[brj]

I have a hiking trip to Northern AZ and Southern UT coming up in a few weeks, and that has finally motivated me to buy filters for the Nikon lens I purchased last November for my digital SLR.  I've pretty well decided on the circular polarizer (72 mm Nikon CPL II) and protection/UV filter (72mm Hoya Digital Pro 1), but I'm having a hard time deciding on which graduated neutral density filter to pick up.  (I've never played with one before, but I'm tired of fighting the bright sky/dark earth problem without help.)  A few specific points I've been pondering:

1) Circular screw mount vs. filter glass with filter holder?

2) Which brand?  I've been looking primarily at the Hoya Digital Pro 1 and the Tiffen for circular filters.  The filter holder approach allows some other options, with Singh-Ray being one well regarded solution.

3) Most useful number of stops - 1, 2 or 3  (I'm leaning toward 2)

Something to consider - virtually every time I use these filters, I'm going to be out hiking.  I don't want to deal with extra bulk and weight unless it is really worth it.  Durability is important for the same reason, although I think I'll pick up a filter pouch to ease the transport problem.

If anyone has any thoughts, I'd very much appreciate the input.  Thanks!

[drphoto]

You might want to check out the Lee filter system. http://www.leefiltersusa.com/

If you are shooting off a tripod (which is a good idea for landscape work) why not just make different exposures for the sky and the land and blend digitally?

[brj]

Thanks for the feedback!

I'd run across a few mentions of the Lee filters that seemed quite positive, but hadn't really followed through - mostly because I was still hoping that a more convenient circular screw-mount filter could work well.

As for the tripod/multi-exposure approach, I've been wanting to experiment with that technique on my own time, but most of my hiking is for the sake of enjoying the scenery in the company of friends, and I don't want to slow them down too much.  A nice lightweight tripod and head are on my wish-list, but I'm not there yet.

[navi]

I use the large square 1 stop and 2 stops grad filters- good thing about the large sq ones over the screw on lense types is the you can adjust where you want the gradient.

Just hold it in front of the lense when you shoot

[brj]

Thanks for the reply, Navi!

I use the large square 1 stop and 2 stops grad filters- good thing about the large sq ones over the screw on lense types is the you can adjust where you want the gradient.

Yeah, that was the one advantage of the larger square filters that I had determined, but I was balancing that against ease of transportation while hiking.  I guess I could eventually get both... although it is amazing what a single piece of glass can cost.

Any additional comments from anyone on brands or the most useful number of stops?  Thanks!

[navi]

Any additional comments from anyone on brands or the most useful number of stops?  Thanks!

I recommend getting a 1 stop and 2 stop grad ND filters- I use the conkin  (P121) 2 stops the most- I don't buy anything fancy and expensive as I usually treat my filters badly and replace them every now and then.


this image was shot (RAW file) for a recent job i did (duke fashions India) - Canon 1d MKIII 24-105mm and a 1 stop grad ND filter
Location: Wilsons Prom, Vic, Australia

Ivan