ND filters

[tacos3]

I'm looking for some advice on getting some neutral density filters for some landscape work. I have lenses that are 77mm and want to know what is the best setup for this size lens. Brand, size and pricing advice would be appreciated.

I'm looking for 4 stops less light(I forget what these are officially called). I looked and there are 3" and 4" squares and they are really expensive. Any advice would be helpful.

Darren

[robertwgross]

There are straight neutral density filters that come in circular form or rectangular form, and then there are graduated neutral density filters that come in rectangular form. Rectangular ones require a filter holder (e.g. Cokin).

The straight one is good for slowing down a rushing water shot. The graduated one is good for evening up a bright sky/dark foreground shot.

---Bob Gross---

[lomond]

I use the Cokin P filters on my 17-40L which is 77mm. This is the square type which slides into the filter holder which attaches to a 77mm adaptor ring. Its cheap but works.
It's not a true Neutral Density filter for that you need something like a Lee filter. Bit more expensive.
I find the Cokin works well enough for me, including the ND Grads.

[Lesmac]

I also use the cokin P filters on my 17-40 F4L (grads and ND), although I've had to cut the holder down (to hold one filter) on my 1DS MKII to avoid vignetting, wide open. Cokin are cheap and cheerful, but do the job.
Some examples of grads/nd in my gallery.
Les
http://lesmclean.photoblink.com/


Les

[lomond]

I also use the cokin P filters on my 17-40 F4L (grads and ND), although I've had to cut the holder down (to hold one filter) on my 1DS MKII to avoid vignetting, wide open. Cokin are cheap and cheerful, but do the job.
Some examples of grads/nd in my gallery.
Les
http://lesmclean.photoblink.com/


Les

If Cokin is good enough for this photographer it's good enough for me.
Just checked your websight, Les (again).
Stunning photography.

[mdr]

I use Lee filters. They're very versatile and the best quality you can get, but you may find them expensive. They even allow full frame on my 17-40mm L lens without vignetting. Cokin now also do a Z-Pro square filters which are the same size as the Lee filters. You can mix and match.

[iwatkins]

I used the Cokin system for a long time and the colour cast you sometimes get with their ND Grads could be fixed easily if you shot RAW.

However, as it's something I do a lot of I switched to the Lee system a while back. Expensive yes, but top quality product.

Cheers

Ian

[Akreager]

1 stop = 2x
2 stop = 4x
3 stop = 8x
4 stop = 16x Four stop seems an awful lot to me. I use a two stop graduated filter for good effects. If I want more I pull it out in PS.