Quality loss with Cokin ND Grads.

[horrocks]

I have a Cokin P Series 121 (3 stop) ND Grad filter which I have been using regularly with a Tokina 12-24 AT-X PRO.

I have become aware of a serious loss of definition in my photos when I use the filter. Zoom into the pics on the computer, and they are distinctly out of focus and noisy. I actually became concerned that I had a faulty lens that was not focussing on infinity, but without the filter the lens performs perfectly.

This in addition to the notorious magenta cast, which is very real.

Anybody else had this problem, or have I just got a duff filter?

 

[The Matt]

Show some examples?

Cokin are pretty cheap, they will certainly affect your image quality. I long for the day I can afford Lee Filters.

 

[HoppyUK]

Cokins are cheap acrylic. Not the best material, and prone to manufacturing variables in surface flatness and colour. But they are not usually anything like as bad as you seem to be saying. I suspect you've got a duffer.

A quick comparison with another filter would prove it. Or just send it back for a replacement - my guess is that Hoya (or rather their distributors, Intro2020) would swap it without any fuss.