i would rather have HSS because the faster shutter speed can help reduce the chances of vibrations effecting image quality. Such a quick shutter should yield sharper images.
Coming from a landscape background I find ND filters easy so even with my HSS strobes I prefer exposing for ambient and keeping shutter speed down. You also get much faster recycle time and increased battery life.
Great video! Although you forgot to mention going into HSS immediately loses around 2+ stops of flash power, so that's an advantage of the ND filters. I don't have a mirrorless but if I got it right, the mirrorless view with the ND added doesn't darken the preview like it would in a DSLR, which makes focusing the DSLR harder.
Both of these points are key, and I was surprised I had to get this far to find this! Shooting mirrorless I think I would avoid HSS to conserve flash power / increase range. Focus is not an issue. Any comments Manny?
@@Soul_Visuals_Photography So do I. Nothing he said in this vid will make me use HSS over ND filters. He makes it sound like ND filters are a hassle. They really aren't. I rather like having the full range of flash power outdoors. I don't have any real issues with ND filters so I'm good. HSS is great but for me ND's are better. Bear in mind that Manny is the same guy who said he doesn't see the F/4 version of the 70-200 lens as a professional lens because it doesn't go to 2.8 lol.
I use both... one small filter is not something my back will notice. if I know ill be shooting for a while and don't want to kill my flash fast, I use the filter open up the aperture and have a longer lasting flash battery. Plus neutral density filters allow us to take longer shutter shots for smooth water, silky waterfalls, etc...
I'm considering 6stop ND filter. sometimes its so bright outside that even shooting hss dosen't give you quite the look you need. I like the option of having ND filters. You can shoot in harsh lighting conditions if you have to. It also saves power of your strobes. Im gonna get new ND filters that fit on your sensor of your camera rather then on your lens. Now you don't have to buy several different ND filters. Love your videos, keep them up.
Very informative, great job especially showing back of camera for settings. One missed point: Using HSS drains batteries rapidly. Using ND filter allows for much longer battery life. Ps love your work!
Love HSS. I prefer HS outside though. The Issue with HSS over ND filters is when thermal protection kicks in. And in HSS 1/1 is about 1/3 power because of having the ability to recharge for the multiple HSS flash. That's why I like HS flash. It's still full power single flash. Just a long one. 1/1 power - normal mode V860ii - 30 AD360ii - 75 AD200 - 60 1/1 power - hss V860ii - 15 AD360ii - 30 AD200 - 50
I've been on hss for a while and considering an ND filter. Reasoning is hss increases wear and tear on your unit and the nd filter can help minimize that.
I prefer HSS when shooting photos. Like to said, one less thing to deal with. But now that im trying to shoot more video, the ND filter is mandatory out in these bright Cali days. Thanks for the videos! Between you and Joe i've learned a lot. Now if i could only get models to actually show up to shoots...
I love seeing videos like this Manny. Not because of the subject matter so much (since I've shot both with nd filters and with hss) but more because I just love seeing your OCF work. I've been missing it man!
Men!!! thank you for this one... I'm still learning and was saving for my HSS light... but with this tip, I can get some shoot I thought was impossible without the hss.. thanks Manny...
ND filters are good when the light is so bright HSS can’t overcome shooting wide open . They can add that extra stop or two to get you where you want to be. With that said HSS really is the way to go. Thanks for a great video.
Nice quick overview, and as always great examples!! One thing the I personally think is the biggest issue for ND's vs HSS.... Lenses. with HSS you can switch between 35mm, 85mm, 135mm, etc which will *probably* all have different thread measurements so for weddings/portrait sessions you can switch around and not even think about it. With ND's you'd probably have to have 3 different screw on filters ($$) or a large system that you'd have to switch back and forth and take so much more time.
YES. This is exactly why I chose to buy a flash with HSS instead of ND filters. I looked to see if there some kind of universal ND filter mount but I didn't see anything. edit: i did some more research and apparently you can just buy just the one screw on filter of the largest size and buy cheap step-up rings to fit to whatever lens you have.
