Photography using a Split Neutral Density Filter

[ragnarocking]

Thanks for the tutorial. Question: In what scenarios would you want to use a hard edge filter and in what scenarios a soft edge? I'm assuming hard is more useful for maybe architecture & cityscape (in other words, anything with distinct "lines" where the significant contrast starts/stops) and soft for landscape? Or am I getting the wrong impression? Thanks

[CraigStocksArts]

@ragnarocking

I use a 2-stop soft edge for almost everything. In general, a soft edge is better when the scene isn't split along a straight line, whether it's from trees, mountains or buildings. Also, your f-stop will affect the transition. When you close down the lens you increase depth of field, so the transition on the filter is more apparent. For instance, f/22 will have a more abrupt transition than f/4, so use depth-of-field preview when positioning the filter.

[ragnarocking]

@CraigStocksArts

thanks!

[jannovrusli]

Craig, I love your ND filter demonstration at the end! :)

[poojkhgf]

a better microphone would be good or the use of audacity or audition to take out the background noise

[Sheik601]

Will all filters that say "for cokin P series" fit in the wide angle holder?

[CraigStocksArts]

@Sheik601 Yes, the Cokin P is a standard size. Any P filter will fit the Cokin P holder. Cokin has four sizes, A (the smallest), P, Z-Pro and X-Pro (the largest). Larger filters are needed for larger-diameter lenses and for extreme wide-angle lenses.

For reference, check out the Cokin website

[Sheik601]

Thank you so much Craig. Your video was very informative.

[Sheik601]

hey Craig. i am looking to buy the sigma 10-20mm wide angle. in your video you said you needed a slim p series mount for a 77mm. Ive looked for them but i don't know where to get one and i don't really know which grad nd filter to get either. if you could point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated. thanks

[CraigStocksArts]

@Sheik601 You need three pieces,

The 77mm adapter ring B&H # COARP77

The wide-angle filter holder B&H # COWAFHP

I'd start with a 2-stop soft, such as B&H # SIGND2SCP

[matthias79]

awesome explanation! thanks!

[rkeyphil]

Thanks for the nice well explian video . Some correction of what you said but i can manipulate photo using Photoshop to balance foreground and background exposure

[tringsby]

How do you combine the use of those filters with a Circular polarizer? Is that possible?

[CraigStocksArts]

The best solution is to use a polarizer made for the filter, such as the Cokin P164 circular polarizer. It's designed to fit the P size holder and can be rotated while it's in the holder.

Keep in mind that you could have problems with vignetting.  Cokin makes both a wide-angle holder and a standard holder. The wide-angle version only allows one filter to be mounted whereas the standard model allows two. Since the standard model is thicker, it's more likely to vignette with a wide-angle

[syrus3k]

Great video, it's nice to see the equipment demonstrated before buying it!

[elcielo1981]

How do i know what size of filter holder i need. i have an Nikon d90 with a 18-105mm lens.

[CraigStocksArts]

There are two pieces. The filter holder itself will be based on the size of the filter, such as the Cokin P size. You also need an adapter ring that's the same size as the filter threads on the front of the lens. I believe the 18-105mm lens uses a 67 mm filter size. You can get that combinations at B&H as B&H # COFHP67.

[Psycrologist]

It's 52mm

[IntensePizza]

Would you ever buy a used one? I think i'll probably buy one soon, but their kinda expensive. :/

[CraigStocksArts]

A used one would be fine as long as it doesn't have any scratches.

[IntensePizza]

okay thanks man.

[Threwthelense]

or you could take two pictures, expose for the sky, expose for the foreground and marry the two in photoshop...much easier. embrace the other half of photography...photoshop..

[CraigStocksArts]

Yes you can blend exposures in Photoshop. It may even work better when you don't have a clean horizon line. But, it is more steps, and getting a good selection and blend that's usable commercially can be very time consuming.

And, if you're producing video, Photoshop usually isn't a viable option. You have to get it right in the camera.

My purpose for posting the video was to show photographers how to use a grad ND filter. Like Photoshop, it's just another tool. Use whichever you like.

[apureterror]

I heard him just fine. Thanks for taking the time to inform. Very informative.

[Ubookz]

It was interesting to see the actual effect of a hard edged nd filter, it actually blends in very well. Some lens fronts rotate when focusing so I the filter holder will have to be set with the horizon after focus. A multiple filter holder would be better if you intend to use multiple filters for more dramatic effects.

It was interesting to see that this holder is spring loaded which will aid in moving the split up and down to get the composition you want.

[montu1663]

I could hear him just fine. You guys need to turn up your volume.

[moonofsaudi]

thanks a lot for the good tips!

but i have a Question,what is the right

COKIN FILTER-HOLDERS size for the

canon 10:22mm ??

thanks

[krgasser]

Thanks for the good tips!

[daveawebber]

r u filming in a shower

please redo

thanks

[goldenboi24k]

The background is really really noisy and distracting. Next time shoot in a quieter setting

[Brancollina]

I agree, it's very difficult to understand due to lots of noise