Buying Lee 4x4, can only afford 1-2 filters, which for Montana roadtrip?

I want to get a Lee 4x4 and wide angle 77mm ring for my Sigma 10-20mm.

I just bought a CF tripod and the 4x4 and adapter ring aren't cheap. I'm completely new to GND filters and polarizers.

Which 1 or 2 filters would be good for landscape photographer in general? I can add more filters later but would like something that will get me by for my roadtrip. Thanks

Hitech are cheaper and IMO just as good. I would get the .3 and .6 soft edge.

Thanks, I'm open to any brand on the filters themselves, just decided on the Lee filter holder itself after searching for what people using on the UWA lenses.

You'll be happy with the Lee holder...as far as filters go, as condyk recommended, the Hitechs would be a very good alternate. I've been using mine for years without any problems. Plus, being a 4x5 filter, you have more wiggle room when it comes to adjusting the gradient. I'd go for a 2 and 3 stop in a soft gradient for your specific trip.

Also, practice a bit with the filters before you head out on the trip...they take a little getting used to.

argyle wrote in post #5704277
I'd go for a 2 and 3 stop in a soft gradient for your specific trip.

If I got the .3 and .6, I could stack them to make a .9 which would be 3 stop, correct?

cowboylife wrote in post #5704343
If I got the .3 and .6, I could stack them to make a .9 which would be 3 stop, correct?

You could, but to be honest, I've never come across the need for a 1-stop GND (which is what the 0.3 is) in my landscape shooting. Its your call, but a .6 and .9 might be a better arsenal.

argyle wrote in post #5704429
You could, but to be honest, I've never come across the need for a 1-stop GND (which is what the 0.3 is) in my landscape shooting. Its your call, but a .6 and .9 might be a better arsenal.

Much appreciated. I've never used any filters so far so I appreciate this type of advice!

cowboylife wrote in post #5704343
If I got the .3 and .6, I could stack them to make a .9 which would be 3 stop, correct?

Correct ... that is why I suggested it. Gives more flexibility just in case. And I do use my .3 so you will understand it is personal choice.

argyle wrote in post #5704429
You could, but to be honest, I've never come across the need for a 1-stop GND (which is what the 0.3 is) in my landscape shooting. Its your call, but a .6 and .9 might be a better arsenal.

I have a 1-stop GND and was disappointed when I started using it because it provided hardly any effect. I then bought a 3-stop, which I'm much happier with.

cowboylife wrote in post #5704343
If I got the .3 and .6, I could stack them to make a .9 which would be 3 stop, correct?

argyle wrote in post #5704429
You could, but to be honest, I've never come across the need for a 1-stop GND (which is what the 0.3 is) in my landscape shooting. Its your call, but a .6 and .9 might be a better arsenal.

I'd agree with this. One stop is recoverable in post, if it becomes an issue. Worst case, you hold back the bright areas more than necessary with a 2-stop and burn them in later. And if you're using an UWA, you may find a stacking filter holder gives you vignetting from the frame.

One last thing...if you have a good polarizer, don't be shy about using it with your GND filter when the opportunity presents itself. Normally, when I'm not lazy or in a rush, I'll set up my Lee holder with the 105mm polarizer mounted on the front. Other times, if I don't want to bother with all that, I'll simply hand-hold a GND in front of the polarizer that's threaded onto my lens. If you hand hold the filter, you won't get the vignetting that will occur if you thread the holder into the CPL. Just take care to watch out for your fingertips getting into the field of view...