Request for some feedback & PHotos from Cokin GND filters

[simmonsrandal]

anyone have any sample photos from their cokin GND filter?

Any feedback on them?

[Jon]

Cokin's greys aren't truly neutral density (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=162539&highlight=Cokin+color+cast) - people have reported a slight brownish cast to them. Notice that they actually call them "Graduated Gray", not "Graduated Neutral Density". Go with Singh Ray, Lee or HiTech grads.

[Lowner]

It's true that the general opinion here is that there the Cokins are not true neutral grads, however I've used them for about 2 years now and have yet to notice a colour shift. I'm not saying there is no shift, just that it's not a major issue.

Richard

[Double Negative]

^ What Jon said.

Richard, do you use AWB, or set a specific WB in those shots? AWB may have compensated.

[condyk]

Notes lack of any sample photo's ...

[gembobs]

Hi, this was taken using a Cokin ND (I think it is the ND8 off the top of my head - not the grad, though it has a similar hue), it hasn't been processed in anyway beyond converting from RAW to jpeg.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2248/2535955197_4b08cfddf9.jpg

This is the same shot without the filter, but has been processed (mainly saturation and contrast), however, it definately didn't have the hue to it like the first one has.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2531346635_1b1a5a4a6b.jpg

Hope this helps show the cast.

[Lowner]

Double Negative,

In answer to your query about white balance: No, I don't have any odd wb set up.

I think the images shown here by Gembobs illustrate my point very well. All I see is a low contrast image ready for pp'ing in the first sample, compared to one that has been given the attention. Theres certainly not enough of a cast that Photoshop cannot deal with it.

Richard

[condyk]

Interesting that on my calibrated monitor the mild red cast is there clearly in the first, but a definate green/blue cast in the second. It doesn't look anything significant at all and nothing that can't be dealt with in PP ... unless you shoot jpg!

[argyle]

...It doesn't look anything significant at all and nothing that can't be dealt with in PP ... unless you shoot jpg!

True...but its just one more thing to have to deal with. Getting it right in the camera means less time sitting in front of a monitor. ;)

[condyk]

Of course, I agree with you ... and would add that, as with many choices, it's also about whether the geezer wants to spend out on the big boys stuff or is Ok with the next rung down. I decided to go Lee and Hitech but I can afford it. If I didn't want to spend out or was short on cash I'd happily use the Cokin. It's not like most here are processing 1000's of images at a time. You go out any maybe a dozen or so are worth the effort and it's part of the fun innit ;-)

It's simple cost/benefit choices for many in all areas of their hobby. I wouldn't go next level up as don't think I'd see benefit. The Lee holder and Hitech seems the best compromise of price/quality.

[argyle]

...The Lee holder and Hitech seems the best compromise of price/quality.

Agree with you there...that's been my setup for a while now. Of course, I learned this the "hard way". :)

[simmonsrandal]

The Lee holder and Hitech seems the best compromise of price/quality.

thanks all!

is there a specific lee holder you recommend? How much does the holder matter? is the cokin holder inferior?

What's a good place to get the hitech filters?

THankS?

[argyle]

thanks all!

is there a specific lee holder you recommend? How much does the holder matter? is the cokin holder inferior?

What's a good place to get the hitech filters?

THankS?

The only Cokin holder that's in the same size range as the Lee is the Z-Pro. Of the two, the Lee is a much better design and is only about $15 more than the Cokin. There are threads on here where I posted about the differences between the two, so a search should turn them up. Design and functionality wise, the Z-Pro is the lesser of the two. The Lee is called "Lee Foundation Kit". You'll need the holder and the appropriately sized adapter ring to fit your lens diameter.

You can get Hitech filters here (and the Lee holder/adapter ring here:

http://www.2filter.com/prices/catalog.html

Scroll down to the about the middle of the screen right-hand column...you'll see links for Hitech filters (click the Hitech link and look for the 4x5 GND table). There's also a link for Lee filter holders.

[simmonsrandal]

is the lee holder easier to get in on? i find the cokin fine, but getting it on and off can be a real pain.

[condyk]

On and off is very easy.

[argyle]

is the lee holder easier to get in on? i find the cokin fine, but getting it on and off can be a real pain.

Like condyk says, very easy. One spring-loaded brass clip is all you need to touch...no little plastic pins to fuss with, and with the Lee holder the first filter slot is functional. Not so on the Z-Pro without first having to manipulate the three pins (at least that's my experience with the Z-Pro...to others, these issues may not matter at all). Not trying to slam the Cokin, just pointing out some differences...

[Lowner]

I use the Cokin P series and I have "no little plastic pins to fuss with" either. There are three very simple grooves that need no touching at all.

Richard

[simmonsrandal]

will the lee holder vigenette at the wide on a 10-22 with a 30d?

[argyle]

will the lee holder vigenette at the wide on a 10-22 with a 30d?

TBH, I don't recall any vignetting with my 10-22 when I had it. I know for sure that I don't get any when using the Lee on my 17-40L with the 5D camera. But then again, with the Lee, you have the option to remove a slot if the need arose...can't do that with a holder that has fixed slots.