Filter help needed for 17-40 and 70-200 2.8 IS

Thanks for reading and giving advice. I already have two filters, but I want the graduated filter, the kind that is dark on the top and lighter towards the bottom. I thought I could just buy one like I did with the other two.... 77 mm screw ons. I guess the graduated filters are different, they don't screw on, but must be placed on with some kind of holder. Am I correct so far? If so, what all do I need to order? I have done searches, both here and Google, but there hasn't been any "hand-holding" answers that walks me through what I need to buy.

Once I figure out what adapters, holders, etc., I need to buy for my lenses, I will select the brand and how dark it is going to be, so you see, I am just asking the basic.... what the heck is involved? If I am correct, I don't just buy a screw on filter like I did the other two. Thanks again. Oh, if you do want to suggest a manufacturer and style, that's ok, info you might need includes, I wish it to be easy to operate, be on the higher end of the scale, so I do expect to pay...... budget for both lenses would be about $250 total (I don't even know if I need to buy two separate appliances or not.) As for the darkness, I wish to be able to take bright sunlight days here in California and take shots that will keep the clouds from being blown out.

Joe

Right, you want a rectangular grad. Most people use the Cokin P holder, either the regular one or the wide-angle variant (which has 1, not 3, filter slots). You get separate adapter rings to fit the lens; in your case 2x77 mm and you'll be able to slip the holder from one to the other.

Grads come in several densities and in hard or soft graduations I currently have 2, a 2 stop soft and a 3 stop hard grad from Singh-Ray. I need to get the 2 stop hard and 3 stop soft for completeness though. Other people use Lee or Hi-Tech. Cokin's grey grads aren't true neutral density; they have a slight colour cast. For bright days the 3 stop should be good. You might find it too much at other times. The filter-holder's pretty cheap; it's almost as cheap as a single adapter ring, and it includes one.

Jon wrote in post #2592566
Right, you want a rectangular grad. Most people use the Cokin P holder, either the regular one or the wide-angle variant (which has 1, not 3, filter slots). You get separate adapter rings to fit the lens; in your case 2x77 mm and you'll be able to slip the holder from one to the other.

Grads come in several densities and in hard or soft graduations I currently have 2, a 2 stop soft and a 3 stop hard grad from Singh-Ray. I need to get the 2 stop hard and 3 stop soft for completeness though. Other people use Lee or Hi-Tech. Cokin's grey grads aren't true neutral density; they have a slight colour cast. For bright days the 3 stop should be good. You might find it too much at other times. The filter-holder's pretty cheap; it's almost as cheap as a single adapter ring, and it includes one.

Thanks Jon, that was very helpful!!!! So a 2x77 will fit both lenses? What I am understanding here is I need to buy a "holder" which holds rectangular filters. Then I need to buy the actual filters, which are square pieces of glass. I slide the glass onto the holder which I install, easily, onto the lens. The sizes of the rectangular glass filters is??? I have enough info now, though, to call BHphoto and ask them for what I want, including a three stop hard and two stop soft, and then I have the start of good filters to keep the skies from being blown out. One thing I've seen here to be warned about, is filters that are grey in tint, as they are will alter the image in a way I won't want.

I got it right?

Thanks so much Jon.

Joe

Sorry - 2x77 means 2 of the 77 mm adapter rings, one for each lens. IIRC the 17-40 is a 77 mm dia., and I know the 70-200 f/2.8 is. Then you have a ring for each, and just snap the holder onto one or the other. Neutral should be grey. Cokin's have a slight warming, which you don't want to be a de facto part of your grad.