Grad filter & sports

[Ady N]

Any sports togs tried using a grad filter to retain an interesting sky whilst keeping face(s) exposed sufficiently? I keep toying with the idea as uninteresting/blown skies look poor in a shot whereas on the rare occasion you can retain an interesting sky it really makes it pop and more saleable. I suspect use of the filter could be restrictive but just wondered if anyone had given it a whirl?

 

[Photodiva]

Personally not used one for sport, and I guess for me pfaffing around moving the grad when you are trying to frame up action might be a bit too difficult. Some static shots of the ground might work (alternatively, AEB shots and combine in PS). If you do, let's see the results.

 

[Ady N]

Personally not used one for sport, and I guess for me pfaffing around moving the grad when you are trying to frame up action might be a bit too difficult. Some static shots of the ground might work (alternatively, AEB shots and combine in PS). If you do, let's see the results.

Had an element of success using the user defined grad in Color Efex pro on raw files (see my recent post in sports pics thread - pre pp the skies were pretty much white) but means extra time in pp where usually with jpg there is minimal pp. Both my 70-200 & 16-35 take the same size filter so if I get one it should get some use even if not for sport. Like you say when changing aspects and moving around, you would have to be chasing the grad but if you could compose and not move much (maybe cycle sportives) then it may work.............

 

[Ady N]

Just looking at the Lee soft grads:

http://www.leefilters.com/index.php/camera-directory#neutral-density-soft-grads

The .3 or .45 would probably be the best to try.For circular ones a 72mm will do for both of the lenses I mentioned above so the plastic mount needs to be suitable for 72mm but any ideas about sizes of these filters?? (I may be better re-posting in a different section I guess).

 

[Photodiva]

I've only used the square grad filters, I used to have a holder but it got mislaid so I've just held the filter in front of the lens for landscapes. Probably a 1-stop might be worth a try. Circular filters seem quite expensive, though.

 

[Ady N]

I've only used the square grad filters, I used to have a holder but it got mislaid so I've just held the filter in front of the lens for landscapes. Probably a 1-stop might be worth a try. Circular filters seem quite expensive, though.

I think I have it sussed.......?? Lee .3 or .6 soft grad at 150mm long so scope to move the grad to suit. Just trying to find 3rd party holder and adapter as cost new for the 3 elements is around £180. Guess I can always re-sell if it does not work for me.