Here in this the third part of our article on graduated ND filters, we take a brief look at the differences between a soft and a hard graduated filter.
In simple terms a soft graduated filter has a very even graduation from density to clear, whereas a hard graduated filter has a much more defined change from density to clear.
Both filters have their advantages, a soft filter can obviously make a subtle change in exposure in an image, where a hard edge can be much more noticeable, in addition to this when looking through the viewfinder it can be a lot easier to see the effect of a hard edged filter over a soft edged one.
For the tests we used a Nikon D300, Tokina 12-24mm lens, generic (from Ebay) 0.6 soft graduated filter and an SRB 0.6 hard graduated filter. All frames were taken at the same exposure reading.
Control image, no filter.
Generic soft graduated filter, clear section lined up to bottom of lens.
SRB hard graduated filter, clear section lined up to bottom of lens.
SRB hard graduated filter, aligned through viewfinder to darken whole of sky.
Conclusion.
As with any filter, our advice would be use with care.
Graduated filters can help when there is a noticeable and extreme difference between sky and foreground that cannot be dealt with through contrast and exposure control, a lot of cameras are now equipped with dynamic range control (where the software in the camera independently adjusts shadow and highlights to control overall exposure)
Both filters gave different results, the soft graduated filter in this instance gives a far more natural look. Remember also that the smaller the aperture the more pronounced the dividing line in density will be, also the longer the focal length of your lens again the softer the graduation will be.
Once again manufacturers graduated filters, although all classed as neutral density, do all display a different colour balance.
We hope to soon carry out a review on a new type of graduated filter we had the opportunity to get a preview of at The Photography Show this year.