Help with Cokin

Tuner571 · 09-16-2008, 06:52 AM

Hey everyone,

I recently decided that my kit would benefit with the use of cokin filters since I love to photograph landscapes and such. Well, after looking across ebay I found a camera store that sells cokin P series filters and the adapter. My question is what is the difference between the series of filters offered by cokin, also is the P series a good product, and do you think this type of filter system would cause vignetting of my 16-45mm lens.

Thanks for any help,
Cory

*Venturi* · 09-16-2008, 08:00 AM

A, P, Z or X is basically just the size differentiator, though I imagine the Z & X "PRO" series may have some differences. I use the P series myself.

Here's their FAQ

*mickeyobe* · 09-16-2008, 09:00 AM

Cory,

I have the Cokin P system but did not know the answer to your vignetting question as I always used it on my Canon T90.
So I tried it on my Pentax 12 to 24 mm lens attached to my K100D. The lens requires a 77 mm adaptor which I don't have. However I left the 77 mm UV filter on the lens to provide the necessary spacing ( it is actually substantially thicker than a Cokin adaptor ) and then hand held the Cokin filter holder against it.
Even at 12 mm there was no vignetting at all. I think you could probably stack two or three filters in the holder without any problem. I doubt though that you could use the Cokin lens hood.

I would suggest that you take your camera to a Cokin dealer and try the system for yourself.

I have never had any problems with Cokin filter quality. The range of available filters is extraordinary and for landscapes it is especially useful with the rectangular graduated filters. Their numerous accessories are also impressive.

The booklet "Cokin Creative Filter System" is an excellent guide if it or its successor is still available.

I bought my Cokin system in 1994 so some things may have changed in the intervening years.

I hope this is of some help.

Mickey

*navcom* · 09-16-2008, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Tuner571

Hey everyone,

I recently decided that my kit would benefit with the use of cokin filters since I love to photograph landscapes and such. Well, after looking across ebay I found a camera store that sells cokin P series filters and the adapter. My question is what is the difference between the series of filters offered by cokin, also is the P series a good product, and do you think this type of filter system would cause vignetting of my 16-45mm lens.

Thanks for any help,
Cory

I use Cokin P filters on a regular basis, at least the adaptor. I use mostly Singh Ray "P" style filters as I think their quality is much better than Cokin's, but mechanically they are the same...same filter size and use a standard Cokin adaptor. I also use them extensively with the 16-45mm lens and they work perfectly. I've never had an issue with vignetting.

If you are serious about landscape photography, I personally think "p"-style ND grad filters are a necessity. I especially love Singh Ray's reverse ND grad.

Good luck!

skypilot · 10-13-2008, 10:39 AM

I have recently purchased the Cokin P Filter Holder System

I am using the Singh Ray BG Polarizer and a 5 stop ND SR Filter

Problem I am having:

The P filter holder when it screws onto the lens it does not fit tight so when I use my sproket type BG polarizer the whole unit spins instead of just the polarizer. As well the Polarizer are extremely hard to get in and out (do I have to break it in)

I am looking for the Cokin "P" Series Lens Cap (Fits in Holder) Model P253/252 does anyone use this? I can't find them in Canada and too expensive to ship to Canada

This is the item - it lists it as P252 at BHvideo but P253 in the Cokin brochure

Cokin | "P" Series Lens Cap (Fits in Holder) | CP252

Hope someone can help

Thanks

Dan

paolojackson · 10-13-2008, 11:15 AM

I have a Cokin P-series "wide holder" and use it with a 77mm adapter on a DA 12-24. The wide holder has only one slot for holding filters and the like.

This combination will vignette at 12mm. At 16mm it probably won't vignette. Don't have my gear on my but I'm almost sure of that. The wide holder is good for 20mm, on a 35mm. So that should cover up to 14mm without vignetting. Don't think you should have a problem with the 16-45.

*navcom* · 10-13-2008, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by skypilot

I have recently purchased the Cokin P Filter Holder System

I am using the Singh Ray BG Polarizer and a 5 stop ND SR Filter

Problem I am having:

The P filter holder when it screws onto the lens it does not fit tight so when I use my sproket type BG polarizer the whole unit spins instead of just the polarizer. As well the Polarizer are extremely hard to get in and out (do I have to break it in)

I am looking for the Cokin "P" Series Lens Cap (Fits in Holder) Model P253/252 does anyone use this? I can't find them in Canada and too expensive to ship to Canada

This is the item - it lists it as P252 at BHvideo but P253 in the Cokin brochure

Cokin | "P" Series Lens Cap (Fits in Holder) | CP252

Hope someone can help

Thanks

Dan

I have the cokin lens cover but never use it. It works fine but I just don't see a reason to use it. I either have a filter slid into the holder or the holder is off and I just use the normal lens cap.

