Gradutaed ND Filters

[gluwater]

So what do you use for your Grad ND filter? I think I going to order one but am not sure which to get. First comes the decision of which holder to get. The Cokin P, Z-Pro, or X-Pro. The difference is in the size of the holder. These are the recommendations from Cokin:
Standard - P: 28mm or longer with filter diameter up to 82mm Holder $9 Grad ND $24
More expensive - Z: 20mm or longer with filter diameter up to 96mm Holder $45 Grad ND $50
Most expensive - X: 15mm or longer with filter diameter up to 118mm Holder $72 Grad ND $77

I'm just worried that if I get the P mount then I'll get vignetting when at 17mm on the 17-40 and especially at 10mm on the 10-22. I do realize that effective focal length for these lenses is 28mm and 16mm, so the P should be fine for the 17-40 but the 10-22 is still in jeopardy of vignetting.

So what is your experience with this type of filter? Any help is appreciated.

[Keith]

What I can say Nick is I use the P-Cokin system, I use 84mm grad ND filters with the Cokin holder and 77mm ring to attach to my lens......I use 17 on the wide side and never have a problem with vignetting, as far as 10mm, dont know as I never go that wide. you have 3 holders to use, I would think if you use the holder closest to the lens you will have no problem...........

I have an extra brand new Cokin P system system, if interested just drop me a pm.

For the price of a Cokin system and end result, dont think you can go wrong.......imho I previously always used screw in filters, dont think I would go back to that, much more at ease and convenient and control......

[dmwphoto]

I use the wide cokin P holder (11.95 at B&H) and singh-ray filters on my 17-35 no issues what ever

[gluwater]

What I can say Nick is I use the P-Cokin system, I use 84mm grad ND filters with the Cokin holder and 77mm ring to attach to my lens......I use 17 on the wide side and never have a problem with vignetting, as far as 10mm, dont know as I never go that wide. you have 3 holders to use, I would think if you use the holder closest to the lens you will have no problem...........

I have an extra brand new Cokin P system system, if interested just drop me a pm.

For the price of a Cokin system and end result, dont think you can go wrong.......imho I previously always used screw in filters, dont think I would go back to that, much more at ease and convenient and control......
PM sent!
You use a 1DII correct? So you have a 1.3 crop factor. I have a 20D with is a 1.6 crop so I think if you are not getting vignetting at 17 I should be OK at 12mm or 14mm. I guess only trying it will tell and even if there is a little vig, PS can get rid of it easily.

[Kevin]

Nick, I forgot what the exact mm figure is but there is a point where you will see vignetting. I want to say it was at 12mm but I don't recall. I don't have anything that wide so I didn't really pay attention. A search of some of the major forums should reveal some info.

I went with the Cokin-P system. You can, I've read, saw off the last tab with a dremel (or similar). That's what I've read some people do to offset the vignetting. There are 3 slots and they cut off the last tab and end up with only 2 slots.

The holder system is inexpensive. My suggestion initially is to order the grad ND filters off of ebay. I bought mine from a vendor called Fotodiox (in Chicago?). They were $11.95. A circular polarizer was $29. They may scratch if you're careless with them but even the $100+ singh-ray filters are made from resin. It's an inexpensive investment to learn how to use them. Then if you want, upgrade. There's no color cast that I've seen from mine.

Also pick up some regular ND filters. I bought a 1, 2 & 3 stop set off ebay for $24. They worked like a charm for moving water.

[Paul S]

Stay away from Cokin NDGs--they're widely reported to be not neutral. Get the Cokin P holder, by all means, but then get HiTech, Lee, or Singh-Ray filters to go in it. (In that order of quality, lowest to highest. But the HiTech are pretty darn good for the price.)

-Paul

[Roger]

For us nubs, can you explain what a Graduated ND filter does?

:P

[Paul S]

For us nubs, can you explain what a Graduated ND filter does?

It allows you to darken the sky (to show detail in the clouds, or to beef up a sunrise, for example), without darkening the foreground.

-Paul

[Roger]

It allows you to darken the sky (to show detail in the clouds, or to beef up a sunrise, for example), without darkening the foreground.

-Paul

Anyone have a example of the difference this makes?

[Paul S]

Darwin's article at NPN (http://www.naturephotographers.net/dw0502-1.html) discusses various filters, but he has a section on NDGs. This includes two examples, one of which has a before and after comparison.

NDGs have real merit. Less so in the digital age, because of tools like blending two exposures in PS, or even better, some of the newer HDR tools. But there are times (e.g. when there is motion), where it's really nice to get it in a single exposure. And that's when an NDG is invaluable. I have a couple in my bag, and I don't use them all that often, but when I do, I'm glad to have them.

-Paul

[Roger]

Darwin's article at NPN (http://www.naturephotographers.net/dw0502-1.html) discusses various filters, but he has a section on NDGs. This includes two examples, one of which has a before and after comparison.

NDGs have real merit. Less so in the digital age, because of tools like blending two exposures in PS, or even better, some of the newer HDR tools. But there are times (e.g. when there is motion), where it's really nice to get it in a single exposure. And that's when an NDG is invaluable. I have a couple in my bag, and I don't use them all that often, but when I do, I'm glad to have them.

-Paul

Perfect!

Thanks a ton, bookmarked and ready to read.