Been thinking about getting some ND grad filters to dabble with.

I need advice from guys that use filters on what system they use and why.

I've got a few that I've been using ( UV / polariser / diffuser ) happily but now I feel I've reached a point in my photography where I want to play some other options.

So before I start buying a set of filters for each lens (diff screw sizes), I thought hopefully you can advise on systems vs. separate screw on filters.

Which do you use and why?

Then I guess there is the option of a complete set of large filters and use stop-down/up adaptors to fit the filters to smaller screw lenses.

If that makes sense?!

EDIT:
How do the various systems cope with el cheapo lenses turning the filter thread when focusing?

what lenses do you use? If it's not too wide, the cokin p system is decent enough to start with and fairly cheap.

As for the lens barrel turning, you'd have to focus manually and then adjust the filter holder/filters so they weren't on an angle - it's not that big a deal though. HTH

Widest is 19mm, but mounted on APS-c sensor.

Wont worry about having to manual focus when playing with landscapes, though walkabout/action use would like AF. I assume the filters are held tight enough by the Cokin mount to avoid them falling out if the ended up upside down?

On another forum someone suggested Kood as a budget alternative compatible with Cokin P system... do you have any knowledge of Kood brand kit?

the cokin system will be fine on that lens, and they are held quite tight in the holder so theres no chance of them falling out.

I've not heard of Kood but I presume they'll do the same job as the p filters. I would have thought you'd need a 2 and 3 stop ND grads to start with (thats all I tend to use tbh on the xpro system) and a filter holder and a ring to screw to the camera.

Try speedgraphic for starter kits which are normally very competitive

will do, cheers :thumbsup:

I tend to use Lee filters and actually use very few - a couple of ND grads and a couple of full NDs and when the light is right, a polariser (which is not a "system filter, but a screw in stand alone one).
I used more filters with film than I do with digital as many of the filter effects can be achieved later, and then you have the option of using the image with or without the effect.

For landscape photograhpy, a filter system I think is necessary, espercially ND-Grads filter. I use Lee Filter as well, and I do use it more on film rather than digital...

I ended up with a Cokin P compatible setup (Kood stuff from an ebay seller).

Used it a fair bit on hols last week and last night got round to looking at some of the pics, which (even if I say so myself ;) ) are rather impressive compared to what I would have got without the ND Grad filters.

Think the g/f got rather annoyed with my faffing about with filters instead of 'just taking the picture' :hihi:

Though the pics will appear on my Flickr eventually, it will be slow as I have discovered a lot of the lovely skies have been hit with a splodge from something on the sensor... lots of cloning work coming up for me :(

I have used Kood and struggle to tell any difference between those and Cokin filters, generally.

7dayshop.com do some good deals on photography wares (I think they are based offshore and there's no tax or some such)

:)