zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

I have the basic CP, UV, FL filters for my Canon T3i. I'm looking at adding ND filters. Which is better the screw on type filters or the Cokin filter kits? If Cokin, excatly how do they work?

Zuzanne

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Both work. The screw-in type can be stacked to get the ND value you need (which is one of Cokin's strengths), but there are limits especially with a wide angle lens. Cokin works on just about any lens.

When you start getting graduated ND filters, then Cokin Series P is your best option as you can adjust the horizon without being forced to change your composition.

A COKIN P seems a tad awkward when just carrying the camera around, but when composing a shot from a tripod offers the best degree of control.

When you start stacking combos like a graduated ND and a polarizer, then Cokin P is the way to go.

If you use filters very much (ND, graduated ND, some blues and tonals, combined with a circular polarizer), then Cokin P is your best option. It is also much less expensive as one filter will fit on practically all of your lenses no matter what brand camera.

Bottom-line? I use both screw-on and Cokin depending on where I am and what I'm doing. If I can use a Cokin I usually do as I have so much more creativity and flexibility immediately at my disposal without screwing around (double meaning intended, because it's appropriate in this case).

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I do not know if Cokin have improved over the years, but their ND filters were NOT neutral, and gave a colour cast. This was very noticable when using transparancy film. I changed to the more expensive Lee Filters which were neutral. One can more easily repair colour cast in computer programmes, but more of a bore with a graduated filter, and only part of the picture suffering from colour cast.

endjr Loc: Maryland

You might like to check this out, it's a variable ND filter.

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/phottix-variable-nd-filter-germany-glass.html

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

I have bought an use Hoya Filters, ND and UV Warming.

I like them ND2, ND4, ND8 and or CIR UV or the Hoya's Mooses Warming CIR UV is a great one just remember your lens opening messurements. I have had great results with them at a car show I was apart of in Pine Mountian, GA at the Pine Mountain RV Resort.

slickrock Loc: jacksonville

If you are building a system, look into Singh Ray filters for the best quality.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

I tried this filter and had to return it due to optical problems and uneven density. This seems to be an inherent compromise with variable ND filters.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Singh-Ray makes several excellent filters for the Cokin P system. Most tend to be pricy, but are superior quality.

Just to be clear for anyone new to the Cokin P, it is a filter SYSTEM not just a manufacturer. Many manufactures make filters for the Cokin P system (Lee, B+H, HiTech, Tiffen, Singh-Ray, etc.)

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

I have not seen that problem, but there have been so many types and manufacturers of filters for the Cokin P system, that I'm not surprised.
This has been true with the circular screw-on filters as well.

zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

Thank you all for your help. Is there a book that explains how to buy and use the various filters. I am just learning and starting to add toys to my T3i.

Zuzanne

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

I use this book "The DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS GUIDE TO FILTERS" by Ross Hoddinnott from D&C publications they were a great help

slickrock Loc: jacksonville

The S R site is informative about use of the filters as well as their products.
http://www.singh-ray.com/

zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

Thank you. I will check them out.

Zuzanne