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ExpoDisc EXPOD72 72mm ExpoDisc Neutral White Balance Filter
 
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ExpoDisc EXPOD72 72mm ExpoDisc Neutral White Balance Filter

by ExpoDisc
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

In Stock.
Sold by Kellards and Fulfilled by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.
Only 2 left in stock--order soon.
Want it delivered Tuesday, February 28? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details

Frequently Bought Together

Customers buy this item with Remote Shutter Release Cord for Nikon D300, D200, D2x, D3, D700 Digital SLR Cameras $8.77

ExpoDisc EXPOD72 72mm ExpoDisc Neutral White Balance Filter + Remote Shutter Release Cord for Nikon D300, D200, D2x, D3, D700 Digital SLR Cameras
Price For Both: $103.72

These items are shipped from and sold by different sellers. Show details



Technical Details

  • Provides consistent, accurate color
  • Calibrated and certified for neutrality
  • Use in ambient, studio or mixed light
  • Durable, compact and lightweight
  • Easy to use, no software required

Product Details

  • Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 0.5 inches ; 1.8 ounces
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
  • ASIN: B0002GFOSK
  • Item model number: EXPOD72
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

ExpoDisc Professional Custom White Balance Filter

ExpoDisc on Camera
The ExpoDisc easily mounts to your camera's lens by pressure mount or can be held over smaller lenses.
Features:
  • Quickly set white balance for photo and video
  • Meter 18% Incident Exposure
  • Individually hand calibrated, tested and certified in U.S.A.
  • Durable aluminum filter mount
  • Includes nylon storage pouch and black woven lanyard
GrayBeforeAfter
ExpoDisc custom white balance (left) and Auto White Balance (right). Images copyright Zach and Jody Gray.
Why should I white balance with an ExpoDisc?

Because it saves time. The ExpoDisc White Balance Filter can be used to quickly set a custom white balance, virtually eliminating the need for RAW and JPEG color adjustments.

When used to set a custom white balance, the ExpoDisc consistently produces excellent color in natural, artificial, and studio lighting, and it even excels in difficult mixed lighting environments.

How does the ExpoDisc work?

Your camera’s internal light meter measures the color temperature of light passing through the ExpoDisc to make an “in-camera” color adjustment. This color adjustment is applied to all subsequent images taken using the custom white balance applied from the selected light reading.

Or, if you prefer shooting in RAW and batch processing later, simply capture a reference image through the ExpoDisc to use later with your image processing software.

How is the ExpoDisc different from other white balance tools?

The ExpoDisc is more accurate than other white balance tools because it is hand calibrated and certified for an 18% light transmission across the visible spectrum. We individually adjust each ExpoDisc using multiple custom filters to correct for any variation in base materials. This precision ensures that your camera applies the correct color adjustments when setting a custom white balance.

Using an ExpoDisc is also easier than using unwieldy exposure targets and gray cards, awkward tools that often require an extra set of hands to hold and position properly. To use an ExpoDisc, simply attach it to the end of your lens before setting a custom white balance or metering for exposure.

ExpoDiscLabChart
ExpoDisc representative Lab values: L*=49.40,a*=.-.06, b*.04, Z%=17.90 These representative Lab values were produced by measuring light passing through an ExpoDisc using a transmission spectrophotometer.
Why is it important to use a spectrally neutral white balance tool?

Only tools that reflect or transmit light evenly across the visible spectrum can be trusted to work properly in a variety of shooting environments.

As the inventors of the Custom White Balance Filter, we have always gone to great lengths to ensure the neutrality of every ExpoDisc. Any non-neutral white balance tool will introduce color casts to resulting images because the tool itself changes the color of light against which the camera applies the color correction.

How are ExpoDiscs constructed?

ExpoDiscs are made from multiple layers of custom formulated materials contained within a high grade anodized aluminum filter ring. Each ExpoDisc's filter combination is adjusted by hand to achieve its neutrality. To ensure that every ExpoDisc is neutral, we measure and calibrate each ExpoDisc at our California facility for 18% light transmission and neutrality across the visible spectrum (400nm to 700nm). This 18% light transmission is ideal for setting a custom white balance, as well as metering for incident exposures in ambient light.

Will the ExpoDisc work with my camera?

The ExpoDisc can be used with any digital camera with a custom white balance capability, including all digital SLRs and most point & shoot cameras. The ExpoDisc works with all major camera brands, including: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Samsung, Lumix, and Leica.

TreesBeforeAfter
Auto White Balance in daylight (left) and ExpoDisc custom white balance (right). Images copyright Terry Livingtsone.
How do I use the ExpoDisc?

