How to Hand Hold Grad ND Filters

Demonstration of how to use and hold Grad ND filters and polarizers from Singh Ray Filters

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Lanscape Photography
• Grad ND Filters
• Utah Photography

[sassamafracken]

Hey Adam - Do you find that hand holding your square filters adds camera shake? You use a remote switch, so I'm guessing you've got pretty steady hands...

[AdamBarkerPhotograph]

@sassamafracken It can add camera shake if you're not steady with your hands. It requires just a moderate amount of pressure. If you're unsure, I recommend holding the filter just a couple of mm of the front element.

[swaymaway]

Is this all about Singh Ray Filters?! I mean do I get the same result If I use Hoya polarizer and grad ND for instance?!

[AdamBarkerPhotograph]

@swaymaway It's really rather subjective. Just as with any product out there, there are differing levels of quality with different brands. I believe Singh Ray to be the best! Plus, I don't believe Hoya makes a Blue n Gold polarizer.

[m3g1]

where can i buy or what is it called .. the filter u had on that u could just twist and change the colors? are there different colors to choose from?

[MrTuananh2809]

It kindda confusion. Is that right there are 2 kinds of shape of ND filter?

what r the differences?

[MrDe242424]

Hi, is there a reason why you don't use something like the Lee filter holder? It does a pretty good stuff and you add a polarizer filter (4" x" square or 105mm round) to any nd or grad nd filter without touching the camera at all.

[marcolu1]

Cool gemacht und gut Erklärt.

gruss marco

[AdamBarkerPhotograph]

@kris4ety Added in post for instructional purposes.

[AdamBarkerPhotograph]

@bomb447 That's pretty much the only way when shooting hand held. They do make lens hoods for grad nds, but they are awkward and cumbersome, and most are used solely with medium format film setups. You just need to be aware of where the sun is, and shade your filter/lens with a hand or hat or anything else if necessary.

[AdamBarkerPhotograph]

@sassa--you either need to hold with a steady hand (takes a moderate amount of pressure, not a ton) or, often times, I recommend simply taking the filter off the front element just a couple millimeters to negate any chance of camera shake.

[AdamBarkerPhotograph]

@bomb447 That's right. You just need to be aware of where the sun is. If it's hitting your front element (or filter) you'll need to block it with a hand, hat or anything else convenient.

There are lens hoods for some grad nd setups, but they're cumbersome and awkward. When hand holding, your best option is to simply be aware of where that light source is.