Graduated ND Filter
Jan 16, 2012 14:48:33 #
I was wondering, if you could only take one graduated neutral density filter with you while travelling, which one (I don't mean manufacturer) would it be??
Jan 16, 2012 18:08:00 #
A two stop GND is about the perfect one, especially if you want to carry just one. B+W is the best, and not all that expensive.
Jan 16, 2012 18:21:16 #
02Nomad wrote:
I was wondering, if you could only take one graduated neutral density filter with you while traveling, which one would it be??
By "graduated" do you mean
a ND filter darker on one side than the other?
or
a two-layer ND filter that you can adjust for desired density, like this:
http://www.genustech.tv/filters/genus-nd-fader-filter.html?gclid=CKGyo9PX1a0CFaQbQgod104aoQ
Jan 16, 2012 18:23:45 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
By "graduated" do you mean a ND filter darker on one side than the other?
02Nomad wrote:
I was wondering, if you could only take one graduated neutral density filter with you while traveling, which one would it be??
By "graduated" do you mean a ND filter darker on one side than the other?
yep... half neutral gray and half clear, varies from darker gray at the edge to clear at the middle. the other half is clear. either soft edge (which i prefer), or hard edge, the latter usually only works well with flat horizons like at sea.
Jan 16, 2012 18:24:30 #
steve40 wrote:
A two stop GND is about the perfect one, especially if you want to carry just one. B+W is the best, and not all that expensive.
agreed, 2 stops is probably the most useful for the widest range of situations.
Jan 16, 2012 18:25:24 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
By "graduated" do you mean a ND filter darker on one side than the other?
Yeah, good question. Grads are pretty simple, dark on one half, then clear below. Used primarily for sunsets where you want foreground exposure. 02Nomad wrote:
I was wondering, if you could only take one graduated neutral density filter with you while traveling, which one would it be??
By "graduated" do you mean a ND filter darker on one side than the other?
"REGULAR" NDs come in varying light-stoppage-ability, from ND/2 to ND/10 or so. The question makes more sense applied to a plain old ND filter, in which case my answer is ND4. That, coupled with my CPL, would give me a 6/7ish darkening with both filters on, if I needed more.
Jan 16, 2012 18:25:54 #
Roger Hicks
Loc: Aquitaine
Nowadays, I'd do it in Lightroom. Otherwise: yeah, probably 2 stops, or maybe just 1.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
Jan 16, 2012 18:28:16 #
SQUIRL033 wrote:
yep... half neutral gray and half clear, varies from darker gray at the edge to clear at the middle. the other half is clear. either soft edge (which i prefer), or hard edge, the latter usually only works well with flat horizons like at sea.
So, to answer OP's question, what brand do you recommend?
Jan 16, 2012 18:48:29 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
So, to answer OP's question, what brand do you recommend?
The OP didn't want a brand, he wanted a number. I think. Grads come in 'soft' or 'hard', denoting the demarcation line between dark and light on the filter. A grad rotates in the frame, similar to a CPL. They do have different density designations, though, which I just found out...SQUIRL033 wrote:
yep... half neutral gray and half clear, varies from darker gray at the edge to clear at the middle. the other half is clear. either soft edge (which i prefer), or hard edge, the latter usually only works well with flat horizons like at sea.
So, to answer OP's question, what brand do you recommend?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graduated_neutral_density_filter
Jan 16, 2012 18:53:06 #
I would choose a Variable ND to have with me. I think that gives the most choices for density and it is only one filter.
Jan 16, 2012 18:54:36 #
I would suggest a square Grad ND rather than a round one, much greater versatility. I use a Tiffen 0-2 stop grad, it fits in any Cokin "P" holder. You are not stuck with a 1/2 grad and 1/2 clear filter like a round is, you can slide it up and down on any axis to use just the amout of the ND side as you might want to use. MUCH greater versatility.
Jan 17, 2012 07:36:55 #
Thanks for all of your input. I had the half gray/half clear in mind primarily for the portability, but I'll look at the Cokin to see if it will fit my needs. Thank, again.
Jan 17, 2012 08:18:56 #
My nature filter kit always includes three filters. A 2-stop GND SQUARE filter (horizon lines are not always in the middle of the photo), a 4 stop ND filter and a circular polarizer Combinations of these three will cover just about every need and they do not weigh that much. I also have a 2 stop GND that makes the trip if I know I will be facing harsh direct lighting. Almost every photo showing sky and land gets the GND treatment. I use lightroom for fine adjustments but I try to get it right in the camera.
Larry
Larry
Jan 17, 2012 09:01:45 #
Keep in mind, using Cokin "P" holder or any type of holder, you will not be able to use lens hood. Correct?
Jan 17, 2012 15:57:50 #
Ichabod wrote:
I can speak for Cokin, as I have it. Correct. There will be no boyz in the hood.Keep in mind, using Cokin "P" holder or any type of holder, you will not be able to use lens hood. Correct?
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