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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Are you a fan of Cokin filters?
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 04/14/2006 10:28:04 AM · #1
I had bought them when I needed to purchase 3 different filter sizes. Now, I only need 1 filter size, 2 if/when I find a need to put a filter on my 100mm macro that I have not played with much yet.

I find the Cokin system to be a PITA...LOL I like it for the graduated ND filter, but not so much for the polarizing filter or the solid ND filters.

I want to get a couple more ND filters, but I don't want to purchase them until I decide if I want to continue with the Cokin or abandon ship. I have not used filters very often aside from a circular polarizer. Guam affords me many more landscape opportunities than NW Florida did.

So, if you could, throw your 2 cents my way :)


04/14/2006 10:30:51 AM · #2
I personaly love the cokin system. they offer so much more than just ND filters, and to switch filters or stack them is much easier than a screw filter. You can also get them for a lower price through Ritz camera. Don't really like RItz but they do a some use.
 04/14/2006 10:32:07 AM · #3
Originally posted by JRalston:
I had bought them when I needed to purchase 3 different filter sizes. Now, I only need 1 filter size, 2 if/when I find a need to put a filter on my 100mm macro that I have not played with much yet.

I find the Cokin system to be a PITA...LOL I like it for the graduated ND filter, but not so much for the polarizing filter or the solid ND filters.

I want to get a couple more ND filters, but I don't want to purchase them until I decide if I want to continue with the Cokin or abandon ship. I have not used filters very often aside from a circular polarizer. Guam affords me many more landscape opportunities than NW Florida did.

So, if you could, throw your 2 cents my way :)


Yes, a devoted fan of cokin.

It is a similar system that the camera dept. uses at work. Of course, theirs fits a 35mm matte box.

Flexable, various, and not cheap. I like that.
 04/14/2006 10:40:09 AM · #4
Originally posted by cryan:
I personaly love the cokin system. they offer so much more than just ND filters, and to switch filters or stack them is much easier than a screw filter. You can also get them for a lower price through Ritz camera. Don't really like RItz but they do a some use.


Ritz, really? I'll have to check them out if I decide to stick with Cokin. When making equipment purchases, I have often cringed at Ritz prices...LOL

Do you know if Cokin has less chance of vignetting than stacking?


04/14/2006 11:28:44 AM · #5
Originally posted by JRalston:
...Do you know if Cokin has less chance of vignetting than stacking?

I've used 3 filters at one time and not had any problem with vignetting and using the 'A' series Cokin filters, but that was on a 52mm lens.

I've used them a couple of times since going to a DSLR and a 55mm lens and haven't seen any vignetting, but I haven't used more than 2 at a time currently. My newest lens is 58mm and I've only used the polarizer with that - it was ok too.

Since I've purchased a threaded circular polarizer (Hoya) for my 18-70 (55mm) kit lens I tend to use it more than the Cokin on a regular basis now. Since this filter has a front thread I have used the Cokin in combination with it a couple of times. One problem with the Hoya is using a lens hood...can't access the turning ring on the circular polarizer with the hood in place. :( I have a hood attachment for the 'A' series holder but haven't used it much because it's a pain to snap in.

All being said, the Cokin filter system will remain as part of my accessories. I like the special effects and grad ND's. I don't like the fact that many are plastic as I've scratched a couple of them, but they are inexpensive enough to replace without a lot of heartache.

So, quality polarizers on the front end with threads. Cokin to fill the unique/rare situations.

I'll have to look at Ritz again. I noticed they are priced about the same for Cokin stuff but didn't have much for a selection last time I looked online (maybe in-store is better?). Adorama and B&H have all of the Cokin supplies, but I'll never do business with Adorama again.
 04/14/2006 01:23:18 PM · #6
I've stacked 3 + a polarizer on my 28-135 with no vignetting. Where I do get vignetting is with the 17-40 on my film camera. I haven't tried this setup digital yet though don't expect much in the way of vignetting.

I use the P series. Cokin makes polarizers which spin in the holder.

