Here I have decided to write a short blog on Cokin filters. Some of the info are obtained from Cokin websites.

The Types

From small to big: Cokin A Series, P Series, Z Series and the latest X-Pro Series.

A Series - 36mm to 62mm

Recommended for lenses between 36 and 62mm in diameter with a focal length over 35mm. Cokin square filters fit into a holder and are attached to a lens via an adapter ring, the photographer has a number of immediate advantages:

a) there is no need to duplicate filters to fit different size lenses,
b) up to three filters can be used at once to create unique effects,
c) the photographer has control over the positioning of the effect on the photograph.

How the Cokin System works

1. Screw the adapter ring onto your lens. System “A” rings come in the following diameters; 36/37/39/40.5/41/42/43/43.5/44/46/48/49/52/54/55/58/62mm and Hasselblad special rings.
2. Slide the filter holder on the adapter ring until it snaps in place. The filter holder is now solidly attached to the lens, yet it can rotate both left and right.
3. Slide the filter into one of the filter holder slots. The one closest to the filter holder housing is the narrowest; it allows the use of round filters with notched edges (polarizer, star filters..). The two central slots are intended for square filters. The outer slot can be used either for an additional filter or for a coupling ring.

Most popular filters - There are over 140 filters to choose from in the range.
The most popular are:

1. Polarizers - Designed to eliminate unwanted reflections and darken skies.
2. Graduated - Add colour to a scene by using a Cokin graduated filter to enhance a dull sky, or use a Sunset filter to add warmth.
3. Pastels and Diffusers - Ideal for portraits, still life and landscapes, to create a moody atmosphere and a softer effect.
4. Warm-up Filters - Add warmth to a portrait shot, giving improved skin tones.
5. Colour Filters - Colour correction filters are available, as are Neutral Density filters and filters specifically designed for use with black and white film.
6. Optical effects - There is a wide range of filters available to add special effects to photographs, such as Starbursts, Multi-image, close-up, Rainbow, Double exposure etc.

P Series - 48 to 82mm

For larger diameter lenses up to 82mm. Recommended for focal lengths from 28mm onwards(35mm format). A wide range of adaptor rings, including dedicated Hasselbad® B50/B60/B70, Rollei® VI as well as a Universal Ring and numerous dedicated accessories (Holder Cap, Ring Cap, Universal Ring, Coupling Ring, Wide Angle Holder, A/P & Z/P Adaptors, Modular Hood, Modular Bellows, Wallet & Storage Boxes, etc.).
P Filter-Holder
The P Filter-Holder is the ideal Filter-Holder to avoid vignetting on 35mm format lenses. Up to three filters can be used to create a unique effect.

P Wide-Angle Holder (BPW-700) P299:
This extra slim holder helps to eliminate vignetting down to 20mm focal length. Can hold 1 filter (can be a polarizer) and allows the use of filters with super wide lenses (focal lengths under 20mm) 35mm format.

There are over 140 filters to choose from in the range. The most popular are:

1. Polarizers - Designed to eliminate unwanted reflections and darken skies.
2. Graduated - Add colour to a scene by using a Cokin graduated filter to enhance a dull sky, or use a Sunset filter to add warmth.
3. Pastels and Diffusers - Ideal for portraits, still life and landscapes, to create a moody atmosphere and a softer effect.
4. Warm-up Filters - Add warmth to a portrait shot, giving improved skin tones.
5. Colour Filters - Colour correction filters are available, as are Neutral Density filters and filters specifically designed for use with black and white film.
6. Optical effects - There is a wide range of filters available to add special effects to photographs, such as Starbursts, Multi-image, close-up, Rainbow, Double exposure etc.

Z Series - 49mm to 96mm

Aimed at the professional and enthusiast photographer, the Z-PRO series total over 80 different filters including coloured, centre spots, pastel/ diffusers to graduated and neutral density filters.
Z-PRO filters are available in two different sizes. The plain filters, i.e. coloured, centre spots and pastel/diffusers measure 100×100mm in size and the graduated filters 100×150mm. All Z-PRO filters are manufactured from high quality CR39 organic glass and fit the Cokin Z-PRO holder system.
There are 2 x Z-PRO kits available: ND-Grad and ND/Blue/Tobacco. A selection of adapter rings from size 49mm through to 96mm, plus Hasselblad B60 and B70 and Rollei V1 are also available.

