Lee/other large filters on the cheapER :)

cowasaki

cowasaki

TPer Emeritus
Messages
19,708
Name
Darren
Edit My Images
Yes
With having several different filter thread sizes at the moment and conscious of the fact that I plan to get a medium format camera shortly I was looking into getting a universal filter holder such as a Lee. Looking at the prices of the kits they do seem rather excessive. I have heard that some cheaper alternatives are completely compatible with the Lee filters and that some other brands of filter are equally as good. I am looking mainly at ND and ND grad filters but possibly also circular polarisers. I have a decent 77mm filters and can use adapters but was hoping for some proper alternative especially for the ND grads where I might want to move the filter in relation to the lens.

Any thoughts? What do other people use?
 
If you're not going for all Lee, the most common alternative seems to be Lee filter holders with HiTech filters from Formatt: http://www.formatt.co.uk/default.aspx (100x100 NDs with 100x150 NDGs)
 
Last edited:
Yea I was going to go with that option myself, Im using the Cokin system at the moment while Im learning about filters and there different affects, but once I get good enough I am changing to the Lee holder and HiTech filters, I think I saw on here somewhere that there is a 20 - 26 week wait for Lee Filters!!
 
I think the Lee starter kit with one ND and one ND grad might be a good start then add the hi-techs. I also need some filters for film plus IR too. I suppose I could sell off some of the many filters I have picked up over the last few years to help.

Do you need all the different adapters to each lens? If so I'm going to need at least 52,58,62,72 and 77 plus whatever size the MF lens(es) are going to be!
 
cowasaki said:
Do you need all the different adapters to each lens? If so I'm going to need at least 52,58,62,72 and 77 plus whatever size the MF lens(es) are going to be!
Click to expand...

Yes, you need the rings for each size of lens -- with the Lee rings you can leave them on all the time and use Lee snap on covers rather than normal lens caps. It's not as bad as it sounds if you tend to carry just a few lenses at a time.

Rings tend to come in two forms, normal and wide angle -- no harm in going all wide angle to give you more options.
 
Last edited:
The Lee holders come in two kits Foundation and Professoinal -- an upgrade kit will take you from the Foundation to the Professional.

The advantage of the Professional kit is that you can use grads at two different angles.

You can also get a front mount bellows and a slot in ring to hold a large CPL.
 
You don't actually need a filter holder to use Lee type filters.

You've probably seen me recommend this before, but you can hold the filter gently but firmly against the rim of the lens. Its easy enough to do if you use a tripod....you will be using a tripod, won't you?

I see you have a selection of different lenses with different threads. Would this be a good opportunity to rationalise them?

I'm firmly of the belief that the more faff there is between the subject matter and the photograph, the less satisfactory the result will be. If you're anything like me you'll find the hassle of using different rings and holders too much and eventually give up using the filters altogether.

Or maybe its just me......:lol:
 
jerry12953 said:
You don't actually need a filter holder to use Lee type filters.

You've probably seen me recommend this before, but you can hold the filter gently but firmly against the rim of the lens. Its easy enough to do if you use a tripod....you will be using a tripod, won't you?

I see you have a selection of different lenses with different threads. Would this be a good opportunity to rationalise them?

I'm firmly of the belief that the more faff there is between the subject matter and the photograph, the less satisfactory the result will be. If you're anything like me you'll find the hassle of using different rings and holders too much and eventually give up using the filters altogether.

Or maybe its just me......:lol:
Click to expand...

With the 24-70 and 80-200 (soon to be 70-200) at 77mm that is the most important size but I also have the AFS50mm f1.4G and AFS105mm f2.8 G at 58 and 62 which I use plus other primes on the film. I would rather have the holder than just hold the filters especially if using multiple filters or 10 stop filters etc....
 
cowasaki said:
With having several different filter thread sizes at the moment and conscious of the fact that I plan to get a medium format camera shortly I was looking into getting a universal filter holder such as a Lee. Looking at the prices of the kits they do seem rather excessive. I have heard that some cheaper alternatives are completely compatible with the Lee filters and that some other brands of filter are equally as good. I am looking mainly at ND and ND grad filters but possibly also circular polarisers. I have a decent 77mm filters and can use adapters but was hoping for some proper alternative especially for the ND grads where I might want to move the filter in relation to the lens.

Any thoughts? What do other people use?
Click to expand...

I personally went with the lee foundation kit and soft ND grad set with the 105mm adaptor ring and 105mm B&W kassman CPL with a couple of adaptor rings, do you really need an adaptor ring for every lens? Must confess not a cheap route but will not have to buy again.

jerry12953 said:
You don't actually need a filter holder to use Lee type filters.

You've probably seen me recommend this before, but you can hold the filter gently but firmly against the rim of the lens. Its easy enough to do if you use a tripod....you will be using a tripod, won't you?

I see you have a selection of different lenses with different threads. Would this be a good opportunity to rationalise them?

I'm firmly of the belief that the more faff there is between the subject matter and the photograph, the less satisfactory the result will be. If you're anything like me you'll find the hassle of using different rings and holders too much and eventually give up using the filters altogether.

Or maybe its just me......:lol:
Click to expand...

Just you

:lol:

I would find it so much hassle to hold the filter in place plus the risk of knocking the camera and such likes, the holder only takes seconds to put on. All IMHO. Of course.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top