So I've got a 16-35 II and I want filters...

Any idea what I need to get? I don't see 82mm creative filters around other than CPL.

Right now I already have a B+W 82mm F-pro MRC filter and a B+W 82mm CPL Slim.

I'm probably gonna have to take a look at cokin right?

Any ideas where to start, and a typical budget? I'd probably like to have a 3 stop full ND, 10 stop full ND and a 3 stop hard GND...

What mount do I have to buy etc?

Cheers,
Zexun

p.s. sorry for the newbie-ness. I have never dabbled into filters before, other than buying a standard 77mm HOYA CPL.

For Cokin filters, there's basically 3 components. The filter holder, an adaptor ring, and then the filters themselves. They make various "series" based on different sizes of filters. The P-series is pretty standard, although for an UWA on a full frame camera, you'll probably experience vignetting with their standard P-series holder. They make a "slim" holder which apparently can be used down to 20mm without vignetting. Note that the regular holders will hold 3 filters and the slim only 1.

I don't believe Cokin makes 10 stop ND filters. They do 1-stop, 2 stop and 3 stop, IIRC. Although with a regular holder you could theoretically stack 3 3-stop NDs. Although I wouldn't necessarily recommend that as you'll probably degrade your image a lot.

Cokin filters tend to be at the cheap end (typically ~$25 a filter, plus holders and adaptors).

The other option is Lee filters. Lee filters are better quality than Cokin, but considerably more expensive (closer to $100 a filter). If you have the cash, go for Lee, otherwise Cokin is your best bet.

In my research I have found that the Lee foundation kit is supposed to be a lot better than the Cokin.

ben_r_ wrote in post #10708386
In my research I have found that the Lee foundation kit is supposed to be a lot better than the Cokin.

I just broke my cokin holder + ring and got the lee today (100% my fault). Get the lee, it's that much better.

Zexun,
you want panel filters at this stage. For a CP it's good to have round because that's how you use them a lot, alone, plus the round versions are much cheaper because they're smaller (the exact right size). When you get into GNDs and NDs they're so much cheaper to make that getting them ONCE as a panel saves you money.

So you need panel filters, you need a holder, and you need the ring to get them onto your lens.

the lee holder is ~$15 more than the cokin and soooo worth it. The issue is their rings (for wide lenses) are $60 -vs- the $30 for the cokin ring. So combined it's $50 more. But get the lee...

lee ring:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …82_Adapter_Ring​_82mm.html
lee holder:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ion_Kit_Standar​d_4x4.html

cokin holder:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …lter_Holder_Req​uires.html
cokin ring:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …m_Z_Pro_Adapter​_Ring.html

once you have either of those setups (the lee ring is backordered) then you're set for getting panel filters. The standard size is 4" x 6" which cokin calls Zs. There are different cokin sizes both bigger and smaller but I won't confuse you with them. You want Zs. If you're buying by size the grads will be 4x5 or 4x6 depending on who makes them and the NDs will be 4x4 typically. All of the different filters will go in all the different holders, so you can mix and match. It's generally good to stick with ONE filter maker though so the grays match or you can get funky color issues.

Once you get down to filters, there are a few makers, here's the 3 stop GND from each in this size:

$60 cokin http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …raduated_G2.htm​l#features
$63 hitech http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ated_Neutral_De​nsity.html
$95 leehttp://www.bhphotovide​o.com …d_Neutral_Densi​ty_ND.html
$160 singh ray http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ated_Neutral_De​nsity.html

Everyone I know either uses Lees or wishes they could afford them. Hitech's are the next best bet as they're not much more than the cokins but they're more neutral. I use hitechs and had cokins and like the hitechs better, they're basically good enough for me. But Lees come with their own nice soft pouch each (hitechs are in plastic) and lees are 4x6 where hitechs are 4x5. That hasn't been an issue for me, but 4x6 is nicer. Basically, if you can afford a 100% lee setup, I'd go that route. Oh, and format is the UK name for hitech, same company, same filters, our hitech filters say format on them as well (on the paper).

