ND Grad Filters

[Graemey]

Hello All,

I was wondering if antone could reccomend a good ND Grad system with an appropriate number. I have read about different systems including Cokin but not too sure what to go for.

Thank you as always,

Best wishes
Graeme

[Krusty79]

I keep reading that the Cokins are not really neutral - they're gray. I bought the large rectangular Lee .6 (2 stop) ND grad. I think it fits a Cokin "Z" size filter holder. Lee makes a holder also, but it is about $75, so I just hold mine by hand for now. I still get blown out skies sometimes, so I am thinking of getting the .9 also and stacking them.

Lee is considered one of the better brands. SwissJon said Hitech is okay if you're on a budget. My Lee filter cost $90 at Calumet.

[autofocus]

..looking through this recent thread may help shed some light for you

Using a polarizing filter help

[milosh]

Yeah, Hitechs are better than Cokins and they are the same in price (if not even cheaper). And Cokins are harder to find these days. I'm using the Cokin P series holder with Hitech 85mm filters and they fit great (Hitech 85mm filters are 85mm wide and 110mm long). Probably next brand in quality and price is Lee, but it's much more expensive.

[SwissJon]

There's plenty between Lee and Hi-Tech, but the Hi-Tech are "good enough" for me, so I use them too..

[milosh]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

There's plenty between Lee and Hi-Tech, but the Hi-Tech are "good enough" for me, so I use them too..

Good enough for me as well, at least for now. When I saw that a Lee holder is around 70$ (if I remember correctly) I just went for Hitechs.

[Krusty79]

Originally Posted by milosh

Good enough for me as well, at least for now. When I saw that a Lee holder is around 70$ (if I remember correctly) I just went for Hitechs.

You do remember correctly. That's part of the reason I just hold mine by hand (plus it's one less thing to attach to my camera to get ready to shoot).

[milosh]

Originally Posted by Krusty79

You do remember correctly. That's part of the reason I just hold mine by hand (plus it's one less thing to attach to my camera to get ready to shoot).

Your point about having less things to attach to lens is very true, but I still prefer to use cheap Cokin holder to make sure I don't scratch the filters. Also, it's probably more accurate to have a holder, I can see myself moving the filter during the exposure if I had to hand hold it.

[SwissJon]

Milosh is right.. It's quite probable that holding the filter will do one of three things...

Move: Causing you not to have the graduation in quite the right place.
Move the Camera: Causing you not to get quite the shot you originally framed.
Reflect: Messing up your shots by reflecting whatever is behind the lens (Sunlight etc) int the shot and ruining it.

If I were you, I'd but a cheap P-Filter holder and one of these to hold your filter for you.. At least fot the interim.

Cokin P Holder to Z-Pro Series Filter Adapter P362 -UK | eBay UK

HiTech make a 4 stop ND grad which I might get.. I don't like stacking filters because it degrades the quality of the picture.

[Krusty79]

Originally Posted by milosh

Your point about having less things to attach to lens is very true, but I still prefer to use cheap Cokin holder to make sure I don't scratch the filters. Also, it's probably more accurate to have a holder, I can see myself moving the filter during the exposure if I had to hand hold it.

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Milosh is right.. It's quite probable that holding the filter will do one of three things...

Move: Causing you not to have the graduation in quite the right place.
Move the Camera: Causing you not to get quite the shot you originally framed.
Reflect: Messing up your shots by reflecting whatever is behind the lens (Sunlight etc) int the shot and ruining it.

If I were you, I'd but a cheap P-Filter holder and one of these to hold your filter for you.. At least fot the interim.

Cokin P Holder to Z-Pro Series Filter Adapter P362 -UK | eBay UK

HiTech make a 4 stop ND grad which I might get.. I don't like stacking filters because it degrades the quality of the picture.

You know, I sometimes get some glare off the filter in my shots. I'm not sure if it's because I'm holding it or if it's just the angle relative to the sun (or other bright lights). I guess I'll have to break down and try a holder. Since the Lee one is expensive, I'll probably give the Cokin one a try. At least I haven't scratched my filter (keeping fingers crossed).

Stacking filters does degrade the quailty? Crud. Well, that 4 stop HiTech is looking pretty good now. Where is the best place to order one? I wish Lee made a 4 or 5 stop ND grad.