Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

What are ND filters so expensive?

  • 10-06-2011 2:23pm
    #1
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,191 ✭✭✭


    *extreme mini rant*

    I know 'it's good glass' but still why so blo0dy expensive?


Comments

  • #2
    PCPhoto
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,584 ✭✭✭PCPhoto


    because they allow the camera to do something which it is not capable of doing without it....oh and because people will pay for it.

    its like saying why do they charge so much for the huge lenses 400mm f2.8, 500mm f4, 600mm f4 and bigger..... because they will get people to pay it.


  • #3
    mawk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭mawk


    I manufacture precision components for a living. Its a LOT of work, skilled work and the tools to make them cost into the hundreds of thousands of euro.
    thats why the end products cost more than pennies


  • #4
    mehfesto
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,277 ✭✭✭mehfesto


    Get thee to eBay, m'lad.
    I picked up 2 8nd filter for the cokin P mount and a circular, 82mm polarising filter for under 20 quid altogether! They're not as great as the expensive ones (they make everything considerable less contrasty! EDIT - The ND filters, that is) but still worth a few bob more. Definately not terrible.

    Got his yesterday with 'em stacked:
    5815530897_1df27442bc_b.jpg


  • #5
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,888 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    PCPhoto wrote: »
    its like saying why do they charge so much for the huge lenses 400mm f2.8, 500mm f4, 600mm f4 and bigger..... because they will get people to pay it.
    comparing a lens to a filter is a bit unfair, though.
    a lens would have multiple precision ground elements, which have to be shaped extremely precisely, with multiple internal moving parts:
    cutaway4.jpg

    filters probably cost more due to the relatively low marginal costs to the purchaser. doubling the price of a filter for a small increase in performance is not going to drive customers away in droves.
    e.g. if you had the choice between an adequate filter for €15 or a good one for €30, lots of people will go for the €30 even though it might only cost an extra euro or two more to produce.


Advertisement