Which do you use most: soft edge ND or hard edge ND filter?

6 years 1 month ago #573709 by Julie Staas
I have limited budget and will likely start off with just 1 or 2 of the same type.   So I was thinking I'll go with a 3 and 9 stop soft edge or hard edge.  

But I can't decide which would likely get used the most.  

Do you find yourself using soft edge ND more than the hard edge filter?  

Country Girl out for a stroll
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6 years 1 month ago #573721 by effron
I use soft grads ten to one over hard. I think the hard edge are probably more geared toward ocean sunrise and sunsets.....

Why so serious?
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6 years 1 month ago #573722 by Julie Staas
Would you really notice that line from such a distance?  

Country Girl out for a stroll
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6 years 1 month ago #573733 by Robert Hardy
I have both and I hardly ever use my hard edge ND.  Go with the soft edge, much more used IMO.  


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6 years 1 month ago #573850 by Prago
I only have soft edge ND's.  No need for the hard edge ones.  

SWM into chainsaws and hockey masks seeks like-minded SWF. No weirdos, please
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6 years 1 month ago #573851 by Screamin Scott
Soft by a long shot

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www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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6 years 1 month ago #573861 by Moe
Soft edge is all I use


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6 years 1 month ago #574064 by Julie Staas
Ok, this was very helpful.  I think I'll just get the soft edge.  Now do you find that you are getting use from all 3, 6, and 9 stop soft edge NDs?  

Country Girl out for a stroll
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6 years 1 month ago #574116 by effron
I only have a 0.9 (3 stop) currently. That gets me close enough, I can cover any over/under in ACR 99% of the time. Exposure bracketing is easier with a grad as well.....

Why so serious?
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6 years 1 month ago #574167 by Vincent
Same here.  I only have a 3 stop, soft edge.  I use to have a 6 stop, but dropped it and it broke.  Just haven't replaced it.  

Nikon D700 | 14-24mm f/2.8G ED | 24-70mm f/2.8G ED | 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II | (2) SB-900
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6 years 1 month ago #574303 by Tim Chiang
+1 Soft edge

I hardly ever use hard edge grad's.  


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6 years 1 month ago #574465 by garyrhook
Simple exposures, the 3-stop is likely adequate. Long exposures, however, you'll probably want a 10-stop.


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6 years 1 month ago #574469 by effron
I'm not sure I've ever seen a ten stop grad, soft or hard edge....:P

Why so serious?
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6 years 1 month ago #574472 by garyrhook

effron wrote: I'm not sure I've ever seen a ten stop grad, soft or hard edge....:P


Oh, ack. I meant a plain ol' ND. Yeah, soft grad, 3-stop is usually adequate, but that rather depends upon what you like to shoot. Mayhaps one would need both.


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6 years 1 month ago #574677 by Moe
Use whatever the shot needs, however most the time it’s a soft edge.  The hard edges to come handy with sunsets on the ocean.


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