46mm ND Filters for X5S

SMD · Feb 24, 2017

Finally had the chance to fly my Inspire 2 today after it was sitting in my house for almost two months. That is one bad-boy no doubt. Today was really a get-to-know the I2 day. Tomorrow I'm going to dig deep and really see what it can do. I was checking out the stock 15mm lens and wonder what brand of ND filters you're using.

ringolong · Feb 24, 2017

Firecrest, B+W, and hoya

SMD · Feb 25, 2017

I use B+W and Hoya with my other cameras. Never used Firecrest. How do they compare?

2nd2non · Feb 25, 2017

SMD said:
I use B+W and Hoya with my other cameras. Never used Firecrest. How do they compare?

Firecrest are some of the best quality out there and are easy to balance on the I2. There are a couple videos on YouTube showing comparisons. They are usually very expensive but they are 50% off if you buy direct with the coupon code.

SMD · Feb 25, 2017

I've been looking at the Firecrest online tonight. They seem very good. 50% off doesn't hurt either. Can I simply attach them to the stock 15mm lens? It's my first Inspire so I never had to balance one.

Dobmatt · Feb 25, 2017

SMD said:
Finally had the chance to fly my Inspire 2 today after it was sitting in my house for almost two months. That is one bad-boy no doubt. Today was really a get-to-know the I2 day. Tomorrow I'm going to dig deep and really see what it can do. I was checking out the stock 15mm lens and wonder what brand of ND filters you're using.

Indeed Firecrest brand is the best, B&W are OK but too heavy, anything else is coloring the image one way or another. Been there, did that ...

SMD · Feb 25, 2017

Dobmatt said:
Indeed Firecrest brand is the best, B&W are OK but too heavy, anything else is coloring the image one way or another. Been there, did that ...

Do the Firecrest need to be balanced on the 15mm or can I just simply attach?

Dobmatt · Feb 25, 2017

SMD said:
Do the Firecrest need to be balanced on the 15mm or can I just simply attach?

I'm not sure with X5S, on my X5 with Oly 12mm sits nicely, no balancing required.

SMD · Feb 25, 2017

What are your go-to filters? I was thinking about picking up 2 to start. 1.2 and... (not sure yet). Thanks

2nd2non · Feb 25, 2017

SMD said:
Do the Firecrest need to be balanced on the 15mm or can I just simply attach?

I don't have a 15mm, but check the thread on the X5S sub forum

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2nd2non · Feb 25, 2017

SMD said:
What are your go-to filters? I was thinking about picking up 2 to start. 1.2 and... (not sure yet). Thanks

0.9 (ND8) and 1.2 (ND16) get the most use for me

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SMD · Feb 25, 2017

2nd2non said:
0.9 (ND8) and 1.2 (ND16) get the most use for me

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Thanks

ringolong · Feb 25, 2017

I have not had to balance my x5s with up to 3 filters and a hood. It is very stable.

Dobmatt · Feb 25, 2017

ringolong said:
I have not had to balance my x5s with up to 3 filters and a hood. It is very stable.

Gimbal stability has nothing to do with balancing. Perhaps new gimbal for Inspire 2 is more powerful/ robust than Inspire 1, but on the long run it may struggle too much with off-balanced setup. Make sure that particular camera, lens and filters combination in not powered state behave properly, without pointing down too abruptly.

ringolong · Feb 25, 2017

I have seen no motor overload messages that my x5 did have if it was not balanced, but like I said. I have not seen one issue without balancing on this one. It could be that all my filters are light enough to not matter. My 25mm would shake if it was not balanced on the x5.

Dobmatt · Feb 25, 2017

ringolong said:
I have seen no motor overload messages that my x5 did have if it was not balanced, but like I said. I have not seen one issue without balancing on this one. It could be that all my filters are light enough to not matter. My 25mm would shake if it was not balanced on the x5.

Whoa, my friend! As far as I know motor overload message is related to prop motors, not gimbal motors. It may be fine for some time, however ... It's your call ...

ringolong · Feb 25, 2017

It does pertain to gimbal motors. I have had an x5 go limp in flight when the motors get overloaded.

Dobmatt · Feb 25, 2017

ringolong said:
It does pertain to gimbal motors. I have had an x5 go limp in flight when the motors get overloaded.

Ha, I'm learning every day something new. Thank you ...

ringolong · Feb 25, 2017

It was a frightening experience that I don't want anyone to have to experience. I thought it was all over from looking at the screen, but I quickly realized that something was wrong with the camera when I seen it still in the air.

aknee · Feb 27, 2017

Dobmatt said:
Indeed Firecrest brand is the best, B&W are OK but too heavy, anything else is coloring the image one way or another. Been there, did that ...

I got a set of B+W filters but they all cause the camera to be front heavy. I assume I should try to balance it out by putting weight on the back rather than stress the gimbal motors. Does anyone have suggestions for adding that weight to the back? All i've seen are balancing rings that add more weight to the front.