Look here
http://russellspixelpix.blogspot.com...y-filters.html
Terrific write up on grad ND filters.

I actually recently bought these from www.2filter.com they are Hi-Tech brand Filters. They get great reviews and produce really great results.
Scott can vouch for them (aka Stime187)

1 - 2 stop Hard Line Grad ND
1 - 2 stop Soft Grad ND
1 - 3 stop Hard Line grad ND
1 - 3 stop Soft grad ND
http://2filter.com/prices/htpackages.html
$57.11 for a holder and your choice of one filter.

I have tried the screw on Grad ND's but they give you literally no control over placement in the scene.

I've got the exact same filters Shawn, but I haven't used them much yet.

Originally Posted by thechickencow

I've got the exact same filters Shawn, but I haven't used them much yet.

I wasn't going to buy them and then I was and then I wasn't.....But, with my Cali trip coming up I wanted to be prepared in case the weather cooperates during a couple sunsets.

I didn't get mine in time for my honeymoon which was a bit of a bummer but turned out OK in the end. I'm sure at some point soon I'll get to try them out, but I've been too lazy the last few weeks when I've had opportunities to shoot sunrises or sunsets.

At the moment I have 3 stop hard and 3 stop soft edge, I need to get some 2 stoppers. I have the Z-pro system though, the Ps aren't big enough.

I've got z-pro too.

I need to get a new set, i have a P series 1 and 2 stop soft, but they dont work very well.
with 14 bits though, I think a polarizer would help enough to get it into PS

I finally got out this morning and tried mine out. Seem to be pretty easy to use, at least easy to put on the camera and take shots, I'm not sure how the results will come out though yet, uploading now.

Does anyone have any pictures of their setup?

Not sure what you are looking for... let me know, I still have everything mounted. Here's my Cokin P wide angle holder, and a Singh Ray 3-stop hard filter.



another angle:


Man, I forgot how crappy the D50 AF was compared to the D300.

I could probably conjure some at some point. But it's nothing special, looks pretty much identical to the above (minus the nice filter!)...

I need a little input.
I've already got a 3-stop soft filter that I love. But I'm wondering if it would be worth it to get a 2-stop hard over a 3-stop hard as my second filter. Which do you all use more often?

Originally Posted by MoLS

I need a little input.
I've already got a 3-stop soft filter that I love. But I'm wondering if it would be worth it to get a 2-stop hard over a 3-stop hard as my second filter. Which do you all use more often?

It really depends on the amount of light and what I am shooting, but ultimately i feel I use my 3 stop filters the most. I recently lost my 3 stop soft edge and had to resort to using my glove.

I use my 2/3 stop hard filters constantly. I occasionally use my 3-stop soft. And, very rarely use my 2-stop soft.

Thanks - I think I'll be picking up both a 2 and 3 stop hard soon.

Bump

Shawn, have you tried these on your 5d w/17-40mm yet? If so have you stacked more than one filter?

I was looking at the Hitech 4x5 system for use with my 10-20mm on the 1.6x, but from some searching on other boards I think the 17mm on the 5D will actually vignette first. That's a combo (FF/17-40) I might have some day so I figure I'll err on the safe side and try to get it right the first time.

Also, you have the Hitech holder? I was looking at the Lee holder since it's supposedly "modular" in that you can add/remove extra slots when you do/don't need them.

This is what I had in mind:

Lee 4x4 Filter Holder "FK" Lee FK filter holder $74.44
77mm Lee adapter ring $27.74
Tiffen 72-77 Step Up Ring $19.11

Hitech 4x5 Gradual ND 0.6 Soft Edge $66.43
Hitech 4x5 Gradual ND 0.9 Hard Edge $66.43
Hitech 4x4 ND 1.2 $67.11

(prices from 2filter)

Originally Posted by Redlineracer12

Bump

Shawn, have you tried these on your 5d w/17-40mm yet? If so have you stacked more than one filter?

