Photographers make no secret of loving their golden hours. Head to any beautiful landscape location around sunrise or sunset and you’re more than likely to see a few tripods mounted up.
With that in mind, Lee Filters has designed a new range of filters specifically tailored towards shooting at these hours: the LEE Filters Reverse ND range.
The filters have their strongest density in the centre of the filter, gradually transitioning to a lighter effect towards the edges. Place the darkest area over the sunrise or sunset and you’ll get a pleasing exposure of the sun without underexposing the sky.
The new resin graduated filters are for the Seven5, 100mm and SW150 filter systems, and are available in 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 strengths – equating to two, three and four stops respectively. The strength numbers refer to the density in the middle of the filter.
The filter smoothly graduates from coloured to clear
Reverse ND filters aren’t a new idea, but LEE promises that the manufacturing quality of these new ones sets them apart from the current standard on the market, which tend to have a stark “stripe” on the horizon line with a harsh transition to the clear area. The Lee Reverse ND range promises a subtler transition zone, allowing for precise control of the exposure.
LEE says the lenses will be most effective on lenses with focal lengths of 24mm or wider (on full-frame). We’re looking forward to trying some out for landscape and seascape work.
Pricing is as follows: Reverse ND Filter (Seven5 System) – £81.80 each (excl VAT); Reverse ND Filter (100mm System) – £114.34 each (excl VAT); Reverse ND Filter (SW150 System) – £125.56 each (excl VAT).
Take a look at the LEE Filters site for more information and to see some sample images and videos of the Reverse ND filters in action.
