Graduated neutral density filters are used to help balance the light entering a camera. They only darken a certain part of the image and can be adjusted to darken the appropriate part. This kind of filter is often used by photographers for capturing landscapes because the light is often uneven. For example, you may be dealing with bright light from the sun rising above a mountain and deep shadows in the valley below. In this case, the filter would be used to darken the bright sky without impacting the shadow areas that are already dark.
They come in different varieties. Some have a gradual (soft) transition from dark to light and others have a sudden (hard) transition). They also come in different strengths to block different amounts of light.
Some are square and will fit into a filter holder in front of the lens, and others are circular and screw onto the lens like a circular polarizer would.
Sunrise and sunset are among the most common times when a graduated ND filter would be used. This eventually helps to minimize the light
captured through the lens and balances out the light across the photo. The light is lessened in the areas of the filter that are dark, and the clear glass parts allow the light to pass through unaffected.
These filters are easy to use, but it can take a little bit of practice to understand when to use them and how strong of a filter you need. Once a
photographer is used to this process then it becomes really easy for him or her to use it.
While post processing your photos in Lightroom or Photoshop (or some other alternative) allows you to improve your photos in many ways, the results of the graduated neutral density filter cannot be completely duplicated using software. Lightroom’s graduated filter attempts to solve the same issues, but if the highlights of the photo are completely blown out, there is not enough detail in the digital file to recover. While photo editing is a major part of digital photography, the use of a graduated neutral density filter can improve your photos, allow you to create an end result that you couldn’t create without the filter, and spend less time editing your photos.
Table of Contents
The Best Graduated Neutral Density Filters
If you’re looking to add a graduated ND filter to your camera bag, here are the best options.
1. Cokin Square Filter NUANCES Extreme – Soft Kit
Cokin Square filter NUANCES Extreme ensures the neutrality of the color and consistency by providing a nano-metallic alloy coating that gives stunning results. The kit comes with 3 types of stops of light compensation: 2, 3, and 4 stops. As a result, you’ll have a collection of filters that can be used regardless of how much light needs to be blocked.
This filter can be used without a color or light shift with its tempered optical glass which is stronger than older generation filters. This new optical glass makes it easy to carry and easy to use and its strength allows it to withstand harsh conditions. The filters are so neutral that no color adjustment is required while using them and they give perfect results (which is why this pack is rated at the top of our list).
The filters are 2mm thick and have rounded corners which makes them easy to adjust and use. This product is a little pricey as compared to the other products but the quality is worth the price of this product if you’re looking to get the best photos possible.
2. Marumi 100x150mm Hard Graduated ND16 (1.2) Square Filter
A product with great specs that no photographer should say no to, the Marumi Hard Graduated ND16 Filter is your ‘go to’ filter for many reasons. It has a 100mm x 150mm magnetic framed filter. The Schott glass protects it from rough conditions and the metal magnetic frame provides strong grip and protection.
This filter darkens the one side of the photo by 4 stops. The multi-coating on the filter can easily clean water to remove fingerprints and dust. The filter weighs 5.6 ounces which is an optimum weight and it’s not hard to carry in a camera bag.
Unlike the set from Cokin, this is a single filter. Having the set gives you more versatility, but if you’re looking for a single filter, this is a great choice that will produce excellent results for you.
3. Graduated Neutral Density Kit by Formatt Hitech Limited
Third on our list is one of the best quality filters from Formatt Hitech Limited. The 100mm graduated ND filters have really soft and smooth transitions which help a very easy transition from clear to neutral density. These filters are manufactured by using high-quality optical resin for the best and most genuine results.
The manufacturing of these filters is computerized with high-tech equipment, which makes it free from any human error. This kit comes with 3 f-stops ranging
from 1 to 3. This gives the photographer choice to decide which density is required according to the light and the concept of the photograph.
These filters are used to lessen the sky light in landscape shots to highlight other elements in the photograph. The dimensions of these filters are100mm wide and 150 mm long. These dimensions help the movement of the filter in the folder.
Like our top-rated set from Cokin, this gives you a nice selection of filters at your disposal. We like the quality of the Cokin filters slightly better, but there are still fine filters that you will love, and they’re a bit cheaper.
4. Cokin Square Filter Gradual ND Creative Kit Plus
Fourth in our list is the Cokin Square Filter Gradual ND. This kit comes with 3 graduated ND filters. 1, 2, and 3-stop exposure correction. These filters allow to create a balanced exposure and give a dramatic effect which is required to highlight the subject.
This kit includes a Cokin z-pro series filter holder in addition to the actual filters. The filter is manufactured with high quality C39 optical resin for unadulterated results. This is a heavy filter as compared to all the other filters in the list, weighing almost 9.9 ounces. The price of this filter is affordable but higher than many of the filters mentioned above. The plus point of this kit is that there is a range of filters in the kit which gives you three different options to carry in your camera bag.