If all your filters are Cokin then I would say it's less of a PITA than the screw in filters.
 04/14/2006 01:26:55 PM · #7
I've got to change to to the P system, since going digital i haven't used my 52mm lens cause i've purchased better glass. I really need to get some 72mm stuff
04/14/2006 10:50:31 PM · #8
Another Cokin fan here. Mind you, I haven't used them much with my D-SLR (although I haven't had the D-SLR for that long!).

I stacked a couple of ND filters and a polariser without any vignetting, but that was with a mild-telephoto shot, not a wide-angle. I do tend to get a bit of vignetting when shooting at 20mm focal length.
04/14/2006 11:01:48 PM · #9
I love the Cokin system too. I have used screw on filters and I hate the vignetting it causes at the lenses' shortest focal lengths. The polarizer filter also works great.

June
 04/14/2006 11:26:06 PM · #10
My first ND graduated filters were Cokin. I found that they scratched very easily. I now use Lee filters - they seem sturdier and also seem to have better quality glass.

Cokin has some other specialty filters that probably work very well. I just have not played much with them.
 04/15/2006 12:28:25 AM · #11
I like Cokin, and they're relatively inexpensive. I buy from //www.thefilterconnection.com: their prices and their support are both excellent (Cokins do scratch too easily--I got a filter that was "prescratched", and they sent me a new one with few questions asked and little hassle as well as a postage paid envelope for the old one.)

My only complaint is that the polarizer falls out of the holder when you put the holder on the ring (which is normal for moving the holder from lens to lens or when first mounting. I leave the rings on the lenses, and use the lens caps for the adapter rings. That has the benefit of making your lens caps interchangeable too. But I broke my $75 Cokin polarizer when setting up in my hotel bathroom this December in Zermatt (was going out early and I didn't want to wake my wife). Put on the holder, polarizer fell to the floor and broke on the tile floor.

I wrote to Cokin about this as a design defect. Never heard back.

Message edited by author 2007-09-28 10:06:31.
 09/28/2007 09:10:30 AM · #12
This is a FYI post for anyone looking for Cokin ND Grad filters, especially the 'P' series size...

I contacted the USA distributor for Cokin because the Grey ND Grads (121L & 121M are specifically what I'm looking for) are backordered everywhere. Here's the response I rec'd.

***** start response *****

Hello Barry,

Thank you for your message. We are the USA distributor for Cokin/France and sell their products through our nationwide network of dealers.

The filters you mention are currently on backorder from Cokin ΓΆ€“ and have been for quite some time. They are experiencing some manufacturing snafus with the gradation process.

Our next Cokin shipment is due here on [or about] 10/10 and are hoping to have all the backorders shipped at that time.

There is a dealer locator at our website: www.omegasatter.com.

Also, you may want to contact The Filter Connection. Their website is www.2filters.com.

Peg Beverly

OmegaSatter

***** end response *****
 09/28/2007 09:58:22 AM · #13
I've been trying to build up a Cokin P-series system, since owning three different sizes of each filter was going to drive me broke. I have a 77mm kit, with the filter holder and a 77mm ring. My question is, I ordered a 67mm adapter ring used from B&H, and it didn't fit the filter holder at all (not even close). It was used, and I think they mislabeled it, but I returned it and see that it's back up for sale where it was before. If I order a new 67mm (or any other size), it should fit that same holder, right?

I already have some ND filters, and love the ability to get more stops back than I could with screw-on filters before. Now if only the graduated NDs would come out of backorder! glad2badad, thanks for posting your info on that!
 09/28/2007 10:01:00 AM · #14
Originally posted by nshapiro:
I like Cokin, and they're relatively inexpensive. I buy from thefilterfactory.com: their prices and their support are both excellent (Cokins do scratch too easily--I got a filter that was "prescratched", and they sent me a new one with few questions asked and little hassle as well as a postage paid envelope for the old one.)