I was looking at the Hitech 4x5 system for use with my 10-20mm on the 1.6x, but from some searching on other boards I think the 17mm on the 5D will actually vignette first. That's a combo (FF/17-40) I might have some day so I figure I'll err on the safe side and try to get it right the first time.

Also, you have the Hitech holder? I was looking at the Lee holder since it's supposedly "modular" in that you can add/remove extra slots when you do/don't need them.

This is what I had in mind:

Lee 4x4 Filter Holder "FK" Lee FK filter holder $74.44
77mm Lee adapter ring $27.74
Tiffen 72-77 Step Up Ring $19.11

Hitech 4x5 Gradual ND 0.6 Soft Edge $66.43
Hitech 4x5 Gradual ND 0.9 Hard Edge $66.43
Hitech 4x4 ND 1.2 $67.11

(prices from 2filter)

I am looking at purchasing the 4x5's as well now. The P size work, but there isn't enough room for movement when shooting vertical orientation with only the top 1/3rd of the image being the sky.

I almost always hand hold my filters and have not stacked them on the 5D yet. Maybe tonight?

Order from www.2filter.com and with the Hi-Tech 4x5 "kit" you get one filter and a holder that is exactly what you are talking about.

hi-tech 4x5 kit - http://2filter.com/prices/Hitech_Z_package.html

hi tech filters - http://www.2filter.com/prices/Hitech/Hitech4x4.html 4x5 grads are in the middle of the page.

Originally Posted by thomps6s

Order from www.2filter.com and with the Hi-Tech 4x5 "kit" you get one filter and a holder that is exactly what you are talking about.

hi-tech 4x5 kit - http://2filter.com/prices/Hitech_Z_package.html

I was about to respond ignorantly about how I thought the Cokin holders were not modular, but on searching google a bit I found this excellent post: http://www.dutchphotozone.com/viewto...p?f=75&t=50566

That post is EXACTLY the setup I was considering Well substitute 30D for 40D and it's a perfect match. So with the wigma I should be okay with TWO 100mm (4x4) filters. According to the URL above, I won't get three at 10mm but that's okay with me. Now I just need to find someone using the Cokin Z holder with two filters on the 17-40 and that should settle it.

Short of having both hands free, is there any real advantage to using a filter holder?

I've been wanting to try using ND grad filters for a while but they're so damned expensive (for decent ones anyhow). Two filters (Lee 4x5) will set me back about C$300, but what two filters to get?

Alternatively, for C$335, I can pick up a set of three filters (1-, 2-, and 3-stop), either hard or soft. It sounds like 1-stop are useless, though.


-A

Originally Posted by gongzero

Short of having both hands free, is there any real advantage to using a filter holder?

I've been wanting to try using ND grad filters for a while but they're so damned expensive (for decent ones anyhow). Two filters (Lee 4x5) will set me back about C$300, but what two filters to get?

Alternatively, for C$335, I can pick up a set of three filters (1-, 2-, and 3-stop), either hard or soft. It sounds like 1-stop are useless, though.


-A

Hi-Techs are quality filters, not glass but they are quality. If they aren't, Scott and I are lying and dying.

Filter holders become handy when taking 15 second or longer images. Otherwise I almost always hold them.

Originally Posted by Redlineracer12

I was about to respond ignorantly about how I thought the Cokin holders were not modular, but on searching google a bit I found this excellent post: http://www.dutchphotozone.com/viewto...p?f=75&t=50566

using the Cokin Z holder with two filters on the 17-40 and that should settle it.

I had stacked two P sized on my 16-50mm before and don't remember it vignetting .

Originally Posted by thomps6s

Hi-Techs are quality filters, not glass but they are quality. If they aren't, Scott and I are lying and dying.

Filter holders become handy when taking 15 second or longer images. Otherwise I almost always hold them.

I don't doubt they're quality, but I can't find anyone in Canada that carries them.


-A

Originally Posted by gongzero

I don't doubt they're quality, but I can't find anyone in Canada that carries them.


-A

is it too expoensive to order them from 2filter.com?

An alternative is to use a Black Card or your hand or a glove.

