Application and introduction of gray gradient in landscape photography

In landscape photography, it is definitely not enough to rely on the dynamic range of the camera itself for many scenes. There are only two ways to solve the shooting problem of Gao Fancha: either using the traditional gray gradient method or using digital post-processing.

My own opinion: the advantages of gray gradient: convenient, not using PS complex means, what you see is what you get when shooting, and a good filter basically does not damage the image quality and does not need to be polished many times.

Disadvantages: it costs money, the controllable range is fixed by the filter, and it is not as flexible as the digital later stage.

In the later digital stage, such as PS bending and HDR, you don't need to buy hardware, and the degree can be mastered freely.

Disadvantages: it must be polished many times, so it must be placed on a tripod. Even so, there may still be objects moving between cards, such as flowers and plants in the foreground, birds and clouds in the sky. Software operation needs to be learned and mastered, and the effect is unnatural if it is not handled properly.

I doubt that digital synthesis can take several photos with different exposures. As one exposure, it will not affect the image quality. I have done photo stitching with different exposures myself, which is really not a simple matter, especially the integration problem at the intersection. It is difficult to deal with a very smooth transition, and it is hard to say whether the synthesized works will be discriminated against in the photo competition! In addition, as I said before, there is a problem that the static scene is incomplete.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Gray gradations can ensure the details of the picture to the greatest extent, so as not to lose details under Gao Fancha. However, due to the irregular edge of light-dark transition, digital post-processing can make up for this shortcoming. Therefore, my personal opinion is that if you can use gradient lens imaging at one time, try not to do post-processing puzzles, and if you really need post-processing, you don't have to insist.

Next, let's talk about gradation: 1978, French professional photographer Jean Coquin introduced a special effect filter system that has been studied for many years. The basic principle of Cokin system is to connect an adapter ring corresponding to the lens aperture with the filter bracket, and the filter is inserted in the bracket. When changing the lens, just change the adapter ring. The square filter is much larger than the aperture of the lens, and can be inserted back and forth, moved up and down, rotated (rotated filter holder) and overlapped to achieve the best effect. This concept and design is not only reasonable but also very clever, which greatly facilitates users.

Group A (left) and Group P are basic three-piece filters: filter, filter group and adapter ring. When buying, you should not only consider the color filter, but also consider the adapter ring that matches your lens. Therefore, connecting rings and kits are the most basic accessories of high hardness filtration system. When buying, you should not only consider the color filter, but also consider the adapter ring that matches your lens. There are three series of Gaojian filters: A series is suitable for lenses with a diameter of 36 mm to 62 mm and a focal length greater than 35mm; P series is suitable for lenses with a diameter of 48 mm ~ 82 mm and a focal length greater than 20mm; X series is suitable for φ62mm~φ 1 12mm lenses.

For P series filters, the focal length of 20mm is the limit, otherwise, the packaging box of dark angle high-intensity filter and filter are in one-to-one correspondence, depending on the number.

A series of adapter rings are φ37mm, φ40.5mm, φ46mm, φ48mm, φ49mm, φ52mm, φ55mm, φ58mm, φ62mm and Hasselblad C mirror adapter rings (φ 54 mm); P series adapter rings are φ48mm, φ49mm, φ52mm, φ55mm, φ58mm, φ62mm, φ67mm, φ72mm, φ77mm, φ82mm, Hasselblad C mirror adapter ring, Hasselblad CF mirror adapter ring, Lulaika port and universal adapter ring (this universal adapter ring is installed on the outer edge of the lens, unlike others.

The hood of Gaojian filter adopts modular design, and you can also see the comparison between a P series hood and the hood used on Canon 17-35mm lens. Both series A and P are equipped with a hood, which can be used in series, while the sockets of series P and X also have a socket with a retractable hood. Gaojian has an A/P conversion ring, so A series filters can be used on P series without affecting the viewing angle. If you want to carry multiple filters, Gaojian also provides a plastic box, which can hold 10 filters.

Gaojian also provides a plastic box that can hold 10 filters. For beginners, we recommend Gaojian series of gray gradient mirrors. There is one or two "intermediate edges" (P 12 1 and P 122 respectively), and a general standard filter is provided to help you decide whether the gradient mirror is suitable for you. If you shoot many scenes of sunrise and sunset, or like to shoot scenery with bright light and shadow, or like to have a large sky in the picture, then the gradient mirror will make your photos better. On the contrary, if you are a photographer with sunny sky and white clouds, a polarizer is a better investment.

For domestic gradient lenses, we don't recommend you to use or buy them. Although domestic gradient lenses are very cheap, they are not good. The color cast of domestic gradient lenses has always been sneered at by photographers. Gray gradation is no better than medium gray, and medium gray color cast can be solved by correcting white balance or post-adjustment (overall color cast is relatively easy to handle), but the color temperature of photos taken by domestic gradient lenses is inconsistent, even if you master skilled post-technology, it is very troublesome to handle. Comparison between domestic gradient mirror and Gao Jian gradient mirror: Well, have you seen any clues? The color change of domestic Tianya gray gradient is so clear. Of course, we can't say that Gao Jian's gray gradient color is accurate, so in the previous picture, we compared the colors of Tianya gray gradient and the polarizers of major brands, and found that the colors are indeed biased, so the polarizers of the four major brands are not always biased! Next, look again. This photo not only shows the color cast of domestic Tianya gray gradient, but also exposes another serious problem of domestic products. The transition boundary of the gradient is not a straight line. What a shame. Can't you do better? Look at the chromatic aberration of photos caused by the chromatic aberration of gradient lens in actual use.