Big Stoppa Filter

[Andrew]

I recently acquired one of those 'big stoppa' (ND10) filters wit which to experiment - i do like the pearlescent water or blurred cloud look that is gaine by attaching a piece of welding glass to the lens.

My thought though is this - i've always been given to believe that when using such a filter you have to manually focus then slide filter into place and hold remote release for a substantial numbers of seconds (usually enough to make a cup of tea).

Well, tested mine out and was somewhat amazed to discover that the camera could actually focus right through this piece of commercially produced welding glass, and i didn't have time to make the cup of tea - 15-20 seconds seeming to be as long as i need 

Has any one any experience of using these filters and can you enlighten me on your usage in relation to my expectations and experience...

[Jediboy]

That's interesting. I've never tried focussing through my filter. I always focus then attach the filter.
I will definately try your method.

[donoreo]

I have done both.  In bright light my 10 stop will allow me to focus through it. 

[Andrew]

I have done both.  In bright light my 10 stop will allow me to focus through it.

that may explain it then - more 'sunnier' days give the extra light to allow the AF to work as designed. I think my test day was getting near the end of daylight and probably had low sun which often producers that much brighter light.

Waiting for the weather to be a bit more suitable for those wonderfuls effects this filter can produce - but clear skies and water at either low or high tide is not really dooing it