Urth Soft Graduated ND8 Lens Filter Plus+ - 77mm

The Urth 77mm Soft Graduated ND8 Lens Filter Plus+ is a graduated grey filter that provides a fixe...

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Product Information

Full details

The Urth 77mm Soft Graduated ND8 Lens Filter Plus+ is designed for photographers seeking to balance challenging lighting conditions, particularly in landscape photography. Its primary benefit is reducing exposure in bright areas, like skies, by 3 stops without affecting darker foregrounds, enabling balanced exposures. A potential caveat is the need for careful alignment to achieve the desired gradient effect. This filter features a smooth transition between clear and ND areas, a 3-stop reduction, and an ultra-slim profile with advanced nano-coating.

All features

BrandUrth

Extended Product Information

FAQs

What is a soft graduated ND filter?

A soft graduated ND filter has a smooth transition between a clear area and a darkened area. It's used to balance the exposure between a bright sky and a darker foreground in photography, with the transition blending naturally into the scene.

What does ND8 mean in this filter?

ND8 typically refers to the filter's strength. For graduated filters, it often indicates the maximum density. This specific filter provides a 3-stop reduction in light in its darkest part.

How do I determine the correct filter size?

Check the front of your camera lens for a 'ø' symbol followed by a number (e.g., ø77mm). This number indicates the lens's filter thread diameter. This filter is specifically for 77mm threads.

Can I use this filter with other filters?

Yes, this filter is designed to be compatible with other 77mm filters. However, stacking multiple filters, especially on wide-angle lenses, can increase the risk of vignetting.

How do I clean the filter without damaging it?

Use a microfiber lens cloth to gently wipe away dust. For stubborn smudges, apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to the cloth (not directly to the filter) and wipe gently. Avoid abrasive materials.

What is the advantage of a 'soft' transition over a 'hard' transition?

A soft transition is ideal for landscapes with uneven horizons, such as mountains or trees, as it blends more naturally. A hard transition has a sharp line and is better suited for scenes with a clear, flat horizon, like seascapes.

How many stops of light does this filter reduce?

The Urth 77mm Soft Graduated ND8 Lens Filter Plus+ provides a 3-stop reduction in the darkest part of the filter.

Troubleshooting

Vignetting (dark corners) in the image

Ensure the filter is not stacked with too many other filters. Try using a wider focal length on your lens or remove the filter if the issue persists. The ultra-slim design minimizes this, but it can still occur on very wide lenses.

Gradient is not aligned correctly

Manually rotate the filter on the lens to align the darker part of the gradient with the brightest area of the scene (e.g., the sky). Preview your shot to confirm alignment.

Image still appears too dark or too bright

This filter provides a fixed 3-stop reduction. If more or less reduction is needed, consider a different ND filter. Ensure the filter is clean, as smudges can affect light transmission.

Filter is difficult to screw onto the lens

Check that you are using the correct filter size (77mm) and that the lens threads are clean and free of debris. Do not force the filter; ensure it threads on smoothly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Effectively balances exposure between sky and land.
  • Soft gradient is forgiving and versatile for different compositions.
  • Ultra-slim design reduces likelihood of vignetting.
  • Nano-coating protects the filter and improves image quality.
  • Provides a consistent 3-stop light reduction.

Cons

  • Requires manual adjustment and alignment for optimal effect.
  • Soft gradient may not be ideal for scenes with very distinct horizontal lines.
  • Can add bulk to camera setup.
  • The transition point might still be visible in some extreme cases.
  • Requires carrying and potentially changing filters for different lighting needs.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup: Screw the filter onto the front of your 77mm lens. The filter is rotatable, allowing you to adjust the position of the gradient to match the brightest part of your scene. For best results, preview your shot and rotate the filter until the bright area (usually the sky) is properly exposed without overexposing the foreground.

Compatibility: This filter is designed for 77mm lens filter threads. Ensure your lens has a 77mm front diameter for a direct fit. It can be stacked with other filters, but this may increase the risk of vignetting on wider focal lengths.

Care: Clean the filter gently using a lens cleaning cloth and a lens cleaning solution. Avoid touching the glass with your fingers. Store the filter in its protective case when not in use to prevent scratches and dust.

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