I don't have the BG Polarizer but wish I did. It's on my wish list. You will have to post some comments/pictures you take with it. I'm curious to see how the quality and versitility is.

skypilot · 10-13-2008, 03:19 PM

Just one day with the BG Polarizer and I am very much a beginner but it has some neat results. This is out of the camera no tweaks in photoshop.

Dan

*Venturi* · 10-13-2008, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by paolojackson

I have a Cokin P-series "wide holder" and use it with a 77mm adapter on a DA 12-24. The wide holder has only one slot for holding filters and the like.

This combination will vignette at 12mm. At 16mm it probably won't vignette. Don't have my gear on my but I'm almost sure of that. The wide holder is good for 20mm, on a 35mm. So that should cover up to 14mm without vignetting. Don't think you should have a problem with the 16-45.

I can confirm from shooting this weekend with the DA12-24 and P-series Cokin CP filter with the wide-angle holder that it does vignette from 12mm to about 15/16mm. That filter is round and smaller than the rectangular ND etc. filters though and I haven't tried those with this lens to know if they will vignette as well.

*navcom* · 10-13-2008, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by skypilot

Just one day with the BG Polarizer and I am very much a beginner but it has some neat results. This is out of the camera no tweaks in photoshop.

Dan

Looks cool. I know it is a great polarizer but I've never had the chance to use one personally. I've seen the results others have been able to achieve which is why it's on my list to get.

All things in good time.

paolojackson · 10-13-2008, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by Venturi

I can confirm from shooting this weekend with the DA12-24 and P-series Cokin CP filter with the wide-angle holder that it does vignette from 12mm to about 15/16mm. That filter is round and smaller than the rectangular ND etc. filters though and I haven't tried those with this lens to know if they will vignette as well.

I forgot to mention I was using a Hitech rectangular ND Grad. Either way, it vignettes at the widest, but should be clear by around 16mm. I guess it depends on what the OP intends on using.

To the OP:

I think the Cokin P-series is a solid product. It's fairly cheap compared to the Lee holder and the Z-Pro (which would be the next size up). Also you shouldn't have any problems finding the filters you want.

My only problem is that I have learned much more in Photoshop and have more and more started to go that route. The ND grad can easily be simulated, but I haven't seen anyone really duplicate the effects of a CP in photoshop.

*navcom* · 10-13-2008, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by paolojackson

My only problem is that I have learned much more in Photoshop and have more and more started to go that route. The ND grad can easily be simulated, but I haven't seen anyone really duplicate the effects of a CP in photoshop.

You're right in that PS is a powerful tool, but I beg to differ that you can duplicate a reverse ND grad. It's just not the same effect and quality coming from PS. I was always taught that the "effect" should be done as close to snapping the shutter as possible...in other words, a filter will do a much better job (usually) than post processing.

paolojackson · 10-15-2008, 08:07 PM

Can't disagree with you there navcom. Any "simulation" of filters, etc. in photoshop, wouldn't be as good as the real thing. And sometimes when I process in PS, I tell myself, "man...this photo isn't quite pure, not the REAL deal..."

But PS comes close enough to my needs and is much more convenient for me. To each his own.

BTW, your landscape shots from the link in your sig are very nice.

*navcom* · 10-15-2008, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by paolojackson

Can't disagree with you there navcom. Any "simulation" of filters, etc. in photoshop, wouldn't be as good as the real thing. And sometimes when I process in PS, I tell myself, "man...this photo isn't quite pure, not the REAL deal..."

But PS comes close enough to my needs and is much more convenient for me. To each his own.

BTW, your landscape shots from the link in your sig are very nice.

Thanks! I use filters quite extensively, but I also use Photoshop too. I'm a purist, but I also like my time, and sometimes it's just easier to tweak it in post process.

Bactman · 10-20-2008, 06:45 AM

I've also been exploring using the Cokin P series, and one issue that keeps popping up is the magenta hue some users have noticed when using ND filters. The magenta cast can't be removed during pp. ND filters are supposed to be color-neutral, not add color. The next step would be the more expensive (and higher quality) NDs from Singh Ray or Lee (I think).

Good luck.