NiSi GND Filter (Neutral Density Gradient)

NiSi GND Filters (Neutral Density Gradient) are an essential tool for all landscape photographers. With these filters, you can overcome the limitations of your camera’s dynamic range by capturing details in the light and dark areas of the scene.

Forget Resin: NiSi Neutral Density Gradient filters are made from high-quality optical glass, so you won’t lose any detail in your images. In addition, IR coating is applied to all our filters to block the infrared light (which would dominate), moreover, the filters have Nano Coating®.

No matter which holder system you use: NiSi has the filters you’re looking for. Graduated neutral density filters are available in sizes 75mm, 100mm, 150mm and 180mm are available. The NiSi V6 or V5 Pro is the perfect filter holder for filters in the size 100x150mm, while the 150mm Filter Holder (and NiSi S6) is exactly what you need for your Nikon 14-24 f/2.8, Tamron 15-30 f/2.8 and other wide angle lenses. If you have the Canon 11-24 f/4, we have created a custom holder with 180mm wide ND and GND filters (without vignetting).

What are GND filters used for?

NiSi Neutral Graduated Filters allow you to overcome one of the current technological limitations: No matter how advanced your camera is, its sensor will never match the perception of the human eye.

With GND filters, you can balance the brightness of the light and dark areas of the scene so that your camera’s sensor can capture every detail. Graduated neutral density filters let you match the brightness of the sky with that of the ground to get images that match what you saw with your eyes. Burned out areas can be easily avoided.

NiSi GND graduated neutral density filters are available in various gradations from 1 to 5 levels (for some transitions), so you can choose the filter that is right for any situation.

Which GND filter should I choose?

Each filter is characterized by a transition between the light and dark areas of the filter. There are four transitions available:

• Soft: Used mainly in mountain and hilly landscapes where the separation between light and dark areas of the scene is not well defined. Photographers often use them in different gradations. Since they are very nuanced, it is useful to have both low intensity (like 2 or 3 stops) and higher (4 or 5 stops).
• Medium: This type is similar to the smooth transition gray gradients, but the gradient edge is not quite as soft with the Medium GND. These filters are very versatile and can be used in most situations to photograph against the sun or away from the sun. Objects that extend above the horizon can be darkened by this filter, but usually not as obviously or strongly.
• Hard: This filter has a hard transition from dark to clear. It is best used for scenes that have a clearly visible transition from foreground to sky. It is best used on landscapes where there are no elements overhanging the horizon, such as seaside shots overlooking the open ocean. Avoid using this filter when objects extend above the horizon, as these objects may appear very dark above the transition in your photo.
• Reverse: Gray graduated filters with a “reverse transition” (Reverse) are similar to GND with a hard transition, except that the darkest part of the filter is at the transition point. These filters are specifically designed to photograph against a light source where the light is strongest at the horizon and weakens toward the sky.