Graduated Filters

Graduated neutral density

Often it is necessary or desirable to balance the light intensity in one part of a scene with another. This is especially true in situations where you don't have total light control, as in bright contrasty landscapes. Graduated neutral density filters are gray toned in one half of the filter and are smoothly graduated into the clear portion.

Correct exposure metering
When only a single graduated filter is used, it is nearly always for darkening (an excessively) bright sky. Exposure metering should be performed without a graduated filter, with the camera’s meter (or a separate manual exposure meter) measuring the foreground that is to be exposed correctly. The sky will then nearly always show the desired effect. With the combination of two graduated filters (one of them upside down in relation to the other), for instance a red one for the sky and a green one for the foreground, take the measurement through both filters. For a more dramatic effect, a slight under-exposure, perhaps by half an f-stop, is often desirable.

Rotating filter mounts
The mounts of graduated filters can be rotated, so that the line of transition between the colored and the clear half of the filter can be adjusted in relation to the subject without appearing unnatural.  

 

A graduated neutral density filter is a neutral density filter that varies the effect with a gradient so it can be used to compress dynamic range across the entire scene. This can be beneficial when the difference between highlights and shadows of a scene are too great to allow for proper exposure for both.

Graduated Filters
B+W Gradual Filters
B+W Graduated Filter Gray 501 The neutral gray half of this filter transmits 50% of the incoming light, so that it darkens the respective portion of the subject by one f-stop without altering its colors. For example, when the sky is too bright in relation to the landscape, this is an ideal amount for good detail rendition in the clouds and for preventing the sky from being “washed out” by over-exposure.
B+W Graduated Filter Dark Gray 502. Because it attenuates the light twice as much as the previous filter, i.e. by two aperture stops (it transmits 25% of the incoming light), this graduated filter al -ready produces quite dramatic effects. Because of the increased difference in brightness, it is even more important for the horizon line not to be positioned too far from the center of the image.
B+W Graduated Filter Red 590 This graduated filter is often referred to as the “sun -set filter”, because it can simulate a missing red sky in the evening or in the morning or to enhance one that is too pale when the line of sight is towards the sun. By the sea or by a lake, the horizon line should be positioned high enough for the red portion of the filter also to cover the reflection in the water.
B+W Graduated Filter Orange 524 The somewhat more delicate coloring of this graduated filter is recommended when the correction of the sunset mood is not to be too pronounced, or when a certain amount of red coloring is already present, so that only a small enhancement would be sufficient. With heavy gray thunderstorm clouds it can produce a nearly awesome storm mood.
B+W Graduated Filter Violet 543 With grazing light and a sparse exposure, this graduated filter with its somewhat unnatural color can produce a ghostly, macabre moonlight effect. So it is more suitable for abstractions rather than enhancements of natural moods. An interesting effect can be achieved by using it in combination with the graduated green filter 56‘ for the lower half of the image.
B+W Graduated Filter Tabac 550 Those who have experienced a sandstorm in the desert will never forget that mood. With this graduated filter, one can approximate that mood: slightly threatening, yet still pleasantly “warm”. The tobacco color is discreet, not overly colorful, so that it never appears gross nor overlay the existing colors as much as the other more intense graduated colors.
B+W Graduated Filter Green 561 Because of its vegetation color, this graduated filter is especially suitable for the lower half of an image when used in combinations with other graduated filters that are being used to darken or to alter the color of the sky. With such filter combinations, the TTL exposure metering should be performed
B+W Graduated Filter Blue 581 This is an excellent solution when the sky isn’t blue enough. It can be used effectively in combination with another graduated filter for the lower half of the image, so that in such a combination the sky will not be rendered too brightly or too pale. Example: sand dunes by the sea; using a graduated B+W Tabac Filter for the lower half and a graduated Blue Filter for the upper half of the image.
Cokin Gradual Filters
	Cokin Ref. 120 G1 Grey Graduated Filter. - Available in Series A, P, X-PRO.
	Cokin Gradual Grey G2 (ND8) Ref. 121. Available in Series A, P, X-PRO".
	Cokin Gradual Grey G2 (ND2) Ref. 121L. Available in Series A, P, Z, X-PRO.
	Cokin Gradual Grey G2 (ND4) Ref. 121M 0.6) Filter. Progressive graduation from the middle to the top of the filter, same color as 121 but lower tone. Only ND4 gradual filter. A great filter for landscapes on bright days. You'll want to add it to your stock of "secret weapons" to "get that perfect shot."
	Cokin Gradual Grey G2 Soft (ND8) Ref.121S. (0.9) Filter. Progressive graduation from the middle to the top of the filter, same color & tone as 121.
	Cokin Neutral Density 8 Ref. 121F Filter. - Available in Series A, P, X-PRO.
Hoya Gradual Filters
	Hoya Gradual Color Blue. Acrylic filters similar to half-color, except that color density gradually decreases near the center of the filter allowing emphasis of foregrounds or backgrounds. Mounted in a rotating frame. Their color gradually fades out so the boundary between the colored and transparent sections will not become apparent even with the lens aperture stopped down.
