For the Ultimate Image Quality
Nano Coated Optical Glass – No Compromise
Graduated filters are indispensable for the Landscape and Seascape Photographer.
By reducing the amount of light from bright skies the camera is able to balance the scene and overcome the limitations of the Dynamic Range of the camera sensor, giving you an image in-camera much closer to the human eye.
A more balanced image becomes easier to obtain, in camera, with less blown highlights and more details in shadow areas. And capturing the image in camera as you saw it means less processing time and more time out shooting.
All NiSi Filters are precision engineered from the highest quality H-K9L Optical Glass.
Glass means they are completely distortion free and give the ultimate in image quality. All edges are double ground and polished and corners are rounded. IR technology in every filter provides True-To-Life colour with no cast by reducing the amount of Infra Red light entering the lens which can shift colour accuracy.
Nano coatings help to reduce lens flare, repel oil contaminations and water, making them easier to clean out on location.
IR-TECHNOLOGY
Multiple layers to protect, reduce flare, give colour accuracy and repel water.
CHOOSING A FILTER
NiSi Graduated ND filters are available in four main graduations, Soft, Medium, Hard and Reverse, in a wide range of densities, meaning there is always a filter to suit the scene and the light. Available individually or in kits, please review the examples below to see how they can be used.
For uneven horizons
Mupe Bay – Alun G. Davies NiSi IRGND4 3 Stop SoftThe NiSi Soft Graduated ND is ideal for scenes with an uneven or broken horizon, such as when large elements of the scene project into the sky area. By using a Soft Graduated filter the sky can be controlled without darkening the cliff face. Being a very soft graduation it is also an ideal filter for stacking with other filters. |
Soft Graduated Availability75mm System 3 Stops 100mm System 2, 3, 4, 5 Stops 150mm System 2, 3 Stops |
For uneven horizons
Castle Stalker – Phil Norton Photography NiSi IRGND4 2 Stop MediumThe NiSi Medium Graduated ND is ideal for scenes with an uneven or broken horizon, such as when elements of the scene project into the sky area. The Medium Graduated offers greater control of bright light towards the horizon having a denser dark area than the soft graduated. The Medium is the ‘go-to’ for many because of the flexibility and control it offers. |
Medium Graduated Availability75mm System 3 Stops 100mm System 2, 3, 4 Stops 150mm System 2, 3 Stops |
For straight horizons
Sea Defences – NiSi IRGND8 3 Stop HardThe NiSi Hard Graduated filter is ideal for straight horizons such as the coast and provides great control for balancing exposure for seascape photographers. Having a slight feather on the edge gives easy alignment and avoids a dark line under the horizon. |
Hard Graduated Availability75mm System 3 Stops 100mm System 2, 3, 4 Stops 150mm System 2, 3 Stops |
For sunsets and sunrises
Bamburgh Castle – Phil Norton Photography NiSi IRGND8 3 Stop ReverseThe NiSi Reverse Graduated ND is perfect for sunrises and sunsets. having a darker ND factor in the centre gives control just where it is needed, on the horizon. The top section gradually fades to prevent the sky being under exposed. |
Reverse Graduated Availability75mm System 3 Stops 100mm System 3, 4 Stops 150mm System 3, 4 Stops |
CHOOSING A FILTER
NiSi Graduated ND filters are available in four main graduations, Soft, Medium, Hard and Reverse, in a wide range of densities, meaning there is always a filter to suit the scene and the light. Available individually or in kits, please review the examples below to see how they can be used.
For uneven horizons
Mupe Bay – Alun G. Davies NiSi IRGND4 3 Stop Soft
The NiSi Soft Graduated ND is ideal for scenes with an uneven or broken horizon, such as when large elements of the scene project into the sky area. By using a Soft Graduated filter the sky can be controlled without darkening the cliff face. Being a very soft graduation it is also an ideal filter for stacking with other filters.
Soft Graduated Availability75mm System 3 Stops 100mm System 2, 3, 4, 5 Stops 150mm System 2, 3 Stops |
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For uneven horizons
Castle Stalker – Phil Norton Photography NiSi IRGND4 2 Stop Medium
The NiSi Medium Graduated ND is ideal for scenes with an uneven or broken horizon, such as when elements of the scene project into the sky area. The Medium Graduated offers greater control of bright light towards the horizon having a denser dark area than the soft graduated. The Medium is the ‘go-to’ for many because of the flexibility and control it offers.
Medium Graduated Availability75mm System 3 Stops 100mm System 2, 3, 4 Stops 150mm System 2, 3 Stops |
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For straight horizons
Sea Defences – Raymond McBride NiSi IRGND8 3 Stop Hard
The NiSi Hard Graduated filter is ideal for straight horizons such as the coast and provides great control for balancing exposure for seascape photographers. Having a slight feather on the edge gives easy alignment and avoids a dark line under the horizon.
