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Re: Graduated Neutral Density Filters

PostPosted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 3:31 pm
by ByronG
Looks like a cool addition to your arsenal, Rusty! Thanks for the short course, too.

Re: Graduated Neutral Density Filters

PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:47 pm
by geoff_chalcraft
I used to use the Cokin system on my last film camera (Minolta x700) for many years (1983 to 2006)...... Polarising, Red, Orange, Yellow (for b&w film), but never bothered with the slightly silly offerings (starburst, prism etc).

When I got my first DSLR the first accessory I got was a Cokin system again..... an adapter ring for each lens, filter holder, a set of Graduated NDs ("ND Grads") and a couple of straight NDs. They're good value and it's not a big deal to break one (which I have several times). The only additional expense incurred is with the NDs (you really need two or three of them for different strengths), and the ND Grads, where you may need three different densities and three different degrees of graduation, soft, medium, hard - i.e. the hardness of the transition from dark to clear - so you could end up with nine ND Grad filters. In practice, though, I make do with just two - medium density and medium 'hardness'. I use a wide-angle lens a lot and the ND Grad is nearly always on.

I also use Polarising filters - you can get them for the Cokin system but I prefer the quality of traditional glass filters for that.

Re: Graduated Neutral Density Filters

PostPosted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 12:05 am
by Rusty
I appreciate your comments, Geoff

I started out with only the three grads that came in the 'kit'; I can easily see now why I would want add something that provides a more abrupt transition as you described.

I purchased the "P size" and was pleasantly surprised to learn that I can use it with my "super wide lens" despite Cokin's guidelines. That is an 11mm-18mm zoom and if I set it at 13mm or longer the edges of the holder are outside the frame; there is some side vignetting at 11mm.

If this rain will just stop I will have a chance to play with it more. :D

Rusty

Re: Graduated Neutral Density Filters

PostPosted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 12:21 am
by mtbspike
Rusty wrote: If this rain will just stop I will have a chance to play with it more. :D

Rusty


Lemons... lemonade?
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/09 ... otography/

I hear you though - when it rains I want to stay inside.

Courtney