ND filters instead of Hard ND grads

[gad-westy]

I'm looking to purchase a Lee or similar filter kit and was going to buy a few filters at the same time to get me going. Mainly ND's and ND grads both hard and soft. I read something on here that using a Lee system allows one to position the ND grad in relation to the horizon. With that in mind could one use a standard ND filter and position it so that it's lower edge reaches the horizon and the rest of the lens is un-covered, in effect creating a hard ND Grad? I didn't know if the edge of the filter would end up being visible on the final image.

 

[Craikeybaby]

I don't think this is the best way of doing it, but I know my Dad has used that tactic and even on an A2 sized print you can only tell if you know it is there, but it probably depends on the image.

 

[hairboy]

In a word, no. Hard grad isn't on/off. It still has gradient, but in a shorter transition than soft grad. That's all. They serve different purposes. If you want to save in the short run, just choose either soft or hard grads - if you do mostly seascapes (flat horizon), get hard. If you do mountains, get soft.

Also, for ND filters, you can get polyester filters instead of resin. I have a set, as I don't use them often, and the quality is good. They obviously aren't as durable, but I've had them for 2 years, and used them maybe on 10 occasions, and not had a problem with any of the 3 that came in the set. You just have to be more careful with them than resin, as you can rip them or scratch them a bit easier.

HTH