ND Filters

jd.smith

jd.smith

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John
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Ok I can see how a ND Grad fillter allows you to get a correct esposure with for example a birght sky and darker foreground, what would you use a none graduated ND filter for is it just to allow a longer exposure to capture movement for example?
 
jd.smith said:
Ok I can see how a ND Grad fillter allows you to get a correct esposure with for example a birght sky and darker foreground, what would you use a none graduated ND filter for is it just to allow a longer exposure to capture movement for example?
Click to expand...

That's the main use - shots like this where a very long exposure was needed to smooth the sea a bit.

Old%20Pier.jpg
 
String said:
Wrong way round:)

The ND grad is to darken the sky...

The ND is to allow longer exposures...
Click to expand...

I think that's what he meant ;)

The other common uses are when you want to use a low f/number for shallow DoF in bright sun, or with flash outdoors when the shutter speed is capped at the max x-sync speed.

Basically for situations when you run out of control options with the other settings.

Edit: I guess at the other end of the scale, it's the reverse of using a flash when there's not enough light.
 
Last edited:
jd.smith said:
Ok I can see how a ND Grad fillter allows you to get a correct esposure with for example a birght sky and darker foreground, what would you use a none graduated ND filter for is it just to allow a longer exposure to capture movement for example?
Click to expand...



To be honest my nd grad filters are collecting dust these days, I just use the gradient tool in lightroom and the RAW file, saves carrying and attaching filters and your not restricted to a straight transition along the gradient. You get to adjust to taste and can keep it neutral or add warmth or cool it down if you like.

CPL and ND are the only filters I bother with now.
 
lensflair said:
To be honest my nd grad filters are collecting dust these days, I just use the gradient tool in lightroom and the RAW file, saves carrying and attaching filters and your not restricted to a straight transition along the gradient. You get to adjust to taste and can keep it neutral or add warmth or cool it down if you like.

CPL and ND are the only filters I bother with now.
Click to expand...

Have to say I agree with that, and HDR is an even better way, but that fails to explain the apparently increasing popularity of grad filters. There seems to be something kind of 'pure' and photographic about doing it that way.

I can see that, but when the results are often so much worse... I hate it when the grad line so obviously runs over a church spire or a hillside protruding into the sky. Looks naff IMHO :shrug:
 
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