Hi everyone. I'm looking into getting a filtering system for my Canon 20D & 40D cameras (so, not full frame bodies). I'm wanting to use a filtering system on the following two lenses - Canon 17-85mm and Canon 10-22mm. I originally was going to go for the Cokin "P" series holder/adapters (85mm), but am wondering if I should go to the next size up? What thoughts do y'all have pro/con? I planned to get a normal "P" holder for the 17-85mm and a wide-angle version "P" holder for the 10-22mm.

More than likely I'll go the Hitech filter route (altho I read one place where some people were having trouble fitting their 85mm Hitech filters in a Cokin "p" holder - has anyone else experienced this?). I had been looking at Lee & Singh-ray filters, but since I'm just starting out I figured I'd better go the cheaper route. I plan to get a 2 & 3-stop soft & hard grad ND and circular polarizer filters.

I'm having a hard time deciding on a circular polarizer for whatever system I get. Lee doesn't make a CP for Cokin P. I've been looking at the singh-ray CP's, their new LB Neutral CP is $210...so not sure if there's another option out there that will be just as good but cheaper?

Thanks in advance for advice! I'm hoping to order today or tomorrow.
Angela

worst case re: hitech 85's..... get some 320 or 600 'wetordry' paper from the hardware store and run the edge of the filter along it a few times to remove a little bit. Hitech also makes their own filter holder and if you want, you can order directly from the UK from the mfgr (formatt.co.uk) and save $$$

though it is pertaining to a FF camera read. you want to invest wisely and doing the P will possibly be not the best investment

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/787812

I have a cokin p holder and a 2 step hard hitech grad and it works fine. For hitech, note that their hard grad isnt really that hard and I would say that it is in between hard and soft compared to singh ray. I got my stuff at 2filter.com. They actually sell a kit that has everything you need to start as well as pictures of the hard/soft so you can make a better decision.

Thanks for the responses y'all.

Sjms, I had read that thread that you posted, which caused me to question whether I should go with a Cokin Z-pro instead of "p" series. But I didn't know if that holder system would be too bulky (or cause other problems?) on a Canon 20D or 40D?

Burnt_toast, good to know that you have no problems with your hitech filters. Thx!

Howard - thanks for the tip in case I did have problems with hitech filters.

Paisley wrote:
Thanks for the responses y'all.

Sjms, I had read that thread that you posted, which caused me to question whether I should go with a Cokin Z-pro instead of "p" series. But I didn't know if that holder system would be too bulky (or cause other problems?) on a Canon 20D or 40D?

Burnt_toast, good to know that you have no problems with your hitech filters. Thx!

Howard - thanks for the tip in case I did have problems with hitech filters.

sjms,

That's a pic of the Z?

Another quick question - I'm assuming that 4x5" Hitech filters would work fine with the Cokin Z Pro system?

Another option is to dispense with the holder altogether and just hand-hold (as I do) - much faster and less "fiddly' that way. I use Lee 4"x6" filters.

lol, believe it or not, that's what I originally was going to do...using Lee filters...ugh, so many choices & decisions. I've gone round in circles so many times trying to make up my mind. Ah well, I'll bite the bullet! thanks everyone!

Paisley wrote:
Another quick question - I'm assuming that 4x5" Hitech filters would work fine with the Cokin Z Pro system?

yes they do

Cableaddict wrote:
sjms,

That's a pic of the Z?

no. after looking over the Z for my lenses and the fact i use full frame i found the Z inadequate at the wide angle end. i was just basically showing the size of a Z type holder on a lens with a 77mm front end. this is a Lee holder. the Z would not work below approx 20mm on a FF wide angle lens w/o vignetting substantially

Paisley wrote:
lol, believe it or not, that's what I originally was going to do...using Lee filters...ugh, so many choices & decisions. I've gone round in circles so many times trying to make up my mind. Ah well, I'll bite the bullet! thanks everyone!

yes you can do that but it gets old real quick if you do it a lot. it isn't that hard a decision as you aren't FF

I use the Cokin P "wide-angle" filter holder with Hi-Tech ND Grads. Works great.

Kiron Kid

yes you can as long as you are going to remain with a crop view camera. just don't invest and then decide to go FF.