Cokin filter system - To buy or not to buy?
Sep 13, 2012 09:04:13 #
lighthouse
Loc: No Fixed Abode
A theoretical question.
All else being equal.
You have a Cokin 3 stop ND grad and someone wants to swap you that for his Lee 3 stop ND grad.
Or.
You have a Lee 3 stop ND grad and someone wants to swap you that for his Cokin 3 stop ND grad.
Which are you more likely to do?
All else being equal.
You have a Cokin 3 stop ND grad and someone wants to swap you that for his Lee 3 stop ND grad.
Or.
You have a Lee 3 stop ND grad and someone wants to swap you that for his Cokin 3 stop ND grad.
Which are you more likely to do?
Sep 13, 2012 09:27:07 #
Sep 13, 2012 09:49:25 #
Sep 13, 2012 09:58:31 #
digicamking
Loc: Raleigh, NC
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
You might want to check the back of the 82 mm lens for a behind the lens for a filter slot. Many lenses that size will have a small slot to put a filter on the back instead of a llarge one in front. Just saying
Sep 13, 2012 10:15:30 #
Hey NOTLguy,
An 82 mm adapter ring and "P" filter holder on eBay= $ .99 cents.
An ND8 filter= about $33.00
Adapter rings for different lenses= about $5.00 apiece.
Right now, there is a Cokin CPL at auction on eBay.
Screw in CPL's range from $ 5.00 :thumbdown: to $70.00 :roll: apiece. Do the math, and decide which you want, or can afford.
I've been using Cokin filters for over 40 years, and they haven't let me down yet.
An 82 mm adapter ring and "P" filter holder on eBay= $ .99 cents.
An ND8 filter= about $33.00
Adapter rings for different lenses= about $5.00 apiece.
Right now, there is a Cokin CPL at auction on eBay.
Screw in CPL's range from $ 5.00 :thumbdown: to $70.00 :roll: apiece. Do the math, and decide which you want, or can afford.
I've been using Cokin filters for over 40 years, and they haven't let me down yet.
Sep 13, 2012 10:27:25 #
Sep 13, 2012 11:23:36 #
I have used the Cokin system for a while now, and it has definite pros and cons.
On the pro side, it is VERY good for use of split neutral density filters. Unlike a screw-on filter, you can slide a ND filter up or down and rotate the holder left or right to get the split where you need it to be. This is the primary use and reason I have the system. For most other types of filters there is no real advantage over traditional screw on filters, IMHO.
For the cons: the system can be awkward to use at times. Because the filter holder slides onto a ring that screws it the threads on the front of your lens, putting the system on and off the camera can be tedious. This becomes especially bothersome when i decide i want to switch lens. With the ring on, you can't attach your normal lens cap. Cokin does make a lens cover that will slip onto the holder ring, so you can just mount a ring on each of your lens, but since you mention that you have an 82mm lens, you will be using Cokins Pro size filter and holder, so the rings you mount will be plenty wide. I find that that is an annoyance for lens storage in my bag.
Additional con: the system increases the chances of vinyetting on very wide angle lens.
Despite the cons, if you use ND filters a lot, it makes having the Cokin filter system worth having.
As for a polarizer. I prefer a screw on. You can use step up rings to make one good quality polarizer work with all of your lens at a very reasonable price, and certainly for less than the cost of the Cokin system. Just buy one that fits your largest lens (82mm) and get the step ups for your others.
On the pro side, it is VERY good for use of split neutral density filters. Unlike a screw-on filter, you can slide a ND filter up or down and rotate the holder left or right to get the split where you need it to be. This is the primary use and reason I have the system. For most other types of filters there is no real advantage over traditional screw on filters, IMHO.
For the cons: the system can be awkward to use at times. Because the filter holder slides onto a ring that screws it the threads on the front of your lens, putting the system on and off the camera can be tedious. This becomes especially bothersome when i decide i want to switch lens. With the ring on, you can't attach your normal lens cap. Cokin does make a lens cover that will slip onto the holder ring, so you can just mount a ring on each of your lens, but since you mention that you have an 82mm lens, you will be using Cokins Pro size filter and holder, so the rings you mount will be plenty wide. I find that that is an annoyance for lens storage in my bag.
