A quick filter question I hope someone carn help with

[CTR_Chris]

Ive been looking at getting a graduated ND filter. Im wanting to get one to solve the problem of blowing out the Sky in landscape pictures. From what I read however a ND Grad is split HALF WAY, would this not mean i would have to place the horizon on the half way mark, thus ignoring the rule of thirds? Is there another solution?

Hope Ive explained myself properly

- Chris

 

[Toothie]

they are split half way but there longer than the lens is wide so you can move the graduation to where you like in the frame

 

[Rob.Marsh]

Kind of but not really, I know that makes no sense!

Its not a straight split, its gradual, hence the name graduated. If you go for the coking style too, ie in a holder, you can move the fliter up and down until it suits the composition.

Rob

 

[jerry12953]

Screw in ND grads are useless for the very reason you have given.

You need to look at the square or oblong filters made by Cokin, Hi-tech, Lee, etc, depending on what your budget is.

You might need a holder as well, but I find you can get by quite easily by just holding the filter gently but firmly against the rim of the lens. Easy with a tripod, possible with practice without.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

screw in ND grads are pointless, invest in a Cokin system and get one for that. If you don't feel like splashing out the £4 or so for a holder then Blu Tack does the job at a push

 

[CTR_Chris]

Thanks all, that explains a lot

 

[rpcrowe]

It seems to me that there could or should be a market for a 1/3 split GND round filter. I could then place the horizon at the top or bottom 1/3 of the frame. it seems that this might be easier than carrying a Cokin or other type filter and holding it in front of the lens. The 1/3 split would allow better composition than the 1/2 split currently being sold. Besides, It would be easier for me to carry than the larger Cokin square type filter.

I don't use a Cokin filter holder since it is a pain to attach and detach. I also don't have a lens hood to use with the Cokin because it can only be used with the Cokin filter holder. Instead, I shade the lens with my hat. Whenever I am shooting landscapes, I am using a tripod so shading with my hat is not so hard. However, I am thinking of getting a Flare Buster to facilitate shading the Cokin filter.