I used my glove exclusively tonight except for one image.

I dunno, I'll e-mail them what it would cost to ship two or three filters internationally.

I'm still stuck on what would be best to start out with, though. :-\


-A

Originally Posted by thomps6s

I had stacked two P sized on my 16-50mm before and don't remember it vignetting .

But that was 16 on a crop, I'm interested in the 17 on a FF.

Originally Posted by Redlineracer12

But that was 16 on a crop, I'm interested in the 17 on a FF.

Right on. I forgot to try it tonight.

is it worth it to go for a wide angle filter setup rather than just on that'll work?

i expect to be on a 1.6 cropper for quite some time, so even if i get a nice lens that does say 100 degrees what would work, or work best?


also trying to get it right the first time!

Originally Posted by riderofbmx4130

is it worth it to go for a wide angle filter setup rather than just on that'll work?

i expect to be on a 1.6 cropper for quite some time, so even if i get a nice lens that does say 100 degrees what would work, or work best?


also trying to get it right the first time!

I wish I had gone with a wide setup right away. I had to cut my holder down so it wouldn't show on my 16mm (crop body) and even then, with two slots instead of 3 it still showed a little bit on each shot.
This is why I moved to hand holding.

With a wide setup you should not have to worry about this.

but what about price difference,
it seems to be quite the bunch...

i'm looking at $160 initial purchase.

includes filter holder
circular polorizer
3 stop hard
3 stop soft/ maybe 2 stop?
8 stop ND?
or 4 stop ND?


am i missing anything?

Originally Posted by riderofbmx4130

but what about price difference,
it seems to be quite the bunch...

i'm looking at $160 initial purchase.

includes filter holder
circular polorizer
3 stop hard
3 stop soft/ maybe 2 stop?
8 stop ND?
or 4 stop ND?


am i missing anything?

That is a nice list o' filters!
Nice Who makes the 8 stop? (not being a jerk, I am really curious)
A 3 or 4 stop ND will be more useful initially than a 9 stop filter. 9 Stop filters are really specialty filters. But it depends on what you want to do.
A 3 stop will be a great tool just after sunrise or just before sunset to get a slower shutter.
A 9 stop will be great for slow shutters in the Early to mid morning and mid to Late afternoon to achieve a slow shutter.

Where are you looking to buy from and can you include links to your filters?

P.S. I may be willing to sell my P sized Hi-Tech brand grads (3 stop hard, 2 stop soft and 2 stop hard)

i've been lacking on the research department lately. no links yet...
8 stop coulda been a 9? idk... i was talking to some guys i know at ritz camera. not the place i'd ultimately buy them from probably. but who knows.

i was thinking of using the 9 stop in order to keep a long shutter and my lens in that sweet spot of f/8-12. rather than it heading towards 22-32. feel me?

or even to use it during the day for water, or fast moving clouds.
i'll have to do some research on those p sized hi-tech's and then let you know. idk when i'd be making the investment though because ATM my next purchase should be e-bay triggers, lightstands, and all that fun stuff. but i may switch it out for filters

Originally Posted by thomps6s

P.S. I may be willing to sell my P sized Hi-Tech brand grads (3 stop hard, 2 stop soft and 2 stop hard)

I'm definitely interested in the 2 stop hard if you're going to sell them and don't want them to go all at once.

Originally Posted by riderofbmx4130

i was thinking of using the 9 stop in order to keep a long shutter and my lens in that sweet spot of f/8-12. rather than it heading towards 22-32. feel me?

f/8 to f/22 is only 3 stops then to f/32 is an additional (fourth) stop. So if that's really what you want it for a 4 stop ND filter would work for you.

Originally Posted by Redlineracer12

f/8 to f/22 is only 3 stops then to f/32 is an additional (fourth) stop. So if that's really what you want it for a 4 stop ND filter would work for you.

i'm a noob.


and i was thinking of multiple uses.
but that is a good point...

Originally Posted by riderofbmx4130

i'm a noob.


and i was thinking of multiple uses.
but that is a good point...

