Photography using a Split Neutral Density Filter

Details on attaching and using a split neutral density filter to enhance outdoor photos

Category:

Education

Tags:

• photography
• education
• neutral
• density
• filter
• landscape
• craig stocks arts

[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.

[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]

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

[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]

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