Using a ND Filter

[longren]

I just upgraded my camera from 40D to 5D2. Took this one at the Hi-Pigeon Point Beach, Pescadero, California during the long weekend.

Below is the setup:

Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 17-40L
ISO 50
1/3-second exposure @F21
Cokin soft ND8 with a Cokin z-pro holder
RAW file processed with Canon's "Digital Photo Professional"


Compared with my old 40D, there is much less color cast when using a ND on the 5D2. However, it seems I will need at least another ND filter to balance the dynamic range so that the Sun won't be "blown out" like this one. Am I correct on this? Or is there another approach?

[dcclark]

I think what you want is a graduated neutral density (GND) filter. This is basically an ND filter which is only half shaded (and half clear). This "balances" the exposure by absorbing light from the brighter sky, and letting the darker water show through. Using a strong enough GND, you should be able to compose so that the sky is not blown out, and the water is also properly exposed.

[longren]

Originally Posted by dcclark

I think what you want is a graduated neutral density (GND) filter. This is basically an ND filter which is only half shaded (and half clear). This "balances" the exposure by absorbing light from the brighter sky, and letting the darker water show through. Using a strong enough GND, you should be able to compose so that the sky is not blown out, and the water is also properly exposed.

Sorry I didn't make it clear: I did use a GND and puting the darker portion up (at 12:10PM to 6:40AM direction). What I meant was I might need another GND so that both the sky and the water will have proper exposure at the same time.

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by longren

Sorry I didn't make it clear: I did use a GND and puting the darker portion up (at 12:10PM to 6:40AM direction). What I meant was I might need another GND so that both the sky and the water will have proper exposure at the same time.

Ah, makes sense. (Some people do use a regular ND to "even out" a scene, just by reducing the overall amount of light.) Yes, you definitely want either a second GND, or a stronger one. How strong (in terms of stops) was the one you used?

[CaptainNH]

Congrats on the upgrade to the 5D2 - a perfect landscape camera especially paired with the 17-40L.

It seems that you certainly need a stronger GradND, or a stack of them. I use the Cokin Z holder on my 17-40L and have been known to stack three filters to combat the harsh Australian sun. I bought a set of Lee grad filters which gives me plenty of flexibility (and some decent vignetting at 17mm )

On the colour cast front - I've seen some pretty strong magenta casts with people who use Cokin grad filters. It seems that they might not be so neutral after all.

That was the reason that I chose Lee over Cokin, despite the additional cost.

Of course, there's always the ability to add a grad ND effect in PP. Just be sure to shoot RAW and underexpose a little to make sure you still have detail in the highlights.

[longren]

Originally Posted by dcclark

Ah, makes sense. (Some people do use a regular ND to "even out" a scene, just by reducing the overall amount of light.) Yes, you definitely want either a second GND, or a stronger one. How strong (in terms of stops) was the one you used?

So, it is a 3 stop, which is I think the darkest GND I can get from Cokin. I am going to get another one or two LEE's GND next time (I heard LEE or Ray are much better on "Neutral " than Cokin)

[longren]

Originally Posted by CaptainNH

Congrats on the upgrade to the 5D2 - a perfect landscape camera especially paired with the 17-40L.

It seems that you certainly need a stronger GradND, or a stack of them. I use the Cokin Z holder on my 17-40L and have been known to stack three filters to combat the harsh Australian sun. I bought a set of Lee grad filters which gives me plenty of flexibility (and some decent vignetting at 17mm )

On the colour cast front - I've seen some pretty strong magenta casts with people who use Cokin grad filters. It seems that they might not be so neutral after all.

That was the reason that I chose Lee over Cokin, despite the additional cost.

Of course, there's always the ability to add a grad ND effect in PP. Just be sure to shoot RAW and underexpose a little to make sure you still have detail in the highlights.

Australian sun? Is it stronger than Californian sun ^_^ I need to check it out myself next time, he he..

Yes, I'm planning to buy couple of the LEE GND in the near future --- really need them for my landscape photo. However, I noticed when I use Z holder on my 17-40 lens, if I go all wide to 17, I will see the edge of the very top (or may be the middle) filter holder from the view finder or the live view display. I wonder if LEE’s Foundation Kit holder will do a better job over the Z Pro? Have you ever experienced the same on your 5D2 + 17-40 combination?

[CaptainNH]

Originally Posted by longren

Have you ever experienced the same on your 5D2 + 17-40 combination?

If I'm shooting at 17mm then I always get the corners of the Cokin holder in the frame. I don't know if it would be any better with the Lee holder - I'm a cheapskate and went for the cheapest holder and spent the rest on good filters!

The problem is easy to avoid though - just take the holder off and hand-hold the filter.

[longren]

Originally Posted by CaptainNH

If I'm shooting at 17mm then I always get the corners of the Cokin holder in the frame. I don't know if it would be any better with the Lee holder - I'm a cheapskate and went for the cheapest holder and spent the rest on good filters!

The problem is easy to avoid though - just take the holder off and hand-hold the filter.

Never tried hand-hold before, Will give it a try. Spend good $$ on good filters --- good advice. Again, I do appreciate the advice!