donmabry Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

i'm getting a little tired of messing with screw-in filters and would like to try the Cokin filter system. I'd never even seen one until a couple days ago so, all I know is what I've been able to read during that short time. Needless to say, I need a lot of help and have a lot of questions. Am I correct in thinking that the "Series" designation has to do with the size of the filter holder? Is it true that, when they talk about the 'P Series', they're talking about the size of the holder? My only real concern is whether or not the P Series will fit my Nikon 7100 without any problems. Do they possibly make a polarizer for the Cokin system (in the P Series)? It seems it would be impossible to make a round object (the filter) fit in a rectangular opening and still expect it to rotate. But, maybe it's possible to do that. The only others I'm interested in right now are the ND filters. If a polarizer is available, can you stack it and the ND filter in the holder and use them together? Can anyone recommend a good source for purchasing the filters. I see a lot of copy-cat filters on places such as Amazon but, I'm having trouble finding a good source for the Cokin filters. Can you use some sort of step-down adapter so that the same holder will fit different lenses (assuming your holder is one to fit your largest size lens)? I'll stop with my questions for now but, I would appreciate any other thoughts/advice that anyone would care to give regarding what I'm trying to do. Obviously, I know very little about this so, I welcome any comments you may have.

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

Yes, the letter designation is a size designation the "P" size is will fit lenses up to 82mm, while the "A" size is only up to 67mm. I started with the A's back in the 1980's and expanded to the P size about a dozen years ago. There are pro's and con's with the system as with most things. But over all I like them, thought I don't use the polarizer (More on that in a moment).

They make a series of mounting rings from at least 48mm and perhaps smaller, up to the 82mm (In he P series) so you can mount the filter holder to any sized lens in between by buying the correct filter thread ring size. I haven't bought any filters in some time, so I don't really know the sources, but others may have ideas.

While my older A series set is all genuine Cokin brand, the newer P series stuff is a mixture of genuine and knock off stuff. All my rings and the holder is all likely knock off, with a mixture of both filters. None have been an issue as far as I can tell.

Hope this helps.

Yes you can put a round peg in a square hole. (Polarizer)


Various rings, holder and flair hood.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I have been told the filters scratch easily. Is that true and if so how do you counter it?

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

They are plastic and yes, they will scratch easily and they can be prone to static charge that will tend to collect dust if not handled with great care. I keep my P series filters mostly in wallets that hold several in a smaller space than the plastic boxes, but that can exacerbate the static issue when the humidity is low. Care is rule #1.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I too have been considering. Thank you!

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

My favorites, are the special effects like the 8 point star and graduated ND filters.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

The graduated and Variable neutral density filters are what drew me to the idea in the first place, but the addition of color filters seems like a lot of fun too. Thank you again for taking the time to help and Happy Holidays!

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

You are most welcome, and Happy Holidays to you and yours as well Steve.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Hi Don,
I think you are heading in a wise direction.
These systems sound expensive at first and end up enormously cheaper in the long run.
I recommend Lee instead of Cokin but will get to that later.

In Cokin I would advise to go bigger than P.
Yes P goes to 82mm but that is not big enough for an 82mm width lens in my opinion.
I have lenses that take 82mm filters but my system takes the next size up - the equivalent of Cokin Z-pro size. 6" x 4" filters.
I still have problems every now and then with the filterholder getting in the way with my wide angle lenses at the wide end.
Even with the Canon 17-40mm which only has a 77mm filter size.
The filter holder intrudes into the photo.

The reason for this is that my holder is set up to take 3 filters. I stack filters and many people with these systems do. (Stacking filters = placing more than one filter over the lens)

Now- regarding Cokin vs the alternative systems.

I will be honest. I do not like Cokin Neutral Density Graduated filters. They have an ugly magenta cast.

The Lee filter system is more expensive but has much more usable filters with virtually unnoticeable colour cast.
My advise would be to buy the Lee system instead of Cokin if you can afford it and if graduated neutral density filters are on your wish list.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Lee versus Cokin Z-Pro Filter Holder; which one is better http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXGQYY84PwI

Best Graduated Neutral Density Filters: http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2013/02/18/best-graduated-neutral-density-filters-6-models-tested-and-rated

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Thank you for the links Steve.
I find the one comparing the Lee to the Z Pro very interesting.
I would have liked him to comment on how well each brand of filter fits into each holder though.
ie Lee 6x4" filters into each and Cokin 6x4" filters into each.
The Cokin holder 40% cheaper? In all honesty, the cost of the holder is virtually negligible. It is the filters where the main of the cost is.

I must say that I am sceptical about the other link though.
1- it didn't include Singh-Ray in the comparison
2 - it said that the Cokin Z had a different cast to the Cokin P.
One slightly turquoise to the other slightly red?
This raises questions for me. I would expect the different sizes to be made out of the same material just in different sizes.
So why would they have different colour cast?
So does that mean the Cokins are made out of different materials to each other, different processes, or does that mean that their cast is inconsistent?
In consistent cast would be a real worry.

I would want to buy a brand listed as having no noticeable cast.

Jane_Austin Loc: Melbourne, Australia

If your budget allows, invest in the Lee system. The build quality of the holder is excellent and the filters are virtually cast free. If you are a landscape photographer I'd recommend starting with the soft edged graduated ND set (stackable). You can add others progressively as your needs evolve. I've found a small collection to be more than adequate. All the best with your decision!

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

I have a set but I get vignetteing when I use them on my zoom lenses

GreenReaper

It's been awhile since I've had mine out of the case. I have one holder for each of my cameras, 35mm & 4x5. The filters themselves are interchangeable between the two and I do believe you can "stack" filters, and I have a circular polarizer. I would recommend them if for nothing else than the price.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Heyrob stated : "Yes you can put a round peg in a square hole..)" This should not come as a surprise because you can also get a square meal in a round can! By the way, this has been an informative discussion.