how often do you need to replace an ND Grad filter?

[EGGP]

At our camera club last week we had an illustrated talk by a landscape photographer. During the talk he mentioned that ND Grads fade over time and need replacing every 5 years. Is this correct or is he mistaken? If you need to replace Lee filters every 5 years that is expensive.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

A polycarbonate filter will suffer from marks and scratches over time, it is unlikely to fade much if stored well. The more you use filters the more often they may need replacing... as is the case with everything.

 

[barratt1988]

I very much doubt they will fade if stored correctly. but that being said they will require replacing when the filters become scratched. I've had mine 2 years now and there are one or 2 little marks but nothing that affects the image

 

[LongLensPhotography]

It depends how well they are made and handled. If they are scratched they need to be replaced. Another issue is surprisingly fingerprint fat and dirt and inability of some to clean them.