Cokin filters

[fatsteve]

After a failed trip to Jessops today (weekend monkeys...), I'll ask the PH masses.

I want to get some GND + ND filters for my 2 main lenses (58mm and 62mm screw) so that I can improve on my landscape shots (being studiously reading articles on t' net).

I think the best filters to go for (in my budget) are the Cokin ones, since it appears that you buy an adaptor for each lens which allows the main "holder" to attach to and then you simply slide in the actual filters themselves (please correct me if I'm wrong).

I think the System P is a better option since it allows for a greater focal range (over the System A).

On this basis, I think I need:

* 58mm adaptor
* 62mm adaptor
* System P Filter-Holder
* Plus whichever filters I go for (.9 grey GND to start with)

I figure this is the most flexible since if I opted for the usual screw in ones, then I'd have to duplicate the filters for each lens (expensive).

I've also heard good things about Cokin filters.

TIA

Steve



>>> Edited by fatsteve on Sunday 9th January 21:50

[agent006]

I've got an ancient set of Cokin filters and they're great, apart from the rather dubious light green one with a clear centre.

[anonymous-user]

I use Cokin P series filters, the A series obscure the edge of the image on some wide angle lenses.

[parrot of doom]

Also have a look at the Lee filter range

www.leefilters.com/home.asp

I have some, they're very well built, and the filters are much larger than the Cokins.

[Mad Dave]

I use the Cokin P series and I think theyre great, except I get a bit of vignetting from the holder at the 18mm end of my 18-70mm lens.

I often use:

ND Grad
Polariser
Warmup
Diffuser

Theyre very useful!

[leszekg]

fatsteve said:

I figure this is the most flexible since if I opted for the usual screw in ones, then I'd have to duplicate the filters for each lens (expensive). >>> Edited by fatsteve on Sunday 9th January 21:50

You don't have to duplicate the filters with glass filters. Simply buy the largest filter size you need plus a step up adapter (about three pounds) for each other thread size. I've used both the Cokin system as well as glass filters and overall I personally favour the glass filters. IMHO they are better quality and you can leave them on the lens when you put the camera away in your bag. The grads on the Cokin type systems are more flexible though because you can move them up and down in the holder, so I tend to use a combination of both, but prefer using glass filters.

Having said that, I'm tempted by the Lee Filter system but this is much more expensive than either the Cokin or glass filters.

[parrot of doom]

I have a few Lee filters, generally speaking they're excellent. Not quite as good as Tiffens, but much cheaper and provided you don't scratch them (they're plastic) will provide some quality imaging.

The filter holder is very light, but also very strong, and easily adjustable to fit different thicknesses and for sliding grads up and down. You can also rotate individual filters to create more interesting effects.

[te51cle]

Your plan is sound, I suggest you budget for a circular polariser as the very next filter.

[fatsteve]

te51cle said:

Your plan is sound, I suggest you budget for a circular polariser as the very next filter.

Cheers, I already have CP and UV filters (screw in) for all my lenses (UV primarily as a scratch guard in favour of a skylight).

I feel it's now time to have a play with some of the square filers rather than doing stuff post-production in PS (not always the best choice).

Have a hankering for a tobacco graduated filter too!

Is it worth leaving the UV filters on when using the Cokin ones?

Steve

[ehasler]

parrot of doom said:

I have a few Lee filters, generally speaking they're excellent. Not quite as good as Tiffens, but much cheaper and provided you don't scratch them (they're plastic) will provide some quality imaging.

Either you're paying a lot for Tiffen filters, or know something I don't about where to get Lee ones! I got a set last year, and they're not cheap!

[parrot of doom]

Well you can buy a set, but I tend to get them separately, about £30-£35 each.

[te51cle]

Usually best to lave the existing UK filters on for protection, but watch out for vignetting in the corners of the frame when you're at the wide angle end of your lens. This is especially likely if you're stacking the UV, polariser and then the filter holder on the front of your lens. From my experience vignetting is likely at a focal length of about 35mm or below.

Don't bother with the funky-coloured or soft focus filters if you have access to Photoshop. You can add any colour you like then, graduate it soft or hard and also won't have to worry about flare, dust or scratches harming the image. Much better to spend your money on a smaller set of higher quality filters in the first place. You might find colour correction filters more use - warm-up, FLW, tungsten correction etc.

[fatsteve]

te51cle said:

Usually best to lave the existing UK filters on for protection, but watch out for vignetting in the corners of the frame when you're at the wide angle end of your lens. This is especially likely if you're stacking the UV, polariser and then the filter holder on the front of your lens. From my experience vignetting is likely at a focal length of about 35mm or below. Don't bother with the funky-coloured or soft focus filters if you have access to Photoshop. You can add any colour you like then, graduate it soft or hard and also won't have to worry about flare, dust or scratches harming the image. Much better to spend your money on a smaller set of higher quality filters in the first place. You might find colour correction filters more use - warm-up, FLW, tungsten correction etc.

Superb, thanks very much for your advice.

Is there a way round the vignetting (ie larger filters)

Steve

[Mad Dave]

My Cokin P series filter holder cuts into the shot on 18mm focal range. Is the Lee filter holder wider?

[ehasler]

You can get a wide angle filter adapter ring for the Lee system, and I've used it with two filter slots on a 17mm lens with no problem.

Details here