100mm filter system recommendations

[blee1996]

Hi, I'm looking into a 100mm filter system that supports both circular as well as square/rectangular filters for large format landscape work.

- My lenses' filters range from 40.5mm to 82mm, plus odd sizes (older brass lenses)
- My most used filters for landscape are: Polarizer, ND, infrared (R72), graduated ND, Yellow/Orange/Red
- I try to keep the entire filter kit lightweight and reasonably compact

My current filter holder is a cheap Lee holder with rubber band, so anything will be an upgrade.

Question 1: is it better to go with traditional filter holder system or a Smallrig type matte box with filter holders? Would the integrated shade/hood for the matte box be more effective in flare control?

Question 2: do you recommend the modern magnetic system over the traditional screw-in adapters?

Question 3: do you recommend any particular brand or model for similar type of work?

 

[abruzzi]

For 4x5 and 5x7 I use a Cokin P (84mm) square system, since all my LF lenses have pretty small front elements. I've found it does reduce image circle on lenses with excessing circles, but my needs are slight so I don't mind. the only circular filters I have are a polarizer (rarely used) and a 720nm IR filter.

My 8x10 lenses are a bit larger so I have a NiSi holder for that. I don't have nearly as many 100mm filters as I do 84mm, though and no circular filters. I don't have 8x10 IR and as mentioned I don't use the polarizer very often.

I don't really need a shade that the matte box setup would provide since in most cases I have a factory fit compendium shade I use on my cameras.

One advantage of 100mm is lots of companies make them, so your holder doesn't tie you to a particular brand of filter. You can get Cokin contrast filters, paired with Lee ND filters, and some from NiSi or other brands. I'd get the holder that works for you and buy filters from whatever brand makes what you want.

 

[Kino]

Avoid the Fotodiox "Cokin Z" compatible holders; they are very poor quality.

I bought a 100mm filter holder and a 95mm adapter ring and it every-so-barely grabs a few threads on the front of my Nikon Nikkor 360mm view camera lens. Since I will be using Wratten Gells in Calumet paper holders, it should work, but i would not trust it with an expensive graduated ND or other optical flat.

 

[MTGseattle]

I've got the old Lee 100 series holder and a few adapter rings. I got it used. It's fine. I like the look of the fancy magnetic ones that are out there now, but I still waffle between dedicated screw-in filters and a "system."

I'm arriving at the conclusion that no one system will work happily with all of my lenses due to the wide range in front element sizes. I've got my 52mm stepped up to 58mm, and I've tried to not land on anything that needs bigger that 67mm.

 

[blee1996]

I've got the old Lee 100 series holder and a few adapter rings. I got it used. It's fine. I like the look of the fancy magnetic ones that are out there now, but I still waffle between dedicated screw-in filters and a "system."

I'm arriving at the conclusion that no one system will work happily with all of my lenses due to the wide range in front element sizes. I've got my 52mm stepped up to 58mm, and I've tried to not land on anything that needs bigger that 67mm.

Now I think of it, you are correct. I think I will continue to use both traditional screw-in filters and the new 100mm square system.

For most photography that does not need graduated ND filters:
- I will most likely go with my existing screwing in filter sets for smaller diameter lenses such as 40.5mm, 52mm, etc. I already have them, and they are very compact and lightweight to carry on hikes.
- For anything bigger than 67mm as well as Grad ND cases, the larger 100mm filter system makes more sense.

 

[MTGseattle]

For my 100mm filters, I have one of these. I've had it for a few years, and looking at the current price I must have picked one up for a lot less or taken advantage of a sale as I'm not sure I would pay current retail for it.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1590917-REG/f_stop_m546_73_filter_case.html?msockid=00af8101c0c464f63f399367c1876557