Swifty Loc: Canfield Ohio

I’ve never used any photo editing software. I have used Cokin filters extensively with film and just starting to use with my digital cameras.

My question : does photo editing software duplicate or replace what Cokin filters can do ?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

It's hard to say if the filter is useful or not, lacking specifics of the filter type(s) you use.

For ND filters, they are rather relevant for long-exposures and / or fast apertures in bright light.

For Graduated filters, depends as you might instead bracket your exposure and merge later (digitally) the sky and ground portions of the frames rather than shading a portion of the frame via the graduated filter.

For CPL filters, depends. Certainly, for managing reflections, CPLs have a use.

Colored filters like yellow, red, orange, etc, really not at all. You can do the B&W conversion later on your computer and apply the colored filter digitally.

If you like the framed holder rather than screw-in, the filters and holder continue to work as-is onto the lens, regardless of the camera.

SalvageDiver Loc: Huntington Beach CA

About the only Cokin filter that can't be easily duplicated in post processing is the polarizer. The general effect of darkening a blue sky can be done, but I haven't seen the blocking of specular reflection, i.e. sun reflection on water or haze on a glass surface, easily duplicated in software. I have seen reflections on glasses removed revealing the subjects eyes, but this takes a bit of effort.

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

In film I used just a solid PL filter but with Digital you need a CPL filter which you can get for holder

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

The only physical filters I could imagine I would use for digital photography would be ND, and ND Graduated, and CPL. I want to start with a high IQ "normal" image and then do what I want to it with Photoshop, Topaz, and Nik. I have scores of glass filters from and for my film cameras and lenses.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Good answer.

All1317

I took use cokin filters, bracket type since my film days and found out they cut down any need for post possessing and they add pizzazz to studio flash, filters on the flash, don't knock it til u try it, forgot post processing I specialize in preprocessing it comes out of the camera almost done

Swifty Loc: Canfield Ohio

Thanks to all who responded. Many great thoughts and suggestions !