Cokin X-Pro Filter holder system

[neil_lupin]

After lots of research, (and thank you for contributions here), it

would appear that my best option for an ND grad filter system that

will fit both a Sigma EX 17-35mm (82mm thread) and Sigma EX 28-70

(77mm thread) is as follows:

 

Cokin X-Pro Holder, 77mm ring, 82mm ring and one of their ND soft

grad square filters such as the G2ND4.

 

Apparently their ND is neutral, as distinct from a grey version they

do.

 

I can't get Lee or Singh-Ray filters easily or economically in the UK.

 

Does the above sound like good advice, or am I being lead up the

garden path!?!??!?

 

Cheers

 

Neil

[marbing]

You are correct that Cokin's X-Pro format is their only Neutral Density grad. All of the smaller formats are simple Grey grads. It should work fine for you.

[pen name above]

Neil, you might struggle to use these in a concert setting. I presume you are aware that the ND grad effect is also differential at extreme wide-angles across the span of the horizon, as the polariser is too?

 

Meryl,

 

Are you sure these are totally neutral? Although the material is of a higher quality, is the Cokin dye process not identical for the higher grade X-Pro and the cheaper A or P systems?

 

I struggle to find neutrality in the graduated filters of the X-Pros.

 

Does anyone else?

[ellis_vener_photography]

Lee filters and Hitech (AKA "Formatt") filters& holders are made in the UK. I doubt

that the Cokin X series is cheaper; It certainly is larger & bulkier.

[lbi115l]

The X-Pro series looks great, but be worried about availability. I live in Northern New Jersey, right outside of New York City, a great photo-capitol of the USA. Even at some of the best-stocked camera stores in the area, I'm lucky if I can find "A" series, let alone "P" series. I don't think I've ever seen an X-Series for sale in the state, except for in a used bin at a pro store.

 

I don't know what availability is like over there, but you should probably get an adapter to "P" series so you can use the filters if you ever need one quick.

[charles_sieracki1]

B+H and Adorama both carry the X-pro series. Adorama has the best prices as of my last purchase. Also there is a very nice bellows lens hood that fits the X-pro series. The bellows come with a filter holder already installed, so all you'll need is the adapter ring + any filters.

 

C.