Graduated Neutral Density Filters

Just looking for some advice as to what would be the better purchase.

I'm wanting to try GND filters and have decided at this time to only buy two.
I'm going with the Lee 4x6 filters and already have the proper filter holder.

No plans of getting the 1 stop filters.
That leaves the 2 and 3 stop filters.
I think i'll get one 2 stop and one 3 stop.
Should I get them both in soft edge or hard edge?
Or,maybe mix them?

I have a general understanding of the advantages of using these filters and
some of them are better used for specific situations such as sunrise and sunsets.
Most of my picture taking I would consider just general outdoor nature photography.
Some of it being landscape as well.

I know that there is software that can produce similar results and I like experimenting with it but, I want to try the filter route.

Based on the above information, any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have Lee 0.9 soft + 0.9 hard

You could always try software to find what you like and then buy that. But if you're going to go hardware first, then I agree with Kamilek, a 3 stop in both hard and soft.

For general landscape (ie, not seascape) the choice of hard or soft depends to some degree on the lens and sensor size you'll be using them with.

A soft grad on a crop body with a lens having 58-72mm front element diameter can be very indistinct with the graduation covering too much of the frame.....the result is similar to a full frame body with a 77mm+ front element.

Choose carefully.

Bob

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1307566

I like the Hard .6 and Soft .75 the most.

Canon Bob wrote in post #16659596
For general landscape (ie, not seascape) the choice of hard or soft depends to some degree on the lens and sensor size you'll be using them with.

A soft grad on a crop body with a lens having 58-72mm front element diameter can be very indistinct with the graduation covering too much of the frame.....the result is similar to a full frame body with a 77mm+ front element.

Choose carefully.

Bob

That's interesting information.

I use a crop sensor camera and the Canon 17-40 lens.
I know that's some sort of photography sin but, that's the equipment I have.

If I understand you correctly, I would be ok using a 3 stop soft edge grad due to the 17-40 having a 77mm diameter?
Also, are you suggesting that a 3 stop soft edge grad might not get good results when paired with the 17-40 on a full frame body?

Thanks for the link Bonbridge.

I guess with a larger diameter front element and a crop sensor then you're winning and losing in respect to how much of the frame is taken up by the transition from light to dark. It really comes down to the scene and personal preference but I was keen to point out that the choice between soft and hard grads is not clear cut. I neglected to add that the distance of the grad from the front element also plays a role in the effect that the gradient region has and more so with wide angle lenses.
FWIW, I use both soft and hard and choose by simple comparison and the profile of the horizon.

Bob

For most landscapes you want a soft. The hard are more useful where there is a distinct horizon line as in seascapes. You can still use a soft grad with a seascape too though.

I have .3, .6, .9 soft and a .6 hard. If you are going to only get two I would suggest the .6 and .9 soft.

I found this video to be helpful in deciding which filters to get. This was produced by Lee, and discusses the need for both hard and soft filters, depending on the situation.
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=p5dTSN0dvN0

StillCrazy wrote in post #16662748
I found this video to be helpful in deciding which filters to get. This was produced by Lee, and discusses the need for both hard and soft filters, depending on the situation.
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=p5dTSN0dvN0

I always enjoy watching videos like this. Thank you for sharing the link!

Bryan

Thank you all for your suggestions, links and information provided.
I had pretty much decided on getting the 3 stop soft edge, it was just the second filter I was/am still uncertain about getting.
I'm thinking it will either be the 2 or 3 stop hard edge.

I'll get just the two GND filters and that will be it.
I'm not going to be one of those people that get caught up in continually buying photography paraphernalia.
No sir, not me!
Well, I should say, I'll stop after getting these 2 filters and, a reverse grad nd, a telephoto zoom, a carbon fiber tripod, a full frame body, a .........

Don't forget the 10 stop filter

canongear wrote in post #16664283
No sir, not me!
Well, I should say, I'll stop after getting these 2 filters and, a reverse grad nd, a telephoto zoom, a carbon fiber tripod, a full frame body, a .........

Hahahaha.