Quick question re: using hard edge vs soft edge grads on this particular lens.
When stopped down to f/8 and beyond, does the edge begin to get apparent with the hard edge grads? I have more realistic opportunities taking landscapes that have interrupted horizon and cityscapes than a clean line like the ocean sunrise/sunset. In that scenario, would soft edge be more practical?
The lens or aperture has no bearing on how the graduated ND filter effects the image (unless the filter physically cant sit flush on the front of lens because the glass protrudes; not the case with 24mm). Variables like where you place the edge of the filter, the number of stops the filter is rated for and, to your point, what type of edge (soft or hard) the filter has will effect the image. Seascapes and flatter landscapes are good for hard edge. Cityscapes and mountainous areas are good for soft-step ND filters. There is also a reverse soft-step filters made by Singh Ray that are used for shooting sunsets or sunrises and they have a lighter density at the very top of the filter so the sky above the rising/setting sun lightens toward the top of the frame. Graduated NDs are excellent for properly exposing both the foreground and the sky.
I wouldn't leave home to shoot landscape without mine. I use the 4x6 size and just hand-hold them in front of the lens versus fiddling with a filter holder. Mine are all Singh Ray brand.
Hope this helps.
