Pumble

While I reviewed prior discussions as to whether or not it's better to use PS or a ND Grad filter to deal with bright skies in landscapes, I believe like everything else in life, there is a balance and can see applications for both. As such, this isn't meant to be a debate on post processing v use of filters.

I am looking at adding a NG grad to add to my kit and am torn between a B&W threaded filter for the front of the lens and a square on i.e. Lee or Singh-Ray. Was hoping to get some guidance on pros and cons of each type. As a secondary question, are any of the square filters glass anymore? I noted even the Lee filters I looked at on B&H were resin. Thoughts?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

For convenience and speed, I'll take the threaded.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

If you’re talking about graduated ND filter, the answer is a resounding yes for square. In fact, I didn’t know why you would buy a round grad ND. The reason you want square is so you can adjust where in the scene you want the transition. If you can’t adjust the line, what’s the point?

None of my grad ND’s are glass. Haven’t seen a glass one in yrs. resin is less fragile, but downside is it is a dust magnet due to static buildup. I prefer resin since I have suffered too many shattered glass square filters in my time.

Lastly, good ND grads like Singh Ray are very expensive (and I have different strengths and transitions in my kit) and they are often difficult to use if the areas of contrast are not in a straight line. Think mountain subject against bright sky. For that reason, once PS/LR arrived with the ability to adjust highlights/shadows, I never again used a grad Nd. Haven’t used one in years. So if you decide you want any, pm me and I’ll make you a great deal on mine. 😄

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Agrees wholeheartedly with Rick.

repleo Loc: Boston

Round threaded grad ND filters are only good for one lens size. Using step up rings on smaller lenses will shift the graduation away from where you want it making them useless. Go with the square grad filters unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money on different sizes. You can get by with just holding the square filter in front of the lens if you find a square holder too troublesome.
Round threaded Full ND filters are fine and can be used on different sized lenses with step up rings but why have two systems.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Shift the graduation line?
Is the adapter ring off center?
Curious - How does that work?

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

How do you properly place the demarcation line built into a round Nd grad if line between dark/bright in your scene is not where the line in the filter is? I repeat that I have never understood the usefulness of a round grad, but willing to learn. The whole idea behind sq grads is to allow the user to put the demarcation line where you want it. And I reiterate, why fuss with filters whose sole job is to create something easily “fixed” in post? I generally advocate for getting it right in the camera (say for overall exposure and composition), but for balancing bright/dark areas, why spend the $ and time fiddling with ancient hardware which seldom gave perfect results even when operated correctly.

Btw - another example of when I ignore a camera function and rely on post is white balance. For years, I fiddled with wb devices to set proper wb. I have grey cards and color checker cards galore, but stopped setting custom wb years ago (UNLESS I am shooting products where precise color is required - think fashion). Way too cumbersome in changing light conditions. I just set my Nikons for auto wb and adjust the wb in post from the raw file where necessary.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

If they bisect the circle of glass, it should be in the center.
If they just slop it in there, who knows.
I would imagine the circle is bisected, which will keep it in the center no matter what adapter ring one uses. sm17:

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Not sure you are grasping my point. If the line in the filter is midway, what do you do when your composition has the horizon at the top or the bottom of the composition. If the filter’s line is baked in, you must compose so that the filter line corresponds with the horizon in the composition. How many times have you found the wanted demarcation line corresponding to the fixed one in the filter?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I did, my quote error. I fixed my quote.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Sorry to be dense, but I still don’t understand how a fixed demarcation line in a round filter can adapt to a demarcation line in a framing which is not in the same place as the one in the filter.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

It can't, unless one uses a wide enough lens to be able to put the demarcation line where one wants it in the shot.
All graduated NDs I've seen have it in the center of the round filter.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Exactly! Which is why my original reply was that round graduated ND’s are useless. I think we have finally solved the John Wayne conundrum in your signature block. 😄

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

bleirer

You would back off enough to be able to crop the composition, placing the line anywhere in the finished frame.