	Hoya Gradual Color Emerald. Acrylic filters similar to half-color, except that color density gradually decreases near the center of the filter allowing emphasis of foregrounds or backgrounds. Mounted in a rotating frame. Their color gradually fades out so the boundary between the colored and transparent sections will not become apparent even with the lens aperture stopped down.
	Hoya Gradual Color Grey. Acrylic filters similar to half-color, except that color density gradually decreases near the center of the filter allowing emphasis of foregrounds or backgrounds. Mounted in a rotating frame. Their color gradually fades out so the boundary between the colored and transparent sections will not become apparent even with the lens aperture stopped down.
	Hoya Gradual Color Mauve. Acrylic filters similar to half-color, except that color density gradually decreases near the center of the filter allowing emphasis of foregrounds or backgrounds. Mounted in a rotating frame. Their color gradually fades out so the boundary between the colored and transparent sections will not become apparent even with the lens aperture stopped down.
	Hoya Gradual Color Pink. Acrylic filters similar to half-color, except that color density gradually decreases near the center of the filter allowing emphasis of foregrounds or backgrounds. Mounted in a rotating frame. Their color gradually fades out so the boundary between the colored and transparent sections will not become apparent even with the lens aperture stopped down.
	Hoya Gradual Color Tobacco. Acrylic filters similar to half-color, except that color density gradually decreases near the center of the filter allowing emphasis of foregrounds or backgrounds. Mounted in a rotating frame. Their color gradually fades out so the boundary between the colored and transparent sections will not become apparent even with the lens aperture stopped down.
	Hoya Gradual Color Yellow. Acrylic filters similar to half-color, except that color density gradually decreases near the center of the filter allowing emphasis of foregrounds or backgrounds. Mounted in a rotating frame. Their color gradually fades out so the boundary between the colored and transparent sections will not become apparent even with the lens aperture stopped down.
Tiffen Graduated Filters
	Tiffen Graduated Sunrise Filter. The Tiffen Graduated Sunrise Glass Filter is half-color, half-clear, in a rotating mount, with a graduated transition for blending into the scene. The Color Graduated Sunrise is part of Tiffen's award-winning series of Color Graduated filters and one of the most widely used. It enhances reality, adding a touch of subtlety or drama to the image. This filter gives you the ability to add more "punch" to an otherwise ordinary scene. Tiffen Graduated filters give you the control you need to create a scene as opposed to just shooting a scene. Sometimes it is also desirable to add color to part of the photograph. For example, to add blue to only the sky. With graduated filters, often it is necessary or desirable to balance the light intensity in one part of a scene with another. This is especially true in situations where you don't have total light control, as in bright contrasty landscapes.
	Tiffen Graduated ND, 03, 06, 09.Filters The Tiffen 4 x 4" Graduated Neutral Density (ND) ND 0.3 Glass Filter enables the shooter to adjust exposure without affecting color balance. Neutral density filters are available in 1, 2, 3, or 4 stops to suit individual situations. Determining which graduated neutral density filter yields ideal results for any given lighting situation takes knowledge, experience and a collection of such filters. Choose the filter strength which adjusts the lighting to stay within the exposure latitude (greatest difference between bright/dark values) which still shows details in both of the digital or film medium in use. Speaking generally, the 2-stop value (ND 0.6 - the filter's clear portion allows 4x more light to pass vs. darkest portion) effectively compensates average bright sky-to-foreground situations, and the soft transition is applicable more often to a scene than the hard transition The Soft or Hard label indicates the degree of color graduation. Horizontal/Vertical indicates the direction of the graduation.
	Tiffen Graduated Antique Suede Glass Filter - Soft Edge. Note! Tiffen Graduated Antique Suede filters comes in strengths from 1/2-3 with 3 having the greatest effect • Adding color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Chocolate Glass Filter. Whether at the pro or Photo 1 level, Tiffen filters have always been the industry's first choice. Note! Tiffen Graduated Chocolate filters comes in strengths from 1-3 with 3 having the greatest effect • Adding color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Cool Blue Filter. Whether at the pro or Photo 1 level, Tiffen filters have always been the industry's first choice. Note! Tiffen Graduated Cool Blue filters comes in strengths from 1-5 with 5 having the greatest effect • Adding color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Coral Filter. Note! Tiffen Graduated Coral filters come in strengths from 1/8-5 with 5 having the greatest effect • Adding color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Cranberry Glass Filter. Note! Tiffen Graduated Cranberry filters come in strengths from 1-3 with 3 having the greatest effect • Adding color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Cyan Glass Filter. Note! Tiffen Graduated Cyan filters comes in strengths from 1-5 with 5 having the greatest effect • Adds a "bluish" tint to the image • Adding color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Tropic Blue Filter. The Tiffen Color Graduated Tropic Blue Glass Filter is part of Tiffen's award-winning series of Color Graduated filters and one of the most widely used. It enhances reality, adding a touch of subtlety or drama to the image. This filter gives you the ability to add more "punch" to an otherwise ordinary scene by adding a significant amount of blue to the image. Tiffen Graduated filters give you the control you need to create a scene as opposed to just shooting a scene. Note! Tiffen Color Graduated Tropic Blue filters come in strengths from 1-3 with 3 having the greatest effect.
