Which graduated neutral density?

[Terry B.]

I want to shoot the sunsets, etc and don't know which filter to get. Was going to get a 0.9 neutral density but realize i need the graduated type. Any suggestions?

[bob_r]

Terry,

I use Cokin's filters. The advantage of their system is that you don't have to buy a screw in filter for each size lens. Here's a link to the GND filters.

http://www.cokin.com/ico3-p1-6.html

Bob R

[Tusker]

I have ALWAYS had a problem of being unable to focus when trying to use a ND filter. To the point I stop using them. Any easy answer to this one?? THANKS!!

[Bonish Photo]

I've never had any focusing problems with either of mine. I have both the B&W and a Tiffen version and I think I like the B&W model better because it's the thin mount and I dont have any problems with vingetting

I used to have focus problems when using the Cokin models and would just have to manual focus when using them. I went to screw mounted ones as I had a tendency to throw them in my pocket or the camera bag without taking too much care to put them back in the case because they were so easy to hand hold. I know it sounds stupid, but if I pay more money for something, I'll be more likely to take care of it.

Try a Cokin or a Hoya version and see if you like the results. I think you can find them for around $20 and they'll be big enough to fit in front of any lens you use as long as you get the Pro version

[MichaelAlanBielat]

I have ALWAYS had a problem of being unable to focus when trying to use a ND filter. To the point I stop using them. Any easy answer to this one?? THANKS!!

Hum... That is an odd one there. Not too sure what the issue could be since I have no problem with focusing... That is a shame because ND filters can really come in handy. It does darken the overall exposure so it may make things darker or harder for your particular camera's AF to find enough contrast to lock onto... I would try out your ND filter again but this time, AF (or even manual focus if worse comes to worse) but this time AF on something in the scene that has a light next to a dark so the camera can properly acquire focus on that.

What camera are you shooting with?

[MichaelAlanBielat]

I want to shoot the sunsets, etc and don't know which filter to get. Was going to get a 0.9 neutral density but realize i need the graduated type. Any suggestions?

I personally prefer Singh-Ray Galen Rowell graduated ND filters. They are big bucks but are the best in my opinion. You get what you pay for! I have noticed that other manufacturers have some odd color casts and whatnot when shooting with their versions. Nothing beats the Singh-Ray. They are like $160 a pop but...

If you are just getting into it then no problem going with another brand, I mean they are good so you know. I would recommend getting two:
1.) A hard 2 stop grad ND
2.) A soft 3 stop grad ND

The hard or soft stops refers to how the gradient changes so a soft stop blends nicely and is good for uneven land and whatnot while the hard stop is more abrupt and is ideal for more even lands. I have the Cokin Z-Pro filter holder (you need an adapter ring to screw into your lens) so I get the 4x6" grad ND filters. You can slide multiple filters in there. This means you can put both filters on there for a 5 stop change between the two.

For a straight up ND filter (no grad) I would recommend a Singh-Ray or Tiffen. 0.9 is a good starting point. As a side note, that value is the logarithmic units of a stop so a .9 ND filter will darken the scene 3 stops. Just a little FYI there.

[Edd]

I've been using Cokin filters and one thing that I find useful with the Cokin system is that with the Graduated ND filters you can turn the filter to line up with the horizon or any other feature.

With my to 58mm Dia lenses the end rotates when the lense focuses so being able to turn the filter is quite useful.

Never had any problems with AF though.

Ed

[MichaelAlanBielat]

I've been using Cokin filters and one thing that I find useful with the Cokin system is that with the Graduated ND filters you can turn the filter to line up with the horizon or any other feature.

With my to 58mm Dia lenses the end rotates when the lense focuses so being able to turn the filter is quite useful.

Never had any problems with AF though.

Ed

That is another benefit to using the 4x6" filters and filter holders... You can turn them wherever and slide the filter up and down to perfectly line up with various compositions... Screw on filters don't always have that same luxury.

[NatureAdik]

I've started using Cokin filters weeks ago but I'm considering to invest on Singh Ray filters. As what Michael have mentioned, "nothing beats the Singh Ray"

[Terry B.]

I understand how the Cokin system works , as I used it many yrs ago. I'm afraid that the P holder would vignett badly on my Tokina 12-24 lens, so I've been eyeballing the Formatt 4 x 4 grad ND . I was planning on just holding it up to the lens when needed. Now I'm wondering how I will hold it , push the depth of field button and fire the shutter all together, unless once I check DOF, I can release and hold filter stable against lens .

[MichaelAlanBielat]

I understand how the Cokin system works , as I used it many yrs ago. I'm afraid that the P holder would vignett badly on my Tokina 12-24 lens, so I've been eyeballing the Formatt 4 x 4 grad ND . I was planning on just holding it up to the lens when needed. Now I'm wondering how I will hold it , push the depth of field button and fire the shutter all together, unless once I check DOF, I can release and hold filter stable against lens .

I don't think I have ever used the DOF Preview button on any of my cameras. Instead, throw your camera into live view mode and work from there for critical focus. If you don't have live view then just shoot tethered or shoot, check on LCD then re-shoot if needed. You don't need a Cokin Holder, you could just hold it up. Vigneting will probably occur anyways with the 12-24 lens. It will be less noticeable on a crop camera however.

[MMX]

I have ALWAYS had a problem of being unable to focus when trying to use a ND filter. To the point I stop using them. Any easy answer to this one?? THANKS!!

I have no idea, I use Hoya ND400 which is really dark (almost black) and AF has no problem with it. But you can try this techique; focus without the filter, switch to manual focus, screw the filter and take the photo.

[Terry B.]

I wound up purchasing the Singh-Ray grad ND 2 stop soft , and took it out West with me. Worked great and I just handheld it , when the overcast sky was brighter than the ground subject. I used the DOF preview to get an idea where to line up the filter but shooting at f/16 , I couldn't see a definite line so I moved it around and did the best I could. I love it!

[gldiana]

A quick solution to the focus problem (better if you use a tripod and release cable): focus normally without the filter, as soon as the subject is focused switch lens to manual focus, the focus will remain where automatically detected. Install filter. Click!

MMX, probably that filter is too dark. There are lighter filter than you can use most of the time.

[Professional]

How come i didn't post here.

The following are the best Grad. ND filters to use in the markets:

- Singh-Ray
- LEE
- Hitech
- Cokin

I have Hitech GND filters and i have one SinghRay Reverse GND filter, and i bought 3 LEE 4x4" ND filters [not GND], all are great.