Graduated ND filters

[SamHH]

I want try graduated ND filters and I'd like some advice. I understand that square filters are most appropriate for this and the two names that seem to come up most often are Cokin and Lee, with Lee being superior but more expensive. I'm not that bothered about perfectly distortion-free glass, so unless the Cokin filters are appalling they'd probably do for me, but are Lee holders significantly better built or easier to use? Also, it appears that Cokin make four different types, A, P X and Z. Which of these is most appropriate for a DSLR lens? Are there any other makes to consider?

[Furyous]

As I understand it, the Letter designates the sizing of the filter.

[Frik]

There's more than enough info on Cokin's website.

I've got the simple kit with 3 different levels of grad and a holder. Great kit.

[_dobbo_]

As with most things you get what you pay for.

What lens(es) will you be putting the filters in front of? If it's the kit lens or another budget lens I'd venture to suggest your money would be wasted on the Lee stuff and Cokin will do just fine.

Personally I use Cokin P series filters and holder. If I could take a decent landscape (or if there were any around these parts) I'd consider further investment but I can't so I don't.

Edited by _dobbo_ on Tuesday 9th December 22:15

[SamHH]

I'll be using it on cheap lenses so like you say higher quality filters might not be worth the extra. I was more interested about whether the holders are significantly better on the LEE system or the Cokin pro types.

Also, do you find the soft graduation or hard graduation type more useful?

Edited by SamHH on Tuesday 9th December 22:45

[stigmundfreud]

tbh I use Cokin P in front of L and you would have to try hard to see any issue(be interesting to see what its like on the 5dMK2)

You want an ND4 and ND8 they will cover nearly every range of sky/ground differences for you. ND8 will give you a much steeper step off but by definition graduated means that! It blends in smoothly.



hopefully gives a nice demo of how smooth it blends in.I can get the numbers I use if you like?

[stigmundfreud]

eta I generally tend to hold the filters in one hand unless I am being ultra patient

[RobDickinson]

I use cokin P, you wouldnt want the smaller ones, P does 82mm and at that with the wide holder up to about 17mm real (i.e. 11mm on crop).

You can always get 3rd party filters for the cokin system if the real ones dont suit.

[SamHH]

Thanks for all the advice guys. On that basis and having seen the massive price difference between the Cokin P system and the Cokin Pro and Lee systems I think I'll go for the cheaper option.

Cheers.

Edited by SamHH on Wednesday 10th December 09:17

[tim-b]

SanHH said:

Also, do you find the soft graduation or hard graduation type more useful?

stigmundfreud said:

ND8 will give you a much steeper step off but by definition graduated means that! It blends in smoothly.

just to clarify; the number in ND8 or ND4 denotes the strength of the filter (in stops) but there are different 'sizes' of graduation; eg where the grading covers the whole filter, or just the centre section (is that what you mean by soft/hard grads Sam?). Personally I prefer the 'hard' type as I use them primarily to knock back the sky and the harder grad helps as it's got a more distinct 'horizon' point. I guess the soft ones are better for studio work or images without a strong sky/ground polarity, having said that I've used them upside down in the past to knock back the foreground when shooting against a dark background, like here:

[Fordo]

tim-b said:

SanHH said:

Also, do you find the soft graduation or hard graduation type more useful?

stigmundfreud said:

ND8 will give you a much steeper step off but by definition graduated means that! It blends in smoothly.

just to clarify; the number in ND8 or ND4 denotes the strength of the filter (in stops) but there are different 'sizes' of graduation; eg where the grading covers the whole filter, or just the centre section (is that what you mean by soft/hard grads Sam?). Personally I prefer the 'hard' type as I use them primarily to knock back the sky and the harder grad helps as it's got a more distinct 'horizon' point. I guess the soft ones are better for studio work or images without a strong sky/ground polarity, having said that I've used them upside down in the past to knock back the foreground when shooting against a dark background, like here:

cant even tell you've used one on that photo- which means you've used it perfectly!

As has already mentioned, the harder edged grads are nice for a wide landscape when there is a harsh line between sky and horizon, and the softer ones are useful for anything else- even landscapes where there isnt a harsh line, like when there are mountains present.

A couple of different ones will see you for most occasions. Dont be aftraid of getting some really strong ones- the sky can be a lot brighter than foreground.I had some weak ones once, and they hardly did anything.

You can get tinted ones, but they look a little gimmicky, so I think ND grads are more useful.


Im a video cameraman by trade, so I use large ND grads that can fit in HD camera matte boxes. I can useully pick them up at broadcast shows for anywhere between £10 to £20, but they're a lot more usually. I use some grip to position them in front of my stills camera

Formatt -http://www.formatt.co.uk/default.aspx are pretty good value for money