I've considered this as well, especially since the selection of quality filters with 82mm diameters is limited (e.g. no ND filters >5 stops, etc.). One thing to consider is the shortest focal length you'll use - Cokin recommends the Z-Pro holder for 20mm and longer (FF), so if you'll use wider than that (e.g. 16-35mm on FF or 10-22mm on 1.6x), you might need the X-Pro holder and wider filters.
I am a happy owner of an X-Profilter set, a polarizer and a bunch of ND Grads.
If you want to shoot wide angle, your choices are Cokin X-Pro orLee SW150 based system,the latter being tailored around Nikkor 12-24, but usable on Canon via converters.
I will be happy to answer your questions on Cokin filters[]
Pete
Thanks Pete! Does the X-Pro use 4x6 filters? I think the Z-pro uses 4x4 or do I have that backwards?
Paul
Paul,
Cokin X-Pro uses 5 1/3 x 6 2/3 in (130 x 170mm) filters. Recommended focal lenghts 15mm on full frame (10mm on APS-C) and up.
Cokin Z-Pro uses both 4 x 4 in (100 x 100 mm) ND and 4 x 6 in (100 x 150 mm) ND graduated filters. Recommended focal lengths 20mm on full frame (13mm on APS-C) and up.
The Cokin filter holders will take Cokin
I have recently purchased a Cokin Z-Pro system, but I have not yet tried it that much - I've been much too busy. Cokin states that it should not vignette on 20mm or longer lenses on full frame - and just like they said - on my 16-35 it only vignettes wider than 20mm. (However - you can reverse the holder and thus reduce the vignetting at wide focal lengths, although you'll only fit a single filter.
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If you buy it - go for a U960 kit - with the holder, three ND grad filters and a nice, large filter pouch. The holder will take any filters 10cm (4") wide - Cokin, Lee, Singh-Ray, whatever..
Originally Posted by Trondster
Great tip - thanks! I was uncertain about the Z-Pro system for that reason, but one filter is usually going to be sufficient so if reversing it will get me a little wider than 20mm, great. Plus, it would give me a way to mount a Lee Big Stopper on a TS-E 24mm II, since I can't seem to find any round/threaded 10-ish stop ND filters in 82mm.