My new graduated ND filter setup

I was asked what was on the left side of my entry in challenge #61 Still life.
That is a Cokin P series filter holder with a 58mm adapter ring and a Hitech 0.6 soft edge graduated ND filter. I just got these and I'm still trying to learn how to use them on my S2IS. I knew these filters are made for the larger diameter slr lenses, but I thought I would try it on the S2 using the 58mm lens adapter. One problem I found out right away is that the 'soft edge' filter I bought is to big for the small diameter lens on the S2. The S2 lens is about 30mm in diameter and the soft edge portion of the filter that goes from full neutral density to clear is about 12mm. So I might end up getting the hard edge filter also...

I bought these from BH Photo
Cokin filter holder w/58mm adapter ring - B&H# COFHP5828
Hitech 0.6 Grad. ND filter - B&H # HIGND.6SCP

Here is how it looks on my S2

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Here are a couple shots at the same settings, first one without the filter and the second one with the filter on...

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Nice example Dave. Sure does correct overexposure doesn't it?

O_T wrote in post #2860915
Nice example Dave. Sure does correct overexposure doesn't it?

Thanks, that was a quick example I shot today. The idea is to keep the foreground from being to dark without the highlights in the sky being blown out.

Wow, thanks for posting this! Your timing is incredible....I just recently acquired a Cokin A series holder from a friend and I was going to purchase a GND filter soon. The only thing is that I just wasn't sure which GND filter to get first. I've been seeing the 2 and 3 stop ones for landscaping being recommended. Seeing your post seals the deal for me, I will be making a purchase soon!

In 30 years ... I have never .... not once ... seen a person more in need of an SLR.

Bill

Bill Ng wrote in post #2863339
In 30 years ... I have never .... not once ... seen a person more in need of an SLR.

Bill

After many long years of carrying bags of bodies, lenses, meters, many, many filters and just way too many gadgets. I have made the S2 my choice of cameras, and I love it. But I will be the first to agree, that if you're going to add all these gadgets (especially the Cokin system), then by all means one needs to seriously consider an SLR camera. I think the purpose of the all in one compact is being defeated by using all these accessories.

Cindi wrote in post #2863115
Wow, thanks for posting this! Your timing is incredible....I just recently acquired a Cokin A series holder from a friend and I was going to purchase a GND filter soon. The only thing is that I just wasn't sure which GND filter to get first. I've been seeing the 2 and 3 stop ones for landscaping being recommended. Seeing your post seals the deal for me, I will be making a purchase soon!

Have fun with your new goodies Cindi...

Bill Ng wrote in post #2863339
In 30 years ... I have never .... not once ... seen a person more in need of an SLR.

Bill

I'm working on a new 30D.
Now if everyone would just paypal a $1.50 to me...

JustShootin wrote in post #2863488
=JustShootin';2863488] I think the purpose of the all in one compact is being defeated by using all these accessories.

I see you already have a couple accessories for your S2. You should pickup a circular polarizer and maybe an ND filter also...

snowrdr wrote in post #2863662
I'm working on a new 30D.
Now if everyone would just paypal a $1.50 to me...

If it were only that easy!

snowrdr wrote in post #2863670
I see you already have a couple accessories for your S2. You should pickup a circular polarizer and maybe an ND filter also...

I haven't been without a polarizer since, well I just don't remember being without one! And the filter adapter has to be there to hold it. I also find the 1.5 teleconverter to work well for long shots. As for ND filters, I have several of them stored with the rest of my SLR gear that I occasionally use with my film SLR cameras. My point was, that I will never get overly involved with gadgets on a compact camera. By the way, I think I still have a bunch of them Cokin filters somewhere!

JustShootin wrote in post #2864160
=JustShootin';2864160]​My point was, that I will never get overly involved with gadgets on a compact camera.

Sounds like we are on different paths, I'm trying to learn as much as I can before making the jump to a dslr like the 30D. But I also don't like the way some of my landscape shots turn out with the foreground being so dark to keep the sky highlights from being blown out. And the good thing is that I can still use my new GND filter when I do finally get a new dslr.

That reminds me, I need to go check my PP account again...

snowrdr wrote in post #2864337
That reminds me, I need to go check my PP account again...

I've been trying all day long to paypal you the money for the 30D, but that dang PayPal site seems to be down. They may never get it fixed, but if they ever do, I'll..............

snowrdr wrote in post #2864337
Sounds like we are on different paths, I'm trying to learn as much as I can before making the jump to a dslr like the 30D. But I also don't like the way some of my landscape shots turn out with the foreground being so dark to keep the sky highlights from being blown out. And the good thing is that I can still use my new GND filter when I do finally get a new dslr.

Dave I feel the exact same way as you!! I've been told that I may be perfectly happy with my little S2 and not want to make the jump. The verdict is still out on that one!