Solid ND Filters

If you check Cokin site, it has a list of all the accessories for the different systems. If you want a flag it looks like it's only available on the larger z system mattebox, which I think is pretty pricey.
http://cokin.fr/ico6-mattebox.html

also some folks who have tried the cokin p filters and who have put more than one filter on the cokin adapter have found vignetting issues.
Again you could jump up to the z system for larger lenses, though I've used the p system filters on fx1/z1s and canon xl series and not seen any vignetting. Obviously it probably depends on the lens you're using.
 
It seems there are three main brands of 85mm ND's that will fit the P holder. (as per B&H link)
Cokin at around $20 each
Hitech at around $36 each
Lee at around $80 each

I've heard how the $20 Cokins have a color cast ... what are the Hitech ND's like ?


EDIT: link corrected
 
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If you can afford to get both Graduated and solid I'd do that as well. I've been looking for a set of grads this weekend, just to have them.

Stuff's relatively inexpensive in comparison to the mattebox format that I'm mostly like "why the hell not!?".

Mike -- Most wide angle lenses have 77mm threads or 82mm. IN fact, the sigma 18-50 (I think it is) has an 82mm thread size.

You will rarely have filters creep into your frame at 35mm and above I think. Again, most wides are where the 77mm show up at. Even the larger 180/2.8 Contax Zeiss is 72mm instead of 77mm. If you don't plan on using wide glass (14 - 28) then you may have to worry less.
 
If anyone has used HiTech let me know. At $80 a filter, Lee is pricey

Hey J Davis. I'm in a similar situation, looking into the Cokin P filter system and looking for the best bang/buck ND filters. Stumbled onto this discussion on different neutral density filters for the Cokin P system. A couple people use and recommend the HiTech brand. One calls them a cheaper alternative to Lee, but better quality than Cokin.

If I go the Cokin P filter system route, I'll definitely be using HiTech NDs. However, I'm still debating whether the Cokin system is the way to go or if I should just use screw-in filters with step-up rings as recommended by Kholi. Using lens hoods seems a lot cheaper/easier/better than the options available with the Cokin system.
 
Hey J Davis. I'm in a similar situation, looking into the Cokin P filter system and looking for the best bang/buck ND filters. Stumbled onto this discussion on different neutral density filters for the Cokin P system. A couple people use and recommend the HiTech brand. One calls them a cheaper alternative to Lee, but better quality than Cokin.

If I go the Cokin P filter system route, I'll definitely be using HiTech NDs. However, I'm still debating whether the Cokin system is the way to go or if I should just use screw-in filters with step-up rings as recommended by Kholi. Using lens hoods seems a lot cheaper/easier/better than the options available with the Cokin system.


I did the step up ring approach with my last cam. Was considering the P holder route because I want it for use with Scarlet later on but I've changed my mind.
Its because I bought a bunch of used FD lenses and I love shooting with them. A cokin P holder will just really dwarf them and part of the beauty of the GH1 is its discreet form factor. In the end I elected for step up rings and 62mm tiffen ND filters which are around $15 each. Very affordable. That way the cam is still fairly low key and won't attract too much atttention. (provided the I'm not doing sound)
 
I did the step up ring approach with my last cam. Was considering the P holder route because I want it for use with Scarlet later on but I've changed my mind.
Its because I bought a bunch of used FD lenses and I love shooting with them. A cokin P holder will just really dwarf them and part of the beauty of the GH1 is its discreet form factor. In the end I elected for step up rings and 62mm tiffen ND filters which are around $15 each. Very affordable. That way the cam is still fairly low key and won't attract too much atttention. (provided the I'm not doing sound)

PAHW!!

That' my very same reasoning. I think Matteboxes and all that will have a place, the range and freedom will probably come from traditional step up ring adaptations etc.

Don't forget to shop Ebay for your needs, you can get them i nbulk for about 3 dollars each. Also, make sure you grab some cheap 62mm caps in bulk off'a ebay as well.

I think I got like 10 77mm front caps (pinch lock) for 15 dollars shipped?
 
PAHW!!

That' my very same reasoning. I think Matteboxes and all that will have a place, the range and freedom will probably come from traditional step up ring adaptations etc.

Don't forget to shop Ebay for your needs, you can get them i nbulk for about 3 dollars each. Also, make sure you grab some cheap 62mm caps in bulk off'a ebay as well.

I think I got like 10 77mm front caps (pinch lock) for 15 dollars shipped?


Kit lens is on the shelf, but the Lumix 62mm cap is very useful ... LOL!
 
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Have been checking out the Fader ND which has been mentioned in this thread and also positively commented upon here:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/canon-eos-5d-mk-ii-hd/237031-neutral-density-filters-5d-4.html

Haven't been able to find it currently available in 62mm - only 67mm (which then steps it up to a 72mm).

Anyone see any problems with using a 62-67 step-up ring on the kit lens, then the Fader ND, followed by a 72mm B+W Kaesemann Circular Polarizer? Would this be a good combo?

Are there any advantages/disadvantages to stepping up like this rather than trying to get a 62mm Fader ND (which would step up to a 67mm)?

I'll probably stick with the kit lens for awhile, but would like to buy filters that would give me some flexibility with other lenses down the road. Even then, I'd probably initially be going with some Zeiss lenses with 55mm threads. But, a wide angle could also fit in at some point.

Thanks.
 
From Kholi's suggestion I actually stepped up all my lenses to 82mm. This way I only need one set of filters for all of my lenses. Saves me money in the long run, although I'm having trouble finding a good 82mm lens hood that can accept a filter so I can still use the pola and circular pola. So, yes, you can step up to whatever size you want and it shouldn't hurt your image. However, don't forget to get a hood to reduce light hitting the glass that will affect your contrast and/or add flares.
 
From Kholi's suggestion I actually stepped up all my lenses to 82mm. This way I only need one set of filters for all of my lenses. Saves me money in the long run, although I'm having trouble finding a good 82mm lens hood that can accept a filter so I can still use the pola and circular pola. So, yes, you can step up to whatever size you want and it shouldn't hurt your image. However, don't forget to get a hood to reduce light hitting the glass that will affect your contrast and/or add flares.

Mike, appreciate the lens hood tip. Any suggestions on a good 72mm lens hood? Guess it's important to get something that gives easy access to adjusting both the variable ND and the polarizer - which is why I'm asking for some guidance since I'm just learning about all this stuff.

Kholi's suggestion makes a lot of sense. I don't foresee myself having a bunch of lenses anytime soon...especially nothing to justify the 82mm. That said, one never knows and I'm kinda tempted to go that route just because it's a really practical idea.
 
I bought one of these:
82mm Rubber Lens Hood

Great thing about it is that it's adjustable for wide, normal, and telephoto lenses. It also has front threads to accept filters.

The problem is that it's rubber, and not a really nice looking rubber, so I imagine it will lose the uniformity of its roundness over time after being in a camera bag and having it possibly get a little squished. The other issue is that the threads seem worn and a little uneven. I was still able to put it on a filter and a filter on it.

So it works, but not the quality I would normally look for. I can return it for a refund, but not sure I will yet. I still need to find something similar but better and that hasn't happened yet.
 
Oh and on the filter size... I went with 82mm because I might eventually get a 21mm lens that has an 82mm thread. The wider lenses will usually be the larger thread size so if you're planning on getting any wide lenses like that then you may want to consider 82mm. Otherwise you might end up finding yourself switching everything out later, which will cost you more money overall in the long run.
 
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