Lee filters ND and ND hard grad

[Rofly Lollers]

A simple question. I think.

If I buy a set of ND hard grads, can I use them as a substitute for solid NDs by positioning the filter correctly?

In other words, if I use mostly 77mm diameter lenses, would it be possible to position the graduation so that it is not visible? Would the density of the filter be sufficiently similar so as to be unnoticible?

I can't try it out myself yet as I only have the soft grads.

Hopefully someone will understand what the hell I am on about.

[Andy M]

With a smaller diameter lens, possibly, but not 77mm IMO.

The Lee ND filters are higher quality than their Grads BTW. One is glass, the other plastic.

[Rofly Lollers]

Andy M said:

The Lee ND filters are higher quality than their Grads BTW. One is glass, the other plastic.

I thought it was only their digital/high definition range which were glass? WarehouseExpress lists resin NDs.

[GetCarter]

Rofly Lollers said:

A simple question. I think.

If I buy a set of ND hard grads, can I use them as a substitute for solid NDs by positioning the filter correctly?

In other words, if I use mostly 77mm diameter lenses, would it be possible to position the graduation so that it is not visible? .

can I use them as a substitute for solid NDs by positioning the filter correctly?

Hmmm... Just about. I sometimes do this - when I'm trying to get a really slow shotter speed. If you were pointing at a white card you'd probably see it wasn't uniform though... it'd tail off at one edge (77mm is a big lens).

would it be possible to position the graduation so that it is not visible?

Again, just about, but why would you want to? I only put mine in the slot if I want the grad effect.

[Rofly Lollers]

Thanks for the help.

The reason is simply that I was thinking I could avoid buying the solid NDs... given the Lee filters are £60 a pop.

What do you use? I'm thinking of trying the 100x150mm formatt/hi tech filters in the Lee holder.

Also, do you know if the formatt 105mm circ pol will fit in the Lee accessory ring?
Thanks again :tu:

Edited by Rofly Lollers on Wednesday 11th November 09:53

[GetCarter]

Rofly Lollers said:

Thanks for the help.

The reason is simply that I was thinking I could avoid buying the solid NDs... given the Lee filters are £60 a pop.

What do you use? I'm thinking of trying the 100x150mm formatt/hi tech filters in the Lee holder.

Also, do you know if the formatt 105mm circ pol will fit in the Lee accessory ring?
Thanks again :tu:

Edited by Rofly Lollers on Wednesday 11th November 09:53

I use the Lee system with the wide fitting (so I can use wide angle lens). I mostly just use one of the two grads I have - mostly 0.9 hard. I have a HOYA 77 circular poloriser, but I never use it with the Lee filter system (though it works, so I'm sure the Lee one would also), because it's a REAL faff turning the circular filter as it turns the lee system and so you 'grad' the wrong bit of the frame (if you see what I mean). It's possible to do, but by the time the faff has happened the light has gone.

I'm into reflections, so I don't polorise that much.

[Rofly Lollers]

GetCarter said:

I use the Lee system with the wide fitting (so I can use wide angle lens). I mostly just use one of the two grads I have - mostly 0.9 hard. I have a HOYA 77 circular poloriser, but I never use it with the Lee filter system (though it works, so I'm sure the Lee one would also), because it's a REAL faff turning the circular filter as it turns the lee system and so you 'grad' the wrong bit of the frame (if you see what I mean). It's possible to do, but by the time the faff has happened the light has gone.

I'm into reflections, so I don't polorise that much.

I also have a number of screw-in circ pols, but the Lee and Formatt ones are different in that they attach to the end of the holder and can be rotated independently of the holder. The problem is the price, Lee being £210 for the filter, £30 for the 105mm holder.
Formatt is around £110 for the filter, so I think I'll go for that.
I think it's best to have the polariser on the very end, so that it's not looking through the other filters, otherwise any stresses in the resin or glass would show up as rainbow colours.

[chrisj]

I use the Lee hard grads on 5x4" and can use the ND portion with 67mm front element lenses, including a wide angle (105° view).
Not sure if that helps, but I do understand what you're on about!

[Oystercatcher]

I use the Lee grads with no problems on 11-18 (aps-c) and 17-35G (full frame) zooms. Both have 77mm filter threads (handy!).

I didn't bother with the Lee pol filters either for the reasons already stated, I use one of the Hoya Ultra series with the very thin mount to avoid vignetting. Like Steve, I rarely use both together 'cos I don't possess three hands...