Soft Edge graduated filters transition across the filter toward the center, and although there is a horizon line, it is subtle. This allows for horizon transitions to be more easily hidden in a scene, especially with an undulating horizon line such as mountains, buildings or trees. Roughly speaking soft edge grad filters are for wide angle lenses and hard edge filters are for longer lenses. This gives the most visually attractive effect transition at the horizon line. The Soft Edge grad is the ideal tool for balancing bright sky to a dark terrain where the horizon is uneven. Soft Edge grads are essential for both fine art photographers and professional cinematographers alike, and are the most popular grads we make.