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.

would like to try the Cokin filter system. 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? Do they possibly make a polarizer for the Cokin system (in the P Series)? 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 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)?

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.

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.