variable ND filters

hi all, i was thinking about getting a variable ND filter but my budget doesn't allow for the expensive brands.
can anyone recommend a cheaper version? and are they any good in comparison to the dear ones?
I'm after a 62mm which I will use for smaller lens using step down adapters.

many thanks
bal

You may well get colour casts with the cheaper filters, you do get what you pay for.

Maybe eBay would be an alternative. You might pick up better filters for less money, albeit they will be used.

thanks Jon
they just seem to be very expensive for something i'll use now and then.
i'll give ebay a try

thanks mate

bal

I have used cheap variable ND filters of the ebay, although there was a color shift it was manageable. I cant seem to find any photos I am sure were taken with one.

What is worth noting is that when you increase the density to higher levels you get uneven exposures, from what I have read this can also be true of more expensive variable filters. I would do some research before spending alot of money on one.

Also found the markings on the side bear no relation to the affect you get.

This problem with a variable ND filter increases the wider the angle of the lens - I managed to get a dark cross shape on the image, with others patches where more light gets through

I'd be wary of cheap ones of these. They're basically doubled up polarisers and you can get a pretty bad X effect with cheap ones.

I bought a variable own brand one from the 7day place. Its proving a good introduction to the added flexibility of longer exposures and as the main shots have been quite informal I will not say the filter is perfect but nor have I seen any deal-breaking optical issues.

The optics look like they might be cross polarisers but I'd presumed this is the only way to get a variable darkening of the filter glass. Is there a different way that is used by the more expensive variable filters?

The challenge for me with it is to "see" a street scene that gains something from the long exposures possible. All a bit hit and miss so far

No, they're all doubled up polarisers. But with the cheaper ones you get more of a pronounced "x" over the photo (ie darker areas on the photo over the x bit). I made some myself and the difference between using decent and not so decent polarisers is pronounced.