Questions about filters

[Grandpaw]

I know this has been discussed many times before, but one more time won't hurt. I am interested in trying some filters and was looking at the Cokin P series so they can be used on all my lenses. I think I am interested in the gradual neutral density filters and a polarizer filter to start off with.

Would this be a good brand to get? If not , what would you recommend.

By having a filter on and not being able to use a lens hood, does this present any problems?

Do I need all three ND filters or will one work?

Will the P series polarizer filter work well?

Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated, I am new to using filters. Also if you have any suggestions of where to purchase these please let me know. The main use for these filters are for landscapes, beach and island shots. I am not interested in having tons of filters, only the ones I will actually need, Jeff

[Greg McCary]

I have used the Cokins for years. The ND grads works well. I don't even have a polarizer anymore. I use a two stop grad for 90% of what I do. But you use to be able to get a three filter kit with the holder and all cheaper than buying one filter and the holder.
If you are going to shoot wide there is a special holder for wide angle shots. If I go wider than 14mm on my Olympus I get vignetting. That would be 28mm FF.
I have read some complain of a color tint to the Cokins but I have never noticed it.
http://www.adorama.com/CKNDKP.html

[Chris350]

The infamous Cokin red cast has been fixed I understand. Mine are horrible, and need to be replaced. The red cast was most noticeable when I stacked two filters. I mostly use a 2 stop soft transition grad. I sometimes get "back scatter" if my light source is behind the filter, but it's rare. I've rarely seen and issue with not using a hood. The Cokin's are nice to get started with, and are reasonably durable, definitely look at the three filter set with holder if you can find one. It's far more economical than one filter and a holder and mount ring. You'll need a ring for each lens diameter you own. I'm going to shift to B&W glass filters at some point, but my current shooting regime doesn't require ND's I'd by a glass polarizer myself. I got mine from some random dealer I found on the net, because the three filter set is or was hard to come by. Otherwise it's Adorama or B&H out of NYC for all my stuff that I don't buy locally. Note both of these outfits are closed until April 29th or so for passover.
I've heard repeatedly that there is no need for ND's since the same effect can be done in PP. I don't know myself, I'd rather visualize it and get it in camera then spend time screwing around on my computer.

[freygr]

There are hooded Cokin style filter holders, but they are not made by Cokin, you can find them on Ebay. I've needed hood on the filter before but the camera is on a tripod most of the time during filter use so card board and tape works well.

[Grandpaw]

Thanks folks for the responses, I need all the input I can get, Jeff

[Jimmy B]

Jeff I use Cokin P series filters. Used the most is the ND graduated, which I really like trying to get some detail in our cloudy North West skies. Look at Craigs list for them I found a setup worth around $300. new for $120.00. Have fun, Jimmy B

[EOSThree]

I have a couple of Cokin P holders, I cut the second set of sliders off one of the holders for use on my 17mm lens on FF. I use them with a set of Lee GNDs, .6 and .9 (2 stop and 3 stop). I like the Lee GNDs because they are a bit longer and give me something to hold on to on each end.

[Grandpaw]

Thanks Jimmy and Jim for the information on the filters. I hope to be getting some before too long, Jeff