Should I choose Cokin A-series or P-series graduated ND filters for 52mm lenses?
Asked 4/3/2011
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I’m buying graduated ND filters for two lenses, an 18-55mm and a 55-200mm, both with 52mm filter threads. I’d prefer the smaller, lighter Cokin A-series system, but I’m concerned about whether it will work well on the wide end of the 18-55mm. Is there any disadvantage to choosing A-series instead of the larger P-series for these lenses?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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The 18mm focal length of your wider lens would show the filter holder in the frame, if you used the A-series. Cokin themselves only recommend using the A series for 36mm focal lengths and above, but if you're using a cropped sensor camera you could probably get away with 24mm. Even the P-series are recommended for 28mm and longer, but again that would probably be more like 18mm on a cropped sensor, so you may just get away with it.
The P-series filters and holders aren't really too cumbersome, and even if you are restricted from using the wider end of your 18-55mm zoom, that would be less of an inconvenience than having to lug around and pay for the very expensive X-Pro or Z-Pro series.
Originally by user456. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user456
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—wide-angle use is the main drawback of the A-series. The issue is not your 52mm filter thread, but the field of view of the lens. On the wide end of an 18-55mm, the A-series holder can intrude into the frame and cause vignetting. Cokin’s own guidance is that A-series is best for about 36mm and longer on full frame; on a crop-sensor camera you may get away with roughly 24mm equivalent, but 18mm is likely too wide.
The P-series is safer for your 18-55mm, especially at the wide end. It’s still fairly manageable in size, and the extra bulk is usually a better compromise than buying a system that limits use of your widest focal lengths. For your 55-200mm, either system would generally be fine, but if you want one setup for both lenses, P-series is the more practical choice.
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