Day by Day- Cokin X-Pro Filter Rig - Mark II - Nikon 14-24mm

8/12/2019 Day by Day- Cokin X-Pro Filter Rig - Mark II - Nikon 14-24mm

1/14

2009-09-04

Cokin X-Pro Filter Rig - Mark II - Nikon 14-24mm

it was too cumbersome trying to to a ttached the universal ring using the 4 screws to the rig . It

was near impossible to get filter holder dead center relative to the lens.

1.

Unless you can get the 4 screws just right, each ti me, the uni versal ring will always be off,

therefore, the filter holder will not be dead center relative to the lens. I also wanted the filter

holder to sit perpendicular to the lens and not leaning slightly forwards or backwards.

2.

I wanted to come up with a solution that I could get my Cokin X-Pro filter system on and off the

14-24mm lens quickly with a minimum of fuss.

3.

Reorient the filter holder, quickly, when going from landscape to portrait mode or vice versa,

especially when using ND graduated filters.

The ad -hoc piece of foam I used to stop li ght leakage through the gap between the rig and the

universal adapter was not very elegant. I wanted it to be integrated into the rig, one less item to worry

about and less likely to forget when packing for a shoot.

I measured and found that the "rig" was between 1-1.5 mm in diameter larger than the Nikon

14-24mm lens hood. I tried looking for Teflon sheets 1mm in thickness from Clark Rubber and

Bunnings without any luck.

Whilst browsing through Eckersley's Arts and Craftsstore I came across a piece of A4 acetate sheet,

with a thickness of about 0.25 mm, that l ooked li ke it might do the job. Since I could not find

anything suitable with the required thickness. I figured I could make one by gluing 2-3 strips together

to get the required 1.5mm thickness to use as a shim so that the "rig" can slide onto the lens properly

and not slip off.

Issues with the original Filter "rig" design

Requirements for new rig design

Slide the rig backwards or forwards, to minim ised vignetting, depending on whether I

jus t want to use a s ingle filter or stack a couple of filters.

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2/14

2x40mm plastic/acetate strips

I cut 2 x 40mm strips and glued them together using some spray adhesive. I left it overnight to set. I

then form the strip of acetate into a circle and fitted it in to the "rig" and marked the exact length

required and cut it to length using a Stanley knife. Next time I would glue the plastic strips one at a

time separately.

Double checking that the strip fits

Next I clean the inside of the "rig" before spraying it with adhesive. I also sprayed a generous coatingof adhesive onto the back of acetate strip, waited for a couple of minutes until the adhesive got tacky.

I then carefully placed the strip onto the inside of the rig making sure that everything is align before

pressing down harder. I again used some low tack masking tape to hold in place whilst the adhesive

set overnight.

low tack masking tape to hold in place ov ernight

I tried the rig on the lens the next day and and it was a tight fit and in fact too tight as it took me over

20 mins to get the rig off again.

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Luckily, I was able to ripped the third strip off and j ust cut 2x much smaller strips to fit just for the

widest part of the rig. The fit is much better as I am now able to slide the rig on and off the lens

easily.

Next is to build up the circumference of the rig so that the universal adapter can be mounted directly

onto the rig without having to use the 4 screws. I quickly measured the size difference between the rig

and the uni versal adapter. So I needed about an additional 5mm of gi rth on the rig.

2mm thick medium density foam strip

I used 2 x 40mm acetate strips and adhered them onto the outside of the rig one at a time then taped

them up and left it overnight to set. The next day I glued a 40mm of medium density foam strip, cut

to length, on top of the acetate strips. I used low tack masking tape to hold it place and left it

overnight.

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Filter Rig for Nikon 14-24mm" 11

lozzmann

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4/14


5/14

I use my Dremel to trim and shape the foam and acetate to follow the contours of the rig. Remember

to let the blade do the cutting and don't apply force on the Dremel to get it to cut faster.

It should take about 20-30 minutes to complete. I also use a miniature rasp file to get rid of any little

burrs and rough edge s. Also wear safety gogg les as there bi ts of pl astic and foam flying around a t

high speed.

Next I pushed the Cokin X-Pro holder with universal adapter ring attached onto the rig. A nice tight fit

with the springy foam pushing up against the adapter ring giving it a nice gapless fit to block any

stray light from reaching the filters.

Next I slipped the rig with the Cokin X-Pro holder onto my 14-24mm lens. I also made sure that I

could slide it backwards and forwards along the lens with ease. This is to minimise vignetting

depending on whether I am using 1 or 2 filters.

