11 replies to this topic

[iNYONi]

I'm looking to move away from screw on filters and was wondering what other options are available. Cokin springs to mind but not sure what to go for i.e, filter type, what sizes are available, is there a starter kit that would have attachments for different lenses.

 

I like taking landscape, portrait and wildlife. So would need a collection of different types.

[Mr_Radzins]

Well, I got myself a kit of 6 cokin type filters, 3 ND and 3 GradND, from amazon for something around 15£. I know they are nothing fancy, but i still could get some decent images from it. That said, i am just starting to really explore the world of photography. And i haven't got any pics vignetting with these filters yet, though i only tested them on 52mm thread kit lens, 58mm Sigma zoom lens, and 58mm thread 35-70mm adaptall. All that on APS-C camera, while that adaptall is obviously FF. I had delivered with the filters a lot of different sized thread rings, starting, i think, under 49mm and up to 82mm.

[iNYONi]

Thanks, i'll be doing a search on Amazon later.

[Merco_61]

I use Lee 100 mm filters in a Lindahl compendium, a leftover from my large and medium format days. Singh-Ray have some nice 100X150 mm grads.

The cokin filters work, but since they are moulded and not ground and polished they are not as distortion free as Lindahl or Lee filters.

 

The Lindahl looks a bit silly on a small, compact lens like my 35 O-nikkor or a 105/2.5, but it is a very effective filter holder- hood combination when set up.

 

A good compendium is nice to have, and it saves considerable time not having to make flags to shade the filter when in use. Definitely *not* cheap unless you find an old pro who is selling.

[Thumper]

I have Tiffen Nuetral Density and Circular Polarizing filters for my lenses.

[Tony892]

Do people leave their filters on, or leave them on and what about UV filters?

[Merco_61]

Do people leave their filters on, or leave them on and what about UV filters?

I don't use UV filters anymore other than for protection from flying sand or salt spray. ND filters, grads and polarizers are only mounted when necessary.

[Thumper]

Do people leave their filters on, or leave them on and what about UV filters?

I only use mine once and a while, so I usually keep them in my bag until I decide to use them.

[Verglace]

Remember youre not really stuck in these 'systems' you can use the filters/holders interchangably so long as they are the same size. For example the cokin z-pro holders can take 100mm lee filters.
 

[K-9]

I leave a filter on any lens I own worth more than $200. I can't tell you how many front elements of lenses I would have damaged if I didn't have them on at all times. Filters are also easier to clean than the lens, and I'm always accidentally putting my fingers on the front of the lens.

Cokins are great if you have many different lenses with different filter threads, so you won't go broke buying each type over and over again. I never have too many lenses, so I don't mind buying screw ins.

[Tony892]

I leave a filter on any lens I own worth more than $200. I can't tell you how many front elements of lenses I would have damaged if I didn't have them on at all times. Filters are also easier to clean than the lens, and I'm always accidentally putting my fingers on the front of the lens.

Cokins are great if you have many different lenses with different filter threads, so you won't go broke buying each type over and over again. I never have too many lenses, so I don't mind buying screw ins.

Thanks K-9, I being pulled in both directions as whether to leave filters on, however, your insight on using value of lens as an indicator was extremely helpful.

[K-9]

Sure, glad to be of help. Think of it as an insurance fee for your more expensive lenses. I'm often near the ocean, so it's not only sand that can blow around but the salt water spray when you're near the water on a windy day.