• Standard Filters 100×100mm or 4 x 4”
• Graduated Filters 100 x 150mm or 4 x 6”

X-Pro Series - 62mm to 112mm

With a 170mm x 130mm filter size, the Cokin X-PRO series has been created to offer the professional photographer a comprehensive range of filters that can be used on medium and large format camera systems, as well as extreme wide angle lenses used by photographers, videographers and broadcasters.

The X-PRO system makes vignetting a problem of the past and with over 60 filters in the range.
Holders: made of lightweight material, the holder has a exclusive Ring Locker System . Developed by Cokin, the system ensures that the holder can be secured in a certain position and that the filter is kept parallel to the lens. If the photographer requires the filter to be rotated, this can also be achieved.
Adapter rings: available in sizes from 62mm to 112mm and will fit diameters of lenses up to 118mm with a 4-point universal ring. Aimed at the professional and enthusiast photographer, the X-PRO series total over 80 different filters including coloured, centre spots, pastel/ diffusers to graduated and neutral density filters.

* 170mm x 130mm
* Excellent optical transmission
* Eliminates the problem of vignetting
* Fits many different types of lenses
* Choice of over 60 filters
* Wide range of adapters

In Short, if you are using 135 format or 35mm format, you should get Cokin P series. If you want to use on Ultra Wide Angle lens (below 28mm in 135 format), you need the X-Pro Series, which is the latest series from Cokin for digital wide angle photographers.

What You Need?

First thing you need to do is to select the suitable series to your needs. Take note that filter from different series are not interchangeable. You can use P filter on A holder nor vice versa.

Cokin Filter System consists of the 3 most basic items: Filter + Filter Holder + Adapter Ring. Additional accessories are like Hood (to shade sunlight and reduce reflection or ghost), filter holder (can hold few pieces of filters in a holder), etc.

(In the picture above, from left to right: Filter + Holder + Adapter Ring + Lens + Camera)

Filter - The most basic filters that one can try out are:

Cokin H250A ND Graduated Filter Kit P Series, with Filter Holder & Graduated ND Filters #121L, 121M, 121S

RM185.00

Cokin H210 Landscpe Filter Kit-1 P Series (Filter Holder, Warm 81-EF #37, B2 Gradual Blues Soft #123S, Sunset 1 #197)

RM165.00

Holder - To hold the filter, maximum 3pcs for P holder and to connect to adapter ring.

Adapter Ring - Comes in different sizes. If your lens filter diameter is 77mm, then you should buy the 77mm adapter ring. If you have another lens with 52mm filter size, just purchase an extra 52mm adapter ring. You do not need to purchase two set of filter, just change the adapter ring will do.

My dearest…

In Oct 2008, I have the chance of bringing a Markins Q-Ball Q3 Emille Ballhead (Black) for my photo trip to Angkorwat, Cambodia. A 6 days photo trip and tripod + ballhead is a must. I have the chance to use the Markins Q3 ballhead “extensively” during my trip.

Strength

Markins ballhead are made professionally with Teflon coating on the ball that gives ultra smooth turning and no grease appearing on the ball.  When lock down, it is really lock down. You can’t move the head at all! Some ballhead when lock down will still move a little, especially downwards. When using a long lens (which is the case where tripod is a often needed), even a 1mm movement cause the composition run off big. Markins Q3 has no such issue.

Weakness

One thing I found and dislike about the Markins Q3 is the pan base. It can’t be lock firmly, and will still rotate slightly when you turn it. This is especially obvious when I carry my camera and lens mounted on the tripod and ballhead, where I can see that it is not very secure.  I searched the web and found that many photographers have the same complaint on the pan base, where the lock is not secure and not strong/firm.

Summary

Pan base lock should not prevent you from buying Markins, unless if you really need the pan lock a lot. Markins ballhead is able to firmly and securely lock down your equipment at whatever angle / position.

Is there any other ballhead that is as good as Markins but better pan base? I heard of one…but let me test it out before I mentioned it here.

Megumi was just very curious about it and tried to touch the lens and grab it!

To balance out the family feel…I sacrificed myself to be the subject as well…

All taken using Nikon D200. It would have been more interesting if taken using a full frame camera then.

Available at:

	Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye Autofocus Lens (Canon EOS)	RM3,250.00

Staffs corner…

Family…

There is even a Santa Claus coming…

First dish…

No time to photograph others dishes…an enjoyable dinner.