Exposure (4) Sigma 10-20mm (4)


6/14


7/14

Front and side view of the ND8 Grad filter and Cokin X-Pro holder attached to my Nikon D700. Please

excuse the mess in the background.

Out on location for testing with his best mate the Canon 5D. If you own the 16-35mm Mk. II lens, you

wont have an i ssue with the Cokin X-Pro fil ter holder like I did . Cokin has an 86mm adap ter to screw

onto the front of this lens.

In this setup I ha d 2 x fil ters (Cokin ND4 and ND8 Grad) stacked for testing. I managed to get up to

17mm without vignetting using the 2 x filters. With just a single filter I was able to get 14mm with zero

vignetting on my Nikon D700 which is a FX or full frame DSLR.

Examples

Here are some exampl es shots using the Cokin X-Pro fi lters. The first shot was taken u sing just the

Cokin ND8 Grad fil ter. The second shot was taken by stacking two fil ters (Cokin ND4 and ND8 Grad).

Bronte Beach

Details: ISO 200 | 14mm | 10s @ f/22 Using 1 x Cokin ND8 Grad. filter.

Mona Vale Beach


8/14

Posted by lozzmann at 20:10

Labels: Cokin, Cokin X -Pro Filters, DIY Filter Holder, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 AFS, Nikon D700

Details: ISO 200 | 17mm | 2.5s @ f/22 Stacked Cokin ND4 & ND8 Grad. filters.

26 comments:

Liverpool Photographer Willsaid...

This is one of the neater solutions I've seen for this 'problem'. What I don't get is if

something like this can be created why can't someone manufacture it? My guess would be

low potential market, but I'd sure love one. If you fancy making another one up, let me

know ;O)

16 November 2009 10:08 pm

lozzmannsaid...

Hi Will,

Thanks for your kind comments! Actually, Lee filters are releasing a very elegant solution

for the Nikon 14-24mm lens sometime next year.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Lee-Filters-holder-for-Nikons-1424mm-f28-wideangle-

lens-12507

I am trying to figure out an easier way to make one. The current design is too labour

intensive.

Regards,

Lawrie17 November 2009 1:21 am

djendsaid...

That's a great solution, and it's really worth paying for.

But as you said, it's very labour intensive and in Singapore where I'm from, it's cheaper to

do stuff yourself but there's not much equipment we can rent here.

How's the brai nstorming for the easier solution?

I'd love to have one of these. Do let me know if there's plans for another one!

Regards,

Zhenjie

1 January 2010 3:29 pm

lozzmannsaid...

Hi Zhenjie,

Thanks for dropping by and taking time to check out my blog. I am in the process of

motivating myself to look for a simpler method of making the "rig" for the 14-24mm. I will

publ ish the results here so please check every so often for any progress.

You might be interested to know that Lee is coming out with a filter holder for the Nikon

14-24mm l ens.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Lee-Filters-holder-for-Nikons-1424mm-f28-wideangle-

lens-12507


9/14

Regards,

Lawrie

2 January 2010 1:27 am

Javisaid...

You made my day, really. That was the push I needed (little one indeed) to buy the 14-24

instead of the 17-35. Thank you SO much for your tutorial, I'll try to follow it :)

11 January 2010 7:47 am

lozzmannsaid...

Hi Javi,

Thanks for stopping by. I am glad you found it useful! You won't regret getting the

14-24mm.

I love th is lens very much, it is the most used of a ll my len ses. However, it is a beast and it

is damn heavy but i t is so sharp! I mean thi s thing is sharp at f/2.8.

All the b est and please let me know how you go!

Regards,

Lawrie

11 January 2010 12:41 pm

Javisaid...

Hi Again!My lens arrived a couple of days ago and I'm doing all the stuff to create the holder :) but I

have a question. Is the Universal adapter a must or can be replaced somehow with a larger

pipe or something? It's really expensive and I was looking for other solutions

22 January 2010 1:08 am

lozzmannsaid...

Hi Javi,

Without the universal ad apter there is no way you can mount the holder onto the "rig".

The width of the adapter ring makes it and ideal platform with the required stability for it

to sit on the "rig".

How much are they asking for the adapter?

You could look into getting a Cokin X-Pro 105mm ada pter without the thread. That mightbe a cheaper solution.

Otherwise the only other way is to glue the Cokin X-Pro holder onto a lager pipe, as per

your suggestion, or directly onto the "rig" if you made it larger. I wouldn't recommend it

though.

The other benefit of using Cokin adapters is that you can easily rotate the filter holder from

landscape to portrait and back again by just loosening the two thumb screws.