Hard Graduated Availability75mm System 3 Stops 100mm System 2, 3, 4 Stops 150mm System 2, 3 Stops |
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For sunsets and sunrises
Bamburgh Castle – Phil Norton Photography NiSi IRGND8 3 Stop Reverse
The NiSi Reverse Graduated ND is perfect for sunrises and sunsets. having a darker ND factor in the centre gives control just where it is needed, on the horizon. The top section gradually fades to prevent the sky being under exposed.
Reverse Graduated Availability75mm System 3 Stops 100mm System 3, 4 Stops 150mm System 3, 4 Stops |
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CHOOSING A FILTER
NiSi Graduated ND filters are available in four main graduations, Soft, Medium, Hard and Reverse, in a wide range of densities, meaning there is always a filter to suit the scene and the light. Available individually or in kits, please review the examples below to see how they can be used.
For uneven horizons
Mupe Bay – Alun G. Davies NiSi IRGND4 3 Stop Soft
The NiSi Soft Graduated ND is ideal for scenes with an uneven or broken horizon, such as when large elements of the scene project into the sky area. By using a Soft Graduated filter the sky can be controlled without darkening the cliff face.
Being a very soft graduation it is also an ideal filter for stacking with other filters.
Soft Graduated Availability
75mm System 3 Stops
100mm System 2, 3, 4, 5 Stops
150mm System 2, 3 Stops
For uneven horizons
Castle Stalker – Phil Norton Photography NiSi IRGND4 2 Stop Medium
The NiSi Medium Graduated ND is ideal for scenes with an uneven or broken horizon, such as when elements of the scene project into the sky area. The Medium Graduated offers greater control of bright light towards the horizon having a denser dark area than the soft graduated. The Medium is the ‘go-to’ for many because of the flexibility and control it offers.
Medium Graduated Availability
75mm System 3 Stops
100mm System 2, 3, 4 Stops
150mm System 2, 3 Stops
For straight horizons
Sea Defences – Raymond McBride NiSi IRGND8 3 Stop Hard
The NiSi Hard Graduated filter is ideal for straight horizons such as the coast and provides great control for balancing exposure for seascape photographers. Having a slight feather on the edge gives easy alignment and avoids a dark line under the horizon.
Hard Graduated Availability
75mm System 3 Stops
100mm System 2, 3, 4 Stops
150mm System 2, 3 Stops
For sunsets and sunrises
Bamburgh Castle – Phil Norton Photography
NiSi IRGND8 3 Stop Reverse
The NiSi Reverse Graduated ND is perfect for sunrises and sunsets. having a darker ND factor in the centre gives control just where it is needed, on the horizon. The top section gradually fades to prevent the sky being under exposed.
Reverse Graduated Availability
75mm System 3 Stops
100mm System 3, 4 Stops
150mm System 3, 4 Stops
HIGH DEFINITION
No loss of image quality or sharpness with H-K9L Optical Glass
TRUE-TO-LIFE-COLOUR
Accurate colour with no shift thanks to IR Technology
LOW REFLECTION
Centre NiSi IRGND8 0.9 Soft – Left/Right I Popular Brands
NISI ND FILTERS
NiSi Graduated ND filters are available in four main graduations, Soft, Medium, Hard and Reverse, in a wide range of densities, meaning there is always a filter to suit the scene and the light. Available individually or in kits, please review the examples below to see how they can be used.
NiSi Neutral Density Filters
| ND Filters are used to slow the shutter and extend exposure time for a variety of special effects.
