Graduated ND filters

[neuroanatomist]

I would not get full sets to start, and the 0.3 are not particularly useful, IMO. Hard versus soft depends mostly on what you shoot, even horizons or broken horizons. If you shoot with the sun near the horizon, you are better off with a reverse ND grad. I think is 0.9 soft, is 0.6 hard, and a 0.9 reverse would be a good starter kit.

Question: do you want/need to use a CPL with your grad NDs?

[Kayaker72]

If you shoot with the sun near the horizon, you are better off with a reverse ND grad. I think is 0.9 soft, is 0.6 hard, and a 0.9 reverse would be a good starter kit.

+1 on that exact kit. Maybe a 4 stop reverse ND filter, but I own a 3 stop and it works well.

As to the question of grad ND filters vs post processing with multiple shots. For static subjects shot from a tripod, it is debatable if the grad ND filters is better than combining multiple exposures. For moving subjects or for hand held shots, you need the grad ND filters (and yes I do hand hold some shots with my grad ND filters ). But, I also suggest that you consider it from a different angle, do you enjoy capturing the image in camera or post processing more? Personally, I really enjoy the act of taking photos. I am enjoying post process more and more, but I still enjoy sitting on a scene and thinking of how I want to capture it. I also have yet to do a HDR shot that I liked as much as an image I captured in camera. But that is me and my preferences.