Graduated Filters vs Lightroom

[danny_bhoy]

Hi all,

Just looking for your thoughts. I'm big on landscape photography and keep thinking I'm missing a trick by not investing in a set of ND Graduated Filters.

Am I over-simplifying this or does Lightroom 4 not do the same job in post-processing with it's Graduated Filter Tool? Plus it cuts out all the fuss of attaching adapters and carrying the filters with you everywhere.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Danny.

 

[HoppyUK]

You can add a grad effect in post processing very effectively, provided the sky isn't blown in the first place - which it quite likely will be without a grad filter.

HDR is another very effective solution.

 

[Lucky's Dad]

Yeah as mentioned above the issue is losing the detail before you get to the post-processing stage, using a ND Grad filter allows you to keep much more detail during the exposure therefore giving you many more options during editing.

 

[danny_bhoy]

That makes sense. The idea of using both methods never actually occurred to me to be honest but makes perfect sense.

Are there any decent makes or brands I should look to be getting or will a £20 eBay bargain do the same job?

 

[mark4183]

Hello,

Have a look at the cokin nd grad filter set on amazon, just ordered myself a set also at £48... seems a very reasonable price.

If you have the money ive heard many times lee filters are good but you pay for that quality also

 

[markmullen]

In terms of quality and price Lee are the best but dearest, then Hitech, the Cokin.

A good set of grads will last you a while and once you get used to using them they are quick and easy.