Graduated filter
Author
Discussion

dh2

Original Poster:

311 posts

294 months

Thursday 14th December 2006
quotequote all
Hi all.

I'm feeling flush, so am thinking about another splurge.
I am thinking about getting an ND Grad filter setup, and am generally looking for advice. I have seen GetCarter recommend the Cokin P-series so am looking at this. A quick question - as I am wanting to use with landscapes, how do I get on with a) the filter holder clipping the frame at ultra-wide angle, and b) retaining the use of the lens hood?
My guess is that the answer to a) is that Cokin appear to do a wide angle adapter? and b) is tough luck.

I figure getting a filter or two will be less bad than buying a lens

DH2

GetCarter

31,297 posts

309 months

Thursday 14th December 2006
quotequote all
Right on both accounts... but when you say 'ULTRA' wide angle, you may find that the filter holder will be visible. You have to balance up blue skys v losing the 'ultra' facility.

Cokin P are good, Lee are miles better, but four times the price.

I rarely take a landscape without an ND grad now... tis a wise move. Without one - the sky here would be completely over exposed >>> www.stevecarter.com/2005/Buttermere13-07-06.jpg


Steve

Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 14th December 12:53

dh2

Original Poster:

311 posts

294 months

Thursday 14th December 2006
quotequote all
Thanks Steve.

"Ultra" for me means 16mm (10mm x 1.6 crop).
I think the Cokin is expensive enough for me at the moment. I've already got some of the gear and no idea, I just need to get out there and take/learn lots more.

With reference to the picture you linked, where abouts did you align the gradient of the filter on that? Just at the sky-meets-land level?

DH2

GetCarter

31,297 posts

309 months

Thursday 14th December 2006
quotequote all
dh2 said:
Thanks Steve.

With reference to the picture you linked, where abouts did you align the gradient of the filter on that? Just at the sky-meets-land level?

DH2


I tend to 'bracket' with the ND (i.e. take lots in different places). Chances are the start of the grad was near the lake ... thus the really dark bit was over the sky. You'll be surprised how far 'south' you need to bring the filter. It's only 'stopping down' the top part of the frame, which is much lighter than one thinks (compared to the bottom half)... brains are much more clever than CCDs and do the math internally - we have to help the camera along a bit.

Have fun.

Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 14th December 15:20

poah

2,142 posts

258 months

Thursday 14th December 2006
quotequote all
you can get round the filter holder by placing the filter upgainst the lens which is what I do

dh2

Original Poster:

311 posts

294 months

Thursday 14th December 2006
quotequote all
Thanks for the tip Poah... why don't I think of the simple solutions?

DH2

_dobbo_

14,619 posts

278 months

Thursday 14th December 2006
quotequote all
I've got this on the old chrimbo list, No doubt I'll just get the usual ill fitting socks and shower gel gift set...

dh2

Original Poster:

311 posts

294 months

Thursday 14th December 2006
quotequote all
_dobbo_ said:
I've got this on the old chrimbo list, No doubt I'll just get the usual ill fitting socks and shower gel gift set...

yeah seen that, felt tempted, but I think I need/want the wide angle filter holder, and assume the kit includes the standard one.

DH2

stuart b

281 posts

270 months

Thursday 14th December 2006
quotequote all
That kit doesn't look like it includes the adapter ring, so make sure you get one of those for the size(s) of lens threads you have. They're not expensive.

The ring screws on, the filter holder slides/clips on to the ring.

Good stuff although I'd imagine their business must be dying a bit. The catalogue has all sorts of wierd and wonderful filters but with the exception of one or two I dare say most would take the picture blank and then add filters afterwards in PS these days.

Stuart

poah

2,142 posts

258 months

Friday 15th December 2006
quotequote all
dh2 said:
_dobbo_ said:
I've got this on the old chrimbo list, No doubt I'll just get the usual ill fitting socks and shower gel gift set...

yeah seen that, felt tempted, but I think I need/want the wide angle filter holder, and assume the kit includes the standard one.

DH2


wide angle holder just has one filter fitment

scalper

221 posts

271 months

Friday 15th December 2006
quotequote all
you can easily cut off a couple of the front slots of a traditional filter holder to solve the vignetting problems

Edited by scalper on Friday 15th December 21:05

dh2

Original Poster:

311 posts

294 months

Monday 18th December 2006
quotequote all
poah said:
wide angle holder just has one filter fitment

ah, which would mean that I couldn't double-stack the grad filters if I needed to... hmmm, the plot thickens...

DH2

GetCarter

31,297 posts

309 months

Monday 18th December 2006
quotequote all
Another absolute HAD to have ND grad pic taken this am (ended up on the 'cutting room floor' of my photo a day page - too much dark methinks)

Anyway, as it's on my webspace SOMEONE might as well see it... just to prove it doesn't always rain here in winter.

Click on it to lose squash

LongQ

13,864 posts

263 months

Monday 18th December 2006
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Water looks a bit turbulent there Steve - not your usual mirror finish!

jester

GetCarter

31,297 posts

309 months

Monday 18th December 2006
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Almost white water rafting I'd say.

I'll work on god to stop the breeze tommorow

V6GTO

11,579 posts

272 months

Monday 18th December 2006
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Nice to see a photo here for a change...

Martin.

job38

1,973 posts

266 months

Tuesday 19th December 2006
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GetCarter said:
ended up on the 'cutting room floor' of my photo a day page



One man's cutting room floor, is another mans 'best of' album.

I'd be delighted if I'd taken a shot even half as good

GetCarter

31,297 posts

309 months

Tuesday 19th December 2006
quotequote all
Ta. It was flip a coin time for my 'photo every day' site. Mrs Get had the casting vote and chose...