The Lee Filters’ Big Stopper 100x100mm is capable of reducing an exposure by 10 stops. It comes in a 100x100mm size for use with the Lee Filter holder system. To use the system and avoid holding it by hand over your lens (a bit inconvenient with long exposures), you need an adapter ring for the lens you want to use. These can be purchased for most sizes (from 49mm to 105mm) and cost around £18 each. With the adapter ring screwed in, you can clip on the holder (£53), which the Big Stopper slides into. On one side of the filter there’s a square foam surround to prevent light creeping past the edge and it makes a good way of working out one side from the other – the foam side should always face the camera.
This filter was quick to use, as rather than having to screw it on, it just slides in and out of the holder with a push/pull fit (remember to take the holder and adapter off your lens when you’re finished though or it’ll vignette). Lee Filters’ Big Stopper costs £90 and comes in a padded pouch, inside of which is a shutter speed card, making it easier for you to calculate exposures.
AT A GLANCEMaterial: Glass (Uncoated)
F/stop reduction: 10
Attenuation factor: 1000
Filter optical density: 3.0
Sizes available: 100x100mm
Extras needed: Filter holder (£53) & adapter ring (£18)
www.leefilters.com