Cokin filters - Right for me?

Markok765 · Apr 1, 2008

I was in Henrys, buying a new camera strap [Domke], developer, and a battery for my Olympus stylus epic. I also picked up my Kodachrome.

I saw some Cokin filters, and was thinking of getting them. I was thinking of a ND grad, and a star filter I don't use filters a lot. I also do not shoot landscape.

Do you think Cokin filters are right for me? These are the square ones.

Russ - SVP · Apr 2, 2008

I use the Cokin P "wide angle" filter holder, with Hi-Tech ND Grad filters. They aren't too expensive, and better quality than the Cokins.

Kiron Kid

ben-s · Apr 2, 2008

I have a set, but I only use them occasionally - If I was using them frequently, I'd probably get Lee filters instead.
I've found that some Cokin ND filters aren't neutral... one of mine has a green cast and another is a pinkish colour. Admittedly the casts are slight, but they are enough to be noticeable if you look carefully.
They also scratch very easily - I treat mine very carefully, but I still managed to pick up a scratch across an ND.

Russ - SVP · Apr 2, 2008

Also,, I use this case ( Dead Link Removed ), for my square-rectangular Cokins and Hi-Techs. It's made especially for that size, and they fit perfectly.

Kiron Kid

Andy K · Apr 2, 2008

I use Cokin filters. The main reason being that mount adapters are a lot cheaper than having to buy different filter sizes for different lenses. Here's a few of my filters, with the wallet I usually use, next to my Canonet. I also use them on a Nikon F80 and Voigtlander Bessaflex with various different sized Takumar lenses.

Glenn M · Apr 2, 2008

The Cokin's aren't advertised to be ND's.... and they are not neutral. They call them "Gray Grads." I would also suggest their holders are fine, but you'd be better off using either HiTech or Lee or Singh-Ray grads, which are all neutral in color.

Sino · Apr 2, 2008

Andy K said:
I use Cokin filters. The main reason being that mount adapters are a lot cheaper than having to buy different filter sizes for different lenses. Here's a few of my filters, with the wallet I usually use, next to my Canonet. I also use them on a Nikon F80 and Voigtlander Bessaflex with various different sized Takumar lenses.

Andy,

how do you use the Canonet with the filter holder on? Isn't focusing a pain?

-Sino.

Andy K · Apr 2, 2008

Not really. I set the holder at a 45 degree angle. It still intrudes on the viewfinder but you can see enough to compose and focus.

Markok765 · Apr 2, 2008

It's fine that the NDs are not totally neutral. I only shoot slides once in a while.

Is it worth the $40-50 investment for the ring, holder, and a filter?

Glenn M · Apr 2, 2008

Markok - You say you don't shoot landscapes. If that's the case I see little reason for an investment in this system. The main benefit of filter holders such as the Cokin, Lee, HiTech, et al, is the ability to be able to slide filters up and down to implement gradiants. If you aren't shooting landscapes, there would be limited need for gradiants.

Markok765 · Apr 2, 2008

I occasionally do, but there is not much landscape to shoot here. I was also thinking of it, as the filters are only $20 each.

thuggins · Apr 8, 2008

I had a Cokin graduated ND for years (decades). They are a real pain in the butt and not worth the effort. Stick with screw on filters.

Markok765 · Apr 8, 2008

thuggins said:
I had a Cokin graduated ND for years (decades). They are a real pain in the butt and not worth the effort. Stick with screw on filters.

What did you find hard about them?

fschifano · Apr 12, 2008

thuggins said:
I had a Cokin graduated ND for years (decades). They are a real pain in the butt and not worth the effort. Stick with screw on filters.

I have some of the Cokin grey grads and find them to be ok. I don't do much landscape photography, so investing in some really expensive filters just doesn't pay. In any case, I've no reason to complain about them. They do the job. Seems to me though that if you can't adjust the filter, placing the cutoff just where you want it in the frame, the whole reason for using a graduated ND filter is lost. The idea of using a circular, screw-in type, Graduated ND filter doesn't make any sense unless you plan to use it under a very limited set of circumstances where you can control the placement of every element in the frame.

fschifano · Apr 12, 2008

thuggins said:
I had a Cokin graduated ND for years (decades). They are a real pain in the butt and not worth the effort. Stick with screw on filters.

I have some of the Cokin grey grads and find them to be ok. I don't do much landscape photography, so investing in some really expensive filters just doesn't pay. In any case, I've no reason to complain about them. They do the job. Seems to me though that if you can't adjust the filter, placing the cutoff just where you want it in the frame, the whole reason for using a graduated ND filter is lost. The idea of using a circular, screw-in type, Graduated ND filter doesn't make any sense unless you plan to use it under a very limited set of circumstances where you can control the placement of every element in the frame.

Cokin filters - Right for me?

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