Singh Ray vs Hitech ND Grads in Cokin P size. Which to buy?

[l2oBiN]

I want to buy grads. Singh ray although with a great reputation, are very expensive. So I have been eyeballing the hitech grads both in hard and soft transition (the whole set). However, before I pull the trigger I want to hear from you on whether they are worth it. Any difference in quality between the Singh ray and hitech? Color casts? Quality of transitions? Size of filters (do both have same length) ? Hitech fit colin p? Etc..

Thanks in advance

 

[andrewkirkby]

I found the Hitech grads to have a slight brown colour cast and are often not exactly the rated neutral density factor.

There is definitely a big difference in quality, but also price.

I use Singh-Ray filters in both Cokin P and 4x6" (Lee filter size) and also Lee filters for MF or LF.

If you are just testing the water, go for cheap grads (maybe even use Cokin - bargain) and then get the expensive ones if you find yourself using them more.

 

[timparkin]

I have bought and used Cokin, Singh Ray, Lee and Hi Tec. The Lee were by far the best and most scratch resistatn. The Singh Ray had a cool bluish colour cast (slight) and slightly thinner and picked up hairlines scratches easier. The Hi Tec were good but were thinner and scratched fairly easily. The Cokin were just about good enough material for cheap sunglasses. (the Cokin I used were in the cokin size - maybe the larger ones are better?)