ND gradient filters

Hi all. To accompany my new 16-50mm lense i have to throw out the trusty old cokin P series filter system and my ND grad filter with it. I need to purchase a new filter system for the wider angel and was thinking whether it is worth to stay with cokin and go for z series, or change completely. keeping budget in mind, what are you suggestions out there, taking into account that i usually require only a ND grad for landscapes. Oh, and in the z pro series, what is the best all rounder ND grad filter, the .6 or .8?

Cheers

I have the Lee Foundation Kit + Cokin Z-Pro ND Grad kit.
The Lee holder is very well made (much better than the Cokin).
Couldn't afford Lee filters
Matt

Think I heard or read somewhere that Lee are bringing out what they call an economy range, if it is not far short of the normal standard and they bring it out soon it could be worth waiting for.

I have the Lee filter system and ND grad, just got it recently and I had the chance so use just one time, but they are really good, unfortunately I can`t provdie a comparison with other one, but if you can afford it just go for it.

I use a cokin P filter ssytem on my 12-24 with their wide angle holder, so why do you have to throw away what you already have?

You have a point,Jon, if anyone is disgarding filter systems I would be happy to give them a home. the filters that is not the members

I too have the P-system and use it at wide angles no problem. It seems silly to throw out the system without checking first whether or not it gives a problem with your lens.

Weather or not a square filter system is usable on a wide angle lens without vingnetting depends on two things the size of the filter and the diameter of the front element.
ie a wider angle but smaller diameter lens may not cause vignetting. So its irrelevant to say my Xmm lens does not vignette unlass you also quote the front screw thread diameter.

If using the Cokin P filters with the DA*16-50 there is vingnetting (the holder can be seen in the picture) ONLY IF you use the standard holder AND have a screw-on filter fitted as well.

With the DA*16-50 you need to use the the Cokin P slim filter holder which holds only one filter if you already have a screw-on filter fitted (or trim the front 2 slots off a spare standard holder). [obvoiusly you will want a 77mm Cokin P filter holder too]

Should be no need to change filter system - unless you want too.

I am confused, with the p system on my lense there is vignetting till i zoom in passed 20mm. I assumed i had to go to the z pro to get rid of this. My lens is a 16-50mmDA.

Do you have one of these.

Its a slim filter holder that stops the vignetting when used with a wide angle.

additionally have a look here

No i don't. I have the standard. I took some advice last night and sawed off the first 2 slots so that i have just one slot , however there is still vignetting noticeable at 16mm. maybe this slim version might do the job. Thanks mate, really really appreciate the help. I will go to the store and test it out.

Cheers.

Considering all this the lens does have very slight vignetting anyway

Do you have a screw on filter on the front of the lens?, this will compound the issue at the widest angle

I was just thinking the same thing. I've got the trusty uv filter which infact will effect this. I am going to try and file down the edges of the P holder as you have done to see if this makes any difference, otherwise i'll bite the bullet and go for the z pro. I am not one to leave the lens naked without a uv filter. With my clumsy hands i'll end up scratching it. Anyway the old ND grad filters are a bit worn out and scratched and I could probably go for a new set. thanks once again Jon, you've been a great help

I tried filing off the edges too and the vigetting is still there with the UV filter present. I will definently have to get the z pro. I think what some people don't understand is that, of course you can use p series filters with a wide angel but when you have a 77mm lense you can't. it is way to large. Lets hope that what cokin say is right that i won't get vignetting with the z pro????