Big square filters (again!)

'Lo all

I started a post a while ago asking about filter systems. I was looking into the economical way to get the effects I wanted across all lenses (i.e. cokin-style filters so I could just switch them between lenses). However, following the advice from here I decided to go with circular filters where possible for the extra quality.

Since then I have also made a brief foray into using 2 polarisers to get a variable ND filter which has worked quite well.

The main gap (in what I want to be able to do, anyway) is variable grads for landscapes. For this, the big square filters are the only real choice so I was hoping for some advice on a couple of areas:

1) Which system go for - cokin (cheap) or Lee (quality). Since I haven't used these yet and they would probably be occassional use, I'm tempted to go with Cokin as the cheaper option. I'm a bit concerned about comments on colour cast though.

2) Can anyone recomend a quality alternative to either?

3) What filter strengths should I get as a starter kit?

4) Hard or soft grads or both?

5) Widest lens at the moment is 17mm but I plan to add a 10mm soon. If I went with Cokin, would I need the wide angle holder? Would the other systems that might be suggested by people work for wide lenses?

Cheers

WG

Cokin consist of more systems.
The normal ones like the P are decent but the bigger ones like the Z-pro is slightly better. They use better quality glass and they have less off a colour cast.

There is also HiTech Formatt filters. From what I hear they are better then the standard Cokin filters but that's only hear say from my part I've never used them.
http://www.formatt.co.uk/stills-filters/products.aspx

There is also Schneideroptics, don't be scared by the prices though.
link

Some sell them as a kit like formatt for example does. ND0.3, ND0.6, ND0.9 or the standard ones I think. link

They both have their own uses.
The wider the FOV, the softer the GND can be and vice versa.
And this one.
Lee explains when to use when for each type of photo link

Most brands make that clear with their product, I hope.

The cokin z-pro holds in the standard position 3 100mm filters and that one goes up to 13mm according to Cokin, that's just as wide as the wide angle holder of the P-series.
So if the wide angle holder is okay so would be most 100mm systems.

Cokin P series aren't classed as hard or soft grads - soft is probably the most accurate. Comes as one strength - confusingly it looks to be ND2 (ie 1 stop at the darkest part of the range) when I put my grey grad next to my ND4 (mid range - 2 stops). The other options are ND2 or ND8.

Most useful - ND4, Grey Grad, Blue Grad. See 'Halki dawn' in gallery - ND4+Grey Grad for some idea of what that combo can do.

I'd get the special wide angle holder for the 10-12mm end of the range.

Cokin is supposed to have a colour cast - but I've never seen any evidence of it in any of my work.

Lee Filters are a 'nice to have'. Part of the cost of ownership of any system is the holders and the adaptor rings to suit the lenses you use - Cokin is at least pretty economical and won't damage the bank balance if you need more rings and/or holders. Once you are certain what you need and what you'll use (not always the same thing), then you could change up to Lee - potential idea for the birthday/christmas present wish list.

HTH


Steve

Lee filters can be used in the Cokin Z-Pro holders. And vice-versa.