Filters

[chrism_scotland]

Been looking at getting a CPL filter for my Sigma 10-20 as its my main landscape lens however been reading up a little on ND filters and especially the Cokin P system, for about £62 I could get the Cokin P ND Grad Kit which comes with a 77mm ring adaptor, would this be alright on my 10-20, or will I get optical problems with it?

[springtide]

You'll get vignetting with the 10-20 with the P series.

Basically you need 100mm filters for ultra wide angle lenses, so either the Cokin Z series, Lee or any other 100mm filters.

Note that grads are usually 100x150mm, rather than 100x100mm as they are moved up and down.

[chrism_scotland]

I've been suggested Hi-Tech Filters has anyone used these before?

[chrism_scotland]

Also what are all the separate parts of a filter system that I need?

[mrpink123]

I'd heard that a wide angle holder (the one which only holds a single filter) for the P system was OK on the Sigma 10-20? Can someone confirm/deny this?

[chrism_scotland]

Looking at Lee filter holder and Hitech Filters or Cokin Z holder, has anyone got any suggestions on kits I could buy?

[springtide]

Originally Posted by mrpink123

I'd heard that a wide angle holder (the one which only holds a single filter) for the P system was OK on the Sigma 10-20? Can someone confirm/deny this?

Read post #2
Not sure about modded filter holders, but even the Lee's were close with my 11-18 @ 11mm. Stacking filters with the Lee's doesn't make much difference for vignetting (unto 3), it's the inner circle of the filter holder that causes the vignette first.

Chris,
Think people rate the Hitech filters highly. Think Bristol Pete bought some for his trip a few months ago and was pretty pleased.
I only know the Lee range. Basically need an adapter, filter holder and the filter itself. If you are going to get one, maybe start with the 0.9 (three stop) grad. Hard or soft, take your pick but would probably say soft.

[chrism_scotland]

Cheers Springtide,
Think I will get the Lee Holder Kit and a set of ND Grads from Hitech, if I'm looking for a CPL I take it I still need a screw in even if I have a filter system?

[springtide]

Originally Posted by chrism_scotland

Cheers Springtide,
Think I will get the Lee Holder Kit and a set of ND Grads from Hitech, if I'm looking for a CPL I take it I still need a screw in even if I have a filter system?

There are several options for CIL POLs. All expensive.

The best is a 105mm that fits on the front of the Lee filter with an adapter. Think the B+W CIL POLs work out with the adapter etc to around £180-200.
Check out Robert White for the options. You can use a 100mm x 100mm glass filter for around £100ish, but it means you can't turn it to adjust the level of POL unless you get the tandom filter holder (known as the 'upgrade kit')

And as for the adapters, make sure you get the 77mm wide angle adapter. If you use a 77mm CIL POL between the lens and the Lee adapter, you'll get vignetting as well as trouble removing the filter from the adapter.

[chrism_scotland]

Originally Posted by springtide

There are several options for CIL POLs. All expensive.

The best is a 105mm that fits on the front of the Lee filter with an adapter. Think the B+W CIL POLs work out with the adapter etc to around £180-200.
Check out Robert White for the options. You can use a 100mm x 100mm glass filter for around £100ish, but it means you can't turn it to adjust the level of POL unless you get the tandom filter holder (known as the 'upgrade kit')

And as for the adapters, make sure you get the 77mm wide angle adapter. If you use a 77mm CIL POL between the lens and the Lee adapter, you'll get vignetting as well as trouble removing the filter from the adapter.

Thanks mate, will take a look at Robert White, very comprehensive Lee stock.
I'd rather spend a bit more now and get better equipment than buy something cheaper and then regret it, I reckon one of the Lee Polarisers is out of the question just now as I'm looking at close to £200 for a filter set and holder kit.

[Jack the lad]

Originally Posted by mrpink123

I'd heard that a wide angle holder (the one which only holds a single filter) for the P system was OK on the Sigma 10-20? Can someone confirm/deny this?

I have this system and it works fine all the way down to 10mm

If you are going to use the filters often I would suggest bot getting the Cokin filters. They give quite a bad colour cast in bright light.

[chrism_scotland]

Yeah I've noticed people talking about a colour cast on the Cokin ND filters, although some folk were saying its sorted now.

Does anyone use the Cokin Pro Z Holder?

[tps58]

I use the Cokin P series wide angle adaptor on my Sigma and its fine. A ND4 grad works really well with high contract pics.

Tezza

[chrism_scotland]

I know that the Hitech ND Grads and ND filters are highly regarded, however does anyone use the Hitech Filter Holder?

[springtide]

Originally Posted by Jack the lad

I have this system and it works fine all the way down to 10mm

If you are going to use the filters often I would suggest bot getting the Cokin filters. They give quite a bad colour cast in bright light.

My apologies. I stand corrected!

In my defence had been told with someone that had the P series (and a Tam 11-18 I think) that they got vignetting from around 15mm (who asked me about the Lee Filters)

Colour cast does seem a problem with the Cokin, but I've mostly seen the severe (uncorrectable) purple cast with long exposures.


Chris,
Not sure about the Hitech Filter holder, never seen them TBH
They don't really do a lot so will probably work fine. I like the sound of the 105mm filter thead on the front.
Do for it and let us know what you think!