One thing I must say by watching these tutorials the lighting especially during the day in the United States is different to Trinidad and Tobago especially during fall.
One of the biggest issues with HHS is if the flash doesn't have enough power. HSS will instantly make the flash drop down in power, so you'll need a pretty powerful flash in a very bright daylight situation, or you'll need to move flash very close to the model.
I only knew ND filters for long exposures so I read the title and thought „what? Those are two totally different things, what‘s this about“ but it makes sense. You said one could get a high speed sync flash for 200$ and a remote trigger for 45$. Quality ND filters are easily equally expensive so I‘d say if you don’t own anything yet get a high speed sync flash for sure. Great images by the way, nice mood and a good use of flash, I think it can easily ruin the shot if overdone but you did it really well I think
It's less about the cost of the flash with HSS, it's the cost of a camera body! I got a Nikon D5300 but I doesn't support HSS. To upgrade my camera body will be a small fortune compared to getting an ND filter if I just want to try some outdoor flash. Thanks for showing you can get pretty much the same results either way!
Nice vid man. I prefer ND, I think it's easier to carry around compared to HSS flash and also serves me good when going for some long exposures. I mostly shoot portraits but sometimes the landscape and cloud cover in some locations when I am shooting portraits is just way to cool so I just use the ND to capture that as well.
You can get the same results with both, but NDs are more flexible since you can also use them for long exposure photography *and* video. also HSS will significantly impact the battery life of your flash and increase the chances of overheating. If I were going to do a lot of HSS photography, I would invest in 2 flash bodies and not rely on one. And also buy plenty of rechargeables.I prefer NDs.
I know that’s one of the downsides to HSS but Dealing with over heating and battery life isn’t something I have never had to actually deal with working in the field (For my portraiture)
I would say in most cases, you're right. OTOH, sometimes you're looking for that slow shutter effect and that's where the ND's help out. (and others have said, if video is factored in they're essential)
I would say HSS in these scenarios are better, but for creative purposes in sunny scenes where you want to have some motion blur where your subject is stationary and other objects in the scene is in motion an ND filter is perfect for those kinds of shots. Also if your in a scene where you would like to smooth out water while your subjects stay still and get all that right in camera then an ND filter is still required. So while in these kinds of scenarios you show HSS makes more sense, if your trying to get a little bit more creative its always good to have that ND filter in your arsenal.
Just got the Profoto B1X system. Love it. HSS works well, but you of course loose a lot of power in HSS. HSS also wears out the tube quicker (so they say) and depletes battery faster. What I am wondering, is with ND filters it maybe a lot more efficient for the flash? Granted you have to dial up the power on the flash to compensate for the ND, however your not loosing the power loss under the strobe effect of HSS. So, I wonder if this then would add back in a stop or more of power.. (does this make sense)? LOL. Let me know your thoughts!
Well seeing as how all my RU-vid videos are about medium format and Fuji stuff, High speed isn’t an option. It’s all about ND filters for me bro. Great video!!!!
A good 3 or 4 stop ND filter and a Polarized filter on that extends the range of the ND. It is worth knowing and understanding how ND filters work in these situations, not just using HSS and call it a day, because one can extend the usefulness of HSS with an ND as well.
First of all, I realize that this video is a couple years old. The one thing time when using ND Filters can accomplish something that I wouldn't have a clue how to do with HSS is if shooting in sunlight in front of a waterfall or some other background for which you want to show movement, you pretty much have to use ND Filters.
