looking for a graduated neutral density filter any advice

[kaitanium]

so as the title says im looking for a graduated neutral density filter. these filters are quite expensive for the size i need it in for my 17-40! and i want to make the right purchase. i see there are different levels (.6, 1.2, etc). any experiences at what is the most well rounded one (brand, density, etc)? anything would help! it doesnt look like hoya, the filters ive been using for these past years makes one.

[Double Negative]

I'd say look into Lee and HiTech grads. They're reasonably priced and you can get decent kits from places such as http://2filter.com

[Jon]

I use Singh Rays. They've posted an article that Galen Rowell wrote (http://www.singh-ray.com/srgnd2.html) for Outdoor Photographer on using grads; his recommendation is 2 and 3 stops (0.6, 0.9 or 4x and 8x by others' measures).

[kaitanium]

hmm looks decently priced. still learning about how this all works. that Hitech kit at $55 looks like what i need/want i think.

[kaitanium]

so for shooting mostly beach sunset scenes would a .6 HL work? just trying to see what i should get to boot.

[Double Negative]

A hard transition is good for the beach for example, where there's a pretty clear, straight horizon. The soft transitions are better for say, taking pictures in the hills and trees - where the horizon isn't so straightforward.

A CPL for the beach is also a good investment.

[kaitanium]

A hard transition is good for the beach for example, where there's a pretty clear, straight horizon. The soft transitions are better for say, taking pictures in the hills and trees - where the horizon isn't so straightforward.

A CPL for the beach is also a good investment.

yea i tried CPLs before, i think i like the possible outcome of a graduated ND better.

[angryhampster]

Is there a reason not to get Cokin GND filters? I currently use Hitech and am very happy with the results, but the Cokins are 1/3rd the price. I'm guessing there's a reason behind that?

[Double Negative]

Cokin grads suck. ;)

They have a color shift.

[angryhampster]

Cokin grads suck. ;)

They have a color shift.



Ahh I see..that's what I was worried about. Looks like I'll be putting forth a few extra hours to get a 2 or 3 stop filter. My 4 stop is completely overkill about 80% of the time :lol:

[kaitanium]

so when you guys talk about the "stops" on these filters, its how much you have to open up to get the normal exposure without it on?

i think im just going to go for the HiTech package over at 2filter.com. seems like a good deal unless someone has another cheaper/reliable place

[kaitanium]

going to buy one today. a 0.6 is average to start with?

[Double Negative]

0.6 is the average, yes.

[joegolf68]

I was in same situation. I got the BW from BH .6. Guy at BH first sold me one via phone, after reviewing it here and other places, the brand was supposedly a dud. I can't remember the brand now, dammit. I do recall that another brand was a no-no due to graying.

[inthedeck]

I got a 2 filter set, for the 17-40L. It's the Cokin Z Pro holder, a 77mm adapter ring, and a .9 hard and soft HiTech GND filter. Was about 180 or so, from 2filter.com. Their shipping was slow as hell...took nearly 2 weeks to get the package, and they are only 100 miles away. Not cool. The packaging was good, etc. but really slow.

Here's the SKU's for 2 filter.com...

HTZ77GD9S - HiTech Z 77mm 0.9SL GRAD KIT -- The filter kit comes with a 77mm adapter ring, the holder, and one soft filter (.9).

HT1412 - HITECH 4X5 GRADUAL ND.9 HARD -- This is the second filter.

Mind you, the kit would change based on the thread size of your lens. HTZ..GD9S (77mm, 72mm, 67mm, etc.).

See ya.

[kaitanium]

i want this for my 17-40L just like you inthedeck. slow shipping huh....ill take my chances.

[inthedeck]

Yeah, take the priority shipping. I think they have to order the filters from somewhere...which is why it took so long. When I called, the woman I spoke to said they were in stock...but still, I didn't get them for nearly 2 weeks after I ordered them. If you can wait, then no biggie...they will eventually show up. I missed out...cause I wanted to use them on my trip to San Fran. a couple of weeks ago...but no such luck. had to make do with the CPL.

Good luck on the decision.