Cokin graduated neutral density filter kit
Dec 13, 2011 10:23:30 #
I am considering buying this accessory. Before doing so, I would appreciate hearing the good, the bad and the ugly about it.
I shoot raw and am an intermediate-level Photoshop user. Having said that, would I find the filters unnecessary, nice but not necessary or really thankful to have them?
Do people use a polarizer with these filters?
I shoot raw and am an intermediate-level Photoshop user. Having said that, would I find the filters unnecessary, nice but not necessary or really thankful to have them?
Do people use a polarizer with these filters?
Dec 13, 2011 14:33:13 #
I have not come across an instance where I needed both at the same time. I don't see why you couldn't, you just loose a little more light.
I have a few of the Cokin "P" filters, including one of the GNDs. I don't use them a lot, but so far, I like them.
For me, the advantages are they are relatively inexpensive and there is a lower chance of vignetting if you have to stack them. On the downside, they are plastic and it seems they could get scratched easily. They pretty much have a universal fit, but you could accomplish the same thing with the screw-in filter adapters. The holder does act as a lens hood to help against bumps which is good because my lens caps don't fit right when the ring is on.
I still prefer a standard CP filter. I'd think it would be a pain to use a standard CP and the Cokin GND at the same time since you'd have to rotate the CP, then rotate the Cokin without changing the position of the CP; it might work on a tripod.
I have a few of the Cokin "P" filters, including one of the GNDs. I don't use them a lot, but so far, I like them.
For me, the advantages are they are relatively inexpensive and there is a lower chance of vignetting if you have to stack them. On the downside, they are plastic and it seems they could get scratched easily. They pretty much have a universal fit, but you could accomplish the same thing with the screw-in filter adapters. The holder does act as a lens hood to help against bumps which is good because my lens caps don't fit right when the ring is on.
I still prefer a standard CP filter. I'd think it would be a pain to use a standard CP and the Cokin GND at the same time since you'd have to rotate the CP, then rotate the Cokin without changing the position of the CP; it might work on a tripod.
Dec 14, 2011 05:58:41 #
abc1234 wrote:
I am considering buying this accessory. Before doing so, I would appreciate hearing the good, the bad and the ugly about it.
I shoot raw and am an intermediate-level Photoshop user. Having said that, would I find the filters unnecessary, nice but not necessary or really thankful to have them?
Do people use a polarizer with these filters?
I shoot raw and am an intermediate-level Photoshop user. Having said that, would I find the filters unnecessary, nice but not necessary or really thankful to have them?
Do people use a polarizer with these filters?
A circular polarizer will darken your sky enough fo most purposes. I have used Cokin gradiated MD on rare occasions. The Cokin sysem is a bit unwieldy for most purposes, but it does wok. Photoshop or Lightroom can do a better job that any GND filter.
Dec 14, 2011 05:59:54 #
I have used them to good effect in landscape work. I hold the filter by the edges and adust by using live view then take my photo. saves having to buy multiple fitting rings for diffent size lens
Dec 14, 2011 09:34:12 #
I think you would be happy you have them.
However, I use the Coken system, but I use the Hi Tech filters that fit the Coken holder. I do this because the reviews I looked at on the Coken ND filters speak of a magenta cast on some of the photos. I don't know if there's any truth in this.
My circ. pol. is Coken and I love it.
However, I use the Coken system, but I use the Hi Tech filters that fit the Coken holder. I do this because the reviews I looked at on the Coken ND filters speak of a magenta cast on some of the photos. I don't know if there's any truth in this.
My circ. pol. is Coken and I love it.
Dec 14, 2011 09:45:26 #
gilril
Loc: Wilton, Maine
I use Lee 4 X 6 hand held GND filters. They work very well when the sky is significantly brighter than the land in landscape photography. Of course, you really need to be on a tripod to do this but you can then easily manipulate where the "cut" line falls on the horizon of the image.
Dec 14, 2011 11:28:05 #
i use the tiffen glass filters. circular polarizer, ND 3, 6, 9, and and i find them very useful. at times.
the circular polarizer use most.
the circular polarizer use most.
Dec 14, 2011 13:45:39 #
abc1234 wrote:
I am considering buying this accessory. Before doing so, I would appreciate hearing the good, the bad and the ugly about it.
I shoot raw and am an intermediate-level Photoshop user. Having said that, would I find the filters unnecessary, nice but not necessary or really thankful to have them?
Do people use a polarizer with these filters?
I shoot raw and am an intermediate-level Photoshop user. Having said that, would I find the filters unnecessary, nice but not necessary or really thankful to have them?
Do people use a polarizer with these filters?
I use Cokin GND filters on most sunsets especially when the sun is quite bright. Sometimes if it is really bright and foreground is dark, I use two of them. Also use them on landscape shots when the sky is very bright and the foreground somewhat dark. If you would like to see images shot with them, let me know and I'll post samples.
Dec 14, 2011 16:38:48 #
I would love to see them. This is just because I love to use filters and like to see the results other people have. I think that would also help the origional poster.
llindstrand wrote:
quote=abc1234 I am considering buying this access... (show quote)
Dec 14, 2011 16:59:50 #
I posted this under another thread but I thought I would throw it in here for the benifit of abc1234.
This was taken with the Coken polorizer. Note how it effected the sky. No post processing was done on the sky.
This was taken with the Coken polorizer. Note how it effected the sky. No post processing was done on the sky.
Dec 14, 2011 17:09:11 #
Sorry. After looking at your profile I see that you already use a polorizer. You already know what they do. It's just the ND's you're looking at.
Dec 14, 2011 17:18:51 #
Three sunsets using Cokin graduated neutral density filters, Canon 580D camera, ISO 100
The first is HDR combined with the filters allowed the beach to be visible. I used two filters as the sun was extremely bright and I was shooting into it.
I used an 18-200 Canon lens, f22, exposures 1/25, 1/50, &1/13
Number two with one GND 17-85 Canon lens, f16, exposure 1/200
Number 3 with one GND, f20, 1/6, 18-200 lens
Number 4 is an HDR processed image captured with one GND, f22, ISO400, 18-200 lens, exposures 1/100, 1/250, & 1/30
Your comments would be appreciated.
The first is HDR combined with the filters allowed the beach to be visible. I used two filters as the sun was extremely bright and I was shooting into it.
I used an 18-200 Canon lens, f22, exposures 1/25, 1/50, &1/13
Number two with one GND 17-85 Canon lens, f16, exposure 1/200
Number 3 with one GND, f20, 1/6, 18-200 lens
Number 4 is an HDR processed image captured with one GND, f22, ISO400, 18-200 lens, exposures 1/100, 1/250, & 1/30
Your comments would be appreciated.
Sunrise on Olympic Peninsual
Sunset, Maple Valley
Sunset Maple Valley
Mount Rainier
Dec 14, 2011 18:13:33 #
Very nice. Thanks for sharing these.
llindstrand wrote:
Three sunsets using Cokin graduated neutral densit... (show quote)
Dec 14, 2011 18:35:12 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.