Formatt Hitech Hard-Edge Graduated ND Filter (85 x 110mm, 1-Stop)

Not worth the extra $

The commonly repeated line on the internet forums these days is that the Hitech filters are better than Cokin. Don't believe it. I recently purchased ND grad filters from both companies, and in my opinion, the Cokins are a better value. For one thing, the material itself is no better on the Hitechs, and in fact came more warped than the Cokins. The Hitechs have notched corners which, while slightly easier to fit into the P holder, are trickier to get out of the case (I much prefer handling the Cokin squared corners). Speaking of which: the Cokin case is much more protective, while with the Hitech you get a cheap plastic envelope. Much is made of a color cast in the Cokins, but if there is one I couldn't see it. The only advantage to the Hitech, and the reason I bought 2 of them, is that they have a slightly harder edge. Both brand of filters are dust and scratch magnets and will drive you crazy cleaning them. I wish there were a better solution.