5. Benro Master Lens Filter
This filter solves your overexposure problems when capturing landscapes or nature and highlights the main subject in the picture. Benro provides us with that filter, the Benro Master Lens Filter. It is made of high-quality Schott B270 German optical glass. This high-quality glass prevents ghosting and sharpens the image. Contrast, bright colors, and shadows can be easily balanced by using the Benro Master Lens Filter. Moreover, chromatic aberration is reduced by the
multi-coating over the filter, and flare is also decreased.
The graduation transition is smooth, soft, and gives a very natural look. NANO WMC multi-coating protects the filter from water, oil, and
dust, which makes it easy to use in harsh conditions. The multi-coating on the filter also helps to maintain the exact color of the image and show true colors of the scene captured by the camera.
These filters are available in different ranges of densities from 2 to 5-stop densities in soft and hard-edge transitions as well. The product weighs 3.2 ounces which is light, making it easy to use and carry. Lastly, this filter is a little pricey yet affordable for most enthusiasts.
6. Tiffen Color Graduated Neutral Density 0.6 Filter
Tiffen presents its half-color, half-clear graduated neutral density filter. This comes with the graduated density transition which further helps in making the blending of color smooth and soft so that the image isn’t impacted.
This product is not pricey and can be affordable for almost anyone from amateurs to professionals. The product is light-weight too because it weighs only 2.4 ounces, which is less than a lot of filters mentioned above. This filter is a ‘must have’ if you plan on photographing nature and landscapes.
7. ICE 100mm x 150mm Soft Grad ND8 Square Filter Neutral Density 3 Stop
The seventh place in this list belongs to ICE’s filter. The company produces a great quality and variety of filters for photographers at very reasonable prices, making their products excellent options for hobbyists.
This is a soft graduated ND8 filter. This filter comes with a 3-stop exposure correction which can be used to stop a moderate amount of light entering through the lens. This gives a neutral impact without any sort of change in color or contrast of the final image.
The dimensions of this sqaure filter are 100mm and 150mm. The filter is intricately manufactured with optical glass for clear and beautiful results. This is again a very affordable filter as well as it is light and easy to carry.
This filter comes with a hard plastic clamshell case which protects it from scratches and other harsh conditions. It stays safe in the camera bag. So, if you are bound by a budget and you need a quality filter, then ICE 100mm x 150mm soft grad ND8 square filter is a great option for you.
8. ICE 100mm x 150mm Soft Grad ND4 Square Filter Neutral Density 2 Stop
Another product manufactured by ICE is making rounds in the market. It is not super heavy but also not light. This filter weighs 4.8 ounces.
It has been manufactured with a special optical glass which gives it a smooth finish and no color cast. The color, contrast, and the sharpness of the image remain the same.
This filters comes with 2 stop exposure correction, as compared to the one listed above, which is a 3-stop filter.
This is an outstanding product in part because of it’s price. ICE makes filters that are among the best value you’ll find anywher. This filter is worth the price, and then some. Although it may not be a professional quality like some of the filters mentioned earlier, this is a great option for the enthusiast.
9. ICE Soft Grad ND8 Filter Neutral Density 3 Stop Optical Glass
Here we are with an easy to use and less complicated, simple graduated neutral density filter by ICE. It has 3 stops exposure correction which is a general requirement and it can block a good amount of light entering the lens. ICE provides a soft border between the grad and clear which makes this transition smooth.
This filter by ICE has a rotating front rim that will be screwed onto the lens and rotated into position. It also has a double threaded metal frame which helps to attach more filters or and additional hood.
It’s also an extremely light filter which weighs only 2.39 ounces. The look of this filter is very appealing to the eye because of its superfine matte black frame.
This filter is the total package because of its features, looks, and its affordable price. This can be bought by new photographers as well as experienced ones as it
serves the purpose and is easy on the wallet.
All of the graduated neutral density filters showcased in this article are among the best quality products that are available today. Whether you’re looking for professional results and willing to pay top dollar or whether you’re a hobbyist looking for a good value, you’ll have several options.
To capture landscapes, nature, and sky photos, graduated ND filters should be included in your camera bag. So, if you’re a beginner then you should try a cheaper filter which helps you learn and understand how filters work and what adjustments are required. Once you have had proper experience, then move to a professional and advanced filter for better results and premium experience.
Photography is mainly about good technique and lots of practice but we cannot ignore the fact that equipment plays a great role. You need to practice with your equipment too and you need to use filters in certain situations.
This list provides you with a huge range and helps you decide according to the features, characteristics, brand names, and prices to help you find the best graduated neutral density filters.