How to Use Graduated ND Filters for Landscapes
By Urth USA | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a graduated ND filter to balance bright skies and darker foregrounds in landscape photography. Step-by-step guide with tips for natural, true-to-life results.
Quick Answer
A graduated ND filter balances exposure between a bright sky and a darker foreground in a single shot. Mount the filter so the dark gradient covers the sky, then meter for the foreground. Use a soft-edge filter like the Magnetic Soft Graduated ND8 Plus for natural transitions in uneven horizons.
What a Graduated ND Filter Does
A graduated neutral density (GND) filter has a dark half that transitions to clear glass, reducing light in one part of the frame without affecting the rest. This lets you capture detail in both a bright sky and a darker foreground without blowing out highlights or crushing shadows. The transition zone can be hard or soft; soft-edge filters like the Magnetic Soft Graduated ND8 Plus offer a smoother blend that works well with uneven horizons like trees or mountains.
Step-by-Step: Using a Graduated ND Filter
- Compose and focus without the filter: Set up your shot, focus on the foreground, and lock exposure (or use manual mode). A common mistake is composing with the filter already on, which can trick your meter into underexposing the foreground. Always focus and meter without the filter first.
- Mount the filter with the dark side over the sky: Attach the magnetic graduated ND filter to the lens adapter. Slide it so the dark gradient covers the bright sky, with the transition zone sitting just above the horizon. Check your live view or histogram to confirm the sky is no longer clipped. If the horizon is uneven, position the soft transition across the brightest part of the sky, not the exact horizon line.
- Adjust the filter position and take the shot: Fine-tune the vertical position until the exposure looks balanced. For sunrise or sunset, you may need to shift the filter slightly higher to avoid darkening the warm horizon glow. Take a test shot and review the histogram — the goal is a smooth tonal range without a visible dark band. If you see a dark band, the transition zone is too low. Raise the filter slightly and reshoot.
Product Used in This Guide
- Magnetic Soft Graduated ND8 Filter Plus: Graduated 3-stop light reduction for balanced skies and foregrounds. Fast magnetic mount enables quick, precise adjustments. Premium German SCHOTT glass and CoraNano coating ensure clarity and colour accuracy. The 3-stop reduction handles most sunrise and sunset scenes, while the magnetic mount lets you slide the filter up or down instantly without touching the glass. The soft gradient avoids a hard line across the frame.