Also, get his regardless of the setup you get:
http://www.adorama.com​/GBSFP46.html

it holds my holder AND 4 filters perfectly.

also, watch this:
http://gear.benjacobse​nphoto.com …s-that-cant-take-filters/
it's more about using filters on lenses that "can't" but it'll help you see some of these things in a video. I'll be making a new video hopefully this weekend with my cokin Z holder -vs- the lee with a tutorial on how to use them (now that I have 2 cameras again)....

Great advice, I have just been getting into the world of filters and this thread is a big help. Thanks!

Lee is definately superior to Cokin.

More Durable .. More Neutral .. More Better!

Lee makes the best holder, its that simple. As for the filters Lee and Singh Ray are the best. Lee has a cooler cast while Singh Ray has a warm tone cast though both are minimal shifts in colour. Build of both is superior to Cokin or Hitech; you get what you pay for.

Check this thread for more information on filter use https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=224448

Oh one more thing, if you go with the Lee system make sure you get the Wide Angle adapter ring- yes its a lot more expensive but its worth it.

Treat me like a tourist wrote in post #10710078
Oh one more thing, if you go with the Lee system make sure you get the Wide Angle adapter ring- yes its a lot more expensive but its worth it.

is there any specific info on what lenses NEED it? I just got it for my 10-22 assuming it would need it, but I'd love to see a list if it's around anywhere...

edit: found this on their site:

so really, no definitive answer, but they say past 24mm you need the wide adapter...

I agree with the others here. There is no doubt that Lee is well built.

^To Ben. I prefer the wide angle ring adapter. It's a few bucks more for it. Why not?

jdizzle wrote in post #10711134
^To Ben. I prefer the wide angle ring adapter. It's a few bucks more for it. Why not?

no doubt, and I'd rather make the mistake of having it than losing corners, I just wonder if anyone KNOWS where the non wide fails...

jacobsen1 wrote in post #10709671
Once you get down to filters, there are a few makers, here's the 3 stop GND from each in this size:

$60 cokin http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …raduated_G2.htm​l#features
$80 hitech http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …5mm_Graduated_N​D_0_9.html
$95 leehttp://www.bhphotovide​o.com …d_Neutral_Densi​ty_ND.html
$160 singh ray http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ated_Neutral_De​nsity.html

Mr. ben, the hi-tech is only $39 for the 85mm... what do you mean $80?

they are even selling the graduated filters 100x125mm for around $68 only.

^ fixed it, thanks. It's $63 for the 4x6 which is what I meant to link.

jacobsen1 wrote in post #10711217
no doubt, and I'd rather make the mistake of having it than losing corners, I just wonder if anyone KNOWS where the non wide fails...

Hehe! Well, the upside to using the wide angle adapter is to prevent vignetting. The wide angle ring adapter is meant to bring the filter holder closer to the lens. Therefore, preventing even more vignetting depending on the design of the lens of course. I assume the standard ring will cause a bit of vignetting if it doesn't bother you that much.

jacobsen1 wrote in post #10710783
is there any specific info on what lenses NEED it? I just got it for my 10-22 assuming it would need it, but I'd love to see a list if it's around anywhere...

edit: found this on their site:


so really, no definitive answer, but they say past 24mm you need the wide adapter...

Ben,

Using a 10-22 on a crop i dont get any vignetting using the Lee W/A adaptor ring with a 3 slot Lee holder setup. There will be some light fall off in the corners but nothing you cant work with or edit some in PP. Its a great design and worth the expense.

A.

Excuse the image quality i put them together quickly. The first image is the only standard mount Lee adaptor i have- 67mm for my 70-200F4L. The ring thread protrudes from the plastic disc, its quite clear to see. The next shot is the 77mm wide adaptor you can see the difference in the design. The third image shows this better, you see that the thread sits inside and somewhat inverted, this allows the flange to tuck behind the lens so that when the holder is fitted it fits flush with the ring covered barrel- See shots 4 and 5.

1.