Great video Sir. Everyone has their opinion, but I'm with you on this one. I use HSS. I've tried the ND filters years ago. They were cheap and IQ sucked. Also, I saw your softbox at a photography store here in St. Louis, Mo. It's a higher quality piece of equipment and I hear nothing but good about it. It's definitely on my list. I was looking at another very unorthodox softbox that recently came out, well common sense and research has lead me away from it. Anyways. I thank you for the info in this video
Shooting in hss will make the flash pop quickly in less powerful flashes compared if you would use regular flash. Meaning that you would have to bring your flash in closer with hss to get the same result. So use hss if you can bring the flash close enough in without it being in the picture. Use ND if you need that distance. And these days you can have a ND filter installed right in front of your sensor. It is tiny and you don't have to worry about your lenses diameter, hood, etc because it is behind it. However I wouldn't recommend doing this for Sony cameras as they tend to get dust quickly on the sensor compared to other cameras.
I love HSS its quite great since it give you another option when shooting which is the capacity of increasing your shutter speed which I can't do with the filter only .
I'm glad you made this video, because that's my exact situation right now. I've got an old Altura flash unit that can't do HSS, and a variable ND filter. I want that Godox flash, but my money's tight right now. Thanks for your work as always, Manny 👌
I also picked up a cheap Altura flash a while ago am now have a variable ND filter because I wanted it for video. Another drawback to look out for with variable ND filters is the X pattern. ... so many factors to consider, but the many approaches that one can take to capture images keeps it interesting. It’s pretty cool to see Manny demonstrate similar images with two different approaches.
for photographers that want to do long exposure in the daytime High Speed Sync will not work. One would need an ND filter. Video is great just adding a bit more info.
Been using a Variable ND filter + Alien Bee 800 outdoors for years. but soon going to be upgrading to a HSS system because its much lighter & less wires than carrying around an external battery for the Alien Bee Set up. Good Video !
It will be great to know the power difference level of the Ad200 when using hss and when using Nd filter. So we can know how many stops of power you are losing at 1/4000. Thanks!
I have invested a lot of money on ND filters and am used to using them. I do like the work you and others can do with HSS and perhaps should move in that direction.
HSS is great but it sucks a lot of power from your flash and drains the battery faster. If you want a wider shot you may have to abandon the softbox, remove the modifier in PhotoShop, and/or use a more powerful strobe. However, with a ND you're now placing another piece of glass in front of your lens and may get a slight color cast. Honestly, I believe you should have both since they are tools you can use in different areas such as video, landscape, etc.
You do know when you use high-speed sync the flash it is only good for fill. If you want key light that’s more powerful than fill then you need a slower shutter speed to get full power flash. Therefore, you need an ND filter to create key light with flash.
When I saw the headline I was ready to get my fingers on the keyboard to start typing why I disagree. I use them in cityscapes to slow down water and create traffic trails. But I agree with everything you said and where HSS is concerned I’m lucky to have Profoto lights. Also you must buy a set for each of your lenses that have different front diameters.
Both work but like you, I prefer HSS, however, if you have to fire a flash or strobe at a distance and need the full power, ND filters definitely have their place. I rarely use them, but I do own them just in case.
I have a D5200 which is not HSS-capable. And budget is kind of my issue right now. I do think ND filter is okay for (at the moment) budget-conscious photographers. I even ordered a variable ND filter. But as soon as I earn more, I will definitely consider upgrading my body to something that's HSS capable.
I thought NDs were a necessity for video. Im still trying to understand photography. Your videos have been a great teacher and inspiration. I need to search your channel and see if you have any introduction videos for ppl who are brand new to photography and want to get into it.
10 stop ND filters or go home! lol. but yeah, i agree, when on location portrait photoshoot, I like HSS flashes, but when doing video or landscape photography, that's when ND's come into play.
Nice vid, bro! I just ordered an Nd filter but for video use. I’d rather use my ad200 for photos because of the extra steps added using a filter like you mentioned.
