Which ND filter?

jasonstone

Hi everyone, I used to own the cokin A size filters and was generally happy with them - but i probably didn't know any better then....

Now I am looking at a ND4 or ND8 for water shots and to slow things down for some nice action blur - like the idea of being able to put multiple ND filters into the cokin system for even longer exposures etc.

But is cokin the one to go for? any other suggestions?

At the moment I have 18-200mm VR lens from Nikon which is 72mm but am looking to get a 11-16mm Tokina f2.8 lens which is 77mm

Open to suggestions, thoughts, experiences - thanks

Cheers, Jase

ziggy53

Cokin filters are maybe not the best optical choice but a lot of people use them to good effect. You might also want to look at Singh-Ray products, some of which are sized to the Cokin "P" and "Z-Pro".

http://www.singh-ray.com/table.html


Lee filters are sold in the USA but to view their product line, it's probably best to use an online dealer:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=LEE+Filters+nd&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fproductlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit

I believe the best way (optically) is to purchase a quality circular multi-coated glass filter sized to your largest filter thread size and then use a step-up ring to adapt the filter to the smaller sizes.

jasonstone

ziggy53 wrote:

I believe the best way (optically) is to purchase a quality circular multi-coated glass filter sized to your largest filter thread size and then use a step-up ring to adapt the filter to the smaller sizes.

I was worried you were going to say that as it... Well I can probably justify a Hoya HMC ND4 or ND8 filter - but i've not found step down rings on ebay yet.

I'll buy on ebay as it costs 1/2 the price in Switzerland and that's even with shipping!

Singh-Ray is too expensive for me for my uses at the moment

Cheers, Jase

Scott_Quier

jasonstone wrote:

... but i've not found step down rings on ebay yet....

Just a question of curiosity - why bother with the hassle of EBay for something that is priced at between $10 and $17 from B&H (link)

jasonstone

Scott_Quier wrote:

Just a question of curiosity - why bother with the hassle of EBay for something that is priced at between $10 and $17 from B&H (link)

because i'm not in the US and they're more expensive here in Switzerland - everything is - I can get it for 10-11USD shipped to Switzerland as opposed to the probably 25-30USD they'd charge for it here

and i can order the ND8 77mm Hoya filter new on ebay for 42USD delivered instead of around 80USD here in Switzerland

It does make sense for me to do it this way

But not knowing pricing etc. here in Switzerland I can understand why it might sound a little crazy

oh going to get a 77mm ND8 Hoya filter + Kenko 72-77 step down ring

Cheers, Jase

ziggy53

jasonstone wrote:

... going to get a 77mm ND8 Hoya filter + Kenko 72-77 step down ring

Cheers, Jase

Good choice.

Art Scott

Scott_Quier wrote:

Just a question of curiosity - why bother with the hassle of EBay for something that is priced at between $10 and $17 from B&H (link)

Sometimes BH does not play well with foreign countries.....Gus and others had complained about the troubles and hassles they had with ordering from BH...............but that is life in the international business arena

jasonstone

Thanks all - I have this crazy idea when I get it - I'd like to go shoot things like - well not just water

Kids playground for example but then se flash to freeze them at the end or a busy city intersection where all the people are blurred but stil see some colours

should be fun i think