Graduated ND Filter Suggestions

Hello Everyone, I am going to get into the realm of Grad ND filters. I would like to get recommendations from others about what kind of systems everyone uses. I think I've settled on the Cokin P type holder and the squarish Grads. I see mfgs also make round screw in type filters too, are these as versatile? I am going to use this on a Canon 20 D. Thanks for your help..........

Cokin P will likely be the best fit, unless you have lenses with large diameters that may require something bigger (like the Lee system). The Cokin filters themselves are not that good though and tend to have a color cast (i.e. they're not really neutral). You can get higher quality filters that fit in the P holder from Singh-Ray, Hitech, Tiffen and others. The former 2 are made of resin and the latter is glass. Resin is more prone to scratching but glass is more fragile.

Guy

Mitch,

I've used the Singh Ray filters and have been very happy with them. I would definitely go with the square filters. The round screw in filters force you to put the grad line in the middle of the image which is rarely where you want it. The square filters allow you to move the grad line into any part of the image you like.

I use the Cokin P and Singh Ray filters for the reasons that Guy and Mike have described. The round/screw-ins are not versatile at all, especially for GNDs where you need to control the placement of the grad line.

Prior to the Singh Rays, I used Cokin GNDs and they do have a color cast which can become very noticeable depending on the image.

Mitch: My vote is for the Cokin P holder as well. I use Hi-Tech GNDs and find them to be a very good value. I have a Singh-Ray warming polarizer that fits the system as well and saves me the trouble and expense of having a polarizer for every individual lens. >=))>

I use the Hi-Tech p holder and hard/soft Singh-Ray filters. They work.

I have not been able to justify the cost of Singh-Rays and have gone with the Hitechs. They have been very good for me. They are only about $40 each at www.2filter.com. Especially if you are just getting into them, it may be a good place for you to start.

If you shoot in the mountains, or uneven terrains, you will most likely want the soft edge. If you shoot a lot at the coast, or more even terrains, the hard edge may be what you want.

Nathan

I just upgraded from the Cokin P holder and Hitech filters to an 100mm holder, so it's also suitable for wide lenses on fullframe. Using the Hitech filters again, in a larger size now.

www.formatt.co.uk for your european orders.

- jacco

Thank you for all the recommendations...............Just ordered mine today. Went with the Hi Techs due to the price and just starting to experiment with them................What a great resource this site is!!!!!!!!!!

I use the Hi Tech filters with the Cokin "p" holder. You can purchase a set of 3 filters from the UK for about $60 dollars and less then $10 shipping.

I use the Hi Tech filters with the Cokin "p" holder. You can purchase a set of 3 filters from the UK for about $60 dollars and less then $10 shipping.

I use Singh-Rays. They cost a few dollars more than the rest but I won't even consider trying the others since I'm so happy with SR. I've used the Cokin filters before and they are average to mediocre at best. You'll get a strange color cast in many situations with the graduated grey filter. THe one situation I found it helpful for was for overcast skies and it made the sky gloomier.