Cokin filter system - To buy or not to buy? As I build up a collection of lenses, it can get a little expensive buying filters for all of the different sizes of lens, I have been...

NOTLguy Loc: Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

As I build up a collection of lenses, it can get a little expensive buying filters for all of the different sizes of lens, I have been contemplating investing in a Cokin filter system and would appreciate any feedback you may have. I would start out with a circular polarizing filter. My current lenses go up to 82mm in size

busted_shutter

I used a Cokin outfit with my 35mm. Never had a problem, but one needs to be carefull cleaning(plastic filters). Lost them in the fire as well. Had quite the selection, many more than the standard set. Let the debate conmmence...glass vs plastic.

busted_shutter

82mm filter size? Need to see a pic of that...lol

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

A system is definitely the way to go and if cash is limited then Cokin can be an alternative.
But the Cokin ND grads have a magenta cast.
I use ND grads and full ND filters.

The only filters I have seen with no cast are the Lee filters.

I have seen many Cokin shots with a magenta cast in the sky.
It is noticeable and looks horrible.
Some people just think it makes their sunsets look wonderful but really it looks like crap.
My Singh-Ray 3 stop reverse grad has a cast. I don't like it.

You might like to check with someone who has done this but I am pretty sure the Lee filters will fit in the Cokin holder if you get the right holder. There are 3 sizes and I can't remember off the top of my head which one takes 6x4" filters.
I think it is the Z but not positive.

If you can afford it, a full Lee system and filters is the go.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

NOTLguy wrote:

As I build up a collection of lenses, it can get a little expensive buying filters for all of the different sizes of lens, I have been contemplating investing in a Cokin filter system and would appreciate any feedback you may have. I would start out with a circular polarizing filter. My current lenses go up to 82mm in size

I got a non-Cokin Cokin filter set for about $50 from Amazon. So far, so good. It's a very complete set, although I am just scratching the surface using it. When I say I'm scratching the surface, I'm not referring to scratching the filters. :D

deej

jerryc41 wrote:

quote=NOTLguy As I build up a collection of lense... (show quote)

I believe I also have the same set too. So far, upon comparison to a borrowed good set I see no difference (but I'm not as advanced as many here). At least this st gives one an opportunity to try em out and determine if a better set is necessary as the types.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

deej wrote:

quote=jerryc41 quote=NOTLguy As I build up a col... (show quote)

That's what I figured. I'd rather test the waters before I take the plunge.

krispix Loc: London - UK

NOTLguy wrote:

As I build up a collection of lenses, it can get a little expensive buying filters for all of the different sizes of lens, I have been contemplating investing in a Cokin filter system and would appreciate any feedback you may have. I would start out with a circular polarizing filter. My current lenses go up to 82mm in size

The Cokin system is definitely worth considering. The debate will go on ad infinitum of glass over optical resin, but I've never noticed any marked optical aberrations from using them, and when it comes to graduated filters there are few alternatives.
You may find that a filter size of 82mm is a problem for the 'standard' Cokin P size (84mm) and you may have to think about the Cokin Z (100mm) in order to avoid vignetting. I'm not convinced they even make a ring larger than 80mm for the P system. This will push the price up considerably.

NOTLguy Loc: Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

I didnt realize that they were plastic. I dont think I like the idea of that.

NOTLguy Loc: Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

That's great feedback Lighthouse, i will check out the Lee filters
Cheers

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I have the Cokin Z system. I use it enough to know what it will do, in general, but not enough to say I have any expertise.
However -
Buy the size to fit your LARGEST diameter lense then buy step-down adaptors. That way you have one set of filters for all of your glass.

NOTLguy Loc: Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

Thank's BboH, I understand the principle of interchangeability, I was more interested in the quality and functionality of this type of system. I know they used to be very popular some years ago, but I have heard far less about them in recent years, I wondered if this was because people didn't find them very functional, or there were some quality issues.

krispix Loc: London - UK

NOTLguy wrote:

That's great feedback Lighthouse, i will check out the Lee filters
Cheers

Still plastic though!
It's actually an optical resin, of the type modern spectacles are made. As I said earlier, I've never noticed any spherical aberration with them. They are as flat as any glass filter. You do need to take care with them as they scratch easily, but then multi-coated glass filters scratch easily too.
Yes, the Cokin NDs have a propensity to introduce a cast when more than one filter is used at a time, however, this is fairly easily fixed in PP.
I have a mixture of manufacturers; Cokin, Lee, Hi-Tech, B&W and (apart from the price) I wouldn't like to put one before another.

NOTLguy Loc: Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

Does anyone make this type of system in a high quality glass filter?

krispix Loc: London - UK

NOTLguy wrote:

Does anyone make this type of system in a high quality glass filter?

Not that I'm aware of. If they did I would shudder at the cost. Even the resin ones can be horrifically expensive. If they were glass .....!!!
I've just checked and the 'P' system goes up to 82mm, but if that's a wide-angle lens you will need the special wide-angle holder and even that will vignette at (crop-sensor) focal lengths under about 12mm