I am going to be purchasing ND filters and I am wondering what types of ND filters everyone prefers. The square filters used in the Cokin P system or the screw on filters. What densities you use the most? Have in the bag?
The Cokin-P holder will use square neutral density (ND) filters or the rectagular graduated ND filters.
I use the Cokin-P holder and Singh-Ray ND Grads. My fiters are 3-stop hard, 3-stop soft, and 2-stop soft.
Hi-Tech and Lee also make ND grads and ND filters (not graduated) that will fit the Cokin holder.
I also have a Lee holder that takes 100mm wide square filters and also has a compendium (bellows type) lens shade. You have to purchase the special adapter(s) for this holder that fit the filter threads on your lenses. The same is true for the Cokin.
The scrwe-in variety turned out to be a very bad buy for me. You can't slide them up and down for positioning as you do with the square ones, and that's a critical flaw.
Posted by Rod Barbee on February 24, 2007 at 12:31 PM
If you're talking about just ND filters (not graduated), then it makes sense to get the regular screw in type.
I have a 2-stop ND that I use occasionally to slow shutter speeds, etc. I also have the Singh-Ray vari-ND that can dial in up to something like 8-stops of ND. It's a really cool filter, but also expensive.
For grad ND filters, I use 1, 2, and 3-stop soft edged as well as a 3-stop hard edged filter. A good range of Grad ND filters are pretty much required for film-based landscape work. I use my one-stop filter all the time to fine tune the exposure.
If you're shooting digital, that kind of fine control at the camera is not as necessary and you can probably get away with just a 2-stop filter or perhaps a 2 and a 3.
Thank you. I already have the graduated filters for Cokin P system. Sorry I didn't mention that. Are Hi-Tech comparable to Singh-Ray in price and quality?
John
Posted by Rod Barbee on February 25, 2007 at 5:11 PM
Hi Tech filters are about a third the price of the Singh-Ray. Quality-wise...I think the Singh-Ray are a bit more consistent in color fidelity (more consistently neutral) and density. That being said, I have both, I use both, I like both.
Because they're both made from optical resin (plastic), they both can scratch easily. It's a lot easier on your wallet to replace the Hi-Techs.
Discussion
5 repliesJohn
The Cokin-P holder will use square neutral density (ND) filters or the rectagular graduated ND filters.
I use the Cokin-P holder and Singh-Ray ND Grads. My fiters are 3-stop hard, 3-stop soft, and 2-stop soft.
Hi-Tech and Lee also make ND grads and ND filters (not graduated) that will fit the Cokin holder.
I also have a Lee holder that takes 100mm wide square filters and also has a compendium (bellows type) lens shade. You have to purchase the special adapter(s) for this holder that fit the filter threads on your lenses. The same is true for the Cokin.
-PB
I have a 2-stop ND that I use occasionally to slow shutter speeds, etc. I also have the Singh-Ray vari-ND that can dial in up to something like 8-stops of ND. It's a really cool filter, but also expensive.
For grad ND filters, I use 1, 2, and 3-stop soft edged as well as a 3-stop hard edged filter. A good range of Grad ND filters are pretty much required for film-based landscape work. I use my one-stop filter all the time to fine tune the exposure.
If you're shooting digital, that kind of fine control at the camera is not as necessary and you can probably get away with just a 2-stop filter or perhaps a 2 and a 3.
John
Because they're both made from optical resin (plastic), they both can scratch easily. It's a lot easier on your wallet to replace the Hi-Techs.
rod