Neutral Density Graduated Resin Filters
(100mm X 150mm)

The purpose of the ND grad is to reduce the brightness of selected areas of the frame. Crucially, a true neutral density grad should have no impact on colour balance, and this is where LEE Filters’ ND grads excel.

Neutral density grads are available in both hard and soft versions, and in strengths of 0.3, 0.45, 0.6, 0.75 and 0.9. The 0.3 strength equals one stop, while each subsequent increment equals an additional half-stop.

A hard graduated filter is characterised by a very sharp transition between the coated and uncoated sections of the filter. A hard grad allows the photographer to control with great precision the desired effect on the composition – especially when the transition between two areas in the frame is particularly abrupt, as with a clear horizon, for example. The effect of the filter ‘carrying over’ from one part of the frame to another would be undesirable.

The transition between the coated and uncoated portions of a soft graduated filter is less sharp and more subtle than in a hard grad. A soft grad is recommended when the variation in light readings within a scene is less pronounced, and on occasions when the effect of a hard grad would be apparent in the result, showing as a ‘line’ across the composition. The transition in tones, from bright to dark, should appear very natural when using a soft grad.

Neutral Density Standard Resin Filters
(100mm x 100mm - non-graduated)

Colour Control
(100mm x 100mm)

Colour Control
(100mm x 100mm)