Cokin Filters

[rickp1]

Hey guys,
I'm looking at possibly getting a set of Cokin filters for my canon 50D. These will be my very first set so I need to play with them and educate myself on how to use them before getting more. I've read about them just haven't applyed any of it yet.

The first set I was looking into were the ND hard edge and soft edge (gray I guess).

At this point all I really want to do is get some depth and more contrast out of my landscape pictures, make them pop. I'm not interested in any color effects at this point, just to bring out the nartural colors and prevent the sky from being to bright and washed out, which is what seems to happen most of the time on really sunny days.

What do you guys think?

R.

[navcom]

I use Cokin "P" style ND grads exclusively....though I have shunned the Cokin brand filters altogether. Their quality is just not there. I've upgraded to Singh Ray for all my rectangular filters as well as my polarizers.

Don't get me wrong....I learned on Cokin brands filters. They worked fine for practice but they really do alter the image quality quite a bit. They have a tendency to "tint" the image versus being a true "neutral" filter. Honestly, they are not true neutral density filters but border on "colorizers".

When I was introduced to Singh Ray's, I didn't think it would make very much difference. I was wrong. Of course SR's come with a pretty hefty price tag! But I've learned that you really do get what you pay for when it comes to filters....and I'm a filter guy. I still like to do as much in front of the camera versus behind the computer. There is a difference to me.

I say go ahead and use the Cokin's and learn how to use ND grads. The price is right. Get used to them and be sure you want to continue to use them before investing in higher quality versions. Just be aware that they may not provide the image quality you may be looking for and they will alter your color tint...sometimes in the most annoying way.

[rickp1]

Hey navcom,
Thanks for the tip. It's good to know and something I'm not looking for, the tinting. I'll probably just got with the SR's, especially if I'm going to put the time and effort to get a good picture.

Do you have any good websites to get them?

R.

[navcom]

I think there is only one...Singh Rays site. Like I said, you will have a bit of sticker shock! The grads are about $100 a piece. I would also recommend the reverse ND grads. They are perfect for sunrises. Here is an example I did recently with a 3-stop reverse ND grad...



You might be able to find some SR filters on Ebay occasionally, but they go fast. One time I was bidding on one and it went higher than I could get it new. Very frustrating! You can also get them on Amazon but the prices are the same as they are directly from Singh Ray's site I believe.

[rickp1]

You weren't kidding about the sticker shock. After writing my reply and went looking for them, Big difference from the Cokin.

But you;re not the only one that has commnetd on the tinting.

One more question for you. I'm assuming the attachment system to get would be the Cokin square" P "system (im shooting a canon 50D) that mounts to the lens right, not the round filters, right??

By the way great picture!! Damn!!!

R.

[navcom]

You'll need the Cokin "P" holder, which will hold the rectangular filter in place. You will also need a round adapter that has threads the size of your lens filter threads. This adapter slides into the holder allowing it to be attached to your lens.

When it is attached to your lens, you will be able to slide the filter into the holder and position it up or down depending on how far you slide it in. You will also be able to rotate the holder so you can line up the filter with whatever you like...100% adaptable to your scene.

Here is a good explanation of how the holder and adapter work...including some illustrations.

I recommend the "P" system. It works with more lenses than the smaller "A" style. Singh Ray produces ND grads in the "P" style.

[rickp1]

I'm planning on calling tomorrow and also planning on getting the P model.frame from Cokin and the filters from Singh Ray.

Thanks for taking the time to give me this info.

R.

[navcom]

Not a problem. Good luck and have fun!

[radityopradipto]

just one thing, the P series is not really good with Ultra Wide angle lens...
I can't use 11mm on my Tokina 11-16 on P series >.<

[navcom]

Originally Posted by radityopradipto

just one thing, the P series is not really good with Ultra Wide angle lens...
I can't use 11mm on my Tokina 11-16 on P series >.<

True...but I think this is the case with just about any filter. Many super-wide lenses don't have filter threads for that reason...the angle of view is approaching 180 degrees, so anything attached to the front will be visible.

Good point though.