Square Filter System ?

[Anto Modded]

Thinking of getting a square filter system. i know nothing about these but i thought it might save me a few quid. Lense's i want to use it on is 300mm f4 & 70 - 200 f2.8, both canon. And a 24 - 70 f2.8. Few questions can i get a filter system that i can switch between the 3 lense's and if so could someone link me to a site where i can buy a kit with everything i need except the filters. Also would like to know peoples opinions on these too.

Thanks

[argyle]

Luckily, the lenses that you listed all have the same 77mm filter diameter, so you'd only need a single adapter ring that attaches the filter holder to the lens. Take a look at the Lee foundation kit...it will hold all 4x4, 4x5, or 4x6 filters. You'll need the filter holder and, since you have the 24-70, most likely the wide angle adapter ring (which could be used on each lens that you specified).

As far as filters go, stay away from Cokin. The best choices, in order of cost, are Hitech, Lee, and Singh-Ray. Personally, I use Hitech filters...they're very good and moderately priced. The Lee's are almost 1.5x the cost of the Hitech, and the Singh-Ray are about 3x the cost of the Hitech (for no really discernible difference in IQ). For the money, IMO the Hitechs are the best value.

Here's a place on your side of the pond: Lee Filters and Accessories (http://www.teamworkphoto.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=6&zenid=ad8794e191e92008165650cc0cec5950)

[SAB_Click]

As far as filters go, stay away from Cokin.

I too am interested in getting a square filter system and so am interested in why you say this? is it because of price?

Are any of the systems interchangeable?

[kokakaste2]

Cokin have quite questionable quality, because they are french made... (sorry cant resist this, french people are not the most cleverest ones) they will add tint to your photos, they are not really best quality ones. I have bought my self a ND filter and GND from cokin, well i could have spent money better but whatever. The problem is quite small and can be fixed, just adds time to PP.

[Anto Modded]

Thanks for the info, i was looking through filters and must admit i thought Cokin would have been good. Glad i posted up and asked.
Just checked and the 300mm & 70 - 200mm are 77mm filter but the sigma 24-70mm is 82mm thread. So i take it i need 2 different adapter rings

[argyle]

Thanks for the info, i was looking through filters and must admit i thought Cokin would have been good. Glad i posted up and asked.
Just checked and the 300mm & 70 - 200mm are 77mm filter but the sigma 24-70mm is 82mm thread. So i take it i need 2 different adapter rings

Yes, you'll need two different adapter rings (77mm and 82mm). Sorry about that...I assumed that you meant the Canon 24-70L, which has a 77mm thread.

[Burnaby]

Cokin have quite questionable quality, because they are french made... (sorry cant resist this, french people are not the most cleverest ones)
Oh please, quality or the lack of it transcends borders. Leave politics out it... :rolleyes: Lame...

[Lowner]

And I thought Gitzo was French?

I use Cokin GND filters and have often read of the colour cast but have yet to find the evidence in my own images. Maybe because I shoot in RAW and post process every image Photoshop gallop's to my rescue without my even being aware of it?

The weekly UK magazine "Amateur Photographer" claimed in a recent product test to have found colour casts in six different reputable manufacturers filters and Cokin were actually not the worst. But it is true that Cokin don't claim their filters are "Neutral", instead describing them as "Grey Grad's".