filters / cokin filters

cowasaki

cowasaki

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I have a number of filters already but they are basically duplicates of the same thing! (CPLs & UVs)

I have four lenses now and will definitely be getting at least two more in the next six months (something wider and something longer + good change I might buy the 85mm 1.4 to replace the 85mm f2) so clearly I have lots of different sized filter requirements.

Now I have got a cokin 52mm filter holder which was given to me but no filters plus UV filters for each lens plus CPLs for 52mm and 72mm.

I was thinking, if I bought a Cokin holder that was as large as the largest filter I require, say 72/77/82mm and a set of conversion rings right down to 52mm for my nifty 50/existing 85mm are there any problems? OR would it be better just using the 72mm holder for the 72/62mm lenses and buying duplicates of the filters to fit the 52mm cokin holder I have acquired?

If not does anyone know the best place to buy a nice starter set of filters, I really want NDs (a selection), a filter that starts dark and goes to clear & red plus anything else that would be useful.

Oh yes, lastly anybody know of any really good books or online repositories of filter information and how-tos?

Thanks all...
 
The Cokin "P" system should suit your requirements. An adaptor ring for each size you need is probably a better idea that stepping rings - the adaptors are a bit more sturdy so are unlikely to get damaged in the bag. 7day are a cheap source for the system but are currently out of stock of some filters and rings.

You've probably found this already but if not... http://www.cokin.co.uk/pages/main.htm
 
Nod said:
The Cokin "P" system should suit your requirements. An adaptor ring for each size you need is probably a better idea that stepping rings - the adaptors are a bit more sturdy so are unlikely to get damaged in the bag. 7day are a cheap source for the system but are currently out of stock of some filters and rings.

You've probably found this already but if not... http://www.cokin.co.uk/pages/main.htm
Click to expand...

Yes thanks. I really wanted unbiased views from people who use them on here too.
 
Well, the older Grey grads used to throw a magenta cast over the image but the newer ND ones don't. The holders can be a little stiff to use at the beginning but as you get more confident with them and the springs weaken a little, they get easier. Some effects are easier (and just as convincing) to add in PS rather than with a filter (and things like star effects and multi images pale very quickly!). Using 2 or more cokins at a time can cause bad flare problems since the light can get between the filters and bounce around. Being plastic, they can get static problems too.

IMO, they're great for grad effects (in fact, square systems are pretty much the only logical way to have the grad "horizon" adjustable) but you may be better off with seperate pols for each size. (That's just MY opinion, I'm sure others will disagree!)
 
Nod said:
Well, the older Grey grads used to throw a magenta cast over the image but the newer ND ones don't. The holders can be a little stiff to use at the beginning but as you get more confident with them and the springs weaken a little, they get easier. Some effects are easier (and just as convincing) to add in PS rather than with a filter (and things like star effects and multi images pale very quickly!). Using 2 or more cokins at a time can cause bad flare problems since the light can get between the filters and bounce around. Being plastic, they can get static problems too.

IMO, they're great for grad effects (in fact, square systems are pretty much the only logical way to have the grad "horizon" adjustable) but you may be better off with seperate pols for each size. (That's just MY opinion, I'm sure others will disagree!)
Click to expand...

Thanks, I am most interested in the filters that cannot be added later such as various NDs etc although I will probably get some of the others to have a play.
 
The cokin holder I have now has a thread of 52mm. The actual holder takes a rectangular insert which is 67mm wide and 55mm tall. The aperture of the hole is 55mm. I am guessing that I have an A series holder!

Clearly this couldn't be used with my lens that have 62 and 72 threads.

I have looked at the Cokin site and it shows A series and P series then Pro filters.

It doesn't show what sizes the P series have! Is the P series just basically a larger version of the A series and if so that is what I need with the various adapters!
 
Arrr, just found this information on their site. Yes I have an A series with a 52mm conversion ring and I need a P series with 52,62 and 72mm rings to begin with.
 
The "A" series is designed for up to 62mm filter threads, the "P" series is up to 82 mm and the "Z" series up to 96mm and the "X" series up to 118mm. In the "P" series, there's a special holder for wide angle lenses (like the Sigma 10-20) which helps avoid (or at least reduce) vignetting.

The "P" filters themselves are 84mm square (with the grads being taller). The outside diameter of the adaptor ring is 84mm and the maximum dimensions of the holder are 95 x 106 mm. The depth of the holder is 22mm. Up to 3 filters can be fitted in a standard "P" holder - not sure about the wide angle one.
 
Nod said:
The "A" series is designed for up to 62mm filter threads, the "P" series is up to 82 mm and the "Z" series up to 96mm and the "X" series up to 118mm. In the "P" series, there's a special holder for wide angle lenses (like the Sigma 10-20) which helps avoid (or at least reduce) vignetting.

The "P" filters themselves are 84mm square (with the grads being taller). The outside diameter of the adaptor ring is 84mm and the maximum dimensions of the holder are 95 x 106 mm. The depth of the holder is 22mm. Up to 3 filters can be fitted in a standard "P" holder - not sure about the wide angle one.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot, this is just the info I need and confirms everything. So I definitely need a P series. Now if my wife has the A series one is there a converter that allows the A series holder to hold P series filters like there is for the P series to hold Z series filters. (that way she could play with my filters without having to buy many of her own!)

Anyone selling a P series kit before I buy one elsewhere ??
 
The easy and obvious answer would be to buy her a holder and a few rings!
 
cowasaki said:
So I definitely need a P series. yes Now if my wife has the A series one is there a converter that allows the A series holder to hold P series filters no (that way she could play with my filters without having to buy many of her own!)
Click to expand...

you can get an adaptor to use A size filters in a P size holder but not the other way round, also i should have said hitech filters are 85mm wide but they do fit in a cokinP size ( 84mm ) holder.
 
Nod said:
The easy and obvious answer would be to buy her a holder and a few rings!
Click to expand...

I will do but I was just thinking that if there is an adapter she could buy her filters and try out mine if necessary. I suppose it would probably be easier for me to buy a P series holder and 52mm ring for her though to begin :)
 
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