Starting out with ND filters

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struan

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Struan
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I'm wondering what my first filter kit / ND filter(s) should be. I'm using a Canon 5d MKII with a 24-105mm L lens (having just upgraded from a 60D it's my only lens).

I'm lucky enough to be off to Hawaii for a week on Saturday and hoping to get some nice ocean shots. I'm thinking of a 10 stop ND filter having seen many great daytime shots by others. Is this wise?

I'm conscious of my own inexperience using filters. Maybe this isn't a suitable filter for a filter beginner?

Is there any merit in starting out with an ND grad filter instead, and focusing on sunrises / sunsets? Given you can still through an ND grad in the viewfinder, I'm wondering if that's easier to learn / use?

I don't want to go crazy on buying more than I'm likely to use, but nor do I want to come home knowing that I've blown the only chance I'm likely to have to capture great pics of Hawaii. Should I throw caution to the wind and buy both? Any advice welcome.

Thanks!
Struan
 
I think a good way to start if you're going to take landscapes is with a set of ND grads, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 probably hard edged (i know i rarely use my soft edged) a lee foundation kit and Hitech filters are what i went with and added a 10stop later, i would also add that when taking landscape shots with filters i always use live view, its much easier to see where to position the filter
 
I'll second Lizzie, get a set of ND grads first, a 10 stopper is great, but it takes some mastering to get right, I suspect you would waste most of your precious holiday time getting to grips with it :)
 
If I remember correctly you can use Live View on the 5D Mk II to actually see through the 10 stopper whilst composing the shot, which makes life much easier. The 10 stopper gives great results if you get it right, but it is a bit of a faff setting the shot up, then inevitably getting a few rubbish shots.
 
bozwellox said:
If I remember correctly you can use Live View on the 5D Mk II to actually see through the 10 stopper whilst composing the shot, which makes life much easier. The 10 stopper gives great results if you get it right, but it is a bit of a faff setting the shot up, then inevitably getting a few rubbish shots.
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i can on my 7d, so would have thought you can on the 5D mkII
 
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