Redrock Micro Mattebox - filters choice?

[alexandroff]

I just ordered a redrock micro mattebox. Looks like its been around for some time now and many have used and praised it.

I'm looking to buy a set of filters but dont want to spend extra where unnecessary and want to get 'proven' kind...

$495 set from redrock is steep to me.
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/it.A/id.469/.f?sc=2&category=864

these for $200 is another option:
http://www.adorama.com/CIFTG4X4SET.html

two questions:

1. is it really necessary to buy 4x5.65 filters? or 4x4 will do just fine with this mattebox? (my lens are 77mm ring diameter)

2. how is the redrock filters quality? or the Cavision I mentioned? or any other set you used (pls mention it)

thanks!

 

[Joseph Stunzi]

The Redrockmicro mattebox was specifically designed for 4 x 5.65 filters and while it will accommodate 4 x 4 filters... you do it using mattes... which could potentially let in more light (bad news).

Have you ever seen the price of professional filters? A single filter can run $500-1000. The Redrock set gives you three for $495. That's a steal! Filters aren't just pieces of glass... they're specialized optics just like lenses. So I'd say your answer depends on your camera... whether you're using a 35mm DOFA, and other factors. My filter set from Formatt Filters cost me around $300 a filter. And I have a full ND set, full ND grad set, full ND blender set, and some assorted others.

 

[Tim Naylor]

The Red Rock package is a steal. I'd stay away from the Cavision. Don't use 4x4 with RR. The mattes are flimsy. Also, when you to use vertical grads you'll want 4x5.65. Eitherway 500 for a set of three is good. You may want to ask around about the build and optical quality.