Help with Filters

[pelliott1954]

Hi All,

Sorry, but it's yet another Filter thread, I would like to try more Landscape photography and am looking at Filters and still debating Lee vs Hitech, as a start I have just purchased a Lee Filter holder and 77mm Wide Angle adaptor ring.

I have gone back a few months on here and read quite a few threads but none found so far have addressed a question I have.

I have read somewhere today that if you have a crop sensor camera it is more important to have Hard Edged ND Grad Filters, rather than Soft Edge ones??

Can anyone comment on this statement giving an explanation as to why, and any comments about the general benefits of Hard Edge Vs Soft Edge for Landscape Photography.

If it has any bearing I am most likely to be using a Canon 10-22mm or 24-70mm Lens and 7D

Regards Paul

[colin C]

Re: Help with Filters

I wasn't aware that using hard or soft edge had anything to do with which sensor you were using, but more to do with the shot itself. If you had a straight line horizon, you could use a hard edge Grad. If you had a mixture of trees and mountains and only part of a horizon, you would use a soft edge Grad.

[ST-EOS]

Re: Help with Filters

I wasn't aware that using hard or soft edge had anything to do with which sensor you were using, but more to do with the shot itself. If you had a straight line horizon, you could use a hard edge Grad. If you had a mixture of trees and mountains and only part of a horizon, you would use a soft edge Grad.

That's my understanding as well Colin. However Paul I do think you made the right decision to go for the wide angle adaptor, especially when you want to use the 10mm end of your 10-22mm lens.

[Muscat]

Re: Help with Filters

For what it is worth I would also go with the soft edge filter for landscape type shots as described above. I am also not aware that the crop vs FF sensor has any bearing on the type of filter to use.

[jimsphotography]

Help with Filters

The reason why some photographers prefer a hard grad on cropped sensor bodies is due to the fact that the crop acts rather like a magnifier converting the lens into an apparent longer focal length. Magnifying a soft edge makes it extremely soft whereas magnifying the hard edge makes it appear softer in gradation. However, the effect of a 1.6 crop magnification is not that severe so it's debatable if it makes a real difference.
As others have said, people tend to use a hard grad where there is a distinct line in the horizon (eg seascapes) but if there is some rise and fall across the horizon due to buildings, trees or hills then a soft grad is preferable.
Ok?
James

[pelliott1954]

Re: Help with Filters

Thanks all for the replies, the explanation by James above is very much how, what I had read before was worded in regards to the crop sensor effectively magnifying the softness.
I have another question festering away in the back of my mind, what is the difference, benefits or otherwise of using a square Big Stopper such as the Lee Vs a Screw on one such as the B&W which I think Les uses.

Regards Paul

[jimsphotography]

Re: Help with Filters

Hi Paul,
The advantage of the LEE Big Stopper is its colour cast is much less noticable. It can slao be stacked in the Lee Filter holder so enabling a grad filter to be used as well. The Lee filter holder can quickly be removed and replaced allowing manual focussing without disturbing other settings. Major disadvantage of Lee filters is (1) normally a long wait between the order and delivery (2) very expensive.
The following picture (which I think I have posted before) is taken with a Lee Big stopper + a graduated filter.

James

[pelliott1954]

Re: Help with Filters

Thanks again James, this is a beautiful picture, as are a lot in your 500px galleries.

I am still pondering to be honest, as you say Lee are just so expensive and to be honest I am not sure whether I would be able to benefit from them over and above Hitech, and they are not exactly cheap either!!!

Thanks again, Regards Paul

[colin C]

Re: Help with Filters

Lee are just so expensive

If you are just going to dabble in landscapes and take the occasional shot, go for the less expensive alternatives and correct the better shots in Photoshop. If you are going to specialise a bit more, go for the Lee's.

When contemplating any new piece of kit I ponder and worry about the cost of it and look at alternatives and compromises. I have come to one conclusion over the years .......... don't compromise. If you need it, get it. Do without something else if necessary.

[nickorando]

Re: Help with Filters

Must say I used Hitech ND grads for years in Cokin P size and found them absolutely neutral - I wouldn't actually consider them a compromise.

[colin C]

Re: Help with Filters

I used Hitech ND grads for years in Cokin P size and found them absolutely neutral

Individually you hardly notice, but when stacked you do.

[pelliott1954]

Re: Help with Filters

Thanks Guys for taking the time to comment,

One of the good things about retirement is that one has plenty of time to ponder things, one of the bad things though is that you don't have the money you used to have when working, so, the need to be careful to get it right becomes more important.

There is one thing for sure, if I get the best, Lee, then when I mess up, ( which I do all the time) I can only blame myself!!!

Regards Paul

[colin C]

Re: Help with Filters

There is one thing for sure, if I get the best, Lee, then when I mess up, ( which I do all the time) I can only blame myself!!!

That's also my attitude and I tend to do whatever it takes to ensure I don't get blamed.

[Les McLean]

Re: Help with Filters

All my grads are soft edge, and they have worked for me OK.

I also use the B+W screw in 10 stopper, which I am a big fan of, never used the slide in 10 stoppers (Lee big stopper et al) so I can't comment on these.

[pelliott1954]

Re: Help with Filters

Thanks Colin and Les,

I appreciate your time.

I have been reading a book by Lee Filters, which I am finding really interesting, trouble is the wish list keeps getting longer, Warm Up Filters, Combination Filters, Reverse Grads!!!!! OMG...... Better find myself a Paper Round!!!

Regards Paul