Does anyone here use Cokin filters? That that I'm looking at some for a birthday gift and was wondering what people think of them. The other question is will it not cause issues when using say, an ND-Grad due to the way the lens rotates to focus? Also would the P-Series be good enough? (I can't afford LEE filters, don't go there) Cheers
I'm assuming you are asking about the square filters and a holder. I have a Cokin circ poleriser, and use it a lot. Well made, easy to clean, hard to scratch. As for the ND-grad. If you are using that, it usually is in a place where a tripod is involved and you have the time to focus then adjust the filter. I can't remember anyone ever using one hand held.
Yeah, you can rotate them. A lot of more-expensive lenses have non-rotating front elements so the filters stay in one place. But for most landscape stuff you can use manual focus so it's hardly an issue.
Although I use the Lee system, the Cokin works in exactly the same way. There's an adapter ring that you screw to the front of your lens, as with a circ-polar or similar, and on to that you connect the actual filter holder. Fortunately mine don't, but even if the front element on your lens rotates on focus this means that you can spin the holder around on the adapter. And there was much rejoicing. Also, bear in mind that you can't use the normal lens hood when using these type of filters systems, and with the added plate on the front of the lens, not to mention the air gap between front element and filter, internal reflection and flare can increase dramatically depending on conditions. The filter manufs normally sell their own (big bellows type things) but they're pricey. Or at least the Lee ones are.
Not all lenses rotate the filter/front element to focus. USA is very cheap for filters, especially the Hoya Pro series . . . worth checking out BH Photo.
