ND Grads

[damianmkv]

I'm hoping to get a Nikon 70-300 in the next month or two and so want to look at filters too.

Anyways, is an ndg an ndg ? Ie is there good and bad ? Are screw in ones better or the square ones ? Any particular make better ?

Thanks

 

[Moreorless]

Generally grads are much less useful on tele lenses since your using such a small part of them it makes the graduation very soft indeed, personally I find my composition is much less suited to using them aswell.

If your using it on wider lenses it depends what you want I spose and how much to want to spend. Most recommend square grads but personally I'v found a Tiffen 2 stop screw in is very useful and not much hassel.

 

[zerodeluxe]

I'm looking to get some ND filters too - I may try the 7DayShop.com own variable ones. Okay, they won't be the quality of the higher end separate ones (or high-end variables) but it might give a start without making a 'big' spend to begin with.

 

[damianmkv]

I only have the 18-55 kit lens at the moment, is it best suited for this then ?

 

[Moreorless]

I only have the 18-55 kit lens at the moment, is it best suited for this then ?

The problem with your 18-55 is that the front element rotates as it focuses, not a problem with a normal ND filter but ND grads or Polarizers need to be allined propely so you'd have to do it after that lens had focused. Using any kind of rectangular slot in filter system would not I'd guess be wise with something that large spinning around on the front of your lens.

You could have the same problem on your 70-300 depending which one your buying, the old non VR one has a rotating front element where as the newer VR one doesnt.

If you were getting the newer VR 70-300 I'd say you'd be better off considering a polarizer than an ND grad, tele lenses actually make them easier to use since you need to worry much less abotu getting an even effect across the sky.

 

[damianmkv]

Yes, definately the newer VR 700-30...