Neutral Density?

[muchatrucha]

Hello,
I am new to the forum and greatly admire so many of you for your work. I am wondering if anyone can recommend a good "all around" Neutral Density filter?.....If one exists?

Sunsets and bright mountain scenes are what I am looking to improve. Thanks for any suggestions.

[WaPat]

You're probably thinking of a "graduated neutral density" filter.

"Neutral Density" filters are used more to slow flowing water and darken the entire shot rather than just a part that might be blown out by hot skies and sunsets.

Pat

[rouxeny]

I think you're thinking of a graduated filter. One that's dark on one half and light on the other. That way, you can selectively darken one portion of a picture, say the bright sky.

You can always buy a screw on filter, but then you're a little limited in that you're stuck at that size and you've got to have the split between the light and dark parts right in the middle of your shot.

I would actually recommend buying a 3 stop soft edge filter that fits the Cokin P filter system. It's basically a rectangle of plastic. Cokin makes them, Singh-Ray, a few other companies also. You don't need to get the filter holder, it's actually often easier to just hold the filter in front of your lens with your hand.

The benefits of something like that are that you can use that filter with any lens, and that you can adjust the location of the split to wherever in the frame you want.

A neutral density filter is all dark, it darkens the entire image.

[muchatrucha]

Yeah sorry...Graduated Neutral Density is what I was referring to. And I should have stated that I was wondering what is preferred....the screw on type or the rectangular with the holder. I am shooting with a Canon L lens so I would like a good quality filter. Any suggestions?

[bps]

There's lots of great threads on this topic. Run a search on GND and see what it returns. I own the Lee Foundation system and Hitech GND filters -- a great combination at a good price.

Bryan

[muchatrucha]

Thanks!

[rouxeny]

I own a Cokin P filter holder and a few Singh-Ray filters. The setup is very nice, but the Singh-Ray filters are pricey. Cokin filters are not entirely light neutral and supposedly impart a bit of color cast. I have never used them so I cannot say based on personal experience. They are also a bit smaller than the Singh-Ray, making adjustment or hand-holding a little harder.

The most common two "systems" for holding a filter are either the Cokin or the Lee. As for Cokin, they have a few different sizes, used based on what size lens you will be using. For most people, the P is the way to go. If you shoot a lot of wide angle, you may need to look at another size. I am minimally familiar with Lee although it seems to be an entirely viable alternative.

The thread about Graduated Neutral Density filters is pretty long and has lots of examples.

Here it is.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=224448

[jrader]

There's lots of great threads on this topic. Run a search on GND and see what it returns. I own the Lee Foundation system and Hitech GND filters -- a great combination at a good price.

Bryan
+1

Hitech makes great filters, for the price. If you're just getting into photography, this is a good place to start. If you're made of money, go with the Singh Rays.

John

[blueM]

Run a search on GND and see what it returns

Yes, do this, but run the search in the Accessories & Storage section