Graduated ND filter questions

[jaypie77]

So I want a graduated ND filter for my landscape photos but I don't want to get a grad ND which fits a ring-mount because that (I would think) predetermines where the horizon will be in the photo. I would like to buy one of those square ND filters that you can move around and tape on the lens (or use a fancy holder) but those seem expensive.

Is my first assumption correct?

Is there a way to get reasonably priced grad ND filters that don't fit directly on the lens? Any recommendations for decent but affordable brands?

[Citizensmith]

Cokin is the name brand I'm aware of for the square filters but several other folks make almost as good imitations. Ebay is a great place to pick that kind of thing up cheap.

And, you are correct, a screw in grad filter is only any use if your border is going straight across the middle of the frame.

[lomond]

I use Cokin ND & ND grads, they are reasonably good and not expensive.

If you want good and expensive look at Lee filters.

[jaypie77]

I guess I'm going to buy a set of Cokin stuff tonight then. Let's say I have a lens with a 72mm filter size; what do I need to buy from Cokin to get a grad ND on there?

From what I'm looking at, it looks like I need:
1. P Series Filter Holder
2. P Series 72mm adapter ring
3. P Series Grad ND filter

Anything else or will that do it? Should I get #1 and 2 or should I just use gaffer's tape to mount #3 on my lens?

[Crash758]

That is pretty much it, but also keep in mind Cokin does not make true ND filters. They are graduated grey filters....

Good luck
Mike

[jaypie77]

So... I need to go to another company to get ND filters?

[Crash758]

Well, it depends on what you want to do. With proper care, the Cokin filters will last. But they are acrylic and not glass and are prone to scratch. But, with proper care and storage, that is no problem. I use Galen Rowell ND filters in the Cokin holder, but they are pricey. There are other glass ND's out there that are cheaper (and I mean that just in the sense of price, not quality), but you may have to do some research if no one else writes in to tell you what they use. Here is the website I usually get my stuff from...

http://www.singh-ray.com/index.html

Mike

[ohenry]

My recommendation is to buy the Cokin P holder and then buy HiTech, Lee, or Singh-Ray filters designed to fit the Cokin holder. Cokin grads are not color correct, not true ND filters, but they are cheap. I have been happy with HiTech filters... I bought mine from http://www.2filter.com . Singh-Ray are excellent filters.

[Lesmac]

Cokin filters are cheap and cheerful, but do the job, I'd get probably two to start with (nd4 and nd8 ) grads.
Any slight colour shift can be tweaked in PS.

Most of my landscapes are taken with cokin grads.
Les

http://lesmclean.photoblink.com/

[blue_max]

Another thought (though I haven't tried it yet!) is that you could take a few different exposures (whilst it is on a tripod obvioulsy) and put them into layers in photoshop. Then put a graduated mask on one of the layers. It should work and be a whole lot more pleasent to do that in the field so to speak.

You are effectively achieving the same thing in the comfort of your home. In addition, you are not limited to half and half – you could obviously pick as much or as little as is required – and not have blue skies fade across a wide angle picture.

This makes various assumptions like having and knowing how to use photoshop or similar.

It's something I am keen to try before I splash out. I only need to take a good enough landscape picture and I am away. So far my miserable attempts are grim.

Whilst not exactly the same, you can produce some interesting effects by duplicating the image on another layer and fiddling with the options.

Like so.
Graham

[SDJNJ]

A Singh-Ray filter will cost you about $99. It's one of the best, IMO.