Using NiSi 75x100mm Reverse Graduated ND Filters
By NiSi Filters Australia | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use NiSi 75x100mm Reverse Graduated ND filters to balance harsh horizon light during sunrise and sunset, with step-by-step setup and exposure tips.
Quick answer
Use a NiSi 75x100mm Reverse Graduated ND filter when the brightest part of the scene is at the horizon line, such as during sunrise or sunset, to darken the horizon and allow the sky to expose evenly without blowing out highlights.
When a Reverse Grad Beats a Standard Grad
A standard graduated ND filter is darkest at the top and fades to clear at the horizon. That works when the sky is brighter than the foreground, but during sunrise and sunset the brightest light often sits right on the horizon line. A reverse graduated ND filter is darkest in the center (at the horizon) and fades toward the top, so it targets that intense band of light without over-darkening the upper sky.
The NiSi 75x100mm Reverse Grad filters use Nano IR coating to reduce reflections and waterproof the glass, which helps maintain image clarity when shooting into the sun. The 75x100mm size fits the NiSi M75 holder system, making it a compact option for landscape photographers who carry multiple filter sizes.
How to set up and shoot with a NiSi 75x100mm Reverse Grad ND
- Mount the filter holder: Attach the NiSi M75 holder to your lens using the appropriate adapter ring. Slide the 75x100mm Reverse Grad filter into the holder slot closest to the lens so the gradient aligns with the horizon. Check that the filter sits level — a tilted horizon will misalign the gradient and cause uneven exposure.
- Set your base exposure without the filter: Switch to manual or aperture-priority mode. Meter the brightest part of the scene (usually near the horizon) and note the shutter speed. For a 2-stop filter (ND4), you will need to slow the shutter by 2 stops; for a 3-stop filter (ND8), by 3 stops. Do not let the camera auto-exposure change when you add the filter — lock exposure or use manual mode to avoid a shifted meter reading.
- Position the gradient on the horizon: Look through the viewfinder or use live view. Slide the filter up or down until the dark band of the reverse grad sits exactly on the horizon line. The gradient should feather naturally into the sky above and the foreground below. If the gradient line is too sharp, stop down your lens to f/8 or f/11 — a smaller aperture softens the transition and makes it less visible.
- Adjust exposure compensation: With the filter in place, take a test shot. Review the histogram: the horizon highlights should no longer be clipped. If the sky still looks too bright, switch to a 3-stop filter or add a second filter. If the foreground is too dark, reduce the filter density or use a soft grad instead. A reverse grad cannot fix a foreground that is much darker than the sky — for that, you need a standard grad or exposure blending in post.
Filter options
- NiSi 75x100mm Nano IR Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Filter – ND4 (0.6) – 2 Stop: True to life color, no color cast. You can stack this filter with other NiSi filters without shifting white balance, saving time in post-processing.
NiSi 75x100mm Nano IR Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Filter – ND4 (0.6) – 2 Stop - NiSi 75x100mm Nano IR Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Filter – ND8 (0.9) – 3 Stop: Optical glass for high definition. The glass maintains sharpness even when the filter is used at smaller apertures, so details in the horizon and sky remain crisp.
NiSi 75x100mm Nano IR Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Filter – ND8 (0.9) – 3 Stop