Getting great color with the ExpoDisc is easy. To set a custom white balance with the ExpoDisc, simply place the disc in front of your lens and follow your camera’s custom white balance procedure to capture an incident light reading through it. For most cameras, this procedure takes about 15 seconds. That’s it. If you’re shooting JPEG you’re done. And if you’re shooting RAW, simply download your images as shot and save yourself valuable time correcting color. No special software, and no post processing required.

Does the ExpoDisc work for video applications?

Yes, the ExpoDisc can be used to quickly white balance any digital video camera with a custom white balance function. White balancing your video camera with an ExpoDisc will save valuable time in the editing room adjusting for color casts and inconsistent color.

How does the ExpoDisc attach to my lens?

The ExpoDisc was designed to make white balancing your camera easy. To help accomplish this, the ExpoDisc quickly attaches to the lens using an innovative friction mount design. When gently pushed into a threaded lens or filter, three small spring loaded ball bearings located around the filter ring slide over the lens threads to hold the filter in position until removed.

Do I need to buy an ExpoDisc for all my lenses?

No, if you have multiple lenses you can purchase an ExpoDisc to fit your largest lens. When using smaller lenses, simply hold your larger ExpoDisc flush over the end of the smaller lens.

What ExpoDisc filter sizes are available?

ExpoDisc Professional Custom White Balance Filters are available in standard filter sizes, including 52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm, as well as 4x5.65 Video Format Filters.

Every ExpoDisc is individually hand calibrated, tested and certified in U.S.A.

Contents:
  • ExpoDisc White Balance Filter - Neutral
  • Nylon Filter Pouch
  • Black woven lanyard
  • Certification Card
  • QuickStart Guide
What is a custom white balance?
WeddingCakeBeforeAfter
Auto White Balance (left) and ExpoDisc custom white balance (right). Images copyright David Guy Maynard.

Even the best digital cameras struggle with consistently reproducing accurate color. Images shot with incorrect white balance may have unnatural looking red, yellow or blue tints that are time consuming and difficult to correct.

To help photographers cope with this problem, digital camera manufacturers have designed their cameras with multiple white balance functions, including Custom White Balance, Automatic White Balance (AWB), and factory Preset color temperature settings for Sun, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, and Cloudy. When shooting, photographers must select one of the camera's fixed white balance settings to apply in-camera, or to apply later in post processing if using the RAW file format.

Unfortunately, Auto White Balance (AWB) often produces maddeningly inconsistent color results, and the color temperatures assigned to the camera's Preset white balance settings often do not reflect real world lighting conditions, causing a color-cast.

Using the Custom White Balance function remains the most reliable way to consistently reproduce accurate, balanced color in digital cameras. The custom white balance function eliminates the inconsistencies of AWB and the gross generality of factory Preset color temperatures because it allows the user to calibrate the camera to an exact color temperature at image capture. The custom white balance procedure requires a neutral reference like the ExpoDisc to measure the color of light accurately.

Product Description

The ExpoDisc white balance filter allows digital photographers to quickly and easily set an accurate custom white balance. Each ExpoDisc is individually assembled, calibrated and certified for neutrality in the visible spectrum, and for 18% light transmission. The ExpoDisc can be used on-the-fly to set a white balance in-camera when shooting JPEG, or later in post production when shooting RAW. Using an ExpoDisc to set a custom white balance results in consistently balanced color and eliminates many of the yellow, red and blue color casts commonly seen in digital photography. The ExpoDisc is easy to use. Setting a white balance with the ExpoDisc eliminates many of the inconsistencies and inconveniences associated with using white balance cards and targets, including unwieldy size, unwanted reflectivity, improper angling, and shadows. To set a white balance with an ExpoDisc, simply take a photograph of the light source (incident light) through the ExpoDisc, then follow your camera's instructions to set the camera's custom white balance. Because the ExpoDisc is calibrated for an 18% light transmission, you can also use it as a reference tool for manually determining proper exposure. The ExpoDisc is available in a variety of sizes to fit most popular lenses. The ExpoDisc does not thread into the lens; instead, its quick mount design can be pushed-on and popped-off to facilitate a quick white balance.


