Help stacking filters

[durkhrod chogori]

I got a 17-50mm lens and a ND400 filter. In addition I want to stack a 2 stop grad. filter. How do I do it since this filter comes with a Cokin holder and was wondering how the stacking is done before I purchase the filter and the holder.

Another concern I have is vignetting around the 17mm mark; however I have seen photos at Flickr of people using both filters with excellent results.

Thanks in advance.

[HankScorpio]

I take it your ND is a screw in filter. The Cokin holder's ring should attach to that filter in the same way it would attach to the lens.
However, you may indeed get some vignetting, I cut off 2 of the 3 slots on my Cokin P holder because of vignetting at wide angles.

Also, prepare yourself for poor image quality with stacking filters, especially Cokins as they aren't the best of quality to begin with.

[durkhrod chogori]

I take it your ND is a screw in filter. The Cokin holder's ring should attach to that filter in the same way it would attach to the lens.
However, you may indeed get some vignetting, I cut off 2 of the 3 slots on my Cokin P holder because of vignetting at wide angles.

Where did you take the Cokin holder to do that job (if you haven't done it yourself)?


Also, prepare yourself for poor image quality with stacking filters, especially Cokins as they aren't the best of quality to begin with.

How about a HiTech filter? Is it OK to stack to a ND400, or this there anything else of better quality without having to spend $300 like a Singh-Ray?

Thanks.

[brian_lewis67]

I use hitech ND grads and can't fault them.

[HankScorpio]

Where did you take the Cokin holder to do that job (if you haven't done it yourself)?
I just put it on a belt sander until the two outer slots were gone.

HiTechs are better quality than Cokin so you'll get a much better quality image if you stack them as long as your ND is decent quality too. But losing so much light, even with good filters will cost you some noise.

[wallybud]

buy the lee filter holder and hitech filters;)
you can take off all but one holder on the lee setup
I also have an ND400...if you have a solid tripod on a solid ground try just holding the GND filter in front of the ND400

[durkhrod chogori]

OK I will shoot for the HiTech filter. How about holding the filter for a long exposure instead of using a holder? Will it work well?

Thanks.

[wallybud]

ive held one for umm id say 15 seconds, however your going to be shooting for wayyy longer than that Id assume as when I use mine most exposures are well over 1 minute

just pick up the lee foundation kit and **mm W/A adapter ring

[MDJAK]

why stack filters? I got terrible results on a once in a lifetime shoot atop Haleakala in Maui. Freezing my butt off, waiting for the sunrise, didn't realize I had stacked UV filters, and would up with halos and reflections all over the place. Pictures ruined.

mark

[wallybud]

we'll be sure to not stack two UV filters ;)