Lee filters or Cokin ? I have the graded Cokin Z-Pro set of ND filters, I am planning our bi-annual trip to Hawaii and want to do more creative shots with the water so have been...

kybob Loc: Versailles, Kentucky

I have the graded Cokin Z-Pro set of ND filters, I am planning our bi-annual trip to Hawaii and want to do more creative shots with the water so have been looking at ‘full’ ND filters to give the water that dreamy look. I have several questions; how are the Cokin ND filters? Cokin are signifantly less than the Lee filters is it worth the bucks? The Lees ND filters ie the big stopper and little stopper have a foam gasket around the edges to seal out the light, I notice the Cokin do not seem to have this, is this foam an important feature or gimic? . Am better off getting the Lee filters and paying the bucks for a new system? ( $610 for new Lee system or $102 for 3 Conkin ND set)

Yes I know one is plastic / resin and the other glass. ( lighter to carry and heavier to carry)

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

kybob wrote:

I have the graded Cokin Z-Pro set of ND filters, I... (show quote)

News flash, BOTH are plastic. Thats why I buy neither. All my square filters are glass for best quality images.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

kybob wrote:

I have the graded Cokin Z-Pro set of ND filters, I... (show quote)

I don't like either one, but Cokin's are the worst, they are just cheap trash in my mind.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I remember Cokin from film only days. The ND filters were a misnomer, not neutral by any means. This could only be assessed after film processing, till photographers ,like me, got rid of them. Not used a Cokin filter for over thirty years.

kybob Loc: Versailles, Kentucky

Hey “News flash”. Unfortunately I can read and have actually physically held the Lee big stopper ND filter in my hand and it be GLASS. Or is this a case of “fake news”? But to your credit I do believe you are correct the “graduated” ND filters are plastic. But in your some what distainful remark I can infer the glass ND filter is better in your somewhat obtuse response.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

kybob wrote:

Hey “News flash”. Unfortunately I can read and have actually physically held the Lee big stopper ND filter in my hand and it be GLASS. Or is this a case of “fake news”? But to your credit I do believe you are correct the “graduated” ND filters are plastic. But in your some what distainful remark I can infer the glass ND filter is better in your somewhat obtuse response.

Thou speakest harsh words at Yuletide. Just tell MT that he is mistaken about the Big Stopper and let it go.

kd7eir Loc: Tucson, AZ

cameraf4 wrote:

Thou speakest harsh words at Yuletide. Just tell MT that he is mistaken about the Big Stopper and let it go.

Why? If someone is spouting FAKE NEWS about a product, they should be called out for their LIES. If MT doesn't KNOW what the Lee Big Stopper is made of, then he should just keep his LYING trap shut about them.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

kybob wrote:

I have the graded Cokin Z-Pro set of ND filters, I... (show quote)

I don't want to get into a discussion about picture quality of IPhone's vs DSLR's. Yes, DSLR's are better in my opinion,BUT, IPhone's are pretty darn good. It really depends on what you are going to do with your image. I have printed some nice 8x10 IPhone prints. When viewed on a wall from normal viewing distance they are great. Anyway, I wanted to show this image I took of Rainbow Falls in Hilo,Hawaii. IPhone mounted on a Mefoto 360 phone tripod bracket using an app called Slow Shutter Cam. I used the earbuds as a wired shutter release so I didn't have to touch the phone. The app allows motion blur from minimal to Bulb settings. Anyway, it just a thought it you want to travel light. The app cost 1.99 this will save you a lot of money to use on doing other memorable things while you are in Paradise. :-)

(Download)

Largobob

kd7eir wrote:

Why? If someone is spouting FAKE NEWS about a product, they should be called out for their LIES. If MT doesn't KNOW what the Lee Big Stopper is made of, then he should just keep his LYING trap shut about them.

Wow, kd7eir. There are always polite, and of course not-so-polite ways of expressing oneself. You have taken the low road here for sure.

MT Shooter has been providing valuable information and service to members on this site 'forever.' I'm sure he knows his stuff.

Merry Christmas to you.... who didn't provide any useful information to the OP regarding this question.....and in a very disrespectful manner.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here's a comparison from 2016.

https://www.paulreiffer.com/2015/07/photographic-filters-nisi-cokin-lee-review-and-comparison/

Riverrune

I was always told that you never want to put cheap glass (or plastic) in front of expensive glass. I never use any filter other than B+W or Hoya.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I wouldn't buy either.

I'd buy a round, 10-stop B+W F-Pro MRC screw-in filter in the correct size(s) and be done with it.

It's glass (the Cokin aren't).
It's multi-coated (the Lee and Cokin aren't)
It costs less (for example, $99 in 77mm size, $160 in 82mm size).
No filter holder and additional mounting hardware needed.
It fits inside the standard lens hood to be protected and shaded by it.
It's smaller and easier to pack.

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I have used Cokin, Lee and Breakthrough. It has been my experience that the Cokin has unacceptable color cast. Lee, which I current have and use is a better choice for a more natural look, but when compared to the new Breakthrough filters, I feel that they are also lacking a bit.

The graduated Lee's that I have are resin, while the little stopper is glass. All Breakthrough filters appear to be glass, but there is not as large a selection with Breakthrough.

If you are looking for a full ND filter rather than graduated, then I would suggest a screw in. They are easier to use and produce the same results.

Bill

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

jerryc41 wrote:

Here's a comparison from 2016.

https://www.paulreiffer.com/2015/07/photographic-filters-nisi-cokin-lee-review-and-comparison/

Very good article.
Shows Lee filters are not all that good, have color cast and are difficult to set up and leak degrading light.

wds0410 Loc: Nunya

Largobob wrote:

Wow, kd7eir. There are always polite, and of course not-so-polite ways of expressing oneself. You have taken the low road here for sure.

MT Shooter has been providing valuable information and service to members on this site 'forever.' I'm sure he knows his stuff.

Merry Christmas to you.... who didn't provide any useful information to the OP regarding this question.....and in a very disrespectful manner.

Not the first time either.