Filter systems

[mikethomas]

Hi,

Im looking to get some new filters with a filter system. My current gear is a Pentax K110D with a SMC Pentax 18-55mm lens (52mm diameter) alongside a Tamron AF 70-300mm (62 mm diameter).

The thing is I want to buy a filter system that will cater for the future as well as my present needs. Ive been looking at the Cokin P series. Will this filter system be appropriate for me? Will It cater for most telephoto and even macro lenses? Also, I've heard that the actual Cokin filters aren't of great quality. What filters would you recommend for a COKIN filter system like the P series? Any brands? Im looking into getting a Polarizer, a ND Filter, a ND Gradient Filter and possibly a UV Filter.

Thanks a lot

[milosh]

I don't see why a Cokin P series holder wouldn't fit your needs. You need to start worrying about vignetting if you would like to go very wide, like 10 or 12 mm on crop body. Cokin P holders are fine but Cokin filters are not totally neutral, they can produce colour casts. I suggest you buy (for gradated neutral density filters) a Cokin P holder with the needed rings for your lenses, and get Hitech 85mm wide filters. Hitechs are better quality than Cokin, they're produced by Formatt UK, who also makes much more expensive Lee filters.

Camera Filters: Buy high quality camera filters from Formatt here

And for UV and CPL, you'll be looking at screw-in filters rather than rectangular ones.

Also, you might want to read these threads:
Neutral Density Filters
ND Grad Filters

[mikethomas]

Hi thanks for your reply.

Are Hitech best bets for 'Square/rectangular' filters then? (Considering Im on a tight budget).

What determines which size rectangular filters one should use? Or rather what should I look out for when I shop around for filters to use on a Cokin P series? (obviously filters other than the Cokin series) because I saw a post of yours in one of those threads explaining how some of the Hitech filters managed to just slide inside a Cokin P series holder. Sorry if Im asking so many questions, my terminology is probably all wrong too. Ha..

[milosh]

Yes, I would say Hitech is your best bet if you're on budget. Next best thing is probably Lee, but they're way more expensive.

Cokin P holders accept only one filter width, and that's 85mm. Hitech makes rectangular filters in two widths, 85 and 100mm. Which of them you're gonna use is dictated by your lens barrel width. If your lens is wider (or the same width) than your filter/holder, you'll get vignetting (in some cases you would have vignetting only at your lens' shortest focal length). The 85mm Hitech are 85mm wide, and for example, a Sigma 10-20 wide-angle lens has a 77mm thread, which leaves a couple of mm of filter on each side, but people say they use this combination successfully (without significant vignetting) down to around 12mm. For both your current lenses, you'd have plenty of room with 85mm filters, to move and position the filters.

[mikethomas]

Ok, thanks for clearing that up. I knew nothing about filters a week ago but now Ive got a better idea.

[Augphoto]

I've been wanting a Lee system, myself, for some time now. Been watching B&H and they are never in stock. What gives?

[mikethomas]

As for Polarizing filters on a Cokin P holder, any recommendations? I looked at Hitech but their cheapest is about £100..

[milosh]

Originally Posted by mikethomas

As for Polarizing filters on a Cokin P holder, any recommendations? I looked at Hitech but their cheapest is about £100..

You would need to get a circular polarizing filter (CPL) for your autofocus to work correctly. I wouldn't recommend buying a CPL that goes into a holder (like Cokin ones) because of low quality and because you'll want to use a CPL very often (without a holder). You'd be looking at screw-in CPLs and you can get one, with diameter of your largest lens, and use step up rings on other, smaller lenses. Take a look at Hoya and Kenko (basically the same, maybe just a slight difference in price). A golden rule is that you don't buy a cheap CPL!

[mikethomas]

And because a screw in filter differs from a 'slot in' filter, can I use a screw in and a slot in filter at the same time? e.g. screw on the CPL, THEN attach the Cokin holder infront?

[Jim Bryant]

Isn't the Colin filter system still made of plastic? I purchase the system in the late 70's and finally sold it all to another photographer. Glass is better quality than plastic.