Tiffen 4 x 6" Soft Edge Graduated 0.6 ND Filter - Vertical Orientation

Because Tiffen Color-Grad and ND-Grad filters are among the most utilized filters in the photography industry, they are an essential tool for photographers looking to enhance their images. These filters offer the ability to either create captivating illusions or amplify the reality captured in your shots.

Popular applications of these filters include adding a splash of color to a dull sky, altering a specific color in a scene for a desired special effect, enhancing existing colors for a more dramatic effect, and achieving a more balanced exposure in uneven lighting situations.

Tiffen Color-Grads and ND-Grads are available in a wide array of sizes and colors, catering to a variety of photography needs. They are crafted with either a soft edge, where the transition area is between 1/2" to 2" wide before reaching full density, or a hard edge, where the transition area is approximately 1/4" to 1/2" wide before reaching full density. For specific requirements, attenuated gradients can be specially ordered, where the transition area spans the entire filter, starting clear and reaching maximum density at the opposite end.

For rectangular-shaped filters, such as the 4x6, the terms vertical and horizontal are crucial as they refer to the filter's position in relation to the camera when the grad line is horizontal.

The choice between a "hard" edge or "soft" edge Tiffen Color-Grad & ND-Grad filter largely depends on the subject matter, its surroundings, and the type of lens used. Telephoto lenses utilize a small portion of the filter, hence a hard edge is recommended for long lenses as a soft edge could get lost in the image. Conversely, wide-angle lenses make objects appear smaller, making a soft edge more suitable for short focal lengths as a hard edge gradient could appear as a harsh straight line. Soft edges and attenuators are ideal for subtle blending with irregular-shaped subjects or unusual lighting.