HiTec 10 stop ND filter
I had a Lee Big-Stopper filter, which I don’t use much, as my film cameras go into seriously long exposures due to reciprocity effect, but I do use the 10 stop now and then. Well, I used to, because mine shattered to pieces.
I love the Lee filter system. It’s extremely high quality, but I’ve always gotten along fine with the resin filters they do, so I don’t own any glass ones now (broke them all), whereas my resin 3 stop is still going strong after many years of service.
I just learned today that HiTec do a 10 stop filter made of resin, that you can buy (in two variants – one for the HiTec holder and the other for use with a Lee filter holder). I’ve just ordered one and hope it will have many years of service (for the rare times I intend to use it). The good news is that it’s also cheaper than the Lee Big-Stopper too, and it’s widely available. I was able to place an order on Teamwork Photo’s website today for two of them and they’re dispatching tomorrow!
If your Lee Big Stopper is still in one piece, may I suggest you get some hard case for it, to protect it. Mine broke simply because it was in the pouch that Lee provided it in, tucked inside my camera bag. I’ve heard similar stories from others too.
Good luck!
I have a Lee wallet that holds 10 filters and seems to be much better protection than the case they come in which I thought was a bit flimsy. It’s kept my glass ND9 safe for a couple of years and my Big Stopper has survived a couple of months (!).
The biggest risk to my filters seems to be dropping them whilst juggling them. I once had the wind whip a grad out my hand over a cliff whilst hand holding it. Fortunately being resin it only had a chip on it – if it had been glass it would’ve been in a million pieces!
Of course this post is the kiss of death do I should delete it before my Big Stopper cops it!
Comment by Duncan Fawkes — 19 June, 2012 @ 7:40 am
Bruce, Please keep us posted. I have read that the Hitec produces a bothersome color cast. Some users have set up Color Checker profiles to resolve it, and others use white balance card and post processing. I know Hitec has made some serious improvements and look forward to hearing about your experience.
Comment by glenng — 19 June, 2012 @ 12:13 pm
Hi Glenn,
Re Colour Cast: They all do.
I’ve not seen a 10 stop ND that doesn’t have a colour cast and the Lee Big Stopper is often called the Big-Blue-Stopper. You’ll just have to tune it out using curves or adjustments. I think the problem is that it’s very difficult for them to manufacture a dye so deep and colour accurate at the same time.
I would have bought (another) Lee one, but I’m fed up with the glass filters. I always break them for the issues that Duncan has raised.
There are some nice reviews of the HiTec and it seems to be just as good as the Lee, but won’t break as easily and is cheaper.
:-)
Comment by Bruce Percy — 19 June, 2012 @ 12:33 pm
Hi Bruce,
Hope evrything is ok with you. As you can remember, when I participated in the Eigg workshop I had already the Lee Big Stopper. The way I manage my filters is just with the Lee cases (clothe ones) and most important ,with a bag (modular system) from Think Tank Photo (speed changer V2.0). They’re pretty tough and very well built. I can say that may filters are always very well protected… Untill today :-)
Good luck with the new one!
Comment by pulseandvision — 19 June, 2012 @ 5:38 pm
Hi Bruce, i’m just curious how are going to deal with the color cast, I had the hitec 10stop and asked immediately to return it, interestingly they never answered my emails. Just yesterday the big stopper arrived, after 6months of back order at adorama.
See you soon,
Dorin
Comment by dorin — 20 June, 2012 @ 8:36 pm
It’s worth noting that there are two versions of the Hitech 10 stopper, I have both. Just to complicate things both versions come in different sizes and shapes.
The cheaper original version is problematical used in daylight with digital cameras because it suffers badly from flare and because it acts like an Infrared filter. It also has a strong colour cast when used for color work. I have not been able to get a usable daylight exposure with it although it is ok at night.
The newer, more expensive version is a lot better. It performs well in daylight. It is more resistant to flare and blocks much more of the IR. I have one that fits the cokin P holder but the gasket doesn’t really work with this holder so I sealed it into the holder with duck tape.
Comment by Dave Millier — 20 June, 2012 @ 10:06 pm