Ummm...did I just fall for the joke? I went to thefilterfactory.com, and the site that came up sells air filters...no sign of photo filters. If I'm just being really dense, can someone post a good link?
 09/28/2007 10:03:51 AM · #15
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
I've been trying to build up a Cokin P-series system, since owning three different sizes of each filter was going to drive me broke. I have a 77mm kit, with the filter holder and a 77mm ring. My question is, I ordered a 67mm adapter ring used from B&H, and it didn't fit the filter holder at all (not even close). It was used, and I think they mislabeled it, but I returned it and see that it's back up for sale where it was before. If I order a new 67mm (or any other size), it should fit that same holder, right?

I already have some ND filters, and love the ability to get more stops back than I could with screw-on filters before. Now if only the graduated NDs would come out of backorder! glad2badad, thanks for posting your info on that!


Brent, go to //www.2filter.com (//thefilterconnection.com). They have good prices, though they may not always be as cheap as BH. Service is great; in two instances (out of several years of ordering) I received defective cokin filters (one was scratched, the other chipped), and they sent me a new one right away with prepaid shipping envelope to return the other.

They have some good deals on kits too, which include a filter holder and several filters. And always check their clearance page as well.

I've never had a problem with the filter holder fitting on the adapter, and I have purchased about 6 different lens adapters (and I have two different filter holders, the wide, and the regular). If it's a P adapter, it should fit.

While there, be sure and buy several lens caps that fit over the adapter rings. Then you can just leave the rings on your lenses, and use the Cokin lens cap. It makes it much easier to switch the filter holder from one lens to another; you just slide the lens cap off one, and onto the other, since now, all your lenses will take the same size lens cap.

Message edited by author 2007-09-28 10:05:07.
 09/28/2007 10:05:39 AM · #16
Thanks Neil!
 09/28/2007 10:06:04 AM · #17
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
Originally posted by nshapiro:
I like Cokin, and they're relatively inexpensive. I buy from thefilterfactory.com: their prices and their support are both excellent (Cokins do scratch too easily--I got a filter that was "prescratched", and they sent me a new one with few questions asked and little hassle as well as a postage paid envelope for the old one.)

Ummm...did I just fall for the joke? I went to thefilterfactory.com, and the site that came up sells air filters...no sign of photo filters. If I'm just being really dense, can someone post a good link?


No joke, my old post was just bad typing! I'll go correct it.
 09/28/2007 10:09:22 AM · #18
BTW - the downside to the system, and leaving the rings on all the time, is that you can't use a lens hood anymore. But since I almost always shoot with the cokin filters other than indoors, it's not an issue (you can get a lens hood that fits on the filter holder, but I do find it cumbersome to put on.
 09/28/2007 10:12:55 AM · #19
It's cool the folks at 2Filter offer a Hitech P filters with the CokinP holders. The Hitech's seem to cost more than the Cokin's . Should I just go for that?

Tiffen and Singh-Ray also offer filters for CokinP holders.

B&H link to Gradual filters for CokinP
09/28/2007 10:18:14 AM · #20
All of those filters are plastic. That's perhaps the downside of the Cokins; they scratch easily. But they're cheap, so I can just buy new ones when they scratch. But if I paid a lot more, then what? It would get expensive.

There are a few glass ones out there--at least some of the Tiffens. That would be the only thing worth paying more for, IMHO.

Message edited by author 2007-09-28 10:20:19.
 09/28/2007 11:27:09 AM · #21
I bought Cokin P graduated ND filters and found them a mixed bag:

1. No way to use a hood combined with excessive internal reflections (questionable optical quality) make them difficult to use in sunny conditions, which is exactly when I want to use them!

2. No problem with vignetting even at wide angles -- I bought a second adapter and cut off the outer two filter slots.

3. For general use, I really don't see why one would bother. It's more cumbersome than screw-in, have optical issues, and don't save that much money (you can use adapters for different lens sizes with the screw-in filters anyway).

I haven't used them in over a year now as I've gone to bracketed exposures plus Tone-Mapped HDR (PhotoMatix Pro) which I feel gives better results than the graduated NDs.
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