Moving Graduated Neutral density: Hi - I want to purchase graduated neutral density filters to improve my landscape photos. I have the cokin filter set from my film days (A size). They...

Eveline

Hi - I want to purchase graduated neutral density filters to improve my landscape photos. I have the cokin filter set from my film days (A size). They holder fits on the lenses I already own. I found the filters on B&H. My question is should I purchase the smaller size, or go to the larger setup? I wondered if the small filters would leave a line I slide it up or down as a result of their smaller size. I have no way to test until I purchase the filters. I understand that the larger holder and filter can be adapted to any lens with an adapter. I am just wondering what would be the best value - to start over with the larger set, or can I manage with the A size? I hope the question is clear? Hard to explain.

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

You want the larger setup. The reason for this is to prevent vignetting.

Anything that gets in the way of the glass, can potentially cause that....

Eveline

That's what I was thinking. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and buy the new set up. Thanks. Are Cokin filters good quality? I know there is another product called Lee.

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

I use some Cokin and have had no issues with them. BW, Hoya and two others. Stay away from basically no name brands.

I have a couple of Tiffens, seem to be fine.

Remember, the less you pay for something, the less quality you are buying. Not saying to break your bank, but be careful. Read the reviews for anyone you are looking at.

Eveline

Thanks for your help. I was hesitating about buying the smaller filter. No I know what to do.

JAW Loc: LA

I'm not sure I have the answer for you. My first thought was to go to your local camera store and get some personal insight on what you want or want to do regarding these filters - ask the personnel at the store if you could try one of the (A size) filters on your camera that you brought with you to satisfy your curiosity. I have not other suggestion other than buying and trying.

Eveline

My local camera store did not carry the A size so I was going to have to order it online. I know what I need to do now. Thanks for the help.

JAW wrote:

I'm not sure I have the answer for you. My first thought was to go to your local camera store and get some personal insight on what you want or want to do regarding these filters - ask the personnel at the store if you could try one of the (A size) filters on your camera that you brought with you to satisfy your curiosity. I have not other suggestion other than buying and trying.

Ziza Loc: USA

JAW wrote:

I'm not sure I have the answer for you. My first thought was to go to your local camera store and get some personal insight on what you want or want to do regarding these filters - ask the personnel at the store if you could try one of the (A size) filters on your camera that you brought with you to satisfy your curiosity. I have not other suggestion other than buying and trying.

What kind of suggestions are these? From her original post it is obvious Eveline knows what to do with these filters; she has had experience with them going back go the film days. Moreover, she was very clear about not being able to test the filters before purchasing them.

Eveline wrote:

Hi - I want to purchase graduated neutral density ... (show quote)

perpoto

Lee is expensive but very good as a long term investment

Eveline wrote:

Thanks for your help. I was hesitating about buying the smaller filter. No I know what to do.

Eveline

Yes I noticed they weren't cheap! I just need to make a decision now. Thanks.

perpoto wrote:

Lee is expensive but very good as a long term investment

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Years ago, Cokin ND filters had the reputation of NOT being neutral, and gave a colour cast. That was most noticable when using transparancy film.

Kalina54 Loc: Flagstaff, AZ

Hello, if you use cokin p size filters on a wide angle lens which I am assuming that you will use for landscape, you will get some vignetting. Cokin z will be the answer. Lee filters are excellent and large enough not to cause vignetting. I hope that this helps. Singh ray also makes excellent nd grads.

Peekayoh Loc: UK

Still do, have a colour cast that is.
Don't stint on filters.
Lee are good and
what about Singh-Ray.

elie Loc: France

Kalina54 wrote:

Hello, if you use cokin p size filters on a wide angle lensyou will get some vignetting.

why do you say this? Cokin P filters are for lenses uptu 82mm filtersize, so it's up to her to see what lens she will use. only if it's bigger it will be Z .