 

Customer Reviews

7 Reviews
5 star:
 (6)
4 star:    (0)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Pay $100 or $1400! Pick one, October 19, 2007
By 
A. Harris "fotog" (Cincinnati, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: ExpoDisc EXPOD72 72mm ExpoDisc Neutral White Balance Filter (Electronics)
I own a 30D and was spending too much time in photoshop correcting the white balance on ALL my photos! Even though this is my first SLR of any kind,I don't use any of the automatic modes. I'm learning how to use all the creative aspects of this camera. I didn't know anything about color temperature. The factory default was 5500K, so I left it there & used AWB & the daylight setting. I mostly shoot during the day or before sunrise. ALL of my photos had a bluish tint!......Out of frustration,I surfed the net for an answer & stumbled across the expodisc. I immediately ordered a 72mm filter to fit my 28-135mm. WOW! did it ever make a difference!! I now keep my white balance on the custom setting for ALL my pix!

I suggest you go to their website to read the full explanation,testimonials from pro photogs & also see some before & afters. Then come back to Amazon to buy because it's cheaper here. I would also suggest that you get the expodisc that fits your biggest lens. I wish I would've bought the 82mm instead because I plan on buying the 16-35mm ii in the future. Even the video that comes with it suggests that you buy the disc to fit your biggest lens. You just hold the expodisc against your lens & take a shot. It doesn't need to be attached. You can see a short video of it on you tube,which is where I first spotted it.

Before finding the expodisc I had looked into a color temperature meter. It's $1400 on Amazon!!!!! A good light meter is over $1000.00!!! I'd rather spend $100!!! The best thing about this tool is that it helped me to understand color temperature. My pix had a bluish tint because the color temperature was too low at 5500k for daylight. With the expodisc, that same picture had a color temperature of 6800k! The colors were stunning & I didn't have to do any post processing besides cropping or resizing! I shoot in Raw + Jpeg mode.

Maybe once I get more proficient with Photoshop,post processing won't be such a pain for me. But until then,whenever my camera comes out, my expodisc goes around my neck. If the light changes, I just take another custom reading with the expodisc! I will never be without it!!!
HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TOOL!!!!!!!
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars ExpoDisc, May 27, 2008
This review is from: ExpoDisc EXPOD72 72mm ExpoDisc Neutral White Balance Filter (Electronics)
I bought the ExpoDisc on the recommendation of a friend who is also a professional photographer. I have been using a SmartShooter Balancesmarter 20" target. This device works well but it requires that you unzip, unfold and hand the target to your subject. Then, after taking a picture of the target, it is refolded, put in its case and zipped up. The Expodisc on the other hand, is very easy to use. It fits on the front of you lens. Then depending on the lighting conditions, you go to where your subject is and either aim the camera back to where you will take the picture from or toward the main light source. Turn the auto focus on your lens off for a moment(so the camera will take a picture without focusing), take a picture for the custom white balance, then go and take great pictures.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Expensive but effective, September 20, 2010
By 
Ramesh Gopal (Albuquerque, NM United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   
This review is from: ExpoDisc EXPOD72 72mm ExpoDisc Neutral White Balance Filter (Electronics)
Many people have no idea what white balance is and see no problem with their photos. In that situation this device is expensive and unnecessary. However, if you have noticed that your digital photos sometimes appear too blue or too yellow, you know what I am talking about. This is particularly true of photos taken on cloudy days or indoors under artificial lighting. If this has been a problem for you, read on.

The in-camera automatic white balance setting attempts to estimate the correct color temperature in order to set a white balance that neutralizes grays. My Nikon tends to err on the cooler side in shady, cloudy or indoor situations. Personally, I prefer the warmer feel of a yellower white balance, as do many portrait photographers. The solution is to change the white balance in post-processing and this is easiest to do if you shoot RAW. The problem is that it is sometimes hard to judge the correct white balance and I tend to over-correct. This also adds more laborious steps on the computer.

ExpoImaging's ExpoDisc acts as a diffuser to average out incident light and lets you set a custom white balance, essentially using your camera as an incident light meter. Detailed instructions are provided. I must say that I tried a cheaper product and did not like the results. The ExpoDisc is expensive, being priced for the pro market, but it does deliver. In the shade and under bounce flash the results were very pleasing. I took a picture of some pinkish marble in a bathroom and was astonished by how much truer to the actual color the custom white balance photos were, compared to those taken with the auto setting. This is exactly the situation where the auto setting goes wrong. I will say though, that outdoors, in direct sunlight, there is not much difference so I would not worry about using the ExpoDisc then. When shooting in the morning or late afternoon, to capture the naturally warm light, the ExpoDisc will work against you by neutralizing the white balance and so generally should not be used (as stated in the directions, by the way).

In summary, the ExpoDisc is an expensive but helpful product for those interested in a more accurate white balance in difficult lighting situations.
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