Keep in mind the following

If you are at F/11 and getting a .5 second reading, using a 9 stop filter will give you a 256 second exposure (4.2 minutes)

Originally Posted by thomps6s

Keep in mind the following

If you are at F/11 and getting a .5 second reading, using a 9 stop filter will give you a 256 second exposure (4.2 minutes)

that would be awesome.
and seeing as i would most likely be using it in full sun, i think this could benefit me. perhaps not as an initial filter setup, but eventually.

bump!

scott, are you using the lee 4x5s, and if so, no issues on the 5D/17-40? Also, do you use a CP WITH the GNDs ever, if so how? (ie the CP designed for those holders or on on the lens threads THEN the grads?)

I'm using HiTech 4x5s with the hitech holder (2 slots, maybe 3?) and 'slim-mount' ring. No problems with 5D @ 17mm.

If I use a CP and GND combined, I hand-hold the GND. I haven't figured out a better way to do it than that. I've considered looking into a slide-line linear type polarizer, but never pursued it.

Originally Posted by thomps6s

P.S. I may be willing to sell my P sized Hi-Tech brand grads (3 stop hard, 2 stop soft and 2 stop hard)

I'm back to thinking about getting some of these.

Will the P size work on my 10-20 (77mm)? edit- I'm guessing no. Do I need the 1 slot P wide? Can you just flip the normal P (doesn't it have 3 slots on one side and 1 on the other, or is that just the Z)?

Originally Posted by PhatheadWRX

I'm back to thinking about getting some of these.

Will the P size work on my 10-20 (77mm)? edit- I'm guessing no. Do I need the 1 slot P wide? Can you just flip the normal P (doesn't it have 3 slots on one side and 1 on the other)?

I thought someone here was using P sized filters with their 10-20 without issues on a crop.

Jeremiah? I've read that the regular P will vingette from 10~12mm unless you get the wide adapter or saw the last two slots off the regular.

Does it work on your 17-40?

I'm using p-size with the wide angle holder on my 10-20 for nikon. With the filter holder level there is no vignetting. But it does vignette if you turn it past a certain point.

This is worst case, with it turned about 30 degrees. It would be less on a canon, right?

Thanks Jeff! should actually be less since we have a bit smaller sensor. Yours is 15mm effective FOV, ours is 16mm.

Maybe I'll just wait until Shawn lists his for sale. I wonder if I can saw off the two extras, but still be able to attach them for when I want more than 1 filter and over ~13mm. I also want to look at some solid NDs for the holder. Would you go crazy for your first ~9 stop, or something 3~4 stop?

I'm not seeing any vignetting at the worst case angle at 11.5mm.

I haven't seen anything more than 4-stops for the holder. I think that anything more than that might not work well since there's a small gap between the filter holder and the lens so that it would leak light.

Originally Posted by PhatheadWRX

Thanks Jeff! should actually be less since we have a bit smaller sensor. Yours is 15mm effective FOV, ours is 16mm.

Maybe I'll just wait until Shawn lists his for sale. I wonder if I can saw off the two extras, but still be able to attach them for when I want more than 1 filter and over ~13mm. I also want to look at some solid NDs for the holder. Would you go crazy for your first ~9 stop, or something 3~4 stop?

My holder has a sawed off end already and I will throw it in with the filters. I will list them soon.

Woohoo just ordered the 4x5 2-stop hard line grad filter kit from 2filter.

Originally Posted by thomps6s

I thought someone here was using P sized filters with their 10-20 without issues on a crop.

I'm not sure if you mean me, but I use z-pro size. (4" wide)

I have to use the single side filter to not see them at 10mm, but its not an issue after that. I've gotten more into hand holding lately though which seems honestly just easier than screwing the holder onto the front.

How do you think cokin p sized would work on a cropper with a tokina 11-16, how bad would the vingetting be?

Originally Posted by riderofbmx4130

colin p

Sounds dirty and wet...

Originally Posted by thomps6s

Sounds dirty and wet...

Damn iPhone t9!