Grad ND system for 35mm and MF

After seeing some other members’ work on this site, I’ve decided to break down and get a grad ND system for my two cameras. I shoot 35mm transparency with lenses as wide as 24mm and 6x7 with lenses as wide as 45mm. Looking at the Cokin website, it looks like I need the Z-Pro that uses 100x150mm filters. I’m also looking at Singh-Ray filters, 1, 2 and 3 stops, hard and soft.

Am I correct in assuming I need the Z-Pro holder due to the wide angle photography requirements stated in both 35mm and MF? Also, how useful are the 1-stop filters? As one can imagine, the Z Pro holder with potentially 6 Singh-Ray filters is a little on the pricey side and I’m wondering if there are some filters I can bypass or at least wait to purchase. I live in Colorado, so there’s not a lot of shooting sunsets with oceans, but there would be some lake reflections. Thanks!

Steve,

The Z-Pro should work.

I use Singh-Ray ND Grads for 645 and 4x5. My most used are the 2 and 3-stop soft filters. I have a 3-stop, but use it rarely, since I do most of my work in the Sierra. I didn't consider the 1-stop. The reason being, that such a small correction could be done easily in Photo Shop. My experience has been also, that when an ND grad is is needed it usually requires 2-stops of correction and sometimes even more. In a couple of cases I have used a 2 and 3-stop in combination.

-PB

I will pretty much parrot what Preston said except that I probably use the SR 3 stop hard more than any other filter. That's because I live on the coast and shoot many horizon images. I only mention that because you need to consider what types of images you will be shooting and match your needs to that. I have the 2 & 3 stop hard, soft, and reverse. 1 stop is unnecessary IMO and I wouldn't use a 4 stop enough to justify the cost. Singh Ray is definitely the way to go IMO - great filters.

I use the HiTech 2 stop hard edged the most, and 3 stop hard edged second. I've never felt a need for a 1 stop, and rarely need a soft edged where I live. I would suggest starting with just one or two filters and figuring it out from there. It's likely a 2-stop hard edged is all you'll need unless you live in the mountains. You don't need anything larger than P-size filter for 35mm, but for 67 format I know the lenses can get pretty big in diameter.


Kent in SD

Steve,

Lee makes GND filters as well. They make them in the 100 mm size and they come with a holder similar to the Cokin. I don't believe they make a reverse grad however. You can get them at Adorama. I've been very happy with them.

Steve,

I've also been using S.R. hard and soft edge filters in 2stop and 3 stop. I don't own any 1 stop filters. They have worked great with smaller sized filter requirements. Most of my newer lenses are 77mm filters and the Cokin-P size barely covers it. I may end up going with the larger Lee filters in the near future.
Mike

I also use the Lee system with the huge Super Angulon XL 90mm When used with a center filter on my 6x17 it has a 112mm thread. I use a special mount from Lee to slip over the center filter and use their grads. At that size and format I have no problems. Well looking into Lee filters they are very high quality

Thanks everyone for the great input. I'll check into the Lee filters as well.

One more note is that I have been going without the filter holder on my 17-35mm due to vignetting at the widest end. You just need to make sure to keep your fingers out of the shot.