Now the weather has finally started to brighten up, we decided it was time to break out our ND (Neutral Density) graduated filters and do a comparison test between manufacturers/ suppliers.
It was certainly an eye opener, stating the obvious, the word ‘neutral’ implies there should be no colour shift.
All the filters used were ‘P’ type, soft graduated, ND4 (2 stop reduction) and centred in the filter holder. The exposure was set to the same value as the control exposure.
Here are the results:
Control image.
Kood
Cokin
Hitech
Ebay
Conclusion:
Although not conducted under the most scientific conditions, the results speak for themselves, you pay your money, you take your choice!
As previously mentioned all filters were centred in the holder yet none of the images display a lightening at the bottom as would be expected.
None of the filters produce a neutral image and nor do they reduce the light by the same amount, on the plus side none cause any noticeable softening of the image.
The price of the filters range from around £8 for a set of ND graduated filters (ND2, ND4, ND8) from Ebay to £24 for a single ND4 Hitech.
In Part 2 of this review we will cover the technique for compensating for colour shift, exposure and placement of filter to achieve optimum results.