7dayshop Variable ND filter

Anyone tried one of these? Cheap, but is it cheerful?

Edit (link removed - thanks John)

Your link just leads to a Login page JohnX.

Oops

This better?

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/default.php?filterwords=variable+ND&filterwordsa...

That's done the trick. These were mentioned when they first came out but I don't think anyone has commented after they've bought one.

This thread doesn't inspire much confidence: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=311064

However luckily 7-Day shop have a liberal returns policy, so there's not much risk in trying one out. But on the results shown in that thread, I wouldn't bother.

Actually reading all the way through it, it shows that the filter works quite well unless pushed to extremes. No variable density filter will work well on super wide angle shots. The drop in sharpness on the telephoto shots does look disappointing, but bare in mind they are 100% crops!

I've not played with mine yet (except off the camera) but it certainly seems worth more than I paid for it

You're right. Might be OK if you're only using it for up to 5 stops.

I know this is an old thread, but I recently bought a 52mm 7dayshop variable ND filter and used it stacked on a polariser for some landscapes the other day. It works really well; no colour cast (unlike some cheap ND filters) and no noticeable degradation in image quality, as long as it is not used at its maximum setting, in which case blotching occurs.

The only other downside is that it has a slight lip and the standard petal lens hood will not slide over it. No big issue, just fit the filter after fitting the lens hood.

These variable ND filters look good quality to me.

Regards
David

I have the 67mm and reckon it's pretty good as well. Haven't used it as much as I would like yet, but initial findings were much the same. Image quality was still good at maximum.

Also bought the varible ND from 7dayshop. Haven't yet used it, but notice the rotation action is quite stiff towards one end, and wondering if this is normal?

Might loosen off in use of course, but it feels sufficiently stiff to unscrew from the filter thread in use, but as said, not used it yet.

Mine rotates fine. If it's stiff enough to unscrew the filter it might be worth changing for another one. Or turn it the other way!

Now tried it; does unscrew in action. Can't decide whether it's sufficiently a nuisance to go through the hassle of returning it though!

My problem.

Can you operate yours easily with one hand?

Yes. I've just tried again and it turns easily with one hand. It's not loose by any means, but turns smoothly in either direction with no resistance at any point.

7 day shop have a no quibble return inside 30 days and I can't believe they wouldn't change it outside this timescale, especially if you mentioned you have been discussing it on a camera forum

Been in touch; they're happy enough to change it. Just need to find receipt!