18% Gray Card needed

[rickp1]

Ok, I'm in need for a gray card. As I started my search I came across a lot of different kinds of gray cards. 8x10 cards, small 3x5 on a lanyard, collapsible cards etc etc....

At B&H, I found an 18" card that collapses like a reflector. I though that was pretty handy. So my question is what's the preferred type to have have? Are the cards on a lanyard handy to have. Is a certain size preferred for ease of shooting?

Thanks
R.

[baycruisers]

As it happens, I just ordered the product below:

Amazon.com: Digital Grey Kard White Balance Card / Gray Card for Digital Photography: Camera & Photo

It has an 18% gray, black and white cards on a lanyard. I'll be honest and say that it's a shot in the dark--it got good ratings from customers but I honestly don't know if it has been tested against other cards. Still, the price is right and It's better than nothing--I hope.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by baycruisers

As it happens, I just ordered the product below:

Amazon.com: Digital Grey Kard White Balance Card / Gray Card for Digital Photography: Camera & Photo

It has an 18% gray, black and white cards on a lanyard. I'll be honest and say that it's a shot in the dark--it got good ratings from customers but I honestly don't know if it has been tested against other cards. Still, the price is right and It's better than nothing--I hope.

That's the one I have, though I got it from B&H. Amazon's price is better.

[rickp1]

thank you, much appreciated.

[AdrenoJunkie]

same one i have too. no complaints so far.

[LeeR]

Just make sure that whatever gray card you get is chromatically neutral. Gray cards were developed in the black and white days when it didn't matter if the color of the gray was a bit warm or cool. Now that we are shooting in digital color it's critical.

[zenandzen]

Newsprint or a phone book page can substitute as a grey card in an emergency.

[rickp1]

I think I'm going with the Lastolite EzyBalance grey card but my questions is should I go with the 12" or the 20"? Do I need to fill the frame when taking the image to come up with a custom WB?

Thanks
R.

[LeeR]

No, it does not need to fill the frame; it only needs to be large enough for you to sample easily in post.

[rickp1]

thank you.

R.