graduated ND filters--hard or soft transition?

[mikeseb]

I'm looking at the Lee filter system for a medium-format digital system,

specifically the graduated ND filters.

 

Supposedly the hard transition type is useful for normal or telephoto lenses,

while the soft transition is better for wide angle lenses.

 

Is this borne out in the experience of the group? What do you think?

 

Thanks in advance for your input.

[ellis_vener_photography]

The soft edged ones are generally more useful for all focal lengths.

[david_henderson]

It depends on what sort of photographs you make. If you photograph by the sea or in environments with level horizons, you're likely to find the hard-edge more useful. On the other hand if you often photograph in a hilly or mountainous environment, or frequently have trees or buildings protruding above the skyline then you'll need soft edge to avoid a visible line across the picture. I carry 1,2,3 stop in both hard and soft, and use all of them.

[rcox2]

Get the soft edge. You can make it a hard edge by inverting it.

[mikeseb]

thanks, everyone. Richard, I'm not following you when you recommend "inverting" the soft

edge grad ND to make it a "hard" one. Physically inverting? PS? thanks.

[Mike D]

I use Singh Ray soft 2 stop and soft 3 stop graduated ND filters mounted in sawed off Cokin P filter holders. I keep them both premounted in a clear plastic VHS tape box. These types of filters are so necessary at Yosemite Natl Park, even the bookstore at the Park sells them. I used a 3X soft on almost every image at the following link.

 

http://www.mdougherty.com/100-THEPHOTOEXPERIENCE/110-LOCATIONS/06-yosemite/00-locations-yosemite06-intro-htm.htm