Using a polarizing filter help

[RichardTaylor]

For pics of subjects like Durdle Door if you don't have a ND grad filter either shoot multiple exposures, without moving the camera and merge them when PPing.
Or you may be able to shoot one RAW pic (making sure the highlights do not blow out), and process it seperately for the shadows, mid tones, and highlights and merge them.

[RichardTaylor]

Re the 28-300.
I sometimes use a similar lens sometimes and you can use it hand held in relatively, for out doors, low light.
If you are not using a tripod or mono pod just keep your shutter speed high (the old 1/focal length "guide") , shooting wide open if need be, and do not be afraid to use high ISO (1600+) . Shoot RAW as this will give you more leeway when PPing, including noise reduction.

[candidrachel]

Thanks for the suggestion Richard. Merging photos sounds complicated but I am up for a challenge lol! I'll have to do some digging around and find a tutorial to help me along

Once again thanks everyone for their contributions and btw Vince that Topaz filter is awesome. What a difference!

[Krusty79]

Rachel,

Adding to what autofocus said, I bought the Lee .6 graduated ND filter and I wish I had bought the .9 or 3 stop filter instead. I still get blown-out skies sometimes. I am thinking about getting the .9 filter as well so I can stack it with my .6 filter. There is usually WAY more than 2 stops difference between the bright sky and the ground.

Also, when using a circular polarizer, I learned you don't always have to dial it into position for maximum effect. When taking wide angle shots, it can produce a gradient in the sky like this, which you may or may not want:

[candidrachel]

Thank you Krusty for sharing your experience and tips! That's a very pretty photo too. Blown our skies are the bane of my life lol!