
( Brand: Schneider ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 68-061738 ), ( Part Type: Filter ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Mount Fitting: Drop-in ), ( Filter Effects: Neutral Density ), ( Filter Size: 138 Mm )
The **Schneider 68-061738 138mm MPTV Platinum IRND 1.5 Filter** is a premium, high-performance optical filter designed for professional photographers, videographers, and cinematographers who demand the finest image quality and versatility in their work. Crafted with Schneider s legendary precision and durability, this filter is engineered to excel in demanding environments, from studio setups to outdoor shoots under challenging lighting conditions. The **MPTV (Multi-Purpose Television) series** is renowned for its exceptional optical clarity and minimal color shift, ensuring that your images retain their natural tones while benefiting from the filter s specialized properties.
This **138mm diameter** filter features a **neutral density (ND) rating of 1.5**, which effectively reduces the amount of light entering the lens by half, allowing photographers to achieve longer exposures without altering the camera s ISO or aperture settings. This is particularly useful in bright daylight conditions, enabling creamy bokeh effects, dynamic motion blur, or extended depth of field in both photography and videography. The **IRND (Infrared Neutral Density)** designation indicates that this filter is optimized to maintain a balanced exposure across the visible spectrum while also providing controlled attenuation of infrared light, which is ideal for applications where infrared interference could otherwise degrade image quality or introduce unwanted color casts.
Constructed from **high-quality optical glass**, the Schneider 68-061738 is treated with a **Platinum coating**, a signature feature of Schneider s MPTV series that enhances light transmission efficiency while minimizing reflections and flare. This coating also contributes to the filter s resistance to ghosting and lens flare, ensuring that your images remain sharp and free from unwanted artifacts, even when shooting in high-contrast or backlit scenarios. The filter s **multi-layer anti-reflective (AR) treatment** further amplifies its optical performance, delivering a consistently clear and vibrant image with reduced chromatic aberrations.
The **MPTV series** is also celebrated for its **minimal color shift**, meaning that the filter introduces negligible changes to the color fidelity of your subject, making it an excellent choice for color-critical work. Whether you re capturing landscapes, portraits, or cinematic footage, this filter ensures that the true colors of your scene are preserved while granting you the creative control to manipulate exposure without sacrificing image integrity. The **threaded design** is compatible with Schneider s extensive range of filter holders and accessories, offering seamless integration into existing workflows and the flexibility to stack with other filters for advanced creative effects.
Built to withstand the rigors of professional use, the Schneider 68-061738 is housed in a robust, durable metal frame that resists warping and maintains precise alignment, even under varying temperatures. The filter s **precision-machined edges** ensure a snug fit within filter holders, reducing the risk of dust or debris entering the optical path. Additionally, Schneider s commitment to quality extends to the filter s **scratch-resistant coatings**, which help prolong its lifespan and maintain optimal performance over time.
In summary, the **Schneider 68-061738 138mm MPTV Platinum IRND 1.5 Filter** is a sophisticated tool for professionals who prioritize image quality, versatility, and reliability. Whether you re extending exposure times for artistic effects, managing harsh sunlight, or mitigating infrared interference, this filter delivers exceptional optical performance with minimal color distortion and maximum clarity. Its combination of advanced coatings, durable construction, and Schneider s reputation for excellence makes it a standout choice for those who refuse to compromise on the quality of their visuals.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Schneider 68-061738 138mm MPTV Platinum IRND 1.5 Filter**
#### **Pros:**1. **High-Quality Optical Performance** Schneider is a well-regarded brand in optics, known for producing filters with excellent clarity, minimal chromatic aberration, and sharp image transmission. The Platinum series is particularly praised for its superior color fidelity and contrast.
2. **IRND (Infrared Neutral Density) Coating** This filter reduces infrared light while maintaining neutral density, which helps prevent overheating of sensors (especially in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras) and improves color accuracy in outdoor and bright-light conditions.
3. **1.5 Stop Neutral Density (ND) Rating** The filter blocks 75% of light, making it useful for long-exposure photography (e.g., waterfalls, light trails) without requiring additional ND steps. This is more convenient than stacking multiple ND filters.
