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Forums · Photo Gear Discussion

Lee ND Grads- soft vs blended?

Discussion

8 replies
Posted by Steve Cole on August 30, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Looking to invest in some Lee ND grads. I've noticed on some retailers that there are the traditional soft edge transitions along with something called a "blended" ND grad. I can't seem to find anything that explains what the difference is.

Anyone know?

Thanks!

Steve
Posted by Steve Sieren on August 31, 2009 at 4:45 AM
Wouldn't a blended ND grad just be a method of blending multiple exposures in Photoshop?

I've never heard of retailers selling a blended ND grad.
Posted by Steve Cole on September 1, 2009 at 2:02 AM
I dunno, Steve. Here's what I'm talking about from B&H's website-

0.3 Graduated "Blender":

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/87391-REG/LEE_Filters_3NDGB_4x6_Graduated_Neutral_Density.html

0.3 Soft Edge:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/87376-REG/LEE_Filters_3NDGS_4x6_Graduated_Neutral_Density.html
Posted by Paul DeCesare on September 3, 2009 at 1:20 AM
Steve, if you click on the Features tab on the B&H page, they sort of describe a "blended" ND Grad... They say:
"Lee Graduated Neutral Density Blenders are graduated over the entire 6" length of the filter."

Interesting, one smooth gradient maybe?? I guess that would be the ultimate soft edge ND Grad!
Posted by Barry Ashenhurst on September 3, 2009 at 6:20 PM
Hey mate, if you're looking at buying grads, make sure you get a couple of 'reverse' grads too. I got mine from Singh Ray. They're great for controlling highlights when the brightest part of the picture is near the horizon - ie, sunset and sunrise.

Barry Ashenhurst
Orstralia.
Posted by John Mumaw on September 3, 2009 at 6:53 PM
The small photos of each filter tell the story. :wink:
Posted by Steve Cole on September 3, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Maybe I'm dense but doesn't a soft edge ND Grad basically graduate "over the length of the filter"??

Lee's website and catalog make no mention of anything other than a soft edge or Hard Edge ND Grad.
Posted by John Mumaw on September 4, 2009 at 2:10 PM
As the product shots clearly show, the soft edge filter has a large clear area on the bottom half while the blended filter is 'neutral graduated' over the entire length, as Paul noted.
The only reason I can see using the blended filter is if the foreground needs a slower shutter speed than a clear area would provide (e.g. slowing down water).
Posted by Michael J Greene, on November 21, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Hi Steve,

Great question. I noticed this too when I was shopping for Lee GND's. I'd probably stick to what you know and go for the soft or hard edged filters.