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Grated neutral density filter: 1 or 2 stops?

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mholdef

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I switched to using the Cokin Square filter system with Hitech ND grad filter sets and a Cokin ND 8 grad.

I rarely find 1 or 2 stops enough and would think that 4 would be the most common and often use them with colour grads, CPL's and polacolor/varicolor filters.

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Sure I've got a photographic memory...... just needs developing!

 
Forgot to mention with square system ND grads they are oblong so you can move the filter up and down to best suit the horizon. There are also two types, soft (the gradient slowly gets stronger) and hard ( gradient is much quicker), so you can choose the type that best suits the landscape.

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Sure I've got a photographic memory...... just needs developing!

 
I agree that the most useful ND grads are the rectangular filters which can slide up and down in the holder to adjust for horizon (or dark/light interface) placement. They come in hard and soft transitions, but I use the hard a bit more frequently. The most common densities are 2 and 3 stop (ND 0.6 and 0.9), and they can be added to one another to increase the densities. Galen Rowell was a big supporter of grad ND filters and he recommended carrying both 2 and 3 stop hards and softs. He used the Singh Ray. As previously mentioned, the HiTech are a good buy.
http://www.2filter.com/prices/htpackages.htm
http://www.singh-ray.com/grndgrads.htmll
Mike K
 
I am using the # 2 and #3 Hitech. They can be added in a Coking holder.

Eduardo
Mike K said:
I agree that the most useful ND grads are the rectangular filters
which can slide up and down in the holder to adjust for horizon (or
dark/light interface) placement. They come in hard and soft
transitions, but I use the hard a bit more frequently. The most
common densities are 2 and 3 stop (ND 0.6 and 0.9), and they can be
added to one another to increase the densities. Galen Rowell was a
big supporter of grad ND filters and he recommended carrying both 2
and 3 stop hards and softs. He used the Singh Ray. As previously
mentioned, the HiTech are a good buy.
http://www.2filter.com/prices/htpackages.htm
http://www.singh-ray.com/grndgrads.htmll
Mike K
Click to expand...
 
I dont currently use them, but have been researching them. From what I have read, 2 stops seems to be the one to get if you only get one. Would be curious if this matches with real world experience though?

I am looking at getting the Cokin P-Series filters. There is a kit that comes with the holder and 3 different graduated NDs for around $50, but it seems to be on backorder everywhere!
 
Here is a series images taken with GND filters (Cokin) from 0 to 3 stops. See what density would suite you best. All exposed for grass in the foreground.

No filter



One stop



Two stops



Three (One + Two) stops



CP filter for comparison



--
Gautam
 
If you're considering a graduated system (and most landscape shooters should absolutely have one), you're going to be far better served by one of the square systems (Lee, Cokin, Formatt) than circular graduated ND's whose transition point always lies at the center of the frame. This seriously impacts your ability to compose as you'd most often prefer.
mholdef said:
Looking to invest in a graduated neutral density filter

Noticed that B+W only sells 1 and 2 stop versions - I would have
imagined that 2 stops is the "norm" as generally there is a 2 stop
difference between landscape and the sky.

Among those who use them often, can you confirm?

Thanks

Mark

--
http://www.pbase.com/mholdef/galleries

http://www.gallery.camera-info.com/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=591
Click to expand...
 
When using the rectangular filters, which would seem to offer more artistic flexibility, what are the ramifications of using the lens hood? Must you shoot without it?
--
When I ask which Canon lenses are best,
people tell me to 'go to L.'
 
The Cokin ND grad filters are not true ND's but rather grey and have the effect of altering the tone.

This is not always a bad thing but you should be aware of it.

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Sure I've got a photographic memory...... just needs developing!

 
I bought a 2 stop ND B+W and tried to use it a few times. I came to the quick realization that a grad-ND with the graduation line stuck in the middle of the filter wasn't very valuable. You almost never want the horizon to be mid-frame, so you're kind of stuck.

I bought a Cokin P-series holder and a 3-stop soft Singh-Ray rectangular filter, which is much more flexible in terms of positioning. As with my regular ND filters, I found 3 stops to be the minimum needed.
 
Am I right?

If you use a 1.6 body and a FF lens, you will loose the darkest and the lightest area, and your 2stop Grad. ND filter "becomes" - I don't know - 1 stop or even less?

For instance I use 10D and a 24-105 L lens + a Heliopan 2 stop grad. ND filter. I really hardly can notice any significant effect of the filter. The area, where the filter darkens the most the picture, is out of the sensor's area.
 
You will need one adapter ring for each filter size of the lenses. The same filter holder will fit them all.
--
Gautam
 
Figrure out the "horizon thing. The Sing-Rays are 120mm long. This allows setting the graduation change pretty much where you need it.

These are not cheap thought, at $99 each.
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'A bad idea in search of a good cause is..
just a bad idea' ... me
 
I've always read that Lee and Singh-Ray grads are superior, but also the most expensive.

Has anyone used Hitec vs Singh-Ray or Lee...and are Hitec filters as good as the more expensive counterparts...neutrality, etc?

Hi-tec seems to be more affordable, but I want the best bang for the buck...not even considering the Cokin filters.
 
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