COKIN Creative System - Filters A/P/Z/X


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Frequently Asked Questions about the COKIN Creative Filter System : 1. COKIN SYSTEM or SCREW-IN FILTERS ?. 2. Selection fo Filter-Holder. 3. Vignetting. 4. Filter Holder vignetting limits. 5. Universal ring? 6. Mix 2 filter-holders. 7. Filter material 8. Applications -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) What are the main advantages of the COKIN CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM compared to screw-in filters ? The COKIN CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM has a number of immediate advantages : EASY TO USE : Simply screw the adaptor ring onto your lens, snap the holder and slide the filter(s) ! ECONOMICAL : If you have several lenses with different filter threads or sizes, you need only one set of square filters. With screw-in filters, you need a set of filters for each filter thread or size which may end being very costly. DEDICATED : The COKIN System will allow you to position the effect at your own will. Combination of filters is particularly easy and convenient. It is particularly true for graduated filters whereas, with screw-in filters, you can’t position the line at your will (it is always in the middle). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) How to choose between «A» Series, «P» Series, «Z - PRO» Series and «X-PRO» Series when buying my first COKIN holder ? Two factors will help you to decide between these 4 holder sizes : a) the filter size of your lens : click here. b) the focal length of your lens - please see question 4) here below. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) What is vignetting ? How to avoid it when using filters ? Vignetting is black edges on your pictures. It can be caused by any extension in the front of your lens (filter, lens shade, etc...). Consequently, you must check that any accessory put onto the lens is large enough so that it does not appear in the angle of vision. For example, when using the COKIN CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM, if the filter size of your wide-angle lens is Ø62 mm, you should go for the «P» Series, much larger, despite the fact that the «A» holder could physically fit this Ø62mm lens. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) What are the shortest focal lengths to be used with each of the Series A/P/Z-PRO/X-PRO/Z-PRO ? To avoid vignetting : - «A» Series is recommended for focal lengths from 35mm onwards (35mm format). - «P» Series is recommended for focal lengths from 28mm onwards (35mm format). - «Z-PRO» Series is recommended for focal lengths from 20mm onwards (35mm format). - «X-PRO» Series is recommended for focal lengths from15mm onwards (35mm format). Due to the fact that every lens has a different optical formula, the above values are general trends. Of course, they are related to 35mm photography. Values for Medium-Format lenses digital photography or camcorders are different. Please approach your nearest COKIN dealer for further information. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) What is the universal ring ? The universal ring (Ref. 499) has been specially designed to fit lenses with uncommon filter thread or lenses with damaged filter thread. This universal ring is available for now on P and X-PRO Series only. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) Is it possible to mix two filter-holders together in order to play with more than 3 filters at once ? Yes, it is possible, (Ref. 254). You can mix two filter-holders thanks to an accessory called «Coupling Ring». References A308 or P308 are sets including a coupling ring and a second filter- holder. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) *Which material the COKIN* filters are made of ?** It is important that a filter matches the optical precision of a lens. COKIN filters are made of the material best adapted to the filter’s ultimate use. Some are made of mineral glass and most «A» & «P» filters are made of CR39* Organic Glass which is today a reputable lightweight and unbreakable optical material also used for ophtalmic glasses. Organic Z-PRO & X-PRO filters are made of a higher quality «3 rd generation» CR 39* specially developed by COKIN. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) What are the various applications of the COKIN CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM ? The COKIN CREATIVE FILTER SYSTEM is suitable to a large variety of applications, thanks to its 4 sizes : - Phone - type cameras. - Compact - type Cameras. - Bridge - type Cameras. - SLR - type Cameras. - Video Camcorders. - Medium Format Cameras. - Video Projectors. - Professional Video Cameras. - Broadcast and Motion Cameras. - Large Format Cameras.