Cokin Z-PRO Grad Filter Kit

Comments about Cokin Z-PRO Grad Filter Kit:

I am an semi-professional photographer and do a lot of landscape shots, so a GRAD ND filter set is a must. I was always bothered by the circular filters because with them I had only one gradient option to work with (both in intensity and placement of the beginning of the gradient), so I decided to buy this Cokin filter so that I could slide it in the mount to my taste. I bought the kit because the price difference to a standalone filter was not much and this one comes with a nice pouch to store the filters, the mount and the adapter rings for my lenses (77mm, 72mm nd 62mm). I have tried the teal and blue grad filters with some nice results also. But be aware that it is really BIG - much larger than a digital point-and-shoot, so it is not something you would carry around every day.

Comments about Cokin Z-PRO Grad Filter Kit:

Filters are high quality, the holder is simple and solid, but yes, anything wider than 21 mm will likely vignette significantly. From 21-24, it's less evident and by 24, I can't see a difference with it off or on. If you shoot UWA, you will want to consider a different holder.

Also, this package ships with a filter wallet, even though it's not listed as being included.

Comments about Cokin Z-PRO Grad Filter Kit:

For those of you who are new to the Cokin system and are considering Cokin in lieu of screw-on filters, listen up... Cokin provides what is probably the most inexpensive way to acquire numerous filters that can be used on virtually ALL yor lenses. It's so simple you'll just shake your head.

The quality is nice, especially the filter plates themselves. They are very tough. The filter holder is plastic with brass screws, but THAT'S FINE! The plastic design is extremely lightweight, less expensive to produce than metal and performs the job adequately. What more could you ask for? And they're cheap to replace or to buy extras.

The Cokin system itself is wonderful. You buy one (1) adapter ring for each of your lenses (based on the thread diameter) or at least one for each diameter size you have (don't get cheap on me). You screw the rings onto your lenses then you can slip the filter holder on/off the ring with ease to move it from one lens to the next. Or buy extra holders and just leave them on each lens to save time when shooting gets fast and furious (weddings).

For filtering, just select your filter and slide it into the filter holder. This is the only way to use graduated filters because you can adjust the up/down or side/side placement of the filter (the holder swivels 360°, by the way).

Want to use more than one filter? No problem! Stack a few of them in there! Use an ND grad for the sky and a blue grad for the lake/ocean/whatever. Just slip the blue one in with the color on the bottom.

This kit comes with a carrying case (I think Cokin calls it a "wallet"). The "wallet" holds several filters (because you'll wana buy more) and appears to be a fine quality.

You'll want to buy some adapter rings for your lenses as none are included in the kit.

Note that Cokin makes different "series" of their filter system. This is the Z-Pro series. You'll want to order adapter rings, additional filters, etc. using ONLY this series. Some of their other series (i.e. P-Series) are smaller and use smaller filters which will not fit into the Z-Pro holder. They also make a larger one than the Z-Pro but it is used primarily for large format cameras and video production cameras (big money).