Grad ND Filters

I'm in the market for one (maybe some?) Grad ND filters and I'd like a little insight from those that already own them and probably know more than me...

Anyways, I'm only going to start with one (can't afford to buy a set at this point, poor college student) and my first question is which one do you guys/gals use the most? I'm between the .6 and .9 (2-stops vs. 3) right now, so I just thought I'd see what opinions people have here.

Besides that, I'm looking at the Tiffen filters on BH for around $75 each. Problem is, I don't think thats what I want... wouldn't the square ones with a screw-on type holder give me more control over the "line" would line up? If I wanted to turn it at an angle or something of that nature, no?

Please just post your thoughts, I appreciate any help.

- Scott

Stime187 wrote in post #2389796
Besides that, I'm looking at the Tiffen filters on BH for around $75 each. Problem is, I don't think thats what I want... wouldn't the square ones with a screw-on type holder give me more control over the "line" would line up? If I wanted to turn it at an angle or something of that nature, no?

That's right, you need a square filter system unless you plan to only take photos of scenes where the line is across the center of the frame. Given your financial situation a Cokin P system might be the way to start. When you get more cash you can start to use high quality Singh-Ray filters in the Cokin mount.

Heres my setup: https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=1216803&p​ostcount=7

Thanks Bluedog, can you still use a polarizer with that setup?

And I assume you use it on the 17-40 L? So its fine at the 17mm end?

- Scott

Stime187 wrote in post #2389796
I'm in the market for one (maybe some?) Grad ND filters and I'd like a little insight from those that already own them and probably know more than me...

I use the HiTech from this source:
http://www.2filter.com​/prices/htpackages.htm​l

It comes with one adapter ring (it helps if most of the lenses you want to use have the same filter size), Cokin filter holder, and one ND grad filter. I suggest using a .6 hard and .9 soft. 2filter is a very reliable, small retailer. give them a call.
Mike K

This is a bit more expensive than the Cokin P system, but the Lee filters have treated me very well so far. The Grad NDs are 4*6", and are on a ring that rotates to allow for a good deal of control for where the line is placed. I can also have the CPL and grad ND attached without any issues. I have a .6 soft and .6 hard, but am now also considering getting a .9 soft (the .6 is not enough for bright skys). For the price though, i have only heard good things about the cokin system

I have the .6 Lee filter and I like it very much but am thinking of the .9 because it's darker for bright skies as sjafari says... I would start with a .9

I started with Cokin "P" sytem, and have since switched to Hitech square resin filters that fit in the Cokin holder. I have several flavors, as well as a .6 and 1.2 standard ND filters. Cokin makes a starter kit with a a holder, adapter, and .6 "Soft Grad Gray" that served me well for <$50.

Stime187 wrote in post #2420451
Thanks Bluedog, can you still use a polarizer with that setup?

And I assume you use it on the 17-40 L? So its fine at the 17mm end?

- Scott

Your welcome _ Yes and 17mm works fine.

Okay, I'm going to go with Bluedog's setup... now my question is... which should I get first .6 or .9? What do you guys use the most?

I intend to get the soft version either way.

- Scott

Scott I use the 0.6 - 2 stop soft edge the most of all and generally thats the strength most recommended to start off with if only purchasing the one.

Used the 0.6 with the Canon EF-S 10-22mm at 10mm in this shot and you can kinda tell the transition line in the photo.

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