4. **Multi-Coated Optics** The MPTV (Multi-Purpose Television) coating ensures broad-spectrum performance, reducing reflections and ghosting while maintaining high transmission across the visible spectrum.
5. **Durable Construction** Schneider filters are built to withstand harsh conditions, with robust cell construction and weather-sealed edges to prevent moisture and dust ingress.
6. **Compatibility with Schneider s Filter System** If you already own other Schneider filters, this one will fit seamlessly into your existing setup, maintaining consistent optical performance across your collection.
7. **Professional-Grade Build** The filter is designed for serious photographers and videographers, offering reliability in demanding environments like outdoor shoots, studio work, or travel photography.
8. **Minimal Color Cast** Unlike some cheaper ND filters, the Schneider Platinum IRND 1.5 does not introduce noticeable color shifts, ensuring natural-looking results.
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#### **Cons:**1. **High Cost** Schneider filters are premium-priced, and this specific model is no exception. For enthusiasts on a tight budget, there may be more affordable alternatives (e.g., B W, Hoya, or K&F) that offer similar performance.
2. **Bulkiness** At 138mm, this filter is large and heavy, which can be cumbersome to carry, especially for travel or street photography. If you frequently switch between different filter sizes, this may not be the most practical choice.
3. **Limited Use Case for Some Shooters** While the IRND coating is beneficial for reducing IR bleed and sensor heat, not all photographers will need this feature. If your primary use is indoor or low-light photography, the extra cost may not be justified.
4. **Potential Overkill for Beginners** If you're just starting out and haven t yet invested in a full filter kit, this filter might feel like an unnecessary expense. Starter filters (e.g., 2-stop ND or polarizers) could be more practical initially.
5. **No UV Protection** This is a neutral density filter, not a UV filter. If you need UV protection (e.g., for high-altitude shooting), you ll need to pair it with a separate UV filter, adding to the cost.
6. **Maintenance Requirements** Like all optical glass, this filter requires careful handling to avoid scratches. Cleaning must be done gently with proper tools to preserve its optical quality.
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### **Conclusion:**The **Schneider 68-061738 138mm MPTV Platinum IRND 1.5** is an excellent choice for photographers and videographers who prioritize **optical quality, durability, and specialized features** like IR reduction and neutral density control. Its superior build, minimal color shift, and professional-grade performance make it a top-tier option, though at a premium price. However, for those on a budget or with simpler needs, there are more affordable alternatives that may suffice.
### **Recommendation:**- **Buy if:** You are a serious photographer or videographer who values **high-end optics, IR reduction, and neutral density control**, and you can justify the cost. It s particularly useful for outdoor, landscape, or long-exposure work where sensor heat and color accuracy are concerns.
- **Consider alternatives if:** You re a beginner or have a limited budget, or if you don t specifically need IRND functionality. In that case, a **B W XS-Pro ND 1.5** or **Hoya HD ND 1.5** might offer similar ND performance at a lower cost.
- **Best paired with:** A **Schneider or high-quality UV filter** if you shoot in high-altitude or harsh conditions, and a **polarizer** for additional control over reflections and contrast.
Ultimately, this filter is a **strong investment for professionals** but may be overkill for casual users. Always weigh your specific needs against the price before purchasing.
Combination of both an infrared control filter and a neutral density. The 1.5 density provides a 5 stop reduction in light from entering the lens. Made using crystal-clear water-white optical glass and engineered for the greatest smoothness, consistency, uniformity. There is a 1.5 density for darkening of the entire image in order to photograph with wider aperture or slower shutter speed than normally required.
These filters are free of off-axis color shift regardless the focal length lens and can be stacked together for higher degrees neutral density without creating reflections common to dishrag. It is constructed from water-white glass. Improved color fidelity and wider gamut that is especially noticeable in the shadows darker regions of image. The filter diameter measures 138mm and is compatible with drop-in holders.
By using this control filter you can achieve a wider color gamut and stronger fidelity, especially noticeable in the shadows darker regions of image. The Schneider 138mm MPTV Platinum IRND 1.5 Filter is a combination of both an infrared control filter and neutral density.