| Author | Thread |
|
|
01/12/2007 07:49:37 AM · #1 |
| I am looking to purchase a graduated nd filter to help improve sky exposure, but there are so many different colors and stuff, plus I don't know what is the best kind to get. I currently use screw on filters, but not sure they make them as graduated nd filters. Any advice on what kind will improve sky or water exposure? |
|
|
|
01/12/2007 08:25:01 AM · #2 |
They do make grad filters in the screw on type, however, screw on grad filters are limited since the grad line will always be in the middle.
For the most flexiblity, the Cokin or Lee system would work best.
For a DSLR, the Cokin P system would be a good start if you don't want to spend the money on the Lee system.
For most situations grad gray filters with a soft edge are the ones to use. |
|
|
|
01/12/2007 08:37:14 AM · #3 |
You can get them in screw on types, but it's not adjustable up or down. The "best" are probably Singh-Ray, but they're expensive and Lee are respected by many. I got a Cokin "P" set which were less expensive and still work great. But for polarizer, ND, and similar filters, screw on is the way to go.
Edit: I type way too slow.
Message edited by author 2007-01-12 08:38:09. |
|
|
|
01/12/2007 09:01:59 AM · #4 |
| My current nd filter does have marks on the rim, which I assume is for the nd line. However, I don't see a big difference in exposure. The image seems just way to dark all over. I have tried lining it up with horizon lines, but the overall image seems to be the same exposure, and it usually is too dark. About the Cokins, they have several different grades of gray filters. Is there any one particular one that works best for natural sky color? |
|
|
|
01/12/2007 09:26:22 AM · #5 |
Don't know about your current filter, sorry. Perhaps it's a regular ND, not a graduated filter?
Different lighting situations require different filters. Sometimes you'll need to filter out 2 stops of light, but other brighter skies much more that that. I think it's best to get a set with a variety of gradients like this one. As mentioned, the softer edge gradients will be more versatile, but if you know you'll have a straight horizon line like ocean/sky then a harder split edge is more desireable. FWIW, I wouldn't bother with colored gradients either for digital. I bought some and never really use them since I can have more control of color gradients in Photoshop. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2026 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 01/02/2026 02:08:33 PM EST.
