09/02/2026 7:26 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
0
I’m putting together a small filter kit for Nikon landscape shooting and I’m a bit overwhelmed by all the options. Most of my landscapes are sunrise/sunset and waterfalls, and I’m usually hiking so I’d like to keep things light and not buy stuff I won’t actually use. Lenses are a Nikon wide-angle (77mm thread) and a mid-range zoom, and I shoot a mix of mountains, lakes, and coastal scenes. I know CPLs can help with glare, but I’m confused about ND vs graduated ND in real-world use (and whether bracketing makes GNDs pointless now). What are the true must-have filters for Nikon landscape lenses, and which ones can I skip?
4 Answers
10
09/02/2026 7:26 am
For your situation, I’d keep it super simple and light… been there, i get it.
1) CPL (circular polarizer) = actual must-have
- Pros: kills glare on wet rocks + lake/ocean reflections, boosts sky contrast. I use a Hoya HD3 Circular Polarizer 77mm and I’m honestly pretty happy with it.
- Cons: can look weird on ultrawides (patchy sky), and it eats ~1–2 stops of light.
2) ND: screw-in VND vs fixed ND (pick ONE)
- K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND2-ND32 77mm: light + flexible for waterfalls. Pros: one filter, fast. Cons: can get “X pattern” on wide angles if you crank it.
- Fixed ND like Hoya PROND ND64 77mm: pros: cleaner image, no X. Cons: you’ll want multiple strengths (more $$, more weight).
3) GND: optional now, not pointless
- If you hike and bracket anyway, I’d skip a physical GND at first. Bracketing + blending handles messy horizons (mountains/trees) way better. GND still rules for clean horizons (ocean sunsets) when you want 1 shot.
Practical tip: get 77mm filters + cheap step-up rings for ur other lens. Saves $$$ long term. good luck!
3
14/02/2026 6:09 am
I'm still pretty new to the Nikon system myself, but I’ve already learned the hard way about the *reliability* side of things. When I first started, I bought a cheap set of those square filters because I thought I needed everything, but they felt so fragile while hiking. I was constantly worried about dropping them on the rocks or scratching them while trying to slide them into the holder. Eventually, I just went back to basics with a few solid screw-in filters. They feel way more secure and I don't have to worry about light leaking in through the sides. One thing I'll warn you about—be careful with the super thin ones! I had one get stuck on my 77mm lens once and I honestly thought I was going to break the lens trying to get it off. It was a total nightmare. Now I mostly just focus on having one or two things that I know won't fail me when I'm out in the mud or near the spray of a waterfall (at least that's what worked for me). Does anyone else worry about filters getting stuck out in the field, or is it just me?
3
18/03/2026 9:05 pm
Saved for later, ty!
2
09/02/2026 8:00 am
TL;DR: CPL + a 6‑stop ND (maybe 10‑stop if you love long exposures). Skip GNDs unless you hate HDR workflows.
For waterfalls at sunrise/sunset, a solid 6‑stop ND is the sweet spot for 0.5–2s shutter without going nuclear-dark; I like Breakthrough Photography X4 ND 6-Stop 77mm or B+W XS-Pro ND Vario 77mm if you want one filter (tho variable NDs can get weird on ultra-wides). GNDs aren’t “pointless,” but bracketing is honestly easier hiking light—GNDs get annoying with mountains/trees cutting into the grad. Get step-up rings and buy 77mm only. gl!
