Grad filter....

[Nickcanada]

I picked up a P series Cokin Gradual neutral Gray G2 (ND8) filter today. I've always wanted one. Here are some test shots. So far I think it's a little awkward holding the filter in front of the lens but I'm sure with some practice.
I would have loved to have this thing while I was on my honeymoon. Good thing I've got a holiday set up in Nov. You know the wedding I was suppose to shoot for my sister in law... well I'm now a groomsman! I'm really disappointed. I was looking forward to taking the pictures.



First without the filter and then with the filter...

[Nickcanada]

Few more test shots This is really cool. I'm really going to enjoy this thing.

[NewTekBuzz]

I would like to see how dark the siding came out on the house. did you crop it out or just miss it on the second shot?

T.I.A.

Tim

[Nickcanada]

I would like to see how dark the siding came out on the house. did you crop it out or just miss it on the second shot?

T.I.A.

Tim

No I purposely composed so you couldn't see it, but here is another with the filter up a bit, You can see the transition line, and you can see my finger there holding the filter.

[forno]

Yeh these things rock, I have the holder but as its winter here I havent grabbed a filter as yet

[Nickcanada]

Yeh these things rock, I have the holder but as its winter here I havent grabbed a filter as yet

Winter? you're in Australia dude. :p

I heard the holder can be a pain in the butt. Has anyone tried one with the filter?

[achuang]

I have used the cokin P series 2 stop ND grad with the cokin wide angle holder. It only holds 1 filter to prevent vignetting on wide lenses. It's not too bad to use although it costs a fair bit for what it is.

[michaelb]

Great test shots Nick....ND grads are great.....here is a shot I took with my 2 stop ND grad last week in Acadia National Park in Maine (filter held at a diaganol); I'll post more shots later when I get a chance. The people in the image give you some idea of the scale.

[Nickcanada]

Thanks Mike, and nice shot there. I find it much easier then merging photos in PP. Here are a few more. I really need to work on my landscape photos.

[griptape]

Okay, so now I REALLY have to get one of these. Why don't they make one as a filter (like a ring filter) instead of something you have to hold up by hand?

[JTL]

Why don't they make one as a filter (like a ring filter) instead of something you have to hold up by hand?They do. But the rectangular kind are much better for several reasons:

1. Place the effect anywhere you want in the frame. With the circular ones, the split is right down the middle...but the horizon (or the light that you want to hold back) rarely is...

2. Use with any diameter lens. With the circular ones you'd have to get one for each lens diameter or get one large one and fuss with step rings.

3. No attachment necessary. With the circular kind you have to screw them on and off. I keep a rectangular graduated ND in my shirt pocket and whip it out (:eek:) when I need it and then put it right back. Under 10 seconds from seeing the shot to getting the shot.

4. No worrying about vignetting on wide angle lenses. With the circular kind, vignetting can be an issue. Some of the most dramatic graduated ND opportunities I have seen also happened to be best shot wide. With a rectangular graduated ND, this is never a problem.

5. Reduced flare and ghosting. You can change the distance and angle between the filter and the lens. The circular kind is always at a fixed distance and angle relative to the front lens element.

6. Makes you look so much cooler. When you take it out and use it, people start to look at you differently...:cool::D;)

Below is a link to my old faithful. I wouldn't dream of going out with a camera and not taking it along...

http://www.singh-ray.com/srgnd2.html