ND Grad filters for a wide angle lens.

[olympusid]

Hello all. I have a Sigma 10-20mm lens with a 77mm filter thread.I think I need a ND grad with no vignetting and am looking at Lee filters but am a bit confused about what I need eg filter holder, adapter(W/A or standard) etc.I use a Nikon D300 also with other lenses(8-105 and and 70-300)and need to stop getting blown out highlights. If someone can give me any advice as to what would be the best filter or another solution it would be most appreciated.

[GeoffWessex]

If it's Lee Filters (a wise choice), you really want the SW150 filter holder (which takes both 150x150mm filters and 150x170mm filters). For the Adaptor ring, you should get the Wide-Angle version of the 77mm ring. Then you would want the wider filters available for the SW150. Complicated, though.... better if you could actually find a dealer and either try them out or talk to a competent salesperson. The website has a 'find a dealer' section and it works best if you zoom in to the map and choose your nearest by clicking on the marker.

I'd start off with a 0.6 ND Grad (soft) and see how it works for you.... then get a stronger one, or harder grad next time around.

[olympusid]

Thank you for that. I wil definately try and find a dealer for Lee near to me. I would rather try before I buy and hopefuly (but I don,t think there is) I will find a dealer close to home.

[Stormsong]

Also, read this blog - some useful info there and a new technique:

http://icelandaurora.com/blog/2010/0...oth-technique/

[olympusid]

Thanks for the link. All ideas are appreciated.

[silversnapper1]

I ordered a Lee system and Big Stopper last month for my Sigma 10-20. I have the 77mm wide angle adapter and the foundation kit but, as ever with Lee, will have to wait several weeks for the filter. I have put the holder on the camera and cannot see any sign of vignetting even at 10mm.

Steve.

[GeoffWessex]

silversnapper1

If that's the SW150 Filter Holder system you got.... they don't do a Big Stopper (or Polariser) for it. According to this page.

[silversnapper1]

Hi Geoff,

I have the foundation kit and not the SW150. As I say, I have yet to try it out with a filter attached as all of my other filters are Cokin P series, but a quick few shots with the holder in place does not appear to show any signs of the holder in the frame.

Steve.

[olympusid]

Thank you all for your input. Thinking on it would I not be better off with a screw in filter as the slot in ones would not let me use my lens hood on the Sigma. I know that would leave the ND bit right in the middle of my lens and I do like photos with lots of sky eg about two thirds of the photo being sky, but I am a little concerned about lens flare with it being a wide angle lens.

[silversnapper1]

Depending on how thick the filter is, this type of filter could well cause vignetting.

Steve.