Lee 100mm Filter System: Do any of you have any experience with the Lee filter system with a DSLR? It is expensive, I know, but it appears much more flexible than individual screw-in...

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

Do any of you have any experience with the Lee filter system with a DSLR? It is expensive, I know, but it appears much more flexible than individual screw-in filters. There are other systems available (Cokin for one) that are less expensive, but my initial research seems to indicate that they are only marginally so. Have you experienced any downsides to the Lee system--other than the cost?

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

I used the `lee system on my Hasselblad superwide for a longtime; it was ideal for what i used it for. It is EXPENSIVE, but good kit usually is! You really need to work out exactly what you need from your kit, and how it relates to the DSLR you are going to use. The Lee system is all based round 100mm square glass/polyester filiters, with the ancillary holders and mounting kit to fit your camera. The basic kit costs about £120, with the filters extra. By specifying exactly what you want, and proposed use before you buy, you will save yourself a lot of grief !

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Lees are fantastic, and Lee is uber expensive. However, there are excellent alternatives right now from Breakthrough Photography. Particulary is the X100 filter holder and adapter rings. Lee sells the holder for $170, and the adapter rings for $35. And, I have had Lee's adapter rings pop out of a lens and make a suicidal dive to the ground. Breakthroughs' holder is $49 and is a far superior design and their adapter rings are only $7.

As far as Cokin, there is no US distributor, not dealer, but distributor.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Falcon wrote:

Do any of you have any experience with the Lee filter system with a DSLR? It is expensive, I know, but it appears much more flexible than individual screw-in filters. There are other systems available (Cokin for one) that are less expensive, but my initial research seems to indicate that they are only marginally so. Have you experienced any downsides to the Lee system--other than the cost?

I had a few and they are way overated! I did not like any of them and they are way too expensive for what you get! I got rid of them in a hurry (bad color casts)!

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

Thanks for the tip about Breakthrough Photography. I was not aware of them. I'll check them out.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I prefer Haida filter system myself.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Cokin (ND and Vari ND) had a reputation for bad colour casts. But that was pre-Digital cameras, when Slide Film was the norm. Lee for me, means better quality.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Falcon wrote:

Do any of you have any experience with the Lee filter system with a DSLR? It is expensive, I know, but it appears much more flexible than individual screw-in filters. There are other systems available (Cokin for one) that are less expensive, but my initial research seems to indicate that they are only marginally so. Have you experienced any downsides to the Lee system--other than the cost?

I now use the NiSi system because it allows a polarizer filter to be turned in a full circle while mounted on the inside of the holder (Lee does not offer this technique). This is very important to me as I shoot a lot of waterscapes. The NiSi system is very durable, not as extensive as Lee but for what I do it is ideal.

Grimmster Loc: New Jersey

I use Formatt-Hitech for long exposure set-ups. Most times just have a BW circ polarizer and shade on.

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

All good info regarding Haida and NiSi filter systems. Thank you. I will spend some time evaluating equipment and prices, but they both look very interesting.

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

Also the info on Formatt-Hitech. I had thought they were part of Cokin.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Falcon wrote:

All good info regarding Haida and NiSi filter systems. Thank you. I will spend some time evaluating equipment and prices, but they both look very interesting.

I also use a Filter Dude Holder instead of Lee or Haida.

http://www.thefilterdude.com/lee-compatible-filter-holder/

Grimmster Loc: New Jersey

formatt-hitech beefie holder, all aluminium.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

speters wrote:

I got rid of them in a hurry (bad color casts)!

Seriously? The 100 mm system that Professionals swear by? Were you using screw on or the rectangular filters?

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Some of the reviews that led me towards Haida over the others.

http://www.lucalibralato.com/lee-nisi-haida-nd-filters-tests/

http://www.achim-sieger.de/en/nd-filter-review-lee-big-stopper-formatt-hitech-prostop-irnd-haida/