Regards,

Lawrie

22 January 2010 3:18 pm

Javisaid...

Thank you for your answer. I knew there was a poi nt (rotating an d better hol ding ) but Icouldn't see it since I've never used square filters before. Knowing that I'll give a try to the

adapter and we'll see how it ends up.

At l east I've had some fun tim e DIY-ing.

BTW, I can not be more satisfied wi th the l ens, I don't know how do perform other Nikkor

UWAS but this is totally awesome.

I'll post again when I have tangible results :)

22 January 2010 10:30 pm

lozzmannsaid...

Hi Javi,


10/14

How much is the adapter going to cost you?

I would love to see the finished "rig" if you don 't mind.

I am so glad that you love your 14-24mm. Can't wait to see your pics.

Regards,

Lawrie

23 January 2010 5:07 am

Javisaid...

Hi again Lawrie!

I'm done with the job this time. T he universal ring and the filter holder arrived today (the

former from USA, the later from France) so I could finish the project.

I've been looking for your mail to send you a photo of the gadget so as to compare but

couldn't found it. If you want it, here goes mine: fjavi.mb @ gmai l.com

I've not done an exhaustive testing session but, as far as I've seen, I have no vi gnetti ng at

all.

If you visit sometime the Basque Country, Spain, you'll have a free-meal if you want ;). I

can not be more satisfied with the lens, although I've yet not shoot as much as I want.

Thanks

P.S: I found a cheap store in France and the rig cost me 35(+15shipping).

P.S2: A couple of shots withe the lens here: http://jota.1x.com/gallery/2784 :)

29 January 2010 9:03 am

lozzmannsaid...

Hi Javi,

I checked out your gallery! They are awesome. You have a very good eye. I love the

colou rs you ge t! You shoul d post on Fl ickr!

Can't wait to see pics of your project! I've sent you my email details.

Get out there and get more shots with your Nikon 14-24mm!

P.S. What fil ters are you using?

Regards,

Lawrie

29 January 2010 10:30 am

Anonymous said...

Hi Lawrie,

I almost forgot to reply. I'm still after a filter for 14-24, and it seemed that your solution is

the best so far ;)

I'm also at Sydney catching landscapes all the time. I'm in Dee Why area. Are you near

there?

Anyway, I can't proceed with the fil ter because my camera in on repai r :( Did you bought

your X-pro online? I'm trying to find this on stores in Sydney, it seemed they don't have it...

Have a good day Lawrie.

Regards,

iori

8 February 2010 2:01 pm

lozzmannsaid...

Hi iori,

No I am not that lucky to live on the Northern beaches! I am over in Parramatta.


11/14

I got my filters from Nikon on Broadway in Chippendale. Check them out here >>

http://nikononbroadway.com/index_files/Page3961.htm

They are the chea pest in Sydney for Cokin stuff.

Lee has started making fi lters to fit the Cokin X-Pro holde r as well.

What happened to your camera?

Cheers

Lawrie

9 February 2010 12:03 am

Anonymous said...

Hi Lawrie,

It's iori again :)

WOW! I didn 't know that Nikon on Broadway had thi s. Unfortunately, they don 't show up i n

Google (or in Shopbot). Some stores offer to order it for you, but I want to see them

personal ly to check.

We're just renting in Dee Why. I was hoping to look at your filter personally before I decide

to spend on X-pro... or maybe I can meet you during one of your shoots to have a look :)

Anyway, my came ra was hit p retty badly. It has the fol lowing :

1. doe sn't read CF card!

2. doe sn't write on CF card!

3. doesn't show menu

4. doesn't show preview pho tos

5. doesn't change ISO/QUAL/WB

It's something I myself couldn't find a similar problem over the internet. A friend guessed

that it might be one of the boards inside my D700 :( Pretty scary really, but since it's under

warranty, I'm alrigh t.

Thanks for the li nk! It's much appreciated. Have a goo d day.

Regards,

iori


Damien said...

lozzmann,

great article and well presented. I am jumping into the FX format tonight with the

purchase of a D3s. The only outstanding decision I had was whether to go for the 17-35

mm 2.8 of the superior 14-24mm. The issue of the filter was pushing me towards the

17-35. I called lee today to enquire about the upcoming rig that is rumoured. They

confirmed that it would be another 6 months away at least.

On a brighter note, you have allowed me to make the decision to go with the 14-24mm

based on your results.I think you coul d make a few Euros if you were to make a few of

these ;-)

Thanks again.

Damien


lozzmannsaid...

