best ND Filter for 35mm lens

[skywalkerbeth]

Hi all

What would be the best/most versatile ND filter to get for my 35mm 1.4L?

I can't figure out if 1 stop, 2 stops... etc.. would be better.

What are the pros/cons of the circular versus the ones that slide? I would think the sliding one is better b/c you can move the horizon, right?

[Jon]

I assume from the question about which type, circular or rectangular, you're considering a graduated ND filter.

For a grad, you're absolutely 100% correct, you want a rectangular one. IMO a one-stop grad's pretty much pointless. Just split the difference in the exposure and make any minor adjustments needed in post-processing. [url=http://singhray.blogspot.com/2006/10/from-archive-graduated-neutral-density.html]Galen Rowell[/i] always recommended 2- and 3-stop grads, in both hard and soft edges; for his "basic" kit, he'd use a soft-edged 2 and a hard-edged 3. Depending on your environment, if you're only getting one grad I'd say get a 3-stop one, with a hard graduation if you have distinct, straight horizons or a soft grad if the horizon is more irregular. The 3-stop may be more than you need, but it'll be easier to darken the foreground in post than to lighten it (exposing to the right again).

[skywalkerbeth]

Thanks, yes, graduated.

I think the soft-edged one is more likely to be useful, isn't it?

what is the diff b/w Cokin P holders and the 4x6 - I assume the Cokin would be the one I'd want for a 30D?

[Jon]

Depends on what your horizons are like. If you're in Florida, for instance, a hard grad would be more useful. In western Colorado, a soft would.

For a 35 mm f.l. lens on a 30D, a Cokin P/84 mm size would be plenty; if you were using a UWA lens (or see one in your not so distant future), go with the wider 4" (100 mm) filters and holders.

[skywalkerbeth]

Ok, thanks. I am thinking about my next lens, most likely it would not be wider than 24 though. not certain, but not likely.

This immediate usage would be for the Alps. At other times it would be here in VA or SC.