Gradient filters, also graduated filters, are glass or plastic panes or also foils made of different materials such as gelatin and plastic, which are inserted into the beam path of the camera in front of the lens. They are mainly used in landscape photography to darken the sky in front of the foreground and thus achieve high-contrast images, which nevertheless do not look overdone. The exposure will be more balanced overall. Good flow filters have one or more anti-reflection layers to prevent reflections and stray light. High-quality graduated filters usually have a rotatable socket. Their effect depends on the aperture setting and the focal length of the lens.

Atmospheric pictures

With a gradient filter, a picture is partially darkened in the bright areas such as sky or sun, especially in landscape photography. This corrects too high contrasts. Over-exposure of the sky, which can occur when the landscape is exposed correctly, can thus be avoided. A gradient filter can also be used to compose dramatic pictures. For example, a darker sky creates a very special lighting mood. Colored gradients can also be used to color entire parts of the picture. There are also gradient filters in which the transition from light to dark is displaceable. The darkening of the bright image areas is also possible and useful in digital photography, especially when the contrast of the motifs exceeds the density range of the sensor when recording. There are gradient filters in different strengths, different dazzling levels and different color gradients. So you should know what effects you want to achieve. The gradient filters can be moved in front of the lens.

Extensive offer

Gradient filters are offered in large numbers. Almost every well-known manufacturer offers several models of different sizes. In addition to simple screw filters for screwing into the thread of the lens, there are increasingly also so-called system filters. Thus filter and socket are separated. This allows a quick combination of the installed filter holder with various other filters. Particularly active in this area is the Lee Filters brand. When comparing and comparing different gradient filters, the Aukey gradient filter set was able to score. It includes three graduated filters in the colors gray, blue and orange. With the gray filtersthe structure of the sky can be worked out well. It can be used in any weather. The blue filter enhances the sky blue in an impressive way and is particularly well suited for shots at the sea. With an orange filter, however, it is possible to create a sunset mood even on bright days. The Aukey gradient filters are universally suitable for all smartphones and their price is also quite cheap.

Well tested History filter

Good ratings were also given to Zomei’s ultra-thin neutral density filters made from a special resin. In addition to photography, they are also suitable for filming videos and are offered in different sizes. The also well rated History filter The Hama brand guarantees harmonious pictures on beautiful summer days and is suitable for both analogue and digital cameras. The neutral-density filters from Neewer also scored points. The Formatt Hitech Gaufilter with reversed course has praiseworthy features. He is suitable for very different lenses and speaks to a higher price probably especially professional photographers. Other gray filters with good ratings on the front seats come from the manufacturers Cokin, Dörr and Rollei. These gray filters are all well suited to coloring and shaping the sky according to your own ideas and to give the clouds contours.

Conclusion

Gradient filters can be a fine thing for both analogue and digital photography. Its scope also extends to video and photography with smartphones in some well-tested models. The financial outlay for the purchase of such a thoroughly useful effect filter remains manageable in most cases despite good quality.