Hi iori,

Sorry, I totall y forgot to reply. Yeah If you want to che ckout the Cokin X-Pro hol der and

filte rs there i s a place i n Crows Nest that have them in stock!

http://mainlinephoto.com.au/category55_1.htm

This mob specialises in medium format stuff. They are expensive though but he has them

in stock.

Give them a call and check them out there and order them from Nikon on Broadway.

If you have no luck. I can always arrange for a coffee and you can check mine out!


12/14

The other thing is tha Lee has started making filters for the Cokin X-Pro but they are not

cheap.

Regards

Lawrie


lozzmannsaid...

Hi Damien,

I am glad you found the article useful. Congrats on getting the D3s, I just finished readingthe very positive review on dpreview.

I am g lad you made the right choice and got the 14-24mm. You won't regret it.It is the

sharpest lens I have ever used and the details and clarity you get are simply amazing.

Also l ook in to getti ng the new Lee fi lte rs for the Cokin X-Pro holders. They are much better

quality than the Cokin ones. I would have gotten the Lee filters if they were around when I

got my filter kit! I still might!!

Someone left a message asking if it was okay for them to make and sell the filter rig on

ebay! I gave him my blessings but I haven't heard back from them.

Regards

Lawrie


Anonymous said...

Hi Lawrie,

How are you? It's been more than a year since I last commented on your blog. I'm iori by

the way with my last comment just a few replies up.

Until now, I haven't bought an X-Pro rig and at the time of this writing, Lee starts to

distribute their filter/holder for 14-24 :) Do you have any comments on the Lee System?

Again , thank you for a very i nform ative post!

27 March 2011 2:24 am

lozzmannsaid...

Hi Lori,

The Lee filter hol der looks really well designed and made. I see that the final product

looks different from their ea rlier design. I thi nk that their fil ters are far superior than those

from Cokin but not cheap. If I had the $$$ I would definitely consider getting one.

They won't be making a polarizer or big stopper for the SW150 so that is something you

have to consider.

Regards,

Lawrie

29 March 2011 1:41 am

Anonymous said...

Hi Lawrie,

How are you?

I'm not too sure of getting an SW150. It looks good, but it's definitely pricey here

(650AUD!). I maybe going with just the Cokin filter as I'm going for a vacation in NZ this

Apri l.

thank you agai n for your insights. By the way, you know Manny Li brodo

29 March 2011 1:49 pm

lozzmannsaid...

Hi Lori,

I am well. I wouldn't buy it locally. I'd get it from B&H.


13/14

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/693472-

REG/LEE_Filters_KIT_SW150_SW150_Filter_Holder_Kit.html

Only $374, we get ripped in Australia! Still be cheaper with shipping then buying i t here!

Awesome l andscapes in NZ!! Have a good trip! !

Yeah I know of Manny! Love h is portraits and col ours!!

Regards,

Lawrie

29 March 2011 3:13 pm

Anonymous said...

Hi Lawrie,

Thanks for the recommendation. Yup, I'm looking at B&H photo right now. But still holds

out.

Do you use filters all the time in l andscapes? What fil ters do you usually use. As stated,

you can only use 1 filter if you use your 14-24 & 14mm, is this enough or are you feeling

that it really needs more NDs. Do you have a gal lery where you featu re most of your stuff?

I just notice Manny Librodo in your photography links. I'm from the same country he is but

haven't met him yet (or even at the time he went to Australia). Thank you for replying

again.

Regards,

Iori

1 April 2011 1:38 pm

lozzmannsaid...

Hi Lori,

I onl y seem to use GND filters for sunrise beach shots. I don't norma lly use them otherwise.

Also the Cokin f il ters have a colour cast which you can get off using WB. I th ink You real ly

need 4-6 stop GND filters for the Cokin.

You can stacked 2xGND filters safely at about 17mm. I am currently fooling around with a

Heliopan 10-stop ND filter on my 16-35mm f/4. I wish that Lee or someone made a 10-stop

filter the Cokin X-Pro.

Oh, i forget that i have a link to his gallery! Manny's gallery is awesome.

You can see my stuff on flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lozzmann/

Regards

Lawrie

1 April 2011 8:36 pm

Anonymous said...

Dude you are a lifesaver! God Bless you and the others who are not Photosnobs and dont

share knowledge !

You just saved my T hesis!

I'll be checking in on your blog from now on!

19 June 2011 9:53 am

lozzmannsaid...

Hi,

Thanks for dropping by. Everything I've learnt about photography has been from either

books or the Internet. It's time to g ive back and help others starting out.

Regards,

Lawrie

20 June 2011 7:15 pm


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