Lee SW150 Mark II Big Stopper

Made out of high-quality optical glass, the Lee 150x150mm SW150 Mark II Big Stopper Filter is a long-exposure ND filter designed to reduce the amount of light entering the lens by up to 10 f-stops. Compatible with the SW150 Mark II System, the Big Stopper is aimed at landscape photographers who use ultra-wide-angle lenses. By greatly extending exposure times the Big Stopper has the effect of allowing anything that is moving in your image to become blurred or ghost-like (e.g. clouds, water etc.). However, the effect is not limited to landscapes and can also be used on cityscapes to blur moving people or cars. The Big Stopper is compatible with the Lee SW150 Filter Holder (not included).

Lee SW150 Mark II Big Stopper: Key Features

• 10-stop 150x150mm ND filter
• Designed for photographers using wide-angle lenses
• Compatible with the Lee SW150 MK II Filter Holder System
• Allows the use of slower shutter speeds
• Ideal for landscape photography
• Creates a smooth blurred effect in the water and clouds
• Made from high-quality optical glass
• Lee SW150 Mark II Filter Holder required
• Lee SW150 Mark II screw-in Adaptor Ring required (check your lens' thread size)

Why use a Big Stopper?

By greatly extending exposure times the Big Stopper blurs anything that is moving in your image, for example clouds, waterfalls, rivers, and the sea. The filter can also be used on cityscapes to blur people or on roads and motorways to blur traffic.

SW150 Mark II System Overview:

This innovative system means it's now possible to use filters with a more extensive range of ultra-wideangle lenses than ever before. Landscape photographers have long understood the benefits of ultra-wideangle lenses, but their design constraints made the use of filters virtually impossible. Now, the SW150 Mark II filter system opens up opportunities for the creative use of filters, without the need to be concerned about vignetting. The SW150 Mark II filter holder is compatible with the new SW150 polariser, Little Stopper, Big Stopper & Super Stoppers as well as SW150 neutral density graduated and standard filters.

LEE Filters - Using the SW150 Filter System with Mark Bauer

How to use the Lee Big Stopper

1. Before fitting the Big Stopper, first compose your image.
2. Take a meter reading without the filter in place, and set your desired aperture and shutter speed.
3. Multiply your exposure by a factor of ten. For example, if your meter reading suggests an exposure of 1/125sec at f/11, with the Big Stopper fitted, your exposure becomes eight seconds at f/11. If your meter reading suggests an exposure of two seconds at f/11, with the Big Stopper fitted, your exposure becomes a whopping 32 minutes.
4. With the Big Stopper inserted into the slot nearest the lens, attach the filter holder as usual and make your exposure.
5. Always use the sturdiest tripod you can when making long exposures, and take care not to knock the camera or tripod. Cover your viewfinder before releasing the shutter to avoid light encroaching onto the sensor or film and causing flare.

LEE Filters - SW150 System Overview with Joe Cornish

How to use a Stopper with Jonathan Chritchley

In this video fine art photographer Jonathan Chritchley demonstrates how to get the most from your Stopper filters. Features practical tips and creative inspiration for anyone exploring long exposure photography. He demonstrates the Big & Little Stopper but the techniques and advice are also applicable to the Super Stopper.

Professional hints: Combining a Stopper with other filters

All the Stopper filters can be used in conjunction with other filters such as Neutral Density Graduated Filters. This gives an even greater level of control and creative possibilities.

Keep the Stopper closest to the lens

Other filters should be set up and positioned in the filter holder as normal before using the Stopper filter. Remember to keep the slot nearest the camera free for the Stopper. Ensure the foam seal is facing the backplate to prevent light getting behind the filter and causing flare.