Hard or Soft Grad Filters

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Spyker

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Karen
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I've just invested in the Lee big stopper system having had problems with vignetting with the B+W ND110 filter with my sigma 10-20mm.

My question is, I've been using the Cokin soft grad ND filters, but on the website that I'm about to order the Lee ND graduated filters from, it states that if you're using a 35mm, DSLR, including full frame and medium format, you should choose the hard grad and if you're using large formate cameras you should choose soft grad.

Can anyone clarify which I should buy please? I use a Canon 7D

Thanks
 
I realy dont think it matters what lenses or wether its APS-C or FF as long as your lenses aren't extremely wide for the lee 100mm system, Hard grads are mainly used for seascapes and flat landscapes and soft grads for more rugged landscapes or for balancing the light if theres too much from one direction on your shot. I've certainly not read anything to say otherwise.
 
I've read this argument about only using hard on crop sensors is still use soft.
 
Hotshots said:
I realy dont think it matters what lenses or wether its APS-C or FF as long as your lenses aren't extremely wide for the lee 100mm system, Hard grads are mainly used for seascapes and flat landscapes and soft grads for more rugged landscapes or for balancing the light if theres too much from one direction on your shot. I've certainly not read anything to say otherwise.
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Thank you, I think I'll get at 0.6 hard and soft to start with, I've not used a hard grad before, but as I like to do mainly long exposure seascape and landscape, it sounds as though the hard grad would be a good investment.
 
markmullen said:
I use a combination of both soft and hard edged. I use the hard edged far more though as the effect of a soft grad tails off quite early on, often meaning you'd blow the lower section of sky. I find it easier to selectively dodge areas inadvertantly filtered.
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Thanks Mark, I've bought both, but I have an even bigger problem now!
This new Lee system I've invested in is causing an even bigger problem with vignetting than the B+W110 ND filter :(
 
markmullen said:
Really? On what lens? I run a two slot holder usually, I can use it on full frame at 17mm without vignetting, how wide are you trying to go?
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The lens is a Sigma 10-20mm and last night I tried the Lee big stopper on it for the first time, the vignetting was really bad in all 4 corners
 
Spyker said:
The lens is a Sigma 10-20mm and last night I tried the Lee big stopper on it for the first time, the vignetting was really bad in all 4 corners
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The diagonal field of view on APS-C is only 109deg (See this review), so I would think the Lee filter holder should be OK.

If you have a UV filter fitted then this is causing the problem; I've seen vignetting with this lens and non-Lee filters. Problem is the same. Take it off and stamp on it hard. You will be doing yourself a massive favour.

Assuming no UV filter, some extra testing please...
Is there vignetting with:
1) The lens with no attachments.
2) The adapter ring (no filter holder)
3) The fitted filter holder with no filters inserted (should be the same as with filters, but worth checking).

Lee do a wide angle adapter that moves the filters back closer to the lens, but my money is on you currently having a UV filter fitted.
 
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I don't have a UV filter on it and never have done. I am also using the Lee wide angle adapter advised. So I will try your suggested tests and see what happens...thank you

DuncanDisorderly said:
The diagonal field of view on APS-C is only 109deg (See this review), so I would think the Lee filter holder should be OK.

If you have a UV filter fitted then this is causing the problem; I've seen vignetting with this lens and non-Lee filters. Problem is the same. Take it off and stamp on it hard. You will be doing yourself a massive favour.

Assuming no UV filter, some extra testing please...
Is there vignetting with:
1) The lens with no attachments.
2) The adapter ring (no filter holder)
3) The fitted filter holder with no filters inserted (should be the same as with filters, but worth checking).

Lee do a wide angle adapter that moves the filters back closer to the lens, but my money is on you currently having a UV filter fitted.
Click to expand...
 
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