ND Grad filter - any cheap and half decent options?

[Coolhand]

I've been trying to cut down time spent doing PP work recently, so I'm making an effort to get images right in-camera as much as possible. I mainly work landscape, so with that in mind, I've been pricing up ND grad filters.

They ain't cheap are they? :nuts:

I've looked at the Cokin P and Lee systems and to get a holder, 77mm adaptor and 0.6 ND grad I'm at about 120 smackers. I wouldn't mind sticking an 82mm adaptor ring in there too, but it's another 30 quid!

Can anyone recommend any cheaper options?

[Matholwch]

Cokin P isn't anywhere close to being that expensive - the Lee holder and filter yes £120.

But Cokin is about £16 (IIRC) for holder, and ring £8 and filter about £9 ish.

Oh, and there's the Kood filters from 7dayshop.

[unclerichy]

I bought my Kood set (NDs, Grads, holder and adapter) from http://www.surreyphotographyshop.co.uk/ - probably not cheaper than 7dayshop but I was put off by postings about delayed/missing shipments.

[Coolhand]

Doh, realised it was the Cokin X Pro I was looking at because the P series doesn't seem to go up to an 82mm adapter.

The koods seems to only go up to 77mm too.

Any cheaper 82mm options?

[Matholwch]

The problem you have is that filters themselves are only 100x100mm, any wider and you'd need a filter wide angle adapter which would avoid vignetting.

The other option is Hitech filters, slightly cheaper than Lee, but don't expect uber cheap prices, filters tend to be about £35 each, no idea about the system.

My guess is, if you can afford a 82mm lens, then these costs for an effective filter system is probably a drop in the ocean. Out of interest, what is the lens?

[Coolhand]

I'll take a look at Hitech, thanks.

The lens in question is a Sigma 24-70. Not very wide, but I find myself doing a lot of landscape work with it never the less. Stopping down the sky a bit would be really useful.

If push comes to shove, I'll drop the 82mm option and just get a 77mm to fit my WA lens instead.

[rick67]

I have a set of Hitech filters (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9), Cokin P size. They're brand new (I was sent 2 lots by mistake and was too lazy to send them back!)

You can have them for £32 incl p&p if you're interested.