Like the author of the linked article I’m not adverse to “testing” somewhat obscure inexpensive products – granted in most instances you’re going to get hosed or if lucky come out smelling like a rose.
Which in my opinion is the common occurrence when investing in an ICE filter, smelling like a rose – after all where is it written that good filters or photography related gear must command the highest price the market will bear?
Here’s something of a clue in my opinion – glass is a product derived from sand – there is no shortage of sand – sand trees don’t freeze reducing the number of granules, and though I can’t swear to it I don’t believe the market value of raw material is influenced by stock market speculators.
Of course it’s about labor, equipment, marketing and the like but the huge spread in pricing begs a question – if a filter such as ICE sells for thirty dollars and another say six hundred can it be demonstrated without the most rigorous of pixel peeping ( and who really does that, do you?) to be twenty rimes better than ICE?
Now there most assuredly are some filters that couldn’t withstand such a test and they lend themselves to the narrative that if you want quality dig deep or go sell a kidney.
I’m inclined to believe there are no small number of potential world class photographers whose enthusiasm waned or was blunted by cost once having gotten into photography – and that’s a shame.
I say without hesitation you get a lot of bang for your buck with an Ice filter and in my opinion there isn’t a better filter made than the ones offered by Luzid.
I guess what I’m saying is be willing to break ranks at times – if you do you could be pleasantly surprised and wind up with some cheese and cracker money left in your pocket to boot.
https://www.itsjustlight.com/reviews/ice-10-stop-neutral-density-nd1000-filter-review/
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