Optimizing Your Canon M50 Setup: Choosing the Ideal ND Filter for 22mm/F2 Lens

When choosing between different sizes and brands of ND filters for your Canon M50 with a 22mm/f2 lens, the choice can be overwhelming. Whether you're interested in stabilizing exposure in bright conditions or capturing smoother motion in your videos, the right ND filter can be a game-changer. In this guide, we'll explore the ND filters available for your setup and discuss the potential use of step down rings to match your 22mm lens with different size filters.

Understanding ND Filters

ND (Neutral Density) filters reduce the amount of light entering the camera lens without altering the color temperature. This allows for longer exposures in bright conditions or the ability to use wider apertures in low light situations. Depending on the ND filter’s density, it can range from 1-stop ND to 10-stops or more. For video photography, a 3-stop or 4-stop ND filter is often sufficient to achieve the desired results.

The Right ND Filter Size for Your Canon M50

Your Canon M50 likely has a 22mm lens, which isn't standard among most interchangeable lenses. This size can cause some compatibility issues when choosing an ND filter. Polar Pro offers several sizes, including 82mm, 77mm, and 67mm, all of which can be adapted to fit your 22mm lens with the help of step down rings.

Choosing Between Polar Pro 82mm, 77mm, and 67mm ND Filters

Let's break down the options more clearly to help you make an informed decision:

82mm ND Filter

This is the largest option available from Polar Pro. While 82mm filters result in the least amount of vignetting (darkening at the edges of your frame), they are generally impractical due to their size. Step down rings could be required to attach it to your smaller 22mm lens, potentially leading to complex setups and potential damage to your lens.

77mm ND Filter

With a 77mm filter, you again face the challenge of using step down rings, but the benefits might outweigh the complications. Lowering the stop to 67-72mm can minimize vignetting while keeping the process more user-friendly. However, achieving a 77mm ND filter will require a step down ring, which could introduce additional challenges.

67mm ND Filter

This is the smallest option and the most practical for your 22mm lens. It minimizes the use of additional rings and attachments, reducing the risk of vignetting and potential damage to your lens. Smaller ND filters also typically have a more compact footprint, making them easier to use and store.

Optimizing with Step Down Rings

Step down rings are dedicated protective rings that let you attach a larger ND filter to a smaller lens, like yours. These rings come in various configurations to accommodate different standard lens sizes. Some common configurations are 82mm to 67mm, 82mm to 77mm, and 77mm to 67mm. However, using a step down ring with a 77mm filter to a 22mm lens might still present vignetting issues.

When using step down rings, it's important to ensure that you choose the correct size ring to minimize vignetting and maintain a clean image. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact ring size you need, and consider the use of specialty filters like neutral density step down filters to ensure the best results.

For example, if you choose a 77mm ND filter, you will need to use a 77mm to 67mm step down ring. This approach can help avoid vignetting while making your ND filter attachment simpler and more practical.

Conclusion and Next Steps

In summary, the 67mm Polar Pro ND filter presents the best solution for your Canon M50 and 22mm lens setup. It minimizes vignetting and simplifies the attachment process using step down rings, making it the most practical option.

However, it's crucial to test the attachment process and remember to invest in the best quality step down rings to ensure optimal results. Additionally, explore other accessories like lens hoods, remote triggers, and gimbal stabilizers to enhance your video photography workflow.

Considering the above guidance, you can start experimenting with the recommended ND filter and accessories to find the best solutions that suit your video photography needs.