Cokin filter and landscape len on a D70s

[Traveller130]

Hi all,
After my recent D70s blown fuse saga, I looked through my camera gear and remembered that I was given a few Cokin A series filters, but no adapter ring or the filter holder.
I am thinking of experiementing them with my Nikon 60mm Mirco, which has a 62mm filter thread. From what I can find out, 62mm is the maximum size allowable for series A filters. As I am new to Cokin system, I have some questions which I hope people can help me with:
1. Do Cokin filters still offer the same creative user controls for DSLR (I have a D70s) as they do to film SLR? While you can add all sorts of special effects in Photoshop, I still think capturing the image with the special effect filter attached gives you more to play with from the RAW image itself.
2. Which Nikon lens would you recommend for landscape for a D70s. I have the 18-70mm DX kit lens, but the 67mm filter thread would mean I have to upgrade to Cokin P series. I've been looking for a 20mm 2.8 AF D (which has a 62mm filter thread) not sure if there are current users of that lens, and what their opinions are for that lens as a landscape lens on a DSLR with a 1.5 crop factor.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Bo

[gstark]

Bo,

Most of the creative processes that the Cokin system provides will be able to be used on your D70s.

You won't be able to perform in-camera multiple exposures, however, nor will you be able to pull B&W images directly from the camera, and some of the filters you may have (Cokin or otherwise) may be focussed on either of these sorts of images.

So, within those constraints, I'd go ahead and buy the appropriate adapter ring, and start playing.

And be sure to show us the results.

[Traveller130]

Thanks Gary,
I've been told I should upgrade to P series filters as A series tend to vignette around the corners with lenses greater than 58mm filter thread. Has anyone else experienced the same problem? Guess I can always sell the A filters and get an upgrade to P and get it over and done with. Also for those who experimented with P series filters, do they work ok with 77mm filter thread or do they vignette?
Bo

[radar]

Bo,

the P-series are very good on 77mm. It is more the design of the lens that will govern if you get vignetting or not.

On the 18-70mm lens (67mm filter), no vignetting at all. On my Tokina 12-24 (77mm filter) I will get vignetting between 12-14mm. Above that, no problem.

Note that I use the slimline cokin P filter holder. This only fits one filter as opposed to the standard one that can stack three. I use step up rings for fitting the filter on different lenses.

HTH,

André

[Traveller130]

Thanks Andre,
I have these three lenses 18-70mm DX kit lens with D70s (67mm thread), 60mm micro (62mm thread) and 80-200 2.8 (77mm thread). My thinking is that I get a A series holder with a 62mm adapter ring and try this out with the 60mm micro. I am also thinking of getting a 20mm 2.8 later for landscape work, which also has a 62mm thread. At this stage I have no intention of using the filters with my 18-70 or 80-200, as they require the P series and new kits for them. As I said, I am new to the Cokin system, so I just want to play around for a while. What would you do in my situation?
Bo

[radar]

What would you do in my situation?

Depends what you want from your cokin filter. You didn't actually say which types of Cokin A-filters you have.

I have a set of ND graduated filters plus a straight ND4 filter, P-cokin size.

For landscape photography, that's what I need. The graduated ones I use for sunrise/sunset mostly and the ND4 usually with moving water when I want to get that silky smooth effect.

If it was me, I'd probably cut my losses, sell the A-filters and get equipped with the P-series and assorted filters for your needs. Get a few step-down rings from 77mm and you will have the filters for all your lenses and likely future ones.

You can get some very nice results with the 18-70, so don't discount it for landscape photography. You just have to look through the image section.

The 20mm lens is a nice landscape lens but at times probably not quite wide enough on a dslr with crop factor. You can use your feet to zoom in/out but at times not always possible. If you do a lot of bushwalking, it is a great lens to have as it is very light, that's why it is on my list.

Cheers,

André

[Traveller130]

Thanks again Andre
The more I think about it, the more inclined I am in getting a P series and off load my A series.
Cheers
Bo