Lee filters

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Matt.

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I have a 5dmk2 and generally shoot with a 17-40L. I am finding my Cokin P ND grads to be somewhat outclassed and limiting. I shoot landscapes and need something of high quality that will last me years and years. The Cokin P filters are too small, and i cant use the holder with the 17-40L as the lens is too wide and the holder is in frame.

Lee filters seem somewhat expensive though, you seem to need a foundation kit at £55, then an adapter at £40 (this is insanely ridiculous pricing). So that's nearly £100 without even having a filter to show for it.

Are there other holders i can use that fit Lee filters? or should i just spend the money? I will use it for many years, but i want value, and Lee filters are hard to justify with their pricing.

Are there any recommended filter shops online?
 
Just looking into this now as I'm about to buy some filters. I suspect the adapter ring is actually pretty expensive to machine as it has an internal thread that needs cutting.

Having said that, Hitech seem to be the next best alternative.

Me... I'm just about to buy the starter kit and a Hitech 10 stopper... Came to the conclusion that with grads, you're better off paying up front as colour balancing only part of the frame could be a nightmare. From reviews, the Hitechs only throw a significant colour cast when stacked...
 
I love the quality of my lee kit, yes its not the cheapest, but I am very sure that I will not need to buy another filter holder or filter again in my life.
 
Last edited:
Davec223 said:
I love the quality of my lee kit, yes its not the cheapest, but I am very sure that I will not need to buy another filter holder out filter again in my life.
Click to expand...

This. I started out with hitech 85mm filters, then Cokin Z Pro and finally Lee and the Lees really are superb quality and lovely to use. If budget doesn't run to Lee then hitech are a good alternative.
 
You can use the hitech holder, but you can get a lee holder for £30 on eBay.

I got my foundation kit, 77mm adapter and Nd soft grad kit for £150 on eBay about 3 months ago. There are bargains if you look and wait.
 
lee holder is quite good - and definitely go for 77mm wideangle adapter.

The lee filters themselves leave me a bit disappointed. They are uncoated (bad in case of frontal light), and they do scratch easily since they are only made of CR39 resin. They will last a few years but certainly not a lifetime.

I really hope the new developments in sensor technology will mean that such filters will become obsolete as a result of 'software' in camera 'filtering'. 1dx is probably the first step.
 
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