Help With Cokin Filters...Or Filters In General

[xkaes]

I have lots of lenses and they all have different filter sizes. I standardized on the largest, 77mm, and got step up rings (the smallest is 40.5mm) for all the rest. All of my round glass filters are 77mm. My Cokin system has a 77mm adapter. So I have a set of frequently used 77mm glass filters, and a set of Cokin P filters adapted to 77mm. Not too complicated.

[appletree]

Interesting, doesn't seem as bad as I am thinking. Thanks again for the information.
Maybe I just grab some 77mm filters for now and a step up ring from 67 to 77. Hmm.

[appletree]

Oh, I guess this is part of the pros/cons. With circular screw on filters you lose the ability to use graduated filters. So for landscape stuff (most of what I will be shooting in NZ) the Cokin setup is kinda nice.
Ugh...maybe I just need to decide. Maybe the problem is me. **thinks to one's self**

[xkaes]

It's not an "either or", fork-in-the-road situation. One of the reasons I use the Cokin system is for the graduated filters. That's why I have both round filters and Cokin filters. But I don't have any filters that are the same in either set.

And if 67mm is your widest lens, there may not be a point in moving up to 77mm.

[appletree]

It's not an "either or", fork-in-the-road situation. One of the reasons I use the Cokin system is for the graduated filters. That's why I have both round filters and Cokin filters. But I don't have any filters that are the same in either set.

And if 67mm is your widest lens, there may not be a point in moving up to 77mm.

Ahh, thanks. My widest lens is 77mm.

[appletree]

And I understand there is value to having both. I think I eventually will. What I need to decide on is what system to I dive into for now that will get me by.
That way I can get the holder/step up rings I need and start looking on eBay for filters (B+W, Formatt, Lee, Singh Ray, Schneider all seem to be fine).

My gut reaction is to get a yellow, orange, ND (light), ND (dark), and maybe a polarizer. A polarizer can be used with color or b&w?? And for cutting down reflections and such?

[xkaes]

That sounds like a fine starting set-up. All those are in mine, but because I use those a lot, I have them all in round glass. As to which brand(s) to choose, you'll get a million opinions. Many of mine are Hoya multi-coated, but I have lots of others, as well, from Minolta to B+H. Since 77mm round glass is not cheap, you can save a lot by buying used.

And yes, a polarizer is fine in B&W or color.

[appletree]

Ugh. I still haven't made up my damn mind. I think I am just going to spring for the Cokin system. One of em...I think P system or Z-Pro (supposedly the holder is much better and stays on/etc.) is what I need. That and some filters.
Since it's the 11th hour (sort of...we leave in 3 1/2 weeks) I will just get some stuff off eBay and be done with it haha.

Thanks again for the advice.

[Alan Gales]

Anyone have recommendations on the filters you wouldn't leave home without? Orange, Yellow, NDs? Maybe a polarizer? Is a polarizer even a think for rectangle filters like this? Don't you have to rotate two pieces independent of each other to get the affect needed?
As you can see, I am not extremely versed on filters in general.

Thanks.

Austin, here you go. https://www.amazon.com/Cokin-P164-Ci.../dp/B0006ZSR40

If you want one I would look at Ebay for a used one and save some money. I think it just slides into their holder. Yes, it's two pieces of glass. One spins to get the effect you want. I used to use Cokin filters for 35mm but I had a regular polarizer. A polarizer is one filter that I won't be without even if I shoot digital.

[Alan Gales]

I'd look at Ebay for a used one and save some money. I think it just slides into their holder. Yes, it's two pieces of glass. One spins to get the effect you want. I used to use Cokin filters for 35mm but I had a regular polarizer. A polarizer is one filter that I won't be without even if I shoot digital.

Here are some color filter examples for b&w. http://www.photographymad.com/pages/...te-photography

ND's are great for when you need them. Graduated ND's can come in handy too. I like a slight soft focus filter sometimes for when I want to soften a portrait a little. /QUOTE]