Which Graduated ND's

[Jannie]

Watching the Art Wolfe videos I notice he simply holds a graduated neutral density filter in front of his lens rather than installing it in some special holder, I've done that with motion picture cameras before, it allows for a quick setup. Art also uses a filter that is very rectangular, probably allowing for a filter which is graduated slowly so it won't create a harsh line I'm guessing.

I'd like to get a set of something like this, probably a GND in .3,.6..9 and if they work out then get a set toward the bluish side and a set toward the reddish side of the spectrum.

What are your recommendations, I tend to shoot fast, admittedly I'd have to use a tripod when doing this and with scenics there's more opportunity to take the time for setup but I do want good quality.

And I like the idea of a neutral density grad that is larger than the end of the lens so I can move it up and down, change the angle etc.

[Jon]

I use Singh Rays (http://www.singh-ray.com/grndgrads.html). In grads, I wouldn't bother with a 1 stop (.3). Depending on where you are, you may want a hard or a soft grad. The reason for using the rectangular one is so you can adjust where the transition falls. Since you really need to be stopped down to see where it is, I prefer to use a Cokin filter holder with adapter rings for all my lenses. That way there's less chance of my moving the filter between adjusting it and taking the photo. I believe some people have used gaffer's tape to anchor them though.

[vpnd]

like jon said Singh ray is probably one of the best. I used Lee filters for a while and thought the results were good as well. Unfortunately you'll have to decide whether soft or hard grads are best for you.

[ben_r_]

What holder do you guys recommend? I would like it to be 82mm so I could use it on my 16-35 II but I imagine one can get various adapter rings so I could use it on my 77mm and 58mm lenses as well right?

[Jon]

For the 5D/16-35 and 24-70 combo, I think you'll want the Cokin Z holder and the 4x6" filters. And you will be able to get adapter rings for each of your lenses.

[ben_r_]

OMG.... not rubber bands: LINK (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162544-REG/LEE_Filters_GS_Gel_Snap_4x4_Filter.html)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/162544.jpg

The Gel Snap is Lee's easy and affordable filter holder. Simply insert your 4 x 4" filter, snap it shut, and "snap" it on to any lens 82mm or smaller using the included "Elastomeric Tension Device", also known as an "E.T.D.", i.e, rubber band.

[ben_r_]

For the 5D/16-35 and 24-70 combo, I think you'll want the Cokin Z holder and the 4x6" filters. And you will be able to get adapter rings for each of your lenses.

Thanks Jon.

[ben_r_]

Ouch:

$60 for the Cokin Z Holder
$40 for the Coken 82mm Adapter Ring for Z Holder
$40 for the Coken 77mm Adapter Ring for Z Holder

and....

$160 for the Singh-Ray 4x6 3 Stop GND Filter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
$300 Total

And thats just to get started! Ouch!

[Jon]

Nobody ever claimed this was an inexpensive hobby . . . Maybe see what you can do with Lee or Hi Tech.

[ben_r_]

Meh, Lee is about the same price. I have heard good things about Singh-Ray filters though and know Cokin to make a good product from years ago. Glad I at least know how much it will cost to get that functionality though. Helps to prioritize where I will place in the line of things to purchase. ;)

[Jannie]

Very excellent, I'll read the Gary's blog on the SingRay filters but it all looks good, right now I'd guess I would probably need the 4x6 with both the hard step and soft ND2 stop grads but I'll read more first.

Thanks a bunch, I feel this is really going to work.

[Mike K]

SinghRay are great but at a premium price. They were used all the time by the late Galen Rowell and still sold at his gallery in Bishop CA.

The HiTech ND are a bargin at $57 for one lens adapter, a Cokin holder and one graduated ND filter. $40 for additional filters. Free US shipping for orders > $66.
The HiTechs work fine and add no color cast.

http://www.2filter.com/prices/htpackages.html

Mike K

[WMWARD2]

I use Singh Rays (http://www.singh-ray.com/grndgrads.html). In grads, I wouldn't bother with a 1 stop (.3). Depending on where you are, you may want a hard or a soft grad. The reason for using the rectangular one is so you can adjust where the transition falls. Since you really need to be stopped down to see where it is, I prefer to use a Cokin filter holder with adapter rings for all my lenses. That way there's less chance of my moving the filter between adjusting it and taking the photo. I believe some people have used gaffer's tape to anchor them though.

Jon, I am confused about how to determine between a "hard" or "soft" filter. My last trip out to the Blue Ridge Mountains tells me I need to do something about that sky and mist.

I appreciate the info you gave Ben on the holder, as I have been trying to figure that out also.

[sadatk]

Jon, I am confused about how to determine between a "hard" or "soft" filter. My last trip out to the Blue Ridge Mountains tells me I need to do something about that sky and mist.

I appreciate the info you gave Ben on the holder, as I have been trying to figure that out also.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=315987&highlight=GND

[Jon]

"Hard" grads have a relatively sharp transition; they're good where there's a crisp, straight horizon. For the Blue Ridge, I'd say use a soft grad (broad transition) usually; you won't be holding the peaks back as much, or having the transition running through the sky.

[sadatk]

By the way, link to the art wolfe videos?

[WMWARD2]

"Hard" grads have a relatively sharp transition; they're good where there's a crisp, straight horizon. For the Blue Ridge, I'd say use a soft grad (broad transition) usually; you won't be holding the peaks back as much, or having the transition running through the sky.

