Graduated ND filters - when to use Reverse, Hard-Step or Soft-Step?

[yabbie]

Does anyone have experience to share of what they use each of these types for?

I'm looking into getting a couple just to start with, and am not quite sure what types of situations each of the reverse, hard-step and soft-step grad ND types would be best for.

I think that reverse NDs would be good for sunsets and rises, soft-steps for more gentle transition between sky and land, but not quite sure about hard-step NDs...but have never used an ND, so this is just an educated guess!

Also, what multiples of f-stops do people use the most?

Any hints and tips on places/brands to buy would be fantastic too!

[nicshow]

Reverse grads are only made by Lee, I believe, and are assumedly good for sunrises and sets as you mention.

Hard grads are well-suited where there is definite horizon line...as in ocean views or plains. Soft grads would be better-suited for mountianous setting where the horizon is interrupted by peaks and valleys.

Lee is the high-end, Hi Tech is a good value and compromise to Lee.

Nic

[Jon]

Singh-Ray also makes very high quality grads and reverse reverse grads. Like Nic said, reverse grads are good for "bright horizon" situations. And you decide between hard and soft regular grads based on what the horizon is like.

[yabbie]

Thanks guys,
that's really helpful.

I've been looking at the Singh-Ray ones, because I'm also after a high f-stop non-graduated ND to fit 82mm, and they aren't made by many people! Might as well ship from the same place if the quality is good and prices aren't hugely different...

What number of f-stops do you use the most with your graduated ND's - or recommend for a starting minimum kit (3 max for now)?

I'm thinking a:
- 3 stop reverse for sunrises and sets
- 3 or 2 stop soft-step for uneaven horizons for mornings and afternoons, or before sunrise and after the sun sets
- ...maybe 2 or 3 stop hard-step (can bounce to make soft-step?) for same as above, but for flat horizon ocean and desert

What are your preferences for 2, 3 or 4 stop ND grads? Or others?

[NickSimcheck]

Not to hijack your thread, but for those who have used LEE and Singh-Ray which one do you consider better?

I ask because I have read a few people say that their LEE ND's are not neutral... They say the filters add a slightly warm tone.

[yabbie]

Originally Posted by NickSimcheck

Not to hijack your thread, but for those who have used LEE and Singh-Ray which one do you consider better?

I ask because I have read a few people say that their LEE ND's are not neutral... They say the filters add a slightly warm tone.

Good question!

[batch]

Not sure if you've seen this, but I would definitely recommend taking a read through this thread. It has tons of useful information on Grad ND filters.

[yabbie]

Originally Posted by batch

Not sure if you've seen this, but I would definitely recommend taking a read through this thread. It has tons of useful information on Grad ND filters.

Thanks for the tip! It's all in here, xcept no-one mentions Singh-Ray..(I know they have a good rep)

Making my way through the 37 pages....