I am planning to get my first wide angle lens. Nikon 16-35 F/4 is the one which is on top of my list now and when reading the reviews about this lens in b&h web site, I noticed this question and answer.
Q : Can I use a Graduated ND filter with this lens( Lee Filter system)?
A : It's not recommended to use a ND filter at a focal length less than 35mm. This will cause a black x or a line in the center of the frame. Not sure what the technical word for this is.
This confuses me. I was planning to get some ND filters so that i can take some long exposures on bright environments.
Is this a true statement ? If yes, What are the focal lengths which people usually use NDFilters with (to photograph landscapes)
Answer
The advice you read is an example of the phrase, "A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing."
There are filters known as Variable ND filters that are basically two polarizer filters stacked on top of each other. As the axis of polarization is altered between the two polarizer filters the total amount of light allowed through will vary. If an ND filter is based on filtering polarized light then you do run the risk of those infamous black Xs.
I'm not sure I've ever seen a graduated ND filter, though, that uses a polarizing filter to reduce the amount of light allowed to pass through. Assuming you can fit such a non-polarized filter to your lens without causing vignetting or physical contact between the filter and the middle of the front lens element (which can be rather bulbous on some wide angle lenses) you should be fine.
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