Perfect Exposure with the GND 0.9 Graduated Neutral Density Filter - This is How It Works
Technical Specifications - GND 0.9 Graduated Filter:
- Density: 0.9
- Aperture: +3
- Filter Factor: 8x
- Transmission: 12,5%
Do you want to create the perfect image in landscape photography? Then the graduated neutral density filter, also known as the GND filter, is the ideal tool for you. The GND filter reduces the brightness difference between the sky and land, allowing you to achieve a balanced exposure for the entire image.
How does it work? The filter consists of two parts: the upper part blocks a certain amount of light and is therefore darker, while the lower part is mostly transparent. Especially during sunrise or sunset, when the sky is brighter than the land, you can't do without a graduated neutral density filter. Without it, it would be difficult to correctly expose both the sky and the land. Either the sky would be overexposed with no details, or the land would be underexposed and too dark.
The trick is to position the graduated neutral density filter so that the dark part covers the brightest part of the scene - usually the sky. The transparent part of the filter, on the other hand, leaves the darker part of the scene, i.e. the land, unchanged.
By using the graduated neutral density filter, you achieve better color balance and impressive detail in your images. Give your landscape shots the wow effect they deserve.
But the graduated neutral density filter is not only a useful tool in landscape photography. It can also be helpful in architectural shots or capturing waterfalls to achieve a balanced exposure.
Create balanced landscape photos with graduated neutral density filters
B+W | MASTER Filter Holder
The MASTER filter holder offers high mechanical stability while being very flat. You can use it without the risk of vignetting on most wide-angle lenses. However, it is difficult to provide precise information about the focal length or image angle limit, as vignetting depends not only on the filter height and image angle but also on the construction of the lens barrel. As a guideline for a safe, vignetting-free use, lenses with a focal length of 17 mm or more for full-frame (24x36 mm) and 10 mm or more for APS-C (approximately 63° diagonal image angle) can be considered. Despite its flat design, you can easily and securely attach additional filters, snap-on caps, or lens hoods to the front thread.
The MASTER filter line has a newly designed rotatable ring with optimized grip. All holders are precisely made of brass, known for its dimensional stability and robustness. A special functional coating ensures smooth attachment and detachment of the filter.
The filter glass lies tension-free in the brass holder, ensuring optimal flatness and highest imaging performance. Another advantage of the MASTER holder is that the filter glass is fixed from the back with a screwing ring. As a result, the screwing ring cannot loosen when unscrewing additional filters or lens hoods that have been screwed on too tightly.
B+W | MRC Nano Coating
An important criterion for an excellent filter is the coating. The MRC (Multi Resistant Coating) coated filters have a multicoating layer on both sides (7 + 1 layers each), which provides maximum anti-reflection and eliminates disturbing stray light. This allows for more brilliant colors and higher contrasts. With low residual reflection (0.5%), MRC reliably avoids ghosting or double images that can be caused by reflection from the image sensor. Additionally, MRC protects the filter from scratches and preserves its high optical quality. MRC is also dirt and water repellent.
MRC nano enhances the outer layer's effectiveness. The property based on nanotechnology (lotus effect) achieves better water beading, making it even easier and faster to clean the filter surface. The hydrophobic surface reduces fogging. When transitioning from cold to warm environments, the fog dissipates from the filter glass surface in no time.