Neutral Density Help please

living skies

I am looking to purchase neutral density filters , I have a Canon 7D and a 5D, and a 16-35mm lens, that takes an 82mm filter, as well as a 24-105, that takes a 77mm filter. My 70-200 takes a 77 also, I think from what I have read I would lean towards towards the drop in type,graduated, but am curious about what brand has the best quality as far as image goes, and any advice on what size, and density would be very welcome. I take mostly nature, scenic, and wildlife, but am going to Patagonia in April, and thought I should invest in filters for the trip. Any suggestions???

ziggy53

Neutral Density (ND) and Graduated Neutral Density (GND) filters are used for quite different applications and used in very different ways.

What are you hoping to accomplish?

living skies

Thanks for the help, I am familiar with what the filters do, just not sure about the most practical type, and best quality brand to shop for. Wondering what graduated density people find themselves using the most, 2, 3,?? I am also thankful for the info about the wide angle issue. Is anyone else using other brands? sizes? types? Any other suggestions for the very wide shots? Thanks again...

ziggy53

living skies wrote: »

Thanks for the help, I am familiar with what the filters do, just not sure about the most practical type, and best quality brand to shop for. Wondering what graduated density people find themselves using the most, 2, 3,?? I am also thankful for the info about the wide angle issue. Is anyone else using other brands? sizes? types? Any other suggestions for the very wide shots? Thanks again...

There seems to be some confusion because GND filters are not designated as "2, 3, ..." anything.

Please refer to the following Wiki pages for a basic explanation about the differences and uses of ND and GND filters:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutral_density_filter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graduated_neutral_density_filter

... then please tell us what you wish to accomplish and under what conditions. You may wish to research your trip a bit more to see what opportunities you are likely to encounter.

Once you know what you might need we can respond with more specific recommendations.

living skies

Ziggy, Is it just me or do you make assumptions that everyone else is ignorant? I don't think there is confusion with anyone but you, a GND filter may not be "rated as a 2 or 3 ... anything" but is quite common that regular people refer to the level of density by the amount of stops, and it seems that others, ( who seem to want to help instead of just being condescending) have already figured that out. If you don't want to help, or don't have anything positive to offer, don't reply. I am asking for input from people's experiences with Neutral Density filters, yes, that would be graduated and not, and the density level, hard or soft grad etc that they use the most, and have the best luck with.
I apologize to everyone if I have offended. I thought this was a site where one would be encouraged to seek input from their fellow photographers.

ian408

living skies wrote: »

Ziggy, Is it just me or do you make assumptions that everyone else is ignorant? I don't think there is confusion with anyone but you, a GND filter may not be "rated as a 2 or 3 ... anything" but is quite common that regular people refer to the level of density by the amount of stops, and it seems that others, ( who seem to want to help instead of just being condescending) have already figured that out. If you don't want to help, or don't have anything positive to offer, don't reply. I am asking for input from people's experiences with Neutral Density filters, yes, that would be graduated and not, and the density level, hard or soft grad etc that they use the most, and have the best luck with.
I apologize to everyone if I have offended. I thought this was a site where one would be encouraged to seek input from their fellow photographers.

Wow. Ziggy is trying to help you by asking what you want to do with the GND or ND filters. He even offered you some additional resources so that the help he gives you is meaningful. I don't think either of his replies were condescending or unhelpful. Sorry you feel that way.

Based on your original post, it's hard to suggest one thing for all occasions. You'd be better off with screw on ND's if you want to create buttery smooth water (a 10 stop). Drop in filters with a graduated ND for strong contrasts between sky and foreground.

I'll address a few of your questions. If you want to buy just one sized screw on filter, you can buy a step up ring to go from 77mm to 82mm and buy 82mm filters. You can also buy filters from Lee that are square. You have some choices with regard to filter size and will need to buy a foundation kit as well as whatever 100mm filters you need. www.leefilters.com will explain more about the system I use for GND. You can also find graduated filters for sunsets and other "special" applications.

As far as what's most useful? Who knows the right answer to that. The typical landscape shot could be two or three stops different between sky and foreground or it could be more (bright sky, dark valley. A good combination of the Lee filters will let you combine as many as 4 filters to meet your need.

For screw in filters, B+W are the best. For drop in, Lee.