filters, especially grad filters

I'm new to photography. I've been reading about it and now have a new D10 in my hands with a Sigma 14mm F2.8 EX lens (I'm interested in landscapes).

I want to use filters. The instructions for my new lens say "filters cannot be mounted on the front of the lens. Use gelatin type, cut to fit the guide plate, insert at the rear of the lens."

Am I going to be able to use grad filters (2-6 stops worth) with this arrangement? Is this routine on this wide angle a lens? Would a similar Canon lens allow the use of grad filters on the front of the lens?

Thanks for any experienced comments on this.

I've never used filters except Skylight to protect the front end. Mostly, filter effects are added after shooting with digital in fact, the creative possibilities are endless. A grad filter effect is not a difficult technique to apply and should be easialy achieved in PS Elements that came with your 10D.

Often, filters will reduce the amount of light getting through your lens so add a limit to its use. Shooting without a filter maximises whatever speed your lens has. My understanding is also, that it is usual to not be able to put front filters on a WA lens.

I suppose there are some out there who use filters on their 10D.....

Anyway, hope you get what you want.

Martin

i thought i'd take a stab at this question.. 14mm is really wide and my guess is there isnt a filter big enough to cover your field of view so you can only use gel type filters on the back. in order for a filter to cover 14mm it would have to be shaped like a cereal bowl and fit over the lens ..... i hope this helps

Someone outside this forum mentioned Koken X-Pro and LEE as two grad filter choices. Anyone have any experience with either of these?