I bought a inexpensive variable neutral density filter, this ND2-ND400 variety. I wasn't expecting a whole lot because of the very low price point, but I think I'm either using it incorrectly or my unit is defective. Do I simply need to back off the maximum filtering setting until the results are acceptable? It seemed to provide very minimal filtering when I reached and acceptable point, maybe ND8 or so. Is this cheap ND filter only usable up to something like ND8? I am shooing with a full frame camera and a 17-40mm lens.
17mm, approximately maximum ND filtering: 
40mm, approximately maximum ND filtering: 
17mm, less then maximum ND filtering: 
Answer
Yes, that cross effect is common with all variable neutral density filters, especially with very wide angle lenses (12-17mm). You'll have to do some combination of zooming out or backing off the maximum density.
I did some experimenting with a mid-range filter in the blog : Marumi ND2-400 Variable ND Filter Review. The effect was almost non-existent at 17mm with that filter, but noticeable at max density at 12mm.
The filter I tested did give roughly 7-8 stops. It was roughly an ND2 at its minimum. You should certainly get better than ND8 from it.
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