Filter Reviews

These filters allow you to concentrate on the subject itself and eliminate all unnecessary background detail, Don't use them for all subjects, only those that lend themselves to the effect. Use them for portraits, nudes, still life, landscapes or anytime you want to suppress unwanted background detail and to capture the spirit of the subject.

Helpful hints : Each of the five Pre-shaped frames comes in two sizes to match different subjects and lenses. Don't use super wide-angle lenses. The smaller the lens aperture (and the further the Pre-shaped frame is from the front of the lens) the sharper the cutout shape. The distance between your lens and the Pre-shaped frames can be varied by using a Cokin Modular Hoods (255) and the Coupling ring(308). Also, the lighter the subject or background itself the more pronounced the edge of the cutout will appear. These frames can be combined with most of the Cokin system filters, especially Diffusers, Pastels, color filters of all kinds, etc.

This is one the kids and myself have a lot of fun with. Turnyour only child or friends, parents and children into twins. Or havethat large family you always wanted. Invent jokes on the spot. It is avery easy filter to use. You must make sure your cameras can takemultiple exposures first.

Helpful Hints :

Do not forget to setyour camera to Double exposure mode!!!!

An aperture setting of f/8through f/4 is good for wide angle lenses and f/22 through f/8 fortelephoto lenses.

The lighting must be the same for both shots anda tripod is required for best results!!!...

Most prism filters do little more than multiply the image. With the Cokin Multi-image filters, you can create more than just repeat images, because the filter holder is fully adjustable both axially and laterally. This gives you much more control.

Helpful hints: Recommended focal lengths are between 50 and 105 mm. Do not stop down too far, or you'll see the design of the, filter, rather than the effect. This filter can be used with most other Cokin filters.

This filter gives the effect of zooming a telephoto lens during exposure. It uses the same technique as the "speed" filter. The streaks of light radiating from the center of the frame suggest movement toward the camera. Here again, a mixed and preferably dark background accentuates the radiating streaks and so the apparent impression of motion. should not be used for subjects dominated by a light sky or which feature empty expanses of snow or water in the background, as it is the unfocused areas of a lively, distturbed background which emphasize the zoom effect. Technically this filter is a Center Spot filter.

If you don't have a polarizer, stop reading this and get one! I use a polarizer on almost every shot with a blue sky. Without a polarizer, blue skies appear a tepid, light blue on film; with a polarizer filter, they come out in a rich, deep color. The filter works by cutting out reflected glare and it's also useful for water (lakes, ponds), window glass, and tree leaves. A polarizer is more expensive than most other filters but worth the investment.

Regardless of the type of shooting you do, a polarizer is the most useful and versatile filter you can own. It's a very visual filter with which to work: As you rotate it in its mount, the effects are immediately noticeable. A polarizing filter can deepen the color and contrast in a sky (the most intense effects are always 90° from the sun or light source), eliminate glare from wet or reflective surfaces and cut through atmospheric haze to increase clarity and contrast in a scene. Since the effect of a polarizer is most pronounced when it is used perpendicular to the light source (the sun usually), try this trick... Make an "L" with your thumb and forefinger. Point your forefinger at the sun and your thumb will point in the direction that the polarizer will have its greatest effect. You can rotate your thumb around the axis of your forefinger, pointing the lens in any of these directions will let you take full advantage of the polarizers capabilities. Polarizers have little or no effect when they are used in the same direction as the light source.

Polarizers come in two varieties: Linear 160 and Circular 164. Each has the same effect visually; the difference is just in the way they polarize the light passing through. If you own an auto focus or auto-exposure camera (basically any modern camera), use a 164 Circular polarizer, which won't interfere with its automatic functions. Digital cameras in general do not have reflection mirrors, and, as a result, can use both (linear or circular) polarizers. A Polarizer tends to cool down the image. I find adding a Warm filter will restore warmth and a more natural image.