Cokin Z Pro filter reviews

Mattox · 01-13-2016, 09:54 AM

I have been using a Cokin z pro find grad filter system for years now and as my photography is getting better and therefore more demanding I ask myself, does this filter on my landscapes have an effect on the final quality of the image. I know that there are tons of other models out there (I.e. Lee), but how does the z pro system set up against the others? There is little on the net about this system so I thought I'd bring it up

panoguy · 01-13-2016, 10:51 AM

I've used the ZPro system in the past, and the Cokin filters that came with it did soften the image and imparted a slight color cast (magenta, if I recall) in the ND filtered areas. The filters were also made of (high grade) plastic, which meant they could get scratched pretty easily. The Z system is the same dimension as Lee and Hitech square filters, so good glass ones can easily be used instead.

Mattox · 01-13-2016, 11:44 AM

Originally posted by panoguy

I've used the ZPro system in the past, and the Cokin filters that came with it did soften the image and imparted a slight color cast (magenta, if I recall) in the ND filtered areas. The filters were also made of (high grade) plastic, which meant they could get scratched pretty easily. The Z system is the same dimension as Lee and Hitech square filters, so good glass ones can easily be used instead.

Ok, thanks for the feedback. Really, they do make the images softer? So, basically in your opinion is be better off keep the holder system and changing the filter itself. What would be the best on the market? Tiffany, lee?

panoguy · 01-13-2016, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by Mattox

Ok, thanks for the feedback. Really, they do make the images softer? So, basically in your opinion is be better off keep the holder system and changing the filter itself. What would be the best on the market? Tiffany, lee?

Sorry, I don't know what's the best on the market (and I think you mean Tiffen

).

After struggling with the color cast of the original Cokins, I bought a Schneider Landscape Control Kit (from 2filter.com - Camera Filters and Filter Accessories) because they are all-glass filters, and 2filter had the kit on sale with a second ND grad (for $200 IIRC)! That was how I knew just what the Cokins did to my images in comparison. No more color cast in the ND part, and almost imperceptible sharpness loss. Very nice all-glass filters!

Alas, their price has gone up to the Lee, Singh-Ray and Hitech filter price levels, where $150 gets you one sheet of glass (or resin).

Mattox · 01-13-2016, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by panoguy

Sorry, I don't know what's the best on the market (and I think you mean Tiffen

).

After struggling with the color cast of the original Cokins, I bought a Schneider Landscape Control Kit (from 2filter.com - Camera Filters and Filter Accessories) because they are all-glass filters, and 2filter had the kit on sale with a second ND grad (for $200 IIRC)! That was how I knew just what the Cokins did to my images in comparison. No more color cast in the ND part, and almost imperceptible sharpness loss. Very nice all-glass filters!

Alas, their price has gone up to the Lee, Singh-Ray and Hitech filter price levels, where $150 gets you one sheet of glass (or resin).

Hahaha.... Sorry that wasn't me, it was iPhone spell correction. Tiffany instead of tiffen. Hahaha. Thanks for your feedback. Looks like I've got some research on my hands. I really always thought that the z pro was a fine step ahead of the p series but I looks like I may be mistaken

01-13-2016, 09:54 AM	#1
Mattox Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 292	Cokin Z Pro filter reviews I have been using a Cokin z pro find grad filter system for years now and as my photography is getting better and therefore more demanding I ask myself, does this filter on my landscapes have an effect on the final quality of the image. I know that there are tons of other models out there (I.e. Lee), but how does the z pro system set up against the others? There is little on the net about this system so I thought I'd bring it up

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01-13-2016, 10:51 AM	#2
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	I've used the ZPro system in the past, and the Cokin filters that came with it did soften the image and imparted a slight color cast (magenta, if I recall) in the ND filtered areas. The filters were also made of (high grade) plastic, which meant they could get scratched pretty easily. The Z system is the same dimension as Lee and Hitech square filters, so good glass ones can easily be used instead.

01-13-2016, 11:44 AM	#3
Mattox Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 292 Original Poster	Originally posted by panoguy I've used the ZPro system in the past, and the Cokin filters that came with it did soften the image and imparted a slight color cast (magenta, if I recall) in the ND filtered areas. The filters were also made of (high grade) plastic, which meant they could get scratched pretty easily. The Z system is the same dimension as Lee and Hitech square filters, so good glass ones can easily be used instead. Ok, thanks for the feedback. Really, they do make the images softer? So, basically in your opinion is be better off keep the holder system and changing the filter itself. What would be the best on the market? Tiffany, lee?

01-13-2016, 01:21 PM	#4
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	Originally posted by Mattox Ok, thanks for the feedback. Really, they do make the images softer? So, basically in your opinion is be better off keep the holder system and changing the filter itself. What would be the best on the market? Tiffany, lee? Sorry, I don't know what's the best on the market (and I think you mean Tiffen ). After struggling with the color cast of the original Cokins, I bought a Schneider Landscape Control Kit (from 2filter.com - Camera Filters and Filter Accessories) because they are all-glass filters, and 2filter had the kit on sale with a second ND grad (for $200 IIRC)! That was how I knew just what the Cokins did to my images in comparison. No more color cast in the ND part, and almost imperceptible sharpness loss. Very nice all-glass filters! Alas, their price has gone up to the Lee, Singh-Ray and Hitech filter price levels, where $150 gets you one sheet of glass (or resin).

01-13-2016, 03:47 PM	#5
Mattox Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 292 Original Poster	Originally posted by panoguy Sorry, I don't know what's the best on the market (and I think you mean Tiffen ). After struggling with the color cast of the original Cokins, I bought a Schneider Landscape Control Kit (from 2filter.com - Camera Filters and Filter Accessories) because they are all-glass filters, and 2filter had the kit on sale with a second ND grad (for $200 IIRC)! That was how I knew just what the Cokins did to my images in comparison. No more color cast in the ND part, and almost imperceptible sharpness loss. Very nice all-glass filters! Alas, their price has gone up to the Lee, Singh-Ray and Hitech filter price levels, where $150 gets you one sheet of glass (or resin). Hahaha.... Sorry that wasn't me, it was iPhone spell correction. Tiffany instead of tiffen. Hahaha. Thanks for your feedback. Looks like I've got some research on my hands. I really always thought that the z pro was a fine step ahead of the p series but I looks like I may be mistaken