I sold my HiTech GND filters and Cokin P holder a while back and now kick myself for doing so. I realize that I can (and I often do) use various digital blending techniques to do this, but I want to put GND's back into my gear bag.

My questions that I pose to those that use GNDs:

1. Is there a specific advantage to using the larger format 4X5 (et al) filters over those that fit the P series holder?

2. I have used HiTech filters in the past, but am strongly considering SinghRay (I use SinghRay Variable ND and CP, so I trust the quality). Any thoughts on this?

3. I live in the Pacific NW, and shoot mainly landscapes that do not have a definite hard division between sky and ground (more trees, mountains, etc). If I am only considering one, maybe 2, filters at this time, what filter strength would you recommend? I'm thinking 2 soft.

My equipment is currently a 1Ds full sensor and my widest angle lens that I typically use is 24mm. I also have a 17-40mm lens, but I rarely seem to use that anymore.

Thanks in advance.

Carl

Carl,

If the front diameter of your 24mm is 72 like the 17-40 then I would rec the large 4x5 filters. I use a two stop soft 4 inch graduated ND on occasion and enjoy the room it gives me in positioning the gradation. If the diameter of the lens is smaller than 72mm I would rec a smaller ND filter so the gradation is narrower. I have never used anything beyond a 2 stop, since I believe it becomes tooooo noticeable:eek:


Marc Muench

Thanks Mark. Most of my lenses are 77mm.

Carl,

To be specific I use the Lee 100mm x 150mm .6nd Grad Hard, not soft:o . I have been known to move this up and down during longer exposures only recommended if you are on a secure tripod. However, this is only when I prefer the gradation to appear softer.

On full sized sensors, a buddy of mine that I greatly respect loves his Singh-Ray 4 stop soft GND due to the very gentle slope from clear to dark. Like myself he lives here in the PNW (around Portland, OR) and shoots into the sun with dramatic lighting conditions quite often. At the beach, a 3-stop hard is very useful (in my opinion).

If you move the filter up and down in front of the lens, one trick I have learned is to place a 1/4" rubberband on the front of your lens so that you don't do permanent damage to your filters. The thread area of many lenses LOVE to eat plastic for lunch

Regards,
John Lehmkuhl
http://www.flickr.com/photos/realkuhl/