Slow down and blur water movement for an ethereal effect, create misty looking water for sea water around rocks, give water a flat mirror like effect, and capture dramatic cloud movement. All NiSi ND filters are Nano coated and incorporate IR-Technology for accurate colour rendition. Light is transmitted evenly removing vignetting from light fall-off and each filter has gaskets to the rear to prevent light leaks. Available from 2 to 15 stops. |
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NiSi IRND8 3 Stop ND
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IRND8 3 Stop ND Lumsdale Falls-Phil Norton PhotographyFor this image Phil Norton wanted to create an ethereal almost dreamy atmosphere suiting the location and Autumn season. “Normally I shoot waterfalls with more detail in the water, a CPL in low light like this is usually enough. I wanted the image to be more surreal given the way the eye is lead into the image to the waterfall at the back, and the rich earthy tones. I chose the NiSi IRND8 3 Stop ND, which slowed the water down to get the effect I wanted. The Landscape Polariser boosted the contrast and colour and removed the reflections from the wet rocks.” |
NiSi IRND64 6 Stop
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IRND64 6 Stop Perch Rock – Alun G DaviesAlun creates drama with the movement of the sea in this image of Perch Rock, Dorset. “I had a good idea of the image I wanted to create when I arrived on location at Perch Rock. The light just before sunset was perfect with stunning side light illuminating the rocks and the sea. I wanted to create a sense of movement and retain texture in the water, without making it too flat. With bright light the NiSi 6 stop ND was perfect. A few test shots and I found the balance I wanted, the rest was down to timing.” |
NiSi IRND1000 10 Stop
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IRND1000 10 Stop Reflections – Raymond McBrideStillness and tranquility captured by Raymond at Meols, The Wirral. “I have shot the boats here at Meols many times and have got to know the location very well, it’s important to know the light and the tides. On this day the angle and line of the two boats was perfect, I knew there was an unusual shot there to create. I wanted to make sure there was absolutely no movement in the water for a mirror flatness, even though it was relatively still. The boats were resting on the sand so there would be no movement from a long exposure. The choice was the NiSi 10 stop ND giving a 40 second exposure, combined with a Soft Graduated to control the sky. “ |
NISI ND FILTERS
NiSi Graduated ND filters are available in four main graduations, Soft, Medium, Hard and Reverse, in a wide range of densities, meaning there is always a filter to suit the scene and the light. Available individually or in kits, please review the examples below to see how they can be used.
NiSi Neutral Density Filters
| ND Filters are used to slow the shutter and extend exposure time for a variety of special effects.
Slow down and blur water movement for an ethereal effect, create misty looking water for sea water around rocks, give water a flat mirror like effect, and capture dramatic cloud movement. All NiSi ND filters are Nano coated and incorporate IR-Technology for accurate colour rendition. Light is transmitted evenly removing vignetting from light fall-off and each filter has gaskets to the rear to prevent light leaks. Available from 2 to 15 stops. |
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NiSi IRND8 3 Stop ND
Lumsdale Falls-Phil Norton PhotographyFor this image Phil Norton wanted to create an ethereal almost dreamy atmosphere suiting the location and Autumn season. “Normally I shoot waterfalls with more detail in the water, a CPL in low light like this is usually enough. I wanted the image to be more surreal given the way the eye is lead into the image to the waterfall at the back, and the rich earthy tones. I chose the NiSi IRND8 3 Stop ND, which slowed the water down to get the effect I wanted. The Landscape Polariser boosted the contrast and colour and removed the reflections from the wet rocks.” |
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3 Stop NDNiSi IRND64 6 Stop
Perch Rock – Alun G DaviesAlun creates drama with the movement of the sea in this image of Perch Rock, Dorset. “I had a good idea of the image I wanted to create when I arrived on location at Perch Rock. The light just before sunset was perfect with stunning side light illuminating the rocks and the sea. I wanted to create a sense of movement and retain texture in the water, without making it too flat. With bright light the NiSi 6 stop ND was perfect. A few test shots and I found the balance I wanted, the rest was down to timing.” |
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IRND64 6 StopNiSi IRND1000 10 Stop
Reflections – Raymond McBrideStillness and tranquility captured by Raymond at Meols, The Wirral. “I have shot the boats here at Meols many times and have got to know the location very well, it’s important to know the light and the tides. On this day the angle and line of the two boats was perfect, I knew there was an unusual shot there to create. I wanted to make sure there was absolutely no movement in the water for a mirror flatness, even though it was relatively still. The boats were resting on the sand so there would be no movement from a long exposure. The choice was the NiSi 10 stop ND giving a 40 second exposure, combined with a Soft Graduated to control the sky. “ |
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NISI ND FILTERS
NiSi Graduated ND filters are available in four main graduations, Soft, Medium, Hard and Reverse, in a wide range of densities, meaning there is always a filter to suit the scene and the light. Available individually or in kits, please review the examples below to see how they can be used.
NiSi Neutral Density Filters
ND Filters are used to slow the shutter and extend exposure time for a variety of special effects.
Slow down and blur water movement for an ethereal effect, create misty looking water for sea water around rocks, give water a flat mirror like effect, and capture dramatic cloud movement.
All NiSi ND filters are Nano coated and incorporate IR-Technology for accurate colour rendition. Light is transmitted evenly removing vignetting from light fall-off and each filter has gaskets to the rear to prevent light leaks.
Available from 2 to 15 stops.
Lumsdale Falls-Phil Norton Photography
IRND8 3 Stop ND
For this image Phil Norton wanted to create an ethereal almost dreamy atmosphere suiting the location and Autumn season.
“Normally I shoot waterfalls with more detail in the water, a CPL in low light like this is usually enough. I wanted the image to be more surreal given the way the eye is lead into the image to the waterfall at the back, and the rich earthy tones.
