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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> ND filters help please.
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 12/30/2006 12:26:44 AM · #1
I'm considering some ND filters as a way to expand on my landscape photography and was curious whether any DPCers use them and what insights they may have. I've adjusted my exposure settings in my camera as a "onboard" solution but it affects the whole image as opposed to "only the sky" as an example. They seem to be pricey (but what the heck isnt with this hobby). Any information would be greatly appreciated. Oh yeah, Happy New Year y'all.
 12/30/2006 12:30:19 AM · #2
What you want is graduated ND filters, they go from dark ND areas to clear. This will allow you to darken the skies without darkening below the horizon.

You're going to want something like the Cokin system to hold the filters as you will want to move the filter up and down to match your composition. Screw on round filters won't allow you to do this.
 12/30/2006 12:49:09 AM · #3
Thanks Leroy.
 12/30/2006 12:56:08 AM · #4
just out of curiosity, how does HDR compare to good old fashioned graduated ND filter technique? Are the effects similar, or just simply different? or is one superior?

Thanks
 12/30/2006 01:03:54 AM · #5
Originally posted by diablo2097:
just out of curiosity, how does HDR compare to good old fashioned graduated ND filter technique? Are the effects similar, or just simply different? or is one superior?

Thanks


I've read the HDR cvan create a similar effect. The thing I'm struggling with the HDR process is that it takes a great deal of work to get the desired effect. Unless you plan on being a student of HDR / Tone Mapping, like Bear Music has, it could be a frustrating editing mindscrew. I'm thinking the ND filter is somewhat similarly effective and far less time consuming. Again, this is where I'm being led from what I have read so far.
 12/30/2006 01:09:35 AM · #6
Grad NDs are a better choice, because HDR can be time consuming AND look not so real.

Ofcourse there is nothing to keep you from using grad NDs WITH HDR to get the most out of a scene.


12/30/2006 01:48:19 AM · #7
Then there is a third option which was much more popular before Adobe included HDR processing and that was to simply take two shots, expose one for the bright and one for the dark, combine and mask in Photoshop. Potentially much easier than either HDR or GND filters.
 12/30/2006 02:06:35 AM · #8
I use Cokin GNDs on most of my landscapes. I think they are invaluable in capturing high dynamic range situations. Of course, if you don't have a natural split line between light and dark in the shot, it's more difficult, and sometimes it's better to use HDR. But most the time, I use one of the lighter or more "full" graduals when there's no clear horizon to a good effect. I still sometimes bracket even with the GNDs, which gives you the option to use HDR as well.

You can get a set of three GNDs, and the P size holder, for around $49. You just need to add a $9 adapter ring for your lens size (actually, I recommend one adapter ring per lens as well as a few snap on lens caps. I leave these on the camera, and then it's easy to move the Cokin holder from lens to lens when I change them. Then when you change lenses, the same cap you took off one lens just snaps on the other!


12/30/2006 02:34:45 AM · #9
John,

I just bought the Cokin Filter System with an ND gradual filter. See my thread here.

I'm going to attempt to use it tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.
 12/30/2006 08:20:42 AM · #10
Check out this website for GND filters and Cokin holders: Filters

I see in your profile that you have a 10-20. I'm not sure if this is considered an ultrawide on a Nikon, but if it is and you plan on using this for landscapes, you may want to consider the Cokin Z-Pro filter holder (will help to avoid vignetting with an ultrawide). If not, you can probably go with the Cokin P holder. FWIW, I'm looking at the same setup right now too (Z-Pro with Hitech GND's). Hitech, from what I'm told, is a good, moderately priced filter; the Cokin line of filters not so good. Others, such as Singh Ray, are top of the line and priced as such. Something for every budget.
 12/30/2006 11:56:18 AM · #11
It's not that the Cokin filters are not good it's that their ND filters are not neutral. I have their Z-Pro but use the Hitech ND filters. If you want to use color or special effects filters the Cokin are just fine.
 12/30/2006 12:00:23 PM · #12
Originally posted by argyle:
Check out this website for GND filters and Cokin holders: Filters

I see in your profile that you have a 10-20. I'm not sure if this is considered an ultrawide on a Nikon, but if it is and you plan on using this for landscapes, you may want to consider the Cokin Z-Pro filter holder (will help to avoid vignetting with an ultrawide). If not, you can probably go with the Cokin P holder. FWIW, I'm looking at the same setup right now too (Z-Pro with Hitech GND's). Hitech, from what I'm told, is a good, moderately priced filter; the Cokin line of filters not so good. Others, such as Singh Ray, are top of the line and priced as such. Something for every budget.


The P wide angle holder doesn't vignette with GNDs on the 10-22, as long as it's straight. But if you tilt it to match a scene, it does somewhat, so it's close!
 12/30/2006 12:01:08 PM · #13
Originally posted by TechnoShroom:
It's not that the Cokin filters are not good it's that their ND filters are not neutral. I have their Z-Pro but use the Hitech ND filters. If you want to use color or special effects filters the Cokin are just fine.


I used to have cokin ND Grads, but found that the filters produced a heavy red tint when used in more than 2 at a time. I quite regularly use 3 and sometimes 4 filters stacked to get long shutter speeds in dawn seascapes. The resulting red tint was difficult to work with so I moved to Lee filters which are neutral.

Cokin will be fine for most situations, but don't try stacking them.
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