Filters, anyone use square ones?

[Brettus]

I've picked up a couple of circular filters during my time, notably a B+W 110 10 stop ND filter which is amazing for daylight long exposures, my lens that it did fit is no more, my new replacement needs BIGGER filters (I could get an adapter ring to fit it to my kit lens so it isn't a complete waste) but am I better investing in some Lee or Cokin filters?

Has anyone used either of the above? seems like a solution for every lens (with some notable exceptions that I don't think I'm likely to run into) But they aren't cheap, hence why I'm wondering if they are worthwhile etc.

[maviczap]

Yes, I had the old Cokin square filters on my old OM10 35mm set up

I used the graduated filters for those dramatic sky shots and I really liked the effects.

Having different sized adaptor rings to fit different dia lenses was certainly a plus point

Since then Photoshop arrived, and you can probably do it digitally?

In fact I'm sure I've still got my Cokin filters somewhere

[Brettus]

You can do a LOT digitally but you can't really re-create a full ND filter long exposure digitally. You do raise a point though if it is worth it for what is likely to end up being one filter. Hmm

[maviczap]

Yes, I guess that would be the downside of Photoshop

Can't you get some off Evilbay? Plenty on there?

What type of filter are you looking for?

[Brettus]

Yeah I can and likely will, I just wanted someone to say they were worthwhile and not a complete faff or more hassle than they were worth etc. I'll set up an alert for some decent priced ones and buy opportunistically if so.

Thanks for the input.

[maviczap]

No, once you've fitted the adaptor ring and filter mount, the faff is over .

They're great for messing about with creatively.

Sometimes you can make the pictures look unnatural by poor choice,use or position, but then the plus side is you can make an average shot stunning

[Essex of Essex]

When i was playing with cameras regularly I used the Cokin set up and found them to be good bits of kit

[Sir Trev]

Had a couple in my kit bag back in my 35mm Pentax days. Graduated ones if I remember correctly. Had a few interesting results but did not have them long before it all got stolen.