I use both, mainly HSS, ad200 is actually $300 and cheapest flash with HSS for sony is godox tt600s for $65 which I own, if you have one or 2 of these might be hard to overpower the sun ☀ I had pretty good results with HSS and my single speedlight, but if you can't afford the ad200 in certain cases will have to go for the ND filter
Francisco Hernandez shot with ND and was sharp AF, ask him what filter he's using! Btw, HSS cuts your power down, I tested it and lost almost twice the power, imagine there's a strong sun, 1/8000 not being enough and being able to shoot at 1.4
thanks for ur video second i have Nikon D5300 which doesnt support HSS therefore i d go with ND filter till i can afford buy Nikon D750. regards from Egypt
It looks like from some of the comments here that using HSS may lead to a shorter working life of your equipment. Manny, after all these years, has any of your gear been worn out from using HSS on a regular basis?
Every time i use HSS the recycle times for a real portrait session get so long it is just not usable I cannot wait that long for the next shot. it gets into the 15 seconds and longer range very fast to recycle after a few shots using a Godox 360 flash.
But you got to mention not all cameras do hss. Like mines, I was gonna get a flashpoint set up but someone told me that my cam needs hss. I was confused cuz everyone was saying flashes just needed hss with a trigger and that’s it. So I’m going the other route; ND filter lol for now till I get a cam that can do hss.
HSS is better, for sure. One big drawback to using ND filters is that cameras can struggle with focus when the ND filter is reducing light by 3 or more stops. Suddenly your 70-200 2.8 turns into an f 8 or f 11 lens!
I have a flash with HSS capability (Godox as well) but I found out after the fact that my Fujifilm camera doesn't support HSS. :/ So, ND filters for me!
I have a D7000 On paper it supports HSS, but it is 8 years old and only supports it when it feels like it, which is 10% of the time. I like HSS but 10% is not good enough so I tend to use ND filters. I use cheap ones, since photography is a hobby if I were getting paid for it I would probably buy something like a Sony 7RIII. I get a slight color cast, but it is nothing that can't be corrected in post. I do not get any sun flares like some said I would. The picture turns out for me pretty much the same as it would with HSS but with cheap ND filters. The biggest advantage that I can see with HSS is it is more convenient. If money is an issue I would try ND filters first.
love the shot at 5:54 was killer! It'd be nice to have a comparison between Profoto, Broncolor, and Godox in HSS to see how each lose more or less power when switching too HSS!
No point using an ND filter? HSS drains more battery. HSS also reduces the output power of Flash by about 3 stops on the higher shutterspeeds. What this means in practice: One would have to bring the light source closer to the subject in order to compensate for the light loss(due to the diminished power of HSS). For me who will be traveling/trekking doing portraiture in areas without electricity saving battery is a priority. So there are legit reasons for wanting to do use ND filter over HSS.
Manny, you do know you can get magnetic filters? No need to screw filters in 2018. A good nd filter does cost good money though but some flashes lose more power in HSS so filters can at times give more power but you are letting less light into your camera which can affect focus.
Yeah I’ve seen some that are magnetic but still something extra to bring along with you. I think vein. Magnetic definitely makes it easier to adjust for ambient
Manny Ortiz true but filters are great for video and landscapes so a good investment really but not needed these days for strobing as you say. On a sidenote, I shoot sigma with Cactus (No godox support) with my ad600 so I can do HSS and Powersync. Powersync only works at full power but offers me more power than Hss 😁
Nice video, The ND filter is better for long exposure photos, and video, like you said! The only problem of the HSS is the power of the flash. I have a Godox TT685 and the X1 Transmitter and i didnt test the HSS function yet. Im going to test it soon! Sorry about my bad English. I speak spanish.
Facundo Peralta your flash does a decent job for a single subject portrait, just need the right modifier (I use rogue flashbender) and get the light closed to subject)
There are times when ND filters will not help, such as when taking action pics of wildlife when a very short flash duration and shutter speed is needed. Also a HSS capable flash is not necessary when used with some cameras. A Nikon camera I use can sync up to 1/8000th with any old flash whether it has HSS or not.
