Description
Hard Edge ND grads feature a neutral gray effect at the top of the filter that sharply transitions to clear at the center of the filter. The main function of a graduated ND is to balance the luminosity of the sky to the terrain below. The hard edge grad primarily used in photos that feature a defined and uninterrupted horizon, such as a seascape. Formatt-Hitech filters are made from the highest quality 4mm Schott Superwite glass
Graduated Neutral Density
© CRAIG RICHARDS
Graduated filters have an effect that occurs on one area of the filter and transitions to clear on other areas of the filter. Typically graduated filters are used to enhance the sky or terrain, or balance the luminosity of the sky to the luminosity of the terrain. For hard and soft grad filters, colors are often deployed (such as sunset or twilight) to enhance the color of the sky.
Formatt-Hitech offers four varieties of Graduated Neutral Density Filters:
- Soft Edge Grad
- Hard Edge Grad
- Reverse Grad
Hard Edge Grads
© JOSE RAMOS
Hard Edge Grads feature a defined transition between the clear and the ND. These filters are ideal for reducing luminance of the bright sky over a defined horizon line, such as a seascape.
Roughly speaking soft edge grad filters are for wide angle lenses and hard edge filters are for longer lenses. This gives the most visually attractive effect transition at the horizon line. With the transition placed carefully on the horizon, the hard edge grad is one of the most effect tools available for balancing a bright sky to a dark terrain and is an essential tool for both fine art photographers and professional cinematographers alike.
Densities Available
1 - 4 Stops
4mm Filter Sizes
4x4" | 4x5.65" | 5x5" | 5.65x5.65" | 6.6x6.6mm
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THE NEW FIRECREST HOLDER MKII ATTACHED TO A TOKINA 11-20 T2.9 AND BLACK MAGIC POCKET 6K. WHEN PAIRED WITH THE FIRECREST ULTRA RANGE OF FILTER ALLOWS YOU TO GET CINEMA-QUALITY ND AT A FRACTION OF THE WEIGHT
A bigger polariser giving you a wider view
With recent developments in optical design, it has become more common for lenses to have larger threads. To accommodate these advancements we have expanded our CPL (circular polarising filter) to 86mm. This means wider compatibility and better performance on a range of new wide-angle lenses. It also makes it compatible with a range of cinema lenses such as the Tokina 11-20MM T2.9.
The polariser can be fitted into either included rotating ring adapter, and becomes an integral part of the holder. The polariser is operated with an easy to use thumbscrew. This allows you to set your grads and then dial in the exact
polarising effect you want. Due to its free movement, this means you can leave the polarising filter (CPL) attached at all times and simply turn off the effect if not wanted. The construction of the filter also means you can use the CPL filter as an independent filter without the need of the holder.
More step rings, more flexibility.
For improved performance on an even wider range of lenses, the holder now ships with two rotating adapters as standard. These adapters allow the lens to sit closer to the filters helping with wide-angle photography. The kit
includes an 86mm - 86mm rotating adapter and a 86mm - 82mm adapter. For best performance on 77mm and smaller wide-angle lenses, it is recommended to use the included step rings from the 86-86mm rotating adapter.