HiTech Filters in the UK

[pumbaa]

I'm in the market for some ND filters, on the basis that I've been a good boy this year. Having done a little bit of research around the bazaars, HiTech seem to be a viable and affordable option to Lee Filters. I don't have a bottomless wallet, and although I would love to be able to splash out on the Lee system, I just cannot justify the costs. I've looked at the more affordable Cokin P system, but having just read through some threads here, the filters themselves seem to be lacking in quality vs the Lee/HiTech opposition.

I'm assuming that HiTech filters in the UK are sold through this mob.

http://www.formatt.co.uk/stills-filters/filters/stills-filters.aspx

The question is, what else do I need? I'm guessing some form of holder and an adapter ring. I ideally need two holders and two adapter rings (1 x 72mm, 1 x 77m), so what options do I have?

Thanks in advance for any help, advice etc.

Mark.

[chris maddock]

You can also get the filters from Teamwork Photo here, just bear in mind that the prices are ex-VAT;
http://www.teamworkphoto.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=78_768_271&zenid=b7ad8f646283b614e52a8fe10bc63dd4

Personally, I'd go for the Lee filter holder and either 2 adapter rings or a 77mm and a 77-72 stepdown ring, with Hitech filters, but it's your money so the choice is yours ;-)
Hitech do make filter holders and rings but I don't know what they are like.

HTH
Chris

[condyk]

Many go the route recommended above, i.e. the Lee holder and the required adaptor rings. Then the HiTech filters. That's what I did and works grand. I wouldn't go the cheaper Cokin route as if you are serious then you'll go for the Lee set up eventually and the scale of difference isn't as huge as with say pro lenses v's consumer. make sure you know whether you need ND filters or ND Graduated.

[pumbaa]

Thanks both. I guessed you would say that, so I'm assuming that this is what I need

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1010393

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1010411 (and equivalent for 72mm)

And then I'll be like a kid in a sweet shop.....

[chris maddock]

Yep, that's it - depending on what lenses you have or may plan on getting you may do better to go for the Lee wide-angle adapter rings, which mount the filter holder closer to the front of the lens than the standard adapters so reducing the risk of vignetting. Lee recommend them for 24mm or wider on 35mm, that's full-frame of course but I'm not sure about your 17-55 and 18-55 on your 40D. The only downside I've found to the wide-angle adapters is that you can't put your normal lens cap on with the adapter ring in place.
I use these to get around that;
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1018197
They clip over the adapter ring - and can also be used for setting white balance, I find them very slightly on the "warm" side but not excessively so.

Obviously, but worth mentioning just in case, the Hitech filters you'd need to fit the Lee holder are the 100mm ones