Additional con: the system increases the chances of vinyetting on very wide angle lens.
Despite the cons, if you use ND filters a lot, it makes having the Cokin filter system worth having.
As for a polarizer. I prefer a screw on. You can use step up rings to make one good quality polarizer work with all of your lens at a very reasonable price, and certainly for less than the cost of the Cokin system. Just buy one that fits your largest lens (82mm) and get the step ups for your others.
Sep 13, 2012 11:59:07 #
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 have used the Cokin filter system for many years, I started with my Olympus OM-4T (35mm system), and still use them today on mu Canon D1000 (DSLR).
The secret to the Cokin system is to purchase the filter holder for the largest objective lens you will use. Then purchase the filters for that holder, you can purchase step down adapters rings for all the other lens you will need to use. The filter holder can then be removed and snapped onto the other rings with out any obstructions from the lens or filters.
When purchasing filters consider what your current software can do to improve your exposures, and avoid the expense of those filters. Example: There are several graduated colored filters, star filters, and rainbow filters, as well as special effects filters, that have been replaced with Plugin Filters in modern software.
Today I use my Cokin CPF (Circular Polarizer Filter) when outside and still find use for a graduated polarize effect on my software plugin filters.
Michael G
Sep 13, 2012 16:45:13 #
Sep 22, 2012 22:47:41 #
I also have a 82 mm lens, it is the sigma 24-70 a great lens and have several filters for it including the Cokin. I also just today bought another pro master 82 mm Variable lens which i love but dropped my first in a pond had it out in five minutes but the dirt got in between the glass and it is junk, sorry i am rambling.
Sep 23, 2012 00:43:36 #
At 82mm, you are at the upper limit if Cokin P filters. You might want to give some thought to the Cokin Z-Pro series of filters. You will have more versatility using a graduated filter. All TRUE Cokin filters are made from organic glass, not plastic.
http://www.cokin.co.uk/
http://www.cokin.co.uk/
Sep 23, 2012 00:47:36 #
Many years ago, back in the old film days, my wife discovered Cokin Filters. I had the P system, with adapter rings for my various cameras and lenses. The only Cokin filters that I had and used were the large P sized Red, Green, Yellow and Orange. Of course I used these for shooting black & white and infrared.
My wife proceeded to buy the A system for her 35mm SLR lenses, along with every A series filter that Cokin made. . .and I do mean every one. I just ignored her, and kept my mouth shut. These are sitting in a huge camera bag, and have pretty much never been used. With the advent of digital, Photoshop, and various plugins, most filters have no real use today. . .with the exception of good CPFs.
I have them, but have absolutely no use for them. I would love to get rid of them. . .but the wife won't hear of it, even though she has not picked up a camera in close to 20 years! Oh Well, at least she has big hooters. . . :)
My wife proceeded to buy the A system for her 35mm SLR lenses, along with every A series filter that Cokin made. . .and I do mean every one. I just ignored her, and kept my mouth shut. These are sitting in a huge camera bag, and have pretty much never been used. With the advent of digital, Photoshop, and various plugins, most filters have no real use today. . .with the exception of good CPFs.
I have them, but have absolutely no use for them. I would love to get rid of them. . .but the wife won't hear of it, even though she has not picked up a camera in close to 20 years! Oh Well, at least she has big hooters. . . :)
Sep 23, 2012 01:36:58 #
Sorry for the late reply- but im new here & found this topic interesting. Back in film days- I use to use Cokin filters. When I went digital the Cokins went on ebay. If your shooting digital- I had a thought. There has been some discussion if using ANY external glass filter is a good idea or not with digital cameras. If it is true, external add on filters may or may not mess with the accurace of the cameras sensor. I would think that adding multiple glass/plastic filters would probably meter pretty wacky.. Guess I lean twds NOT using a Cokin type system. Just my opinion
Dec 11, 2021 19:48:25 #
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
For my part I went from the film aspect to the digital one and after that 58mm to 55mm, what ever you decide, good luck!...Julian
Dec 11, 2021 20:19:59 #
busted_shutter wrote:
82mm filter size? Need to see a pic of that...lol
82mm is a weird size ?!?!?
You asked for a pic ......
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