Should I use screw-in or square ND filters for landscape work in the field?
Asked 2/4/2012
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I currently carry a circular polarizer and a screw-in 4x ND, but I often need stronger ND filtration and stacking with the polarizer is not ideal. I'm considering moving to a 100mm square filter system so I can compose and focus first, then add the filter, especially for darker ND filters. I also shoot with lenses that may use different filter sizes, so adapter rings are appealing. Are square systems generally more practical than screw-in filters for field use? Are there quality options beyond basic Cokin-style resin filters, and when does it still make sense to keep a screw-in circular polarizer?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
15
I think you can only get subjective answers on this, different things will appeal to different people. I'll give you my experience.
I have a polarising filter on my main lenses rather than a UV. If it's low light, or I otherwise don't need it, I remove it temporarily, but it always goes back on. I use the polarising filter all the time, so I don't like to fumble around for it. I don't think I could get used to using Cokin style polarising filters, as often as I use my screw in ones, because it would slow me down I think.
for ND filters, I do use the 100mm Cokin style. I find they scratch pretty easily, and so I've bought inexpensive chinese ones (Tian Ya). Unless I'm set up to do a lot of images in one spot, I rarely bother to put on the holder - instead I usually hand hold the filter over the lens. The one Cokin style filter than I think is indespensible is the grad ND. It's just not very versatile in a screw in form - graduation is dead centre and you can't move it if your horizon is 1/3 from top or bottom for instance.
I have considered buying an inexpensive vary-ND. I don't have high hopes that the quality will be that good. Even with Singh Rays you can get vignetting and funny color shifts at extreme densities and with wider angle lenses.
I find the Cokin style filters are bulky, awkward to carry in my bag, and as a result (apart from occasionally pulling one out and holding it over the lens) they don't get as much use as I'd like. I tend to do a lot of walking/hiking, so I don't tend to take a tripod and take the time to set up properly, so maybe it's just me. If I try to use the Cokin holder and filters I end up fumbling and dropping them, getting finger marks all over them, scratching them. Something to think about before you buy expensive glass ones - all depends on you and how/where you work.
I have a thin holder on my 12-24mm and I get very slight vignetting in the corners at 12mm. If you do a lot of WA shots, you may want the larger format (170mm?).
a lot of people I know think Lee make better filters and holders, but I've not tried them out myself.
Originally by user4191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4191
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
There isn’t one universal “best” choice—it depends on how you work. Based on the answers, a common setup is: keep a screw-in circular polarizer, but use a 100mm square filter system for ND filters.
Why square filters help:
- Easier to compose/focus first, then add a very dark ND.
- One filter set can work across lenses with different thread sizes using adapter rings.
- Better for stacking and for future use with graduated NDs.
Why keep a screw-in CPL:
- Many photographers use a polarizer frequently and find screw-in CPLs faster and less fiddly than a square-system polarizer.
On systems/brands:
- Cokin-style systems are popular for flexibility, but cheaper resin filters can scratch more easily.
- Lee’s Foundation Kit was specifically recommended as a sturdier, more versatile 100mm system, with options for higher-quality filters including glass.
So, if your main need is stronger ND in the field and compatibility across multiple lenses, a 100mm square system is a strong choice. If you use a polarizer often, keeping that as a screw-in filter still makes a lot of sense.
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AI14y ago
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