I'm thinking of getting some grad ND Filters. It seems to me that the screw-in filters would not be as useful as the rectangular kind.
I'd like some advice. Is this true? If so, what would you recommend? I use a Canon 40D and 20D. My widest lens is the Canon 17-85. I have also heard that the filter holder is really not necessary. True? If it is necessary, Can it be fit to different size lenses via step rings?
Yes rectangular filters are much better and useful. In the screw-in filters the horison is always in the middle. That means you always have to shoot your picture with the horizon in the middle to make the filter work. That is not very often good.. With a rectangular filter you choose yourself where you want the dark to begin..
You dont need a filterholder. You can hold the filter in your hand if you want. But personaly I think that is quite hard and I dont see any reason to why not have a filterholder.
Rectangular filters and holders you will find in all sizes.. I am useing a Cokin filterholder and a Tiffen-filter. The Tiffen-filter is very good filter that does not screw up colors like cheaper filters do. So be sure you pay enough money even if it is just a filter. Because you will not use it otherwise...
Rectangular drop-in filters are the way to go. I use Hitech filters and cokin filter holder with step-down rings depending on the lens. There might be an issue with vignetting on wide angle lenses and this is one of the reason why some chooses to handhold filters.
The problem with grad filters is they cover parts of the foreground as well as the background, darkening trees, mts, etc. If shooting digital it may prove more prudent to shoot multiple images, varying the exposure in 1 EV stops, thereafter separately masking for the background, foreground, etc and blending the images for the desired result. Of course both methods can produce an unrealistic effect if overdone.
GND Filters
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