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Sungrazer
10-02-2006, 12:42 PM
Do I need this (http://www.adorama.com/CKBPP.html?searchinfo=Cokin%20P%20Holder&item_no=8) to use a graduated neutral density filter? Do I also need the appropriate adaptor ring? Would I use my circular polarizer with or without it?

Is a .6 soft edge grad good for general purpose use?

Finally, with grads, what are the steps involved? When (before or after mounting the filter) and what (bright or dark part) do you meter?
24Peter
10-02-2006, 01:40 PM
Do I need this (http://www.adorama.com/CKBPP.html?searchinfo=Cokin%20P%20Holder&item_no=8) to use a graduated neutral density filter? Do I also need the appropriate adaptor ring? Would I use my circular polarizer with or without it?

Is a .6 soft edge grad good for general purpose use?

Finally, with grads, what are the steps involved? When (before or after mounting the filter) and what (bright or dark part) do you meter?

I use one of these: http://www.adorama.com/SU62GND6.html
I'm sure people will say Hoya or B+W make better filters and they probably do. They may also say get coated filters and they're probably right. But my photos come out fine for me.

Screw on filters are an alternative to the one you posted. You either need one with a diameter that matches your lens (i.e., 58mm for the Canon kit lens) or use a step down ring to get it to fit. For instance, my filter is 62mm but I use a 62mm>58mm step down ring to fit it on my kit lens. http://www.adorama.com/FLD6258.html?searchinfo=62%20-%2058%20step%20down&item_no=1
.6 soft edge grad is a good choice for landscapes and architecture. Most of these were done with that filter:
http://imageevent.com/24peter/laarchitecture2
http://imageevent.com/24peter/downtownlabw

Once the filter is in place, meter as you normally would. :)
fzuser
10-03-2006, 05:46 PM
If you have the time and budget, I highly recommend buying (or checking out form the library) Lee Frost's "The Photographer's Guide to Filters". Lots of info on filter systems and how/when to use ND filters, with plenty of sample shots to see what the various filters can do for your shots.