Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

I have five lenses and for each a UV-Haze and Polarizer filter. However, I didn't want to buy separate neutral density filters for each due to cost so started looking around for a filter system based upon the quality of the filters, and what densities were available. I narrowed my search down to Lee and Hitech and went with the Hitech.

I chose two filters - 0.6 and 0.9, the two filter holder and two adapter rings (77mm and 72mm). I've used them for about two weeks and I'm very happy. I use one or the other or combine them for 1.5 ND (which is more than enough for any situation I'm likely to need them for). For my tests, I shot some pictures of a bright sky and dark ground without the ND and then used .6 then .9 then both and compared the results. They do what they are supposed to do, i.e. balance the brightness of the sky with the darkness of the ground.

Note: when you use a filter 'system' like this, you do have to remove any filters you have installed as the adapter ring doesn't screw into the filter threads but sort of snaps on to the lens to enable it to rotate. I do wish it screwed into the filter threads and rotated like a polarizer but it is what it is and I've already become used to removing the UV-Haze before using the Hitech. I may consider getting a polarizer for the system.

NOTE 2: If you plan on using this with a ultra wide angle lens, make sure you get the wide angle (WA) adapter otherwise you may experience vignetting.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

Neaded to be able to darken some areas of some photos, and with the holder, works great.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

It isnt enough for sunsets, u need a .9 for that. Since it was my fist GND, i got a .6, I am happy over all, I like the shape and that I can move it to find the horizon. cannot tell any image degradation using it, I dont like over processing images, so this is good help.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

I use it for my landscape photography endeavour.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

This filter is easy to us. I chose to use it with the Lee Foundation Kit, they work well together. I chose the soft line, a good choice for me. Wear cotton gloves so yo don't get fingerprints on your filter, it is also easer to grasp with the gloves on, otherwise you are only handling the outside edges of the glass. Be sure to purchase the Lee protective pouches to keep them in.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

This has helped me get pictures in one shot without resorting to multiple exposures and combining them in post (although this does come in handy..see below). I'm not using a holder however as it's easier for me to just hand hold the filter over the lens. And it's long enough to adjust as necessary too.

Sometimes however I have no choice but to bracket exposures because the grad darkened areas I didn't want to be darkened (in my case trees with varying heights). Obviously this is not a con for the grad, just noting that sometimes it won't be the best tool for the job in getting correct exposure.

On the topic of hand holding the glass over the lens, there is a chance of scratching the filter if you rub the glass too hard against the filter threads. But so far I haven't had an issue. You do need to press it close to the lens so there isn't any reflections from the glass.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

ND Grads are useful for landscape photo, and this Hitech filter is a high quality product. No color cast, fits fine in a LEE filter holder.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

This is a very nice filter to have if you are shooting landscapes. Gives good control of exposure in those areas that typically get overexposed. This is my first resin filter and I had some concerns about what the optic quality would be - Not to worry, photos came out great!

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

Achieving a high dynamic range has become very popular. I compared the software approach versus use of this filter. The filter almost always gave better results and is much easier. I am using the filter handheld and I can use it with any of my lenses. A tripod is necessary for handheld use.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

I upgraded from the smaller P-size Hitech and Singh-Ray and could not be happier. The size is perfect for handholding where the smaller P-size require much care or a holder. I always use a folded pec-pad when handling to avoid fingerprints. The quality is great, no color cast, and the price is right, about a $100 less than the slightly larger 4x6 Singh-Ray and Lee making this a great deal. My “essentials” Grad-ND kit includes 2 and 3 stop hard and soft.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

My primary use for this filter is in landscape and general outdoor/wildlife photography in the mountains of Idaho. The graduated ND is very useful to even out the exposure for a bright sky/darker foreground. The resin filter seems to be holding up well and is way less expensive than the glass versions.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

I have five lenses and for each a UV-Haze and Polarizer filter. However, I didn't want to buy separate neutral density filters for each due to cost so started looking around for a filter system based upon the quality of the filters, and what densities were available. I narrowed my search down to Lee and Hitech and went with the Hitech.

I chose two filters - 0.6 and 0.9, the two filter holder and two adapter rings (77mm and 72mm). I've used them for about two weeks and I'm very happy. I use one or the other or combine them for 1.5 ND (which is more than enough for any situation I'm likely to need them for). For my tests, I shot some pictures of a bright sky and dark ground without the ND and then used .6 then .9 then both and compared the results. They do what they are supposed to do, i.e. balance the brightness of the sky with the darkness of the ground.

Note: when you use a filter 'system' like this, you do have to remove any filters you have installed as the adapter ring doesn't screw into the filter threads but sort of snaps on to the lens to enable it to rotate. I do wish it screwed into the filter threads and rotated like a polarizer but it is what it is and I've already become used to removing the UV-Haze before using the Hitech. I may consider getting a polarizer for the system.

NOTE 2: If you plan on using this with a ultra wide angle lens, make sure you get the wide angle (WA) adapter otherwise you may experience vignetting.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

Neaded to be able to darken some areas of some photos, and with the holder, works great.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

It isnt enough for sunsets, u need a .9 for that. Since it was my fist GND, i got a .6, I am happy over all, I like the shape and that I can move it to find the horizon. cannot tell any image degradation using it, I dont like over processing images, so this is good help.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

I use it for my landscape photography endeavour.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

This filter is easy to us. I chose to use it with the Lee Foundation Kit, they work well together. I chose the soft line, a good choice for me. Wear cotton gloves so yo don't get fingerprints on your filter, it is also easer to grasp with the gloves on, otherwise you are only handling the outside edges of the glass. Be sure to purchase the Lee protective pouches to keep them in.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

This has helped me get pictures in one shot without resorting to multiple exposures and combining them in post (although this does come in handy..see below). I'm not using a holder however as it's easier for me to just hand hold the filter over the lens. And it's long enough to adjust as necessary too.

Sometimes however I have no choice but to bracket exposures because the grad darkened areas I didn't want to be darkened (in my case trees with varying heights). Obviously this is not a con for the grad, just noting that sometimes it won't be the best tool for the job in getting correct exposure.

On the topic of hand holding the glass over the lens, there is a chance of scratching the filter if you rub the glass too hard against the filter threads. But so far I haven't had an issue. You do need to press it close to the lens so there isn't any reflections from the glass.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

ND Grads are useful for landscape photo, and this Hitech filter is a high quality product. No color cast, fits fine in a LEE filter holder.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

This is a very nice filter to have if you are shooting landscapes. Gives good control of exposure in those areas that typically get overexposed. This is my first resin filter and I had some concerns about what the optic quality would be - Not to worry, photos came out great!

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

Achieving a high dynamic range has become very popular. I compared the software approach versus use of this filter. The filter almost always gave better results and is much easier. I am using the filter handheld and I can use it with any of my lenses. A tripod is necessary for handheld use.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

I upgraded from the smaller P-size Hitech and Singh-Ray and could not be happier. The size is perfect for handholding where the smaller P-size require much care or a holder. I always use a folded pec-pad when handling to avoid fingerprints. The quality is great, no color cast, and the price is right, about a $100 less than the slightly larger 4x6 Singh-Ray and Lee making this a great deal. My “essentials” Grad-ND kit includes 2 and 3 stop hard and soft.

Comments about Hitech 4x5" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Resin Filter - Soft Edge:

My primary use for this filter is in landscape and general outdoor/wildlife photography in the mountains of Idaho. The graduated ND is very useful to even out the exposure for a bright sky/darker foreground. The resin filter seems to be holding up well and is way less expensive than the glass versions.