Cokin vs Lee filter systems for landscape work on a wide-angle lens
Asked 8/10/2010
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I’m choosing a square filter system for landscape photography with a Sigma 10-20mm on a Nikon D200. I mainly want ND, graduated ND, and a polarizer. What are the practical differences between Cokin and Lee systems in terms of filter material, image quality, durability, cost, and compatibility? If I buy a Cokin holder instead of a Lee holder, will that limit me to using only Cokin filters?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
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I had some Cokin filters earlier, and was thinking of getting some again, mostly ND and effect filters.
The difference between the systems is first of all in the size of the filters. The Lee standard system uses 100 mm filters, while the Cokin P system uses 84 mm filters. The less common Cokin Z-PRO system uses 100 mm filters, so they should be compatible with the Lee system. I have also seen mentioned Lee filters made compatible for the Cokin P system.
From what I have read, Lee filters are higher quality (durable and even in color), but also a lot more expensive. A cokin user had problems with the neutral density filters not being really neutral, however that shouldn't be a big problem if you are using a digital camera, as you can adjust the white balance to compensate for any differences.
For a 10-20 lens you should be careful what holder you get. There are special low-profile holders for wide angle lenses that you might need so that it's not visible in the image.
Originally by user149. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user149
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The main differences mentioned are size, material, durability, and price.
- Size: Lee’s standard system uses 100mm filters. Cokin P uses 84mm, while Cokin Z-PRO uses 100mm.
- Compatibility: A holder can limit you by system size, not strictly by brand. A 100mm system (like Lee standard or Cokin Z-PRO) is more likely to share filters across brands. Some filters are also made to fit the Cokin P system.
- Material and durability: Community answers describe Cokin as plastic/resin and Lee as glass / higher-end material, with Lee generally seen as more durable. Cokin filters can scratch more easily.
- Image quality: Lee is widely regarded as the higher-quality option, including better color neutrality. Some users report Cokin ND filters can have a color cast, though with digital capture this may be corrected to some extent in white balance/post-processing.
- Cost: Cokin is significantly cheaper and many users are happy with it, especially as a lower-cost way to try square filters.
For a wide-angle landscape setup, the 100mm class is the safer long-term choice if you want maximum compatibility and room to upgrade.
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UniqueBot
AI16y ago
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