Filters, filters and filters...

[MadFrankie]

Hi,

I'm after some filer advice, I've been using some basic UV Hoya filters but want to get a bit more flexibility and creativity to my landscapes.

I think I've decided upon the Cokin system but what's the difference between the A and P series, is it just lens diameter or is there anything else I need to know...Also, what filters do people recommend?

Or, just to make things awkward for me, are there other systems that I should be buying instead???

:shrug:

PS, I'm relatively new to filters but quite experienced with photography, especially landscapes etc...

 

[Scarecrow]

Don't know the difference between A and P but one filter I would strongly recommend for landscapes is a polarising filter. Works wonders for a deep blue sky when the light is in the right direction.

 

[MadFrankie]

Thanks Scarecrow

Sorry I've just noticed a very similar thread which wasn't there when I started my typing...

Mods, can you remove or merge my thread into theirs?

 

[Digifrog]

Isn't the Cokin A and P merely size of filters. If you're shooting landscapes ideally you'd be using a wide angle lens? If so then if you want Cokin then the Z-Pro series would be more ideal. Better still I would recommend the Lee filter system.

If you really want to be creative with landscape photography then you cannot go far wrong getting the B+W ND 3.0 (ND110) 10 stop filter. I couldn't be without mine.

Just to give an example of long exposure in daylight, this image I took with the ND110 and the Lee 0.9 hard edged, though I should have used a 0.6. It is a 72 second exposure (and my avatar).

Rgds

 

[Spiritflier]

Isn't the Cokin A and P merely size of filters. If you're shooting landscapes ideally you'd be using a wide angle lens? If so then if you want Cokin then the Z-Pro series would be more ideal. Better still I would recommend the Lee filter system.

If you really want to be creative with landscape photography then you cannot go far wrong getting the B+W ND 3.0 (ND110) 10 stop filter. I couldn't be without mine...
Rgds

I'll probably go into a month of mourning if I ever break my 10-stop!

Just had a look at your Flickr stream... Some outstanding work on there (and a couple of mutual friends by the looks of things too).

Best wishes,
Si

 

[Digifrog]

I'll probably go into a month of mourning if I ever break my 10-stop!

Just had a look at your Flickr stream... Some outstanding work on there (and a couple of mutual friends by the looks of things too).

Best wishes,
Si

Hey Si.

Thanks. Aye, we were at Bwlch Gwyn at the beginning of the year with Mike, Rob and Leighton if you remember. I've had a very quiet Jan/Feb.

Scott

 

[Spiritflier]

Hey Si.

Thanks. Aye, we were at Bwlch Gwyn at the beginning of the year with Mike, Rob and Leighton if you remember. I've had a very quiet Jan/Feb.

Scott

Ah, the penny drops!

Hi Scott... At least I can put a face to a name now!

Take care,
Si

 

[MScotts]

Isn't the Cokin A and P merely size of filters.....

As-quoted from Cokin:

The Cokin A Series of filters is designed to work with lenses with filter threads between 36mm and 62mm in diameter. It is recommended for focal lengths over 35mm only (to avoid vignetting).

For shorter focal lengths between 20-24mm or 28mm, as well as for wide angle zooms (24-50mm, 28-85mm, 35-135mm), the larger P series filters are strongly recommended. The P series is available in to fit filter thread diameters from 48mm to 82mm, and eliminates vignetting (dark edges).


Please note: the A series and P series systems are not interchangeable, you must use the correct holder for the size you choose!

 

[Spiritflier]

P series Cokin filters will give you vignetting and the filter holder becomes visible at the extreme edges of the frame when used with an UWA lens (such as the Sigma 10-20mm). Even with my Cokin Z-Pro filters I can occasionally catch the edges of the filter holder if it's not perfectly square to the lens.

Cheers,
Si