Our range of Neutral Density Graduated Filters are used to balance the exposure within a scene – typically between the bright sky and considerably darker land. Full range of ND Standards also available.
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Neutral Density Grads
Hard Neutral Density Grads
Soft Neutral Density Grads
Handmade – really handmade!
Our ND Grads may well be the most labour intensive item in many camera bags. Our skilled UK team gradually builds up the ND and gradation by dipping optically correct resin in and out of baths of dye and continuously monitoring the results. Each filter represents up to an hour of skilled work.
Compatible with both digital and film photography
Whatever format you shoot, ND Grads help cameras record scenes more like we see them – with a broad tonal range that's lost if not captured in the moment.
Precise creative control
There is a place in landscape photography for both hard and soft grads. Which one you decide to use will depend mainly on the subject matter of your image.
As a general rule, a hard grad would be used for images containing a horizon, or any hard transition between the sky and the foreground - even with jagged or mountainous horizons, the exposure can be controlled far easier with a hard grad.
Soft grads perform best in woodland, mist, or interiors. Anywhere where there is no definite transition between sky and foreground, a soft grad will gently balance exposure across the image.
Ultimate flexibility
ND Grads can be stacked together, or with other filters, so you can respond to almost any lighting situation.
Metering
Basic Metering (through the lens)
This can give very acceptable results with a high rate of success.- Establish your foreground base exposure
Set camera to manual. Point lens at foreground and take average centre weighted meter reading through the lens.
- Take a sky reading
Note the exposure difference between ground and sky.
- Select a ND Grad
Select the right ND grad to correct exposure difference to within 1 stop. For example, if the sky is 3 stops brighter than the ground, add a 0.6 ND (2 stop) grad filter to the sky only.
- Slide the filter into position
The grad transition line should be visible through the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Stopping the lens down and using the depth of field preview can make the grad transition line easier to see.
- Shoot
Expose image using base exposure already established.
Advanced Metering (hand-held spot meter)
A hand-held light meter gives more control and enables changing light to be monitored without repositioning the camera. The essence of this approach is: expose for the mid tones, allow for the shadows, filter the highlights.- Establish your Base Exposure from mid-tones
Lock camera in place on tripod. Take readings from scene mid-tones.
- Allow for shadows
For detail to be retained in shadows they should be within 2 stops of base exposure. If necessary increase base exposure slightly.
- Take a reading from bright part of sky (not the sun)
Note the exposure difference between ground and sky.
- Select a ND Grad
Select the right ND grad to correct exposure difference to within 1.5 stops. Anything more than +2 stops will be burnt out in final image.
- Slide the filter into position
The grad transition line should be visible through the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Stopping the lens down and using the depth of field preview can make the grad transition line easier to see.
- Shoot
Expose image using base exposure already established.
Before
After – LEE 0.9 ND Grad Hard
Quick Start Videos
Get up to speed fast with our videos that explain the LEE Filter System and how to use it
Neutral Density Standard Filters
Neutral Density Standard Filters
ProGlass Neutral Density Filters
We offer ND Standards with a full range of stopping power
The aim of the ND Standard filter is to reduce the exposure equally across the entire frame. It is most commonly used to lengthen shutter speeds in order to blur movement.
Ultimate flexibility
ND Filters can be stacked together, or used with other filters, so you can respond to almost any lighting condition.
Specialist filters for digital
When shooting digitally, light at the infrared and ultraviolet ends of the spectrum can be problematic. The ProGlass range of filters has been designed with this in mind. These glass neutral density filters are optimised for use with digital cameras, as they absorb more infrared and ultraviolet light than traditional ND filters. The result is a punchier image, with less discolouration in adverse lighting conditions.
Before
After – LEE 0.6 ND Standard
Polariser
Polarising filters are used primarily to reduce reflections. This can be useful when photographing skies, water, glass etc.
The System
- Adaptor Ring
screws onto camera lens
- Filter Holder
attaches to the adaptor ring
- LEE Filter
slides into the filter holder
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