Grads Info.

SealBeard

SealBeard

Messages
2,070
Name
Rob
Edit My Images
No
Good evening all,

I'm trying to plan ahead a month or so for when I move house, I plan to work a lot more on my landscape work amongst other bits and pieces.

I have got hold of a 16-35 2.8, now I'm looking for a set of ND grads and a polorisor to get me into the swing of things... (maybe a 10 stopper in the long term)

What would you reccomend me to get started with? I dont want to spend the earth, but I wouldnt mind something of reasonable quality. What kind of options do I have available to me - I would need the whole kit, holder/grads etc.

Thanks :)
 
Hi Rob,

If money's no object, get yourself a set of Singh-Ray's... They're the dogs wotsits. Only ever used 'em once but they were stunning. Next best offer would be either Lee or if money's a bit tight, take a look at Cokin Z-Pro or Hi-Tech filters.

I use the Cokin Z-Pro series and have no problems with 'em... I used to get a magenta cast with 'em but since I switched to the 5DMKII, I haven't had that problem! :shrug:

Not that I'm complaining though. :D
Take care,
Si
 
Spiritflier said:
Hi Rob,

If money's no object, get yourself a set of Singh-Ray's... They're the dogs wotsits. Only ever used 'em once but they were stunning. Next best offer would be either Lee or if money's a bit tight, take a look at Cokin Z-Pro or Hi-Tech filters.

I use the Cokin Z-Pro series and have no problems with 'em... I used to get a magenta cast with 'em but since I switched to the 5DMKII, I haven't had that problem! :shrug:

Not that I'm complaining though. :D
Take care,
Si
Click to expand...

Hey Si - cheers for the advice, just had a quick google on the Singh-Ray's, nearly fell off my chair when I saw that price :lol: I'm sure they are worth every penny, but not at my stage :p I think something a little more gentle on the wallet will be in order :naughty:

Hope your well :)
 
Hiya Rob. I'm fine thanks mate. :)

I had the same reaction when I priced up the Singh-Ray's... I'd sell my mother for one of their reverse grads too! :D

Speaking of which, Formatt (Hi-Tech) Filters are also doing a 2-stop reverse grad now. I haven't had a chance to get up close to one yet but the reports I hear are very good... It's definitely on my shopping list but my bank balance is still in a state of shock since I got the 5DMKII. :D

If you type 'Z-Pro' into my Flickr stream, you'll see the shots taken with that system... At least it'll give you some idea of what you're looking at.

Take care,
Si
 
I should not have typed Z-Pro into your photo stream - it makes me not even want to bother trying to get pics that good! I would kill for some scenery like that!

Reverse grads, I guess they are good for ballancing out sunrise/sets... avoiding the dark vignette?

I'll do a little research into the Hi-tech and cokin systems, see which one makes my wallet quiver the least :p

I bet your loving that 5D though, a cracking camera - love mine.
 
I use the Hi-Tech filters and have no complaints. I noticed recently that Ian Cameron also uses Hi-Tech filters and some of his shots aren't too shabby :)
 
Do you really need the whole "kit"? Just start out with one grad and see how you get on with it. I started with a 2stop hard but others may think differently.

You can manage without a holder as well. It's quite easy to hold the filter gently but firmly against the rim of the lens, especially if you're using a tripod.

I agree with what's being said about Singh ray grads - but I got mine when the exchange rate was a bit more favourable!
 
I bought a set of Cokin P hard grads with the wide angleholder and adapter ring. I'd suggest staying away from the Cokin P because they give a pink/magenta colour cast, especially if stacked.

Not too sure about the Z-Pro........but the P series has knocked my confidence with the quality of Cokin.

I recently bought a set of Hi-Tech soft grads, you get 3 filters (1/2/3stop) for £40 and they are really good quality, very minimal colour cast! Much cheaper than Lee or Singh-Ray and ideal for just starting out. They also fit perfectly in the Cokin P holder which are quite cheap to get hold of.

As for ND filters, I've recently purchased a Lightcraft Workshop X500 9-stop ND filter..........costs only £60 from Premier Ink and is very good quality and perfect for long exposures. It is a screw on type so cuts out all light too.
 
Thank for the feedback folks - I think I'm edging towards a set of Hi-tech grads, they seem good value for money. Having a bit of a problem finding somewhere with all the bits I need in stock however.
 
HiTech/Formatt filters here in a lee foundation kit holder with a 77mm wide angle adaptor :)
 
Rob_Ashton said:
Thank for the feedback folks - I think I'm edging towards a set of Hi-tech grads, they seem good value for money. Having a bit of a problem finding somewhere with all the bits I need in stock however.
Click to expand...

Hiya Rob,

Have a look HERE for the Hi-Tech stuff (not sure if you have already). :)

See ya,
Si
 
Cheers Si, didnt notice you could actually buy them of that site :) - PM inc by the way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top