Graduated Neutral Density Filters Question
Feb 8, 2017 19:27:32 #
I've been researching GNDs and would like some opinions on which are the best quality for the money. I plan to get the rectangular kind, graduated with a soft edge, for my 77mm diameter lens. Planning on getting a 0.9. I hand-hold these, do not bother with the holders. I've been looking at the Cokin Z-Pro at $72.69, dimensions 100mm x 150mm:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387152-REG/Cokin_CZ121S_Z_Pro_121S_Graduated_G2.html
and the Singh-Ray Galen Rowell at $99.00, dimensions 84mm x 120mm:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/166994-REG/Singh_Ray_R_36_3_3_x_4_7.html
I have a 0.3 Sing-Ray Galen Howell, and like it. But do not know how the Cokin compares with them.
Susan
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387152-REG/Cokin_CZ121S_Z_Pro_121S_Graduated_G2.html
and the Singh-Ray Galen Rowell at $99.00, dimensions 84mm x 120mm:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/166994-REG/Singh_Ray_R_36_3_3_x_4_7.html
I have a 0.3 Sing-Ray Galen Howell, and like it. But do not know how the Cokin compares with them.
Susan
Feb 8, 2017 19:47:17 #
SusanFromVermont wrote:
I've been researching GNDs and would like some opi... (show quote)
I use only Tiffen Grad ND's as they are the ONLY ones made out of glass, all the others are plastic. I still have the first one I bought about 1983 and it is still pristine as my newer ones.
Feb 8, 2017 20:12:02 #
MT Shooter wrote:
I use only Tiffen Grad ND's as they are the ONLY ones made out of glass, all the others are plastic. I still have the first one I bought about 1983 and it is still pristine as my newer ones.
Thanks for your response, MT. Tiffen are great filters, but looking at B&H's website, they are more than twice what I can justify paying. Not something I use often enough, as well as beyond my budget... The 0.3 I have is not dark enough for those sunrises and sunsets, but good enough for ordinary bright skies, so I would like to add a darker one to my gear.
Susan
Feb 8, 2017 20:43:37 #
H&Y makes a 100x125mm Schott glass filter for $59 and Haida makes a 100x150mm glass filter for $99. You can get them both from Amazon as well as some other retailers.
Feb 9, 2017 06:54:42 #
Don't buy cheap filters, you pay big $$$ for a lens don't put crap in front of it
Feb 9, 2017 08:19:07 #
I am selling a Tiffen set. It has a .6 stop ND filter. I wanted to try out long exposure before investing a lot of money on a better ND filter. I have used the polarizer with the 6 stop. worked well.
This is a filter kit with 3 filters. UV protector, circular polarizer and neutral density 0.6 filters. It comes in a easy carry case. It is use, well cared for & all filters are clear of any scratches. It comes with the case and the box. It is a size 77.
Sells on Amazon & B&H for $117. I am asking $90 plus shipping costs.
Photos on request. This link to B&H shows all that is included.
https://www.bhphotovi...
This is a filter kit with 3 filters. UV protector, circular polarizer and neutral density 0.6 filters. It comes in a easy carry case. It is use, well cared for & all filters are clear of any scratches. It comes with the case and the box. It is a size 77.
Sells on Amazon & B&H for $117. I am asking $90 plus shipping costs.
Photos on request. This link to B&H shows all that is included.
https://www.bhphotovi...
Feb 9, 2017 08:42:17 #
SusanFromVermont wrote:
I've been researching GNDs and would like some opi... (show quote)
Check out NiSi. A bit expensive, but impart the least amount of color shift to photos.
Feb 9, 2017 09:25:42 #
Susan, consider that many of the uses of a graduated neutral density filter can be resolved using HDR photography...and nothing else to carry.
Feb 9, 2017 09:34:25 #
aflundi
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
MT Shooter wrote:
I use only Tiffen Grad ND's as they are the ONLY ones made out of glass, all the others are plastic. I still have the first one I bought about 1983 and it is still pristine as my newer ones.
Festus mentioned NiSi, but didn't mention their filters are high-grade glass.
Feb 9, 2017 10:39:19 #
Robert Bailey
Loc: Canada
1. I used to have a set of the grey Cokin graduated ND filters, but I didn't like them- they were not neutral- they added grey!
2. I currently have a set of four Singh Ray graduated ND filters which are made of glass and work well. They fit in my Cokin P
filter holders. I've had them for more than 20 years. As I recall the 4 filters are:
- one stop with a gradual transition,
- one stop with a "hard" transition,
- two stop with a gradual transition,
- two stop with a "hard" transition.
You are on the right track by looking for filters made of glass rather than plastic.
2. I currently have a set of four Singh Ray graduated ND filters which are made of glass and work well. They fit in my Cokin P
filter holders. I've had them for more than 20 years. As I recall the 4 filters are:
- one stop with a gradual transition,
- one stop with a "hard" transition,
- two stop with a gradual transition,
- two stop with a "hard" transition.
You are on the right track by looking for filters made of glass rather than plastic.
Feb 9, 2017 10:40:53 #
I have used Cokin, Formatt Hi-Tech,NISI and Singh Ray filters. In my opinion, Singh Ray filters provide the most consistent results.
Feb 9, 2017 10:42:56 #
aflundi wrote:
Festus mentioned NiSi, but didn't mention their filters are high-grade glass.
I would love to have filters that are high-grade glass, but the price is more than I can spend. MT Shooter suggested Tiffen, also high-grade glass, and I am not buying those either for the same reason.
I know that it is better to buy good quality gear, and I do purchase the best I can afford. This is why I am asking for comments on the Cokin and Singh Ray filters I mentioned!
Feb 9, 2017 10:54:58 #
ronichas wrote:
I am selling a Tiffen set. It has a .6 stop ND fil... (show quote)
Thank you for the offer, but from what I see on B&H, the ND filter is a solid one that fits on the lens, whereas I want the Graduated ND that is rectangular. Also, since I already have a 0.3, I want to jump the 0.6 and go to the 0.9.
Feb 9, 2017 10:59:45 #
Festus wrote:
Check out NiSi. A bit expensive, but impart the least amount of color shift to photos.
The ones I see on B&H are all solid, not graduated. And out of my budget range...
Feb 9, 2017 11:06:02 #
Robert Bailey wrote:
1. I used to have a set of the grey Cokin graduat... (show quote)
Actually, I am not looking for glass because it is too costly! The Singh Ray and most others are "CR-39 optical resin". Perhaps 20 years ago they were all glass, but technology has improved and most are made with the resin now. Also, I hand-hold them because putting the holder on and off is a pain... Just have to make sure they cover the entire lens!
Thanks for the comments.
Susan
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