Filters? Cokin type or screw-in?

**csa** · 10-14-2015, 11:16 AM

I want to start building up a filter set; but don't know which way to go, with a "Cokin" type, or screw-in. Any pros/cons on this would be greatly appreciated.

I'm mainly interested in getting some ND filters right now.

**UncleVanya** · 10-14-2015, 11:44 AM

The add on filter systems are interesting but they make using hoods difficult.

The other approach is expensive if the goal is to size them by lens size.

cali92rs · 10-14-2015, 11:56 AM

Like all things in life...it depends

If you want to use graduated neutral density (GND) filters, the cokin, lee, etc setups are the only way to go. The problem with screw on GND's is that they are right in the middle of the frame which is the last place you usually need them.
Pros of these is that it is the most flexible. Con is they can be very cumbersome and pricey.

If you want to use just plain NDs or polarizers, then screw in are fine.
Pros of these is that you dont require an apparatus hanging off your lens and they take up a lot less space. Con is that they are pretty useless if you want to use GNDs.

**csa** · 10-14-2015, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The other approach is expensive if the goal is to size them by lens size.

What about using step-down rings, and get filters for your largest mm lens?

**UncleVanya** · 10-14-2015, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by csa

What about using step-down rings, and get filters for your largest mm lens?

Same issue with hoods. No advantage over the system approach that I see.

slivo · 10-14-2015, 12:30 PM

For ND definitely srew-in filters or Lee holder. Cokin - P holder is not suitable for ND because there is a space for polarizer between the first filter position and the holder itself. I was getting light leak streaks quite often and ended up buying screw-in ND myself.

**csa** · 10-14-2015, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by slivo

For ND definitely srew-in filters or Lee holder. Cokin - P holder is not suitable for ND because there is a space for polarizer between the first filter position and the holder itself. I was getting light leak streaks quite often and ended up buying screw-in ND myself.

Thanks! That's very helpful information!

MrCynical · 10-14-2015, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

The add on filter systems are interesting but they make using hoods difficult.

The other approach is expensive if the goal is to size them by lens size.

Unless you have a matching set of DA Limiteds, all of which use 49mm filter threads!

mikeSF · 10-14-2015, 01:54 PM

For ND filters, I prefer screw-in to eliminate light leaks. For graduated ND filters, I recommend a square filter set such as a Lee or cokin set.
Good luck.

**csa** · 10-14-2015, 03:00 PM

I see several brands of a variable screw-in ND filter; anyone have any experience with these?

Hoya 58mm Variable Neutral Density Filter A-58VDY B&H Photo

10-14-2015, 11:16 AM	#1
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Filters? Cokin type or screw-in? I want to start building up a filter set; but don't know which way to go, with a "Cokin" type, or screw-in. Any pros/cons on this would be greatly appreciated. I'm mainly interested in getting some ND filters right now.

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10-14-2015, 11:44 AM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	The add on filter systems are interesting but they make using hoods difficult. The other approach is expensive if the goal is to size them by lens size.

10-14-2015, 11:56 AM	#3
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Like all things in life...it depends If you want to use graduated neutral density (GND) filters, the cokin, lee, etc setups are the only way to go. The problem with screw on GND's is that they are right in the middle of the frame which is the last place you usually need them. Pros of these is that it is the most flexible. Con is they can be very cumbersome and pricey. If you want to use just plain NDs or polarizers, then screw in are fine. Pros of these is that you dont require an apparatus hanging off your lens and they take up a lot less space. Con is that they are pretty useless if you want to use GNDs.

10-14-2015, 12:08 PM	#4
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya The other approach is expensive if the goal is to size them by lens size. What about using step-down rings, and get filters for your largest mm lens?

10-14-2015, 12:27 PM	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	Originally posted by csa What about using step-down rings, and get filters for your largest mm lens? Same issue with hoods. No advantage over the system approach that I see.

10-14-2015, 12:30 PM	#6
slivo New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 17	For ND definitely srew-in filters or Lee holder. Cokin - P holder is not suitable for ND because there is a space for polarizer between the first filter position and the holder itself. I was getting light leak streaks quite often and ended up buying screw-in ND myself.

10-14-2015, 12:37 PM	#7
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Originally posted by slivo For ND definitely srew-in filters or Lee holder. Cokin - P holder is not suitable for ND because there is a space for polarizer between the first filter position and the holder itself. I was getting light leak streaks quite often and ended up buying screw-in ND myself. Thanks! That's very helpful information!

10-14-2015, 01:18 PM	#8
MrCynical Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 132	Originally posted by UncleVanya The add on filter systems are interesting but they make using hoods difficult. The other approach is expensive if the goal is to size them by lens size. Unless you have a matching set of DA Limiteds, all of which use 49mm filter threads!

10-14-2015, 01:54 PM	#9
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	For ND filters, I prefer screw-in to eliminate light leaks. For graduated ND filters, I recommend a square filter set such as a Lee or cokin set. Good luck.

10-14-2015, 03:00 PM	#10
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	I see several brands of a variable screw-in ND filter; anyone have any experience with these? Hoya 58mm Variable Neutral Density Filter A-58VDY B&H Photo