Filters

[Epoc]

I'd like to get some ND filters to enhance my seascapes. I am looking at graduated ND 2,4 and 8 maybe Cokin, for my Tokina 11-16 which accepts 77mm filters. When I look on eBay, there seems to be all sorts of different types, Z, P, A, and many types of holders. I have no idea what I actually need to look for. Could someone possibly shed some light (pardon the pun), on what I should buy and if there is a reputable (read cheap) supplier, point me in the direction.

Many thanks for any input.
Epoc.

[outstar79]

Hey Epoc - check these guys out - it's where I buy my grads etc

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category644_1.htm

[sonofcoco]

I think, from memory, the Cokin Z holder is for wide-angle lenses so that should suit the 11-16mm.

This is the next thing I buy too I think...I've been waiting for over a year but as soon as I can save up some money I'll invest :) Part of the problem is I've been looking at the Lee filters and they cost a bit more.

[ricktas]

The P system is a 72mm square filter system. The Z-Pro system is a 100mm square filter system. You need to decide on a system, then buy the filters to suit that system.

[Birdman]

I originally had a Cokin P system which was OK but you can only get 1 filter without Vignetting , I also cut down one of my ones with 3 slots. I have since moved the the Cokin Z system and can use 2 filter slots without vignetting.

I have the same lens as you Tokina 11-16

[Epoc]

Ok, the P system being 72mm sounds like its a no go with the 77mm Tokina. From Birdmans post, the Z system is the one for me. Now to find a good price.

Thanks outstar79, I have delt with DCW before and will certainly see what they have to offer.

Regards,
Epoc

[J.davis]

Found this for cokin filter fitment

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb219/capronm/series.jpg

And this place in the US which I have traded with before

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cokin-P-Gradual-Graduated-Neutral-Density-ND-Filter-Kit-H250-P121L-P121M-P121S-/230793113129?pt=Camera_Filters&hash=item35bc576e29

[Epoc]

Ok, not cheap suckers. $260 is about the cheapest I can find for the complete U960 Z Pro kit. One thing, with all the negativity lately regarding filters, will these impact on my images? Is it a case of positives out weight negatives with ND's and Polarisers?

I see there are other brands like Lee and Singh-Ray, but these are simply out of the question. $150 for 1 filter just isn't going to happen. :eek:


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Found this for cokin filter fitment

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb219/capronm/series.jpg

And this place in the US which I have traded with before

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cokin-P-Gradual-Graduated-Neutral-Density-ND-Filter-Kit-H250-P121L-P121M-P121S-/230793113129?pt=Camera_Filters&hash=item35bc576e29

Thanks John for that info. Things are definitely becoming clearer on what I need.

[ricktas]

the negativity was towards UV filters as they serve zero purpose. yes there will be IQ degredation with any filter, so it is a balancing act between quality and creating the result you want.

[mikew09]

I bought the P series also and they work fine apart from the two issues mentioned above. The vignetting I don't find such and issue but you may see the edge of the holder when at 11mm as I do with my sigma at 10 /11mm. Not a real issue as I mosty crop off a little considering the softness on the extreme edge with the Sigma 10-20.
Be mindful that regardless of P or Z holder you still need to buy the adapter ring for the diameter size of the lens you are using. I have 2 adapter rings. You also need consider cost of he filters, may not be a worry.

To be honest, if I was going purchase again, I would go the wide angle holder but buy the more expensive but better quality Lee filters - personal opinion only. Another thing to note with the cokin filters is - I find - they are very easy to scratch and mine have a number of fine scratch just from cleaning with a micro fiber. This doesn't impact IQ but is frustrating.

After reading this I should finish with a comment on the Sigma 10-20, great lens but mine does suffer the very soft focus issue on the left side of the frame.

[roastman]

I have been using the Hitech filters and found they have been really good. No image degradation that I can see (shot same scenes with/without and no ugly colour casts. They are very reasonably priced, especially if you buy a starter kit. They are also a large filter, so work well with your wide angle lens. I got a very slight vignette on my 17-40 at 17 mm, but got rid of nearly all of it when I rotated the filter holder.

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Oh, I also use Kenko Pro CPL and UV filters. Also fine!

[Epoc]

Thanks for that info Mike. I notice that Cokin don't get real good wraps around the place. As I said, being a hobbyist Lee are just out of the question. My manager of finance would suspend all payments if I spent that amount of money on a few filters :eek:

From my research, I am considering Hitech. They seem to get good reviews and are reasonably priced. Anyone here use them and care to share your experiences?

Cheers,
Epoc

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roastman, right on que. You must of been typing the exact time I was. Thanks for your feedback. I have found a Hitech starter kit specifically for a 77mm wide. It's well priced and leading the way at the moment.

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This is what I'm considering:

http://tinyurl.com/73q7eps

[roastman]

Same place I got min from, although I ordered extra filters from BH Photo.