Lee vs. Cokin

guybrush

guybrush

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I've been browsing around various threads about filter systems for a while now, but I'm still left with some pretty basic questions.

So as I understand, there are three components to both systems, the adapter, holder and finally the filter glass itself.

So what's the difference between the two, and are they interchangeable, i.e. using Cokin glass in Lee holders and vice versa? At the end of the day - they're just peices of glass, right?

I am assuming when people say Lee's are better, they are specifically talking about the quality of glass, in terms of colour casts and other distortion etc.

But from looking around, the Lee's adapters and holders seem to also be so much more expensive than Cokin's.

Also, there appear to be special wide angle sets, does this mean the adapter or the holder itself is specially suited for wide angle, or even both?
 
I recomend the Lee filter holder, and Hightech 100 Grads.

Cokin have a deserved reputation for colour casts (certainly with their "P" system)

I had a set of Lee and Hightech grads and could spot no difference or any of the alledged Lee higher quality. As the set of 3 Hitech ND Grads cost less than 1 Lee, I moved on the Lee's and settled on Hightech in the Lee holder.
 
guybrush said:
So as I understand, there are three components to both systems, the adapter, holder and finally the filter glass itself.

Also, there appear to be special wide angle sets, does this mean the adapter or the holder itself is specially suited for wide angle, or even both?
Click to expand...

been looking myself lately..............
Cokin filter are "reported" to have a colour cast --- no proof
the HiTech prices dont add VAT nor shipping till you check-out .....:razz:

you need a cokin HOLDER for the filter
I got a wide angle from Amazon at £9.99 cat nbr BPW-400A ....NOTE the WA will only hold 1 filter
or from Bristol Cameras at £11

and a 72mm adapter ring - used £3.50 from eBay seller..."here"

if you need a WA adapter ring , it appears only LEE do one
then you have to buy a LEE Holder too I would assume ....all expensive..:shrug:

ps.. HiTech have a set of 3 Grad Greys on sale for £30.....but i dont see the need for the 0.3 1stop filter IMO
 
There are enough sample images on the internet to show proof of Cokin's colour cast.

You can't go wring with Lee. :)
 
guybrush said:
I've been browsing around various threads about filter systems for a while now, but I'm still left with some pretty basic questions.

So as I understand, there are three components to both systems, the adapter, holder and finally the filter glass itself.

So what's the difference between the two, and are they interchangeable, i.e. using Cokin glass in Lee holders and vice versa? At the end of the day - they're just peices of glass, right?

I am assuming when people say Lee's are better, they are specifically talking about the quality of glass, in terms of colour casts and other distortion etc.

But from looking around, the Lee's adapters and holders seem to also be so much more expensive than Cokin's.

Also, there appear to be special wide angle sets, does this mean the adapter or the holder itself is specially suited for wide angle, or even both?
Click to expand...

As far as I am aware, Cokin Z-Pro filters will sit in the Lee holder.

Wide angle adaptors are available for the Lee system. ie you can get a 77mm standard and a 77mm wide angle adaptor. The wide angle adaptor is tapered to reduce any vignetting. The filter holder takes either.

Lee grads are resin (not glass), and unlike Cokin are true Neutral Density = no colour cast.

Hope this helps.
 
I with Puddles on this...

Lee foundation kit (holder) with Hitech filters and a Heliopan CPL.

The HiTech can give a slight magenta cast I have found if you start stacking them, but this can be used to your advantage...



...use them on their own though and they are fine. I would also steer well clear of their 3.0 ND (10 stop) which is very pink IMHO.

I would personally, not skimp on the holder. I know there's someone on here who insists hand holding is the best solution, but I love my Lee holder. The quality and flexibility is superb... so much so that I'm now contemplating getting the RF75 for my GF1. I currently run my Lee holder with just one slot and the 105 CPL ring on the front which gives me no vignetting at 17mm full frame.
 
My Cokin ND grads have a purple/magenta colour cast.



The problem I found with Lee filters was trying to source them from somewhere which actually had them in stock.
 
I've got the hitechs, haven't used them that much but I'm happy with them, considering their cost. As someone above said you can get colour cast when stacking them.
Lee are undoubtedly better, but one filter costs about the same as 3 ND, 3 GNDs & holders/adapters if yo ugo the hitech route.

I got kood adapter rings and cokin holders from premier ink.
 
Speedgraphic in Hampshire have always had Lee filters when I've wanted them
 
User Name said:
There are enough sample images on the internet to show proof of Cokin's colour cast.

You can't go wring with Lee. :)
Click to expand...

I meant I personally dont have proof - so have an open-mind

LEE are indeed reputed to be the best - unfortunately I, and no doubt many others, have budget constraints ...:(
 
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