador for Nisi Filters and GNARBOX. Minear is also the host of the We The Creators podcast, where he seeks to have “meaningful conversations with artists and creatives of all types”.

[cecphotos]

First Impressions of the new V7 Filter System from NiSi

First Impressions with the new V7 Filter System by NiSi

By Chris Ewen Crosby (Chris is an official NiSi USA Ambassador and reseller)

In the last few weeks there has been quite a bit of buzz in the filter world over the new V7 Filter system from NiSi. I was lucky to get my hands on one just before the big release on October 1st and I’ve been using it over the past few weeks. To be honest, I really didn’t think that there was much to improve on and wasn’t expecting a new system this soon. However, after seeing the improvements that were made, I feel that the V7 has only made the best filter holder easier to use then ever.

Ladies and Gentleman, Full Disclosure

Before we begin I must first disclose that I’m now an Official NiSi Optics USA Ambassador and Reseller. So, yes, my opinions could come with some bias, but I only stand behind product I believe in. I wasn’t forced to NiSi products, I simply went with a superior product that turned into a great relationship with NiSi. If you are interested in hearing why I switched to NiSi please check out my blog where I’ve reviewed and compared NiSi vs other products I’ve used. So without further ado, let’s talk about the NiSi V7 System.

Ok, so what’s new?

As I eluded to in my introduction, I was caught by surprise by the release of the new V7 System. I was really curious as to what could have possibly been improved on since I really felt like the V6 system was perfect. Upon receiving the system I found out what NiSi improved on.

FIRST

First, the filter holder attachment and locking mechanism was combined into one. The old V6 system had two mechanisms, one to attached and secure the holder, and one to lock the filter holder from rotation around the main filter ring. While this never really bothered me, I’ve found the combination of the two into in one was convenient and sped up the attachment/locking of the filter holder. I would imagine the combination reduces the change of a mistaking the two mechanisms and a possible accident. I will mention that I really never had any issues with the V6 and mistaking the locking and attaching mechanisms in almost 2 years of use.

SECOND

The second change you’ll find in the new V7 System is how the Circular Polarizer attaches to the main filter ring. In the past, with the V6, you had to thread in the CPL to the filter ring. The CPL is very thin for these systems and can be uncomfortable to attach when you first get the system. I definitely have had a moment or two where I made sure that I didn’t drop the CPL while attaching to the V6 system. I’m pretty sure this was the feedback from several of the ambassadors as they definitely improved the attachment process in the V7. Now, the CPL attaches using a quick turn. You simply line up 3 lines that are on both the CPL and the main ring, then you simply drop the CPL into place and turn to the right to lock. I love this because not only does it speed up the application and removal process, but it also lowers the chance of a dropping accident happening. The CPL application process is greatly improved with the V7 System, but there is more about the CPL as well.

THIRD

The third change you’ll see with the V7 System is the new True Color CPL. In addition to the application process, they also changed the actual CPL. Previously you had the choice between a PRO CPL or Enhanced Landscape CPL. I had always used the landscape CPL, which had a slight blue tint to it which helped with richening the colors of skies and green plants very well. However, I found that the blues and green were maybe just a bit rich and there was a slight blue cast in terms of white balance. So, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the True Color CPL, which is very color neutral. I had a chance to test the new CPL while I was in Colorado shooting fall colors and really liked the the color response that I was getting. I really felt like the colors were remaining constant, but the areas of reflected light were being controlled as I would want them. I’m a huge fan of this new CPL because as a landscape photographer colors are super important.

Vignetting

Since vignetting is something that you often get questions about let’s touch on this really quick. As with the V6, the V7 continues to have no vignetting at 16mm. I can fully rotate the filter holder 360° and never experience vignetting. This is a huge win when using a graduated filter as you can rotate the darkening effect of the grad towards the light making the graduation much smoother and realistic. It is also useful because you can rotate the filter holder to help block light when you are shooting in mid-day shooting conditions. Ensuring that you don’t have light leak or any lens flare is important to coming away with a clean photograph. Rotating the filter holder helps fight both of these.

Filter Rings - Comes with 4!

Once again, the V7 comes with most all the filter rings you are going to need. It comes with the main ring, 82mm, and also includes adapter rings for 77mm, 72mm and 67mm lenses. These rings sizes should cover just about all standard filter ring sizes. Any odd filter rings can be purchased cheaply so your system fits on just about any lens you buy, minus any bulbus wide angles.

Summary of Wins for the V7 System

New filter holder attachment that includes both attachment and locking mechanism in 1

Faster and easier attachment of the CPL to the main filter ring, no threading

True Color CPL for more accurate colors

Still 100% no vignetting at 16mm

My overall first impressions of the new V7 system is that NiSi has improved on V6. The new system reflects the feedback that was provided by the ambassador team. The improvements were made to make the system faster, easier and safer to use then ever. The fact that NiSi even made these improvements continues to prove to me how they are committed to providing the best product possible.

Some of you may be current V6 users and might be asking yourself, “Should I change to the V7?” I think the V6 system is still a fantastic system and wouldn’t recommend upgrading until you’ve worn through your current holder. The differences between the two aren’t vast and you’ll be fine until the time is right. For those that are new to the NiSi filter systems, then yes, absolutely, buy the new V7 system. It is by far the best filter system out there.

If you are interested in learning more and NiSi Filters, I offer free consultations, yes free. Schedule one below and let me tell you about the NiSi system and help you find exactly what you need for your camera and lenses.

Have a question about the new V7 System? Drop a comment below and I’ll answer it for you as quick as possible.

[kqidle]

🌱🐝TAGGING GAME🌱🐝

tagged by @min-pd-nim ✨

Answer 30 questions and tag 20 blogs I’d like to get to know (nah I tag 10)

•Nicknames: nisi

•Gender: female

•Star sign: scorpio

•Height: 1.58

•Time: 21:44

•Birthday: 3th November

•Favourite bands: Korean: day6, blackpink, Big Bang, seventeen, exo , red velvet, bts, winner, ikon, twice

                             non korean: the strokes, queen, x ambassadors

•Favourite solo artist: korean: hyuna, Zico, dean, heize

                                 non korean: Halsey,  sam smith, dodie

•Last movie watched: spider-man homecoming (actually it was Netflix’s a Christmas prince)

•When did I create this blog: 2 years I guess

•What do I post: k-pop, aesthetic instagram posts, sometimes memes

•Last thing I googled: herbal tea

•Do I have other blogs: no

•Do I get asks: nooo :(

•Why did I choose my url: I love lisa

•Following blogs: 320

•Followers: 212 :(

•Average hours of sleep: 6-7, even though I only need 5 hours

•Lucky number: 13

•How many blankets I sleep with: 1-3

•Dream job: forensic anthropologist

•Dream trip: asia, new zealand, sweden

•Favourite food: japanese

Nationality: austria

•Favourite song now: 좋아합니다

i tag: @iloveyeri @04yeol @lipsnhip @vernonlesbian @wendycult @6eri @yerinsinb @springdqy @dearsehunnie @cappujinho

[connor-burrows]

Kirkjufell by Giorgosthalassinos

[zamasama]

Kirkjufell by Giorgosthalassinos

[likegram]

Kirkjufell by @Giorgosthalassinos

[workspc04]

Kirkjufell

[etyileiet]

Kirkjufell by Giorgosthalassinos

[aloulou-travel]

During workshop by Giorgosthalassinos