Re: Are ND grads only used for static shots?

There is a very good reason professional cinematographers and directors almost never use the in-shot zoom; the effect tends to draw immediate attention to itself and takes the viewer out of the story. Sometimes that's just what is called for, but it's extraordinarily rare.

When the zoom is used, it's most often hidden in another camera move, or almost imperceptibly slow.

Typically, a scene looks better when the camera is repositioned at another location, distance to the subject, and angle of view. When we do wish to close on the subject, a dolly or SteadiCam is preferred; it looks more human, more natural and organic, as if the viewer were moving toward the subject.

Great directors and cinematographers probably are better at getting away with a zoom than less experienced shooters; mostly they have the good judgement to forgo it.

Good shooting!

Leo
Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA