wagoudeau90
lvl.3
United States
Offline
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After exhaustive research on X5 filters, and no conclusive decision or evidence, I am asking for a discussion. Specifically, what X5 filters do (you) recommended/have used before. Please note, I am not looking for a suggestion to buy and try, but rather concrete evidence of examples used that work. The majority of confusion is in the weight of ND filters, and how that weight affects the X5 camera. Weight that is too much can create wobble and possibly hinder/damage the camera motors.
I am familiar with DJI's X3 filters, and use them today. I agree that they are good quality. With that being said, I hope DJI will release their own X5 filters, or provide a list of approved third parties. But with all DJI products, we have to do a majority of research ourselves...
For purposes of this discussion, let's look at the DJI MFT 15mm f/1.7 ASPH stock lens. This is a great lens. Now, let's set the stage. Imagine you are flying in a zero cloud environment with extremely bright conditions. Obviously we are going to blow the histogram with zebras and overexposure warnings. Hence, we need a ND filter (assuming viewers of this post are familiar with the need of ND filters in bright to extremely bright sunshine environments).
Now to some research on camera/lens weight…
• (DJI website) Weight (Standard Lens, Balancing Ring, Lens Hood, Micro SD Card Included) - 526 g
• (Research on other forums) Weight of factory lens hood for DJI MFT 15mm – 16 g
• (Research on other forums) Weight of DJI stock balancing ring – 13 g
o Unfortunately, I do not see the balancing ring weight on the DJI website.
• (Research on other forums) Weight of DJI 15mm f/1.7 lens – 126 g (without covers, filters or lens hood)
• (DJI website) Weight of DJI 15mm f/1.7 lens – 115 g (without covers, filters (balancing ring here?) or lens hood)
• (Research on other forums) = Weight of Zenmuse X5 camera and mount minus MFT lens - 393g
o Unfortunately, I do not see the Zenmuse X5 camera and mount minus MFT lens weight on the DJI website.
Now to the X5 ND filter choice (I am assuming here price is not a variable in buying ND filters as we spent around 5k just for the machine)…
Neewer Filter ND8 – 10 g
• http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Ult ... words=DJI+X5+FILTER
Polar Pro ND8 – 6 g
• https://www.polarprofilters.com/ ... -zenmuse-x5-filters
Tiffen – No idea on weight
• http://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-46m ... ilter/dp/B00004ZC92
B&W Variable ND Filter – not sure, maybe around 28 g
• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/pr ... no_mc_nd_vario.html
According to my research, Filters must have a weight of 7-11g, with those weighing 10-11g performing the best. Outside this range, the filter will decrease gimbal performance. DJI MFT 15mm f/1.7 ASPH supports filters with a size of 46mm.
The balancing ring that comes with the stock MFT les is around 13 g. Our choices in picking an ND filter should replace that 13 g. Both Neweer and Polar Pro could work by replacing the balancing ring with their ND filters (not stacked of course!). Although, the weight of both ND filters might require a balance to the camera. Want to tape a coin to your camera? I do not.
The B&W ND filter might work if you remove the balancing ring, put the ND filter on and exclude the lens hood.
As you can see from the above comparisons, ND filters for the X5 can be a critical choice for both your commercial, hobby and the camera itself. The wrong choice can lead to a multitude of problems. I have seen multiple videos with a few of the above filters on, but you do not know what might be on the camera to balance (if any).
I have yet to purchase any of the ND filters. I welcome all discussion, and want to help/thank everyone on this forum!
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