I chose the NiSi IRND8 3 Stop ND, which slowed the water down to get the effect I wanted. The Landscape Polariser boosted the contrast and colour and removed the reflections from the wet rocks.”
NiSi IRND64 6 Stop
Perch Rock – Alun G Davies
IRND64 6 Stop
Alun creates drama with the movement of the sea in this image of Perch Rock, Dorset.
“I had a good idea of the image I wanted to create when I arrived on location at Perch Rock. The light just before sunset was perfect with stunning side light illuminating the rocks and the sea.
I wanted to create a sense of movement and retain texture in the water, without making it too flat. With bright light the NiSi 6 stop ND was perfect.
A few test shots and I found the balance I wanted, the rest was down to timing.”
NiSi IRND1000 10 Stop
Reflections – Raymond McBride
IRND1000 10 Stop
Stillness and tranquility captured by Raymond at Meols, The Wirral.
“I have shot the boats here at Meols many times and have got to know the location very well, it’s important to know the light and the tides.
On this day the angle and line of the two boats was perfect, I knew there was an unusual shot there to create. I wanted to make sure there was absolutely no movement in the water for a mirror flatness, even though it was relatively still. The boats were resting on the sand so there would be no movement from a long exposure. The choice was the NiSi 10 stop ND giving a 40 second exposure, combined with a Soft Graduated to control the sky. “
Nano Coating
All NiSi filters are Nano Coated to reduce reflections, and repel water and contaminants.
WHICH NISI FILTERS
“Which filters should I buy?” is a question I am asked all the time, and even now you have read all the information, you understand the quality of NiSi Filters, and the different types, you still don’t know which to start off with, right? Don’t worry, after 30 years of experience I am qualified enough to understand, read below for the answer to what I think are the Essential Filters for just starting out…
- Polariser – Probably one of the most important filters you can have, and impossible to replicate in post. If you have one of the NiSi filter holders you will have a polariser, if not then get one, they are a no-brainer. I see many people try to use a circular screw in polariser with a filter holder screwed into it. Please don’t bother, it is more trouble than its worth trying to turn a polariser with graduated filters attached.
10 Stop ND Filter – for the landscape photographer every filter kit should have an ND filter for capturing long exposures, if not you are really missing out. Available light really plays a part, and ideally you will have a 6 stop and a 10 stop. Why? Perhaps at twilight a 10 is giving too long an exposure which gains very little, so a 6 Stop is better. Or you are shooting water and a 10 is too long. In most cases it is really best to start with a 10 stop, with the next being a 6 stop, and maybe even a 3 stop.
3 Stop Medium Graduated – You need a 3 stop Medium, no doubt about it. It is the ‘go-to’ for myself and just about everyone I know. The Medium graduation gives such a good density for controlling light and yet still has a large enough transition to make it very very flexible for most scenes. After I convinced NiSi to introduce the Medium in 2018 it is the most popular filter for good reason. Make this your top priority.
3 Stop Soft Graduated – Another equally important filter is the Soft Graduated, with as the name suggests a soft graduation. Imagine a scene where you have a mountain dominating the sky, and it is back lit. A Medium Grad may make it too dark, so a Soft would be more useful. If the mountain was front lit a Medium would be ok, but this is where it is important to have both at your disposal. Options are good.
Those two graduated filters and ND filters are what I would aim for as a Starter Kit. There are Starter Kits that can be customised to suit so please check them out. But what about the other filters I haven’t mentioned?
Hard Graduated – Hard Grads are used for coastal photography and need a straight uninterrupted horizon. I tend to find a Medium does the job, and having so many filters to carry for demo I choose to not use one. But they are great for seascapes, so if you only shoot seascapes, swap the Medium for a Hard. If you shoot predominantly seascapes, again select a hard. If like most people you shoot a mix, stick with a Medium, and add a Hard later if you feel the need.
Reverse Graduated – Reverse Grads are darker in the centre and fade towards the top and as such they are great for sunsets and sunrises. This is one you should have in your kit so why did I not include it in the essential filters? It is incredible for sunsets and sunrises, but only for those situations, so the use of one is limited. A Medium and a Soft are far more important at first. Think of a Reverse as one to add to your kit later if you are on a budget. If not, go for it.
Example Images
Monsal Weir, Peak District – NiSi Landscape Polariser reduces reflected light from wet rocks and foliage, increasing definition and saturation of colours.
The Anvil, Pembrokeshire – NiSi 10 Stop ND allowed an exposure of 4 minutes. Combined with a Nisi Medium Graduated on the sky.
River Brathay, Lake District – Nisi Medium Graduated ND controls the sky well without darkening the tree tops because of the wide feathered area.
Glencoe, Scotland – The NiSi Soft Graduated ND used because Stob Dearg dominates the skyline so much, and would be too dark with other filters.
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