Robert Baer |
Split nd filters I would like to purchase one good split nd filter. what would you recommend as far as the number of stops if I only have one good one. also should it be a hard or soft edged filter? also for my eventual second nd purchase which number of stops should I purchase?
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John P. Sandstedt |
I went into the Adorama web site - I'm not certain a split ND filter is made. The listing includes color graduated filters ranging from no filtration to whatever density you'd like. A polarizing filter compares to an nd rating of 1 1/2-2, so I suppose you should look to ND-2 [sometimes called 0.2.] For a second filter ND 4. I would definitely go for soft-edged. But, I'd really try to stay away from all filters except a polarizer and, for B&W, a Red 25A.
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Robert Baer |
thanks for taking time to give me the info. justin
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Christopher A. Vedros |
Justin, You have a very nice gallery. I noticed that you shoot in digital. I don't want to start a debate about the merits of "getting it right in the camera" VS "fixing it afterwards on the computer". I have a graduated ND filter for my Cokin system, and I've used it quite a bit. It's easy to use when you have a clear horizon line splitting the bright sky from the darker landscape. It's trickier when your horizon line is not straight, or you have trees breaking it up. But I've found an easier way to get the same result digitally. Instead of using a graduated or split ND filter to balance your sky exposure and landscape exposure, just take two images, one exposed for the sky and one exposed for the landscape. A tripod will ensure that your two images match. Then combine the images in your photo editor. I don't use PhotoShop, so I don't know the proper terminology for blending layers. In my program, I just copy & paste one image as a second layer over the other image. Then I use a transparency brush with a soft edge to selectively allow the back layer to show through the front layer. Chris
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Robert Baer |
chris that's something to be conidered. I don't know if the serious landscape photographers are sticking to getting it right in the camera vs post processing. I appreciate your view on the subject. thanks, justin
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