	Tiffen Graduated Grape Glass Filter. Note! Tiffen Graduated Grape filters come in strengths from 1-3 with 3 having the greatest effect • Adding color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Green Glass Filter. The Tiffen Clear Graduated Green 1 Glass Filter can make a run-of-the-mill scene into a memorable image. This unique filter adds spectacular color to one half the photo while leaving the other half untouched. If you like shooting landscapes, fields, valleys and other vistas, make them into breathtaking studies. Not only will it add color but it does so with a subtle and extremely gradual transition between the two halves of the filter. Soft/hard indicates the degree of transition. Horizontal/Vertical indicates the direction of the graduation. • Add color selectively while leaving the rest of the scene unaffected • Half color, half clear with a graduated density transition for smooth blending into the scene • Available in a rainbow array of colors and Neutral Density filters • Use in combination, with one affecting the upper half of the image, the other affecting the lower half . Note! Tiffen Color Graduated Green filters come in strengths from 1-3 with 3 having the greatest effect. o
	Tiffen Graduated Magenta Filter. Tiffen Graduated Magenta Glass Filter is an exciting filter. It enhances reality, adding a touch of subtlety or drama to the image. This filter gives you the ability to add more "punch" to an otherwise ordinary scene by adding a touch of purple to the image. Note! Tiffen Graduated Magenta Filters are available in grades from 1-3, with 3 having the greatest effect.
	Tiffen Graduated Pink Glass Filter. Note! Tiffen Graduated Pink filters comes in strengths from 1-5 with 5 having the greatest effect • Adds pink color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Plum Glass Filter. Note! Tiffen Graduated Plum filters come in strengths from 1-3 with 3 having the greatest effect • Adds purple color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions. Check availability, sizes & current prices at  B&H Photo
	Tiffen Graduated Red Glass Filter. Tiffen Color Graduated filters are half-color, half-clear, with a graduated transition for blending into the scene. They are available in an array of colors. Tiffen Graduated Red filters are available in grades 1-5, with 5 having the greatest effect. This filter measures 2 x 2" (50 x 50mm) x 4mm thick.
	Tiffen Graduated Straw Filter. Note! Tiffen Graduated Straw filters come in strengths from 1-3 with 3 having the greatest effect Benefits Adds yellow color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Tangerine Glass Filter. Sometimes it is also desirable to add color to part of the photograph. For example, to add blue to only the sky. Tiffen Color Graduated filters are half-color, half-clear, with a graduated transition for blending into the scene. They are available in an array of colors. The Soft or Hard label indicates the degree of color graduation. Horizontal/Vertical indictes the direction of the graduation. Whether at the pro or Photo 1 level, Tiffen filters have always been the industry's first choice. Note! Tiffen Graduated Tangerine filters come in strengths from 1-3 with 3 having the greatest effect • Adds orange color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.
	Tiffen Graduated Tobacco Glass Filter. Graduated Often it is necessary or desirable to balance the light intensity in one part of a scene with another. This is especially true in situations where you don't have total light control, as in bright contrasty landscapes. Sometimes it is also desireable to add color to part of the photograph. For example, to add blue to only the sky. Tiffen Color Graduated filters are half-color, half-clear, with a graduated transition for blending into the scene. They are available in an array of colors. Tiffen Graduated Tobacco filters are available in grades 1-3, with 3 having the greatest effect.
	Tiffen Graduated Yellow Glass Filter. Note! Tiffen Color Graduated Yellow filters are available in grades 1-5 with 5 having the greatest effect • Adds yellow color excitement to a drab sky • Changing the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect • Enhancing the existing color or creating subtle color drama • Creating more balanced exposure in uneven lighting conditions.

 

Graduated neutral density filters, also known as graduated ND filters, split neutral density filters, or just a graduated filters, are optical filters that have a variable light transmission. Typically half of the filter is of neutral density which transitions, either abruptly or gradually, into the other half which is clear. It is used to bring an overly-bright part of a scene into the dynamic range of film or sensor. For example, it can be used to darken a bright sky so that both the sky and subject can be properly exposed. ND filters can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and densities and can be used in all types of photographic applications from still photography, motion photography and scientific applications.