My new graduated ND filter setup

[snowrdr]

I was asked what was on the left side of my entry in challenge #61 Still life (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=285674).
That is a Cokin P series filter holder with a 58mm adapter ring and a Hitech 0.6 soft edge graduated ND filter. I just got these and I'm still trying to learn how to use them on my S2IS. I knew these filters are made for the larger diameter slr lenses, but I thought I would try it on the S2 using the 58mm lens adapter. One problem I found out right away is that the 'soft edge' filter I bought is to big for the small diameter lens on the S2. The S2 lens is about 30mm in diameter and the soft edge portion of the filter that goes from full neutral density to clear is about 12mm. So I might end up getting the hard edge filter also... :rolleyes:

I bought these from BH Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com)
Cokin filter holder w/58mm adapter ring - B&H# COFHP5828
Hitech 0.6 Grad. ND filter - B&H # HIGND.6SCP

Here is how it looks on my S2 :D

[snowrdr]

Here are a couple shots at the same settings, first one without the filter and the second one with the filter on... :D

[O_T]

Nice example Dave. Sure does correct overexposure doesn't it?

[snowrdr]

Nice example Dave. Sure does correct overexposure doesn't it?

Thanks, that was a quick example I shot today. The idea is to keep the foreground from being to dark without the highlights in the sky being blown out. ;)

[Cindi]

Wow, thanks for posting this! Your timing is incredible....I just recently acquired a Cokin A series holder from a friend and I was going to purchase a GND filter soon. The only thing is that I just wasn't sure which GND filter to get first. I've been seeing the 2 and 3 stop ones for landscaping being recommended. Seeing your post seals the deal for me, I will be making a purchase soon!

[Bill Ng]

In 30 years ... I have never .... not once ... seen a person more in need of an SLR. :eek:

Bill

[JustShootin']

In 30 years ... I have never .... not once ... seen a person more in need of an SLR. :eek:

Bill

After many long years of carrying bags of bodies, lenses, meters, many, many filters and just way too many gadgets. I have made the S2 my choice of cameras, and I love it. But I will be the first to agree, that if you're going to add all these gadgets (especially the Cokin system), then by all means one needs to seriously consider an SLR camera. I think the purpose of the all in one compact is being defeated by using all these accessories.

[snowrdr]

Wow, thanks for posting this! Your timing is incredible....I just recently acquired a Cokin A series holder from a friend and I was going to purchase a GND filter soon. The only thing is that I just wasn't sure which GND filter to get first. I've been seeing the 2 and 3 stop ones for landscaping being recommended. Seeing your post seals the deal for me, I will be making a purchase soon!

Have fun with your new goodies Cindi... :D

[snowrdr]

In 30 years ... I have never .... not once ... seen a person more in need of an SLR. :eek:

Bill

I'm working on a new 30D. :D
Now if everyone would just paypal a $1.50 to me... ;););)

[snowrdr]

I think the purpose of the all in one compact is being defeated by using all these accessories.

I see you already have a couple accessories for your S2. You should pickup a circular polarizer and maybe an ND filter also... :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

[Cindi]

I'm working on a new 30D. :D
Now if everyone would just paypal a $1.50 to me... ;););)

If it were only that easy! :lol:

[JustShootin']

I see you already have a couple accessories for your S2. You should pickup a circular polarizer and maybe an ND filter also... :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

I haven't been without a polarizer since, well I just don't remember being without one! And the filter adapter has to be there to hold it. I also find the 1.5 teleconverter to work well for long shots. As for ND filters, I have several of them stored with the rest of my SLR gear that I occasionally use with my film SLR cameras. My point was, that I will never get overly involved with gadgets on a compact camera. By the way, I think I still have a bunch of them Cokin filters somewhere! ;)

[snowrdr]

My point was, that I will never get overly involved with gadgets on a compact camera.

Sounds like we are on different paths, I'm trying to learn as much as I can before making the jump to a dslr like the 30D. But I also don't like the way some of my landscape shots turn out with the foreground being so dark to keep the sky highlights from being blown out. And the good thing is that I can still use my new GND filter when I do finally get a new dslr. :D



That reminds me, I need to go check my PP account again... :mrgreen:

[JustShootin']

That reminds me, I need to go check my PP account again... :mrgreen:

I've been trying all day long to paypal you the money for the 30D, but that dang PayPal site seems to be down. They may never get it fixed, but if they ever do, I'll..............

[Cindi]

Sounds like we are on different paths, I'm trying to learn as much as I can before making the jump to a dslr like the 30D. But I also don't like the way some of my landscape shots turn out with the foreground being so dark to keep the sky highlights from being blown out. And the good thing is that I can still use my new GND filter when I do finally get a new dslr. :D



Dave I feel the exact same way as you!! I've been told that I may be perfectly happy with my little S2 and not want to make the jump. The verdict is still out on that one! ;)

[snowrdr]

Dave I feel the exact same way as you!! I've been told that I may be perfectly happy with my little S2 and not want to make the jump. The verdict is still out on that one! ;)

A friend let me take a few shots with his 1DmkII.
He had to pry it out of my hands to get it back... :mrgreen:

[wickiup]

I am actually amazed at the versatility and capability of these small P&S cameras. I used various Elan series cameras over the years and due to vision problems just sort of got away from it. The S1 IS was my entry into the digital world and as mentioned it went gunny bag and Canon replaced it with the S3 which is considerably more camera.

I believe the S2/S3 (and others) are well worth putting the few bucks into to better utilize it's abilities. The most useful accessories are of couse the adaptor tube and a protective lens of choice. The next lens should be a circular polarizer (take the time to learn how to make it work for you) then possibly some ND filters for those water and sunshine shots.

These costs can very easily be justified when giving the camera and the bag of goodies to a wide eyed grandson or daughter after you get your nice big DSLR.

My next camera will probably be a S4/S5 depending on how they go. The D80 Nikon looks really nice among many of the other popular DSLRs.

Too many gadgets = too many missed shots.

wickiup