ND Grad Filters

[cozit83]

Hi people

I have never used a forum before so not sure how this works!!

I have a Nikon D5000 with 18-55mm kit lens, 35mm prime, Tamron 70-300mm and about to get a 10-24mm Nikon wide angle lens. I'm VERY new to photography and looking to invest in some ND filters but have absolutely no idea what I'm looking for!! Any help/ advice with brands types etc much appreciated!!

Thank you

[beatnik69]

Cokin are popular, HiTec are reportedly pretty good at a reasonable price and Lee are expensive but very good. As well as the filter you will need an adapter to fit the diameter of your lens (this isn't the 18-55mm measurement - there will be a small circle with a line through it and measurement such as 58mm on the front of your lens, or just underneath. I think the 18-55mm is 52mm in diameter.) and a holder for the filter.

[cozit83]

Thank you for that! I have had a look at the HiTech filter systems and they seem fairly reasonably priced. I found a kit containing 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 ND Grad filters.

I also found ND full filters. Are these useful for long exposures? The kit contained the same increments of 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9

[beatnik69]

Grad filters are used to retain detail in the sky. They are darker at the top and get gradually lighter towards the bottom allowing you to get an even exposure across the image. ND filters let you use a longer exposure, for example to get the milky water effect or to blur clouds.