This chap is being annoyed by an insect and is giving it the dead eye.

I used liveview but good health and safety point to warn people.

Here is an attempt using a cheap grad ND4 from Zomei, it probably explains the not too sharp result, but I have spent ages in pp trying to get a reasonable result. Shadows causing problems and highlights, using the 28-105 FDA which btw I have found to be excellent; in that having a few star series lens this compares very close indeed. Although I'm not 100% happy with the result I do like it, taken at Radford park lake where it finishes by the estuary/Hooe Lake. Hope you like it.

On the 14th of May I managed to get in close to this fella, knowing where the birds hang out and Herons do stay still, posing almost, f8, 500th sec, ISO 200, on the DA* 300. Cropped but a shame about the leaves. Another recommendation for this lens IMHO biased of course.

Thanks guys for the helpful advice, I shall try and take more time in PP instead of hurrying through, I was as always excited to get the pics out there. I do see where improvements can be made and what to utilise to achieve it, thanks again.

As I have no filters/adapter that fit my DSLR kit yet, I have been playing around on this grey day with hand holding an old Cokin 65mm square filter, "Gradual G2, No.121" it states on the case - but has been stored 30'ish years.
I found it just covered the front of the 28-105mm K1 kit lens (which takes a 62mm screw in filter).
The drizzly weather was on and off but I managed to get the following shots.

Criticism welcome, hopefully helpful as I'm a novice with RT and Gimp. No tripod, K1 mkii.

Thanks chaps some good info, I had the setting on the KP to Natural but on Bright on the K1. So easy miss all the settings! Also had read about using EV set 0.5 on the K1 before, so shall be trying that.

The filter holder for sale I did note it was a 150, and have been checking out the Lee site, video and seen the 100 size being recommended.
What I also have seen on a well known auction site beginning with E, a chap selling equivalent to Lee adapter rings and holders eg. 82mm ring £12 and Holder 100mm £15.50, a UK site and claims to be made from the same materials as Lee.

Thanks Peter for the info, I use TAV mostly as I'm mainly taking bird shots, will remember to use Av.

With regards to filters I have been looking on the tinternet and Lee look very expensive so unsure of the way to go, have actually got old Cokin resin filters from film days with adapter, but they are not large enough except on the DFA 100 f2.8 WR macro.
Do you go for separate filters or the kit with holder and adapter rings? that is the question. Seen the cheaper ones that have resin filters, and the expensive glass ones. But then again as money is not a problem thankfully (now retired) and you can't take it with you as they say!
Any recommendations anyone, I have seen K&F 62mm circular variable ND for £43?
Are K&F far superior than cheaper resin ones?
I have possibly 3 to 4 lens that could be used with ND filters; 2 x 82mm and 1 of 62mm and 1 x 49mm, or just use the one 62mm and save a bit of cash. The latter is favourite at the moment

I am finding more over exposed/bleached out a bit pics than I do with the KP, maybe my settings? I was on Tav. Yesterday out cycling local, here's a few snaps tweaked with GIMP (as I found it both quicker and easier than RT). Found I had to increase saturation quite a bit, a complete novice with PP malarky btw. Hopefully some may enjoy the pics/snaps.

I was going to title them "not Nice"

You're quackers mate