Can I use a filter holder system?

chrispy_mm

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Chris
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I am off to the welsh coast in a few weeks, and am hoping to take some coastal landscapes.

As it seems that pretty much every landscape shot on here uses ND & ND grad filters I've been looking into getting a few - probably a 0.6hard and 0.6 soft to start.

But I suddenly realised today, I'm still using the kit lens with my 1000d, which has a rotating front element on focus. Does this mean I can't use a filter system? Because the whole thing will just rotate and so it will be impossible to line the grad up? Or have I missed a trick? Is there a way to do this?

If so , is there another option (other than buying a lens - budget doesn't allow that yet)

Thanks for your help
 
you can put them over the front of the lens then run an elastic band around the filter and camera, bypasses holder and should alleviate rotating issue
 
With the Lee filter system you have a screw in adaptor that screws in the filter thread at the end of the lens, this clips into the actual filter holder that can easily be rotated after setting up composition etc.

So with the case of a kit lens you would have to:

1) Compose and focus,
2) Then rotate / set the grad.

A bit of faff but usable. Not sure about the Cokin / Hitech setups. Someone else can answer if there is a similar way of using.
 
With the Lee filter system you have a screw in adaptor that screws in the filter thread at the end of the lens, this clips into the actual filter holder that can easily be rotated after setting up composition etc.

So with the case of a kit lens you would have to:

1) Compose and focus,
2) Then rotate / set the grad.

A bit of faff but usable. Not sure about the Cokin / Hitech setups. Someone else can answer if there is a similar way of using.

Exactly the same with the HiTech/Cokin P setup. Much easier if you use a tripod as well.
 
you can put them over the front of the lens then run an elastic band around the filter and camera, bypasses holder and should alleviate rotating issue

Then the rotating lens will scratch the filter as it focuses.

I would do what others have said, compose focus then sort out the filter in the holder.
 
Thanks guys,

I thought you might be able to do this, I just wasn't sure whether fiddling with the filter after focussing would muck up the focus. Good to know that it's possible, I shall get ordering I think.
 
I thought you might be able to do this, I just wasn't sure whether fiddling with the filter after focussing would muck up the focus.

If you are using AF I would probably recommend getting the focus right, switch lens to MF, then adjust filter and take shot!

Tripod for filter use definitely recommended!
 
Hi Chris,

Another for the Lee system but it is quite expensive, depends on your budget. I would also recommend the use of a tripod and remote control with landscape photography anyway. The filters just make it more necessary.

Best regards

Chris
 
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