What ND filters to get...

I have been searching and want to buy the best ones out there the first time around...I will be using them mainly for landscape shots on the beach with my 17-40 or 10-22

I like the Singh Ray Vari ND but, you can get the B+W 10 stop filter for 1/3 of the price.

The Cokin Z-Pro holder and adapter kit is pretty good and you can pair them up with some Hitech 4x5 GNDs... most of the reviews I've read on that system (which I use) indicate it delivers outstanding results at a great price. The Lee system will be better (IMO not worth the price premium) but at a much greater cost.

The best ones around from my experience are the Heliopan Super Multi-Coated (SH-PMC) ND filters. The Vari-ND is a useful tool but it's not multi-coated and can't be stacked with a circular polarizer so for me, it only has limited value for landscape work.

Graduated ND Singh-Ray are the ones I would, and did, go for.

I'm sure you'll see a few for sale on this forum (in the proper category) in a few days if you keep your eyes peeled.

Hermes wrote in post #5979516
The best ones around from my experience are the Heliopan Super Multi-Coated (SH-PMC) ND filters. The Vari-ND is a useful tool but it's not multi-coated and can't be stacked with a circular polarizer so for me, it only has limited value for landscape work.

I'n not sure of the multicoating but, I know the Vari ND should be able to stack with a CPL.

I use the HiTechs as well and like them a lot. I went with Cokin P holder and 85mm size filters. If I were starting over knowing what I know now, I'd follow Sadowsk2's advice and get the Cokin Z 4X4 and 4X5 HiTech filers. I would not worry so much about vignetting with my 17-40. They are best compromise between quality and price.

But if you want the very best then Singh-Ray is the way to go, but dig deep, cause they have a nice price tag.

jdizzle wrote in post #5979675
I'n not sure of the multicoating but, I know the Vari ND should be able to stack with a CPL.

A few photographers on FM and elsewhere have highlighted this problem.

I emailed Singh-Ray myself as I was considering buying one and they confirmed that the Vari-ND is only compatible with polarisers with certain 'properties' - I interpreted this as 'linear polarisers only' though they wouldn't say it explicitly. That's also how I found out the Vari-ND had no multi-coating.

I am guessing you really mean GND's and not straight ND filters?

Look here for a good Hitech GND set:

www.2filter.com

One question I have is why is the Z-Pro holder and adapter rings so dog gone expensive? It's just some plastic and simple aluminum rings. The P size stuff is no where near that price.

I could almost stomach the holder, but $35 for a 77mm adapter ring?

dbdors wrote in post #5980206
One question I have is why is the Z-Pro holder and adapter rings so dog gone expensive? It's just some plastic and simple aluminum rings. The P size stuff is no where near that price.

I could almost stomach the holder, but $35 for a 77mm adapter ring?

Shoot, if you think the Cokin is so expensive, compare it to the Lee hold and adapter ring... THATS expensive!

dbdors wrote in post #5980206
One question I have is why is the Z-Pro holder and adapter rings so dog gone expensive? It's just some plastic and simple aluminum rings. The P size stuff is no where near that price.

I could almost stomach the holder, but $35 for a 77mm adapter ring?

The Z-Pro holder, as well as the Lee holder, are customizable (you can remove slots, use accessories such as 105mm CPL, etc). The P holder has fixed slots and can't be customized. Also, compare the pricing to that of round threaded filters...once you get to 77mm and larger, the price on them really jumps up as well.

But if you're going to consider the Z-Pro, spend the extra $12-$15 and get the Lee holder...much better design for not a lot more money.

Hermes wrote in post #5979882
A few photographers on FM and elsewhere have highlighted this problem.

I emailed Singh-Ray myself as I was considering buying one and they confirmed that the Vari-ND is only compatible with polarisers with certain 'properties' - I interpreted this as 'linear polarisers only' though they wouldn't say it explicitly. That's also how I found out the Vari-ND had no multi-coating.

Thanks for that info Hermes. I own the Singh Ray LB polariser and I was able to mount an ND filter on the front but, I guess it maybe different on the Vari ND.

You can can stack standard NDs or ND grads and polarisers with no problem - the Vari-ND is essentially two polarisers mounted back-to-back so it has complications that solid NDs don't have.

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I am also in the market for some ND filters and a filter system.

I'm taking a rather unplanned trip to the Grand Canyon in a week and a half.

I'm renting a EF 16-35 for use on my 40D. I researched the Cokin Z Pro holder and it sounds like it'll do fine with no vignetting (Cokin recommends it for 24mm and up; 16 on a crop frame is about 26mm).

I want a GND of good quality. What's the best value? Lee, Cokin, other?

I don't want to buy more than one GND, so would a 2 stop GND be the most useful?

Also, what's the best value CP for use in Cokin's system?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm not real knowledgable about filter systems etc and it's more complicated than getting a camera and lenses.