Jon, I really appreciate this advice

[argyle]

Ouch:

$60 for the Cokin Z Holder
$40 for the Coken 82mm Adapter Ring for Z Holder
$40 for the Coken 77mm Adapter Ring for Z Holder

and....

$160 for the Singh-Ray 4x6 3 Stop GND Filter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
$300 Total

And thats just to get started! Ouch!

Take a look at Hitech and Lee filters. Both are made from the same grade and type of resin material...the basic difference, other than cost, is that the Hitechs are 4x5 while the Lees are 4x6. I find that 4x5 gives me plenty of room for adjustments, so I was able to save about $30 per filter by using Hitech instead of Lee.

FWIW, I'd really recommend using the Lee filter holder over the Cokin Z-Pro. I started with the Z-Pro, but found the Lee to be a much better design. Whereas the Cokin relies on three tiny plastic pins to keep the holder mounted to the adapter ring (the pins are slid in and out to install/remove the holder), the Lee uses a spring-loaded brass clamp to secure the holder to the ring. Much more reliable, and will definitely outlast the plastic pins. Also, because of the pins, you're not able to use the first filter slot closest to the lens on the Cokin Z-Pro since they impede the filter (a problem when stacking GNDs). The Lee holder is about $15 more than the Z-Pro, but if you go with Hitech filters you'll save more than enough to offset the cost. I've been using Hitech for quite a while with no ill effects.

Here's a pic of my 5D/17-40L with a Lee holder, wide angle adapter ring, two GND's, and the Lee 105mm polarizer. The brass knob at the top of the holder is what secures everything to the adapter ring...much more secure this way.

http://northlake.smugmug.com/photos/247451733_wkyCd-L.jpg

[ben_r_]

Thanks I will look into that setup as well.

[WMWARD2]

Take a look at Hitech and Lee filters. Both are made from the same grade and type of resin material...the basic difference, other than cost, is that the Hitechs are 4x5 while the Lees are 4x6. I find that 4x5 gives me plenty of room for adjustments, so I was able to save about $30 per filter by using Hitech instead of Lee.

FWIW, I'd really recommend using the Lee filter holder over the Cokin Z-Pro. I started with the Z-Pro, but found the Lee to be a much better design. Whereas the Cokin relies on three tiny plastic pins to keep the holder mounted to the adapter ring (the pins are slid in and out to install/remove the holder), the Lee uses a spring-loaded brass clamp to secure the holder to the ring. Much more reliable, and will definitely outlast the plastic pins. Also, because of the pins, you're not able to use the first filter slot closest to the lens on the Cokin Z-Pro since they impede the filter (a problem when stacking GNDs). The Lee holder is about $15 more than the Z-Pro, but if you go with Hitech filters you'll save more than enough to offset the cost. I've been using Hitech for quite a while with no ill effects.

Here's a pic of my 5D/17-40L with a Lee holder, wide angle adapter ring, two GND's, and the Lee 105mm polarizer. The brass knob at the top of the holder is what secures everything to the adapter ring...much more secure this way.

http://northlake.smugmug.com/photos/247451733_wkyCd-L.jpg

Thanks for the info on the Lee holder. Are the Lee and Hitech resins compariable to Singh-ray?

It was nice to see the photo of the assembled unit, I also need to buy a polarizer.

[bmynbr]

I use the cokin NDG, and I just hold it in front like Art wolfe did in Travels to the edge. I find it much easier that using the holder. especially if you need to put your lens cap on and off. You can also slightly move your filter up and down to make the transition even softer, depending on shutter speed.
Hope this helps.
DAve

[bmynbr]

Forgot to mention, that is with camera on tripod.

[bmynbr]

http://www.treklens.com/viewphotos.php?l=3&p=305725
this is a link to a pic of me holding the filter

[argyle]

Thanks for the info on the Lee holder. Are the Lee and Hitech resins compariable to Singh-ray?

It was nice to see the photo of the assembled unit, I also need to buy a polarizer.

I believe the Singh-Ray's are glass, but I could be mistaken.

[Mr_Bester]

By the way, link to the art wolfe videos?
I don't know if they are available on line, but if you have pbs, they show "Travels to the Edge" nightly here. You can go the the "travels to the edge" website and they have some video snippets, they may show him using it. I think they are called tips. It may be on the canon website linked from the TttE website.
Dug

[Mike K]

Forgot to mention, that is with camera on tripod.

I hold the filters over the lens sometimes too, depending upon the situation. You need a tripod as one also needs to push the apeture preview button to stop down the lens so you can see where the transition is in the frame. Hand holding everything you start to run out of fingers. Its usually pretty hard to tell where the transition is with the apeture wide open.

The general recommendation for your first Grad. ND filters are 2 and 3 stop (0.6 and 0.9)in either the hard and soft transitions, or both.
Mike K

[Tareq]

I use Hitech GND filters, really great product and i think it is cheaper than Singh-Ray or LEE.
I just got my Cokin Z-pro holder about 1 month ago and the ring later 3 weeks ago maybe and they are great combo, just i need to go out to shoot but no chance for something.

[Jon]

I believe the Singh-Ray's are glass, but I could be mistaken.
They make some glass filters. Their ND Grads are resin however.

[argyle]

They make some glass filters. Their ND Grads are resin however.

Thanks for the info. I tried checking their website, but didn't see anything about materials.