Saw this thread while scrolling today. Since youre rocking that Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, you actually have a cool option because of the HB-97 lens hood it comes with. It takes 112mm screw-in filters, which basically solves the vignetting problem without needing a massive square holder right away. Tbh, grad NDs are mostly a waste with that Z7 II sensor. You have so much dynamic range that you can just underexpose a bit and pull the shadows in post. Focus on these instead:

• NiSi 112mm Circular NC CPL
• This is non-negotiable for those wet rocks in the Gorge. It cuts glare that Lightroom literally cannot touch.
• B+W 112mm 1.8-64x MRC Nano 806 ND Filter
• A 6-stop is usually the sweet spot for waterfalls so you dont lose all the texture. If you want to stay flexible, check out Kase Wolverine 112mm Magnetic Circular Filter Set. Its way faster than screwing things on in the rain. Check out Ricci Talks on YouTube, he has a great breakdown of 112mm vs square systems for that specific glass...

Re: "Saw this thread while scrolling today. Since youre..." - spot on about those 112mm threads. I am very satisfied with the screw-in route on my Z7 II. It keeps the whole kit light and precise.

• NiSi 112mm Circular NC Polarizer Filter: Zero complaints here. Cuts glare on wet basalt without adding a yellow cast.
• Hoya PROND EX 64 112mm: Sweet spot for creek flow. The ACCU-ND coating is technically superior for color neutrality. Both fit your budget easily... definitely the smarter play imo.

Had a moment to think about the technical constraints here. Since you're working with a 500 dollar budget, you might want to consider the rear filter slot on your Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f2.8 S. It's a more reliable way to maintain image quality without the massive cost of 112mm glass tho.

• Be careful with cheap 112mm screw-ins. They often lack the hardened coatings needed for durability in wet environments.
• I would suggest the Haida Rear Lens ND Filter Kit for Nikon Z 14-24mm f2.8 S. It includes multiple densities and is technically very neutral for the price.
• For reflections, make sure to look at the Marumi DHG Super Circular PLD 112mm. It provides excellent extinction ratios for the money. Rear filters are effective because they dont cause the flare that sometimes happens with front-mounted glass. Just be precise when installing them so you dont get dust on the rear element... it can be kinda fiddly but saves a ton of money.

Honestly, I keep it simple with just a CPL and a single solid ND because I had issues with those big kits in the past. I tried a budget square setup and unfortunately it was a total letdown. The color cast was not as good as expected and the holder felt like it was gonna snap in the cold. It was a waste of money tbh. For that 14-24mm lens, those huge holders are a massive headache to carry around. I stopped using grads years ago because they are just a pain to align in the field. Are you planning on using that ultra-wide for most of your shots in Olympic, or do you have a standard zoom too? Also, are you looking for something that fits in a pocket or are you okay with carrying a big dedicated filter bag?

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