Seems very popular nowadays, with SHE as their ambassadors. Even Megumi can pronounce Ukimono…ukimono…

RM7xxnow, Christmas promotion. Used to be RM9xx.

What is it? Thigh massager.

To be surprised, the recycling time of both flashes shorten by over 100%!

Nikon SB-800

• Batteries = Maha Imedion AA x 4pcs
• Manual 1/1 Full Power Fire
• Recharge Time (from pressing the fire button to the red light ready button) =  5.5 seconds (none scientific count)
• Use together with Phottix External Battery Pack (Maha Imedion AA x 6pcs)
  • Recharge Time = 2 seconds!

Canon 580EX II

• Batteries = Maha Imedion AA x 4pcs
• Manual 1/1 Full Power Fire
• Recharge Time (from pressing the fire button to the red light ready button) =  5 seconds (none scientific count)
• Use together with Phottix External Battery Pack (Maha Imedion AA x 6pcs)
  • Recharge Time = 2 seconds!

Yes, I tested on two different flashes, and the performance seems similar! Take note that for each type of flash, the battery pack is different with different plug. At only RM225 as compared to original manufacturer product that costs over RM500, Phottix Flash External Battery Pack is a bargain and deliver the job well!

Phottix Flash External Battery Pack (takes 6 AA batteries) for Canon 580EX II Speedlight / Speedlite

RM225.00

Phottix Flash External Battery Pack (takes 6 AA batteries) for Nikon Speedlights (SB-900, SB-800)

RM225.00

Phottix Flash External Battery Pack (takes 6 AA batteries) for Sony HVL-F58AM Speedlight / Flash

RM225.00

http://www.imi.gov.my/images/Forms/Form_IM.42.pdf

Remember to print on both side of a white A4 paper. The form can also be purchased at Malaysia Immigration counter, at RM1.00. I did print out myself last time, but on two pieces of paper hence can’t be used. Take note of that.

More info and steps can be read at:

http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/services/citizens/passport-/pma

(Borang Passport Antarabangsa Malaysia)

Google storage update: More space for your photos and email

Hi,

We wanted to let you know about some exciting changes to your Google paid storage plan. While storage costs have dropped naturally in the past few years, we’ve also been working hard to improve our infrastructure to reduce your costs even further. On Tuesday, November 10th, we increased the size of each of our tiers to make storage even more affordable and accessible. For the same $20.00 per year, you’ll now get 80 GB, 8 times as much storage as before. Your current plan will be automatically upgraded and your new quota will automatically show up in your account in the next 24 hours.

We hope you’ll like the extra space, but if it’s more than you need you can always change your storage plan or renewal preferences for next year in your Google account settings: www.google.com/accounts/purchasestorage. Feel free to visit our Help Center for more information.

Thanks,
The Google storage team

I have been using Google gmail for many years (4-5 years), and storage space has exceeded the Free storage space (around 8GB). Hence I have paid to upgrade to the bigger storage space (extra 8GB per US$20) few months ago. It is amazing that Google now upgrade my account for free to over 80GB!!! I guess I will not be running out of space in the next few years! (of course still need to pay US$20 per year for the space).

Google is simply Amazing!

I have asked Futuromic to loan me a sample to test, but no news from them. Nevermind, one of my customer has requested me to test his lens, so I did some tests and share the results here. All lenses were handled with extreme care.

The Old and the New

I have the Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 lens myself (First Generation, screwdriver type), so I were able to compare it to the new VC version side by side. The new VC lens is significantly larger - fatter and longer. Good solidly built, which I am quite impressed with.

The VC lens is made in Japan, which is normally an assurance of good quality control (but not all the case). At least is better feeling to owner.

Vibration Correction

How does it works? Nikon has VR (Vibration Reduction), Canon has IS (Image Stabilization), Sigma has OS (Optical Stabilizer), of course now Tamron has VC. All works similarly by having one of the lens element inside the lens moves in up and down / left and right position to correct for the shake of the lens and making sure that the image that hit the sensor is always sharp and stable. The good thing about lens optical correction as compared to sensor stabilizer is that you can see the effect immediately through the viewfinder, and the degree of shake correction is better.

I still remember the first Tamron VC lens that I have tested is the 18-270mm VC, which has an annoying TICK TICK sound whenever the VC hits in. The new VC in this Tamron 17-50mm lens does not has such sound anymore, and is actually a great improvement!

I did some test shots at 1/4 second, F/8 at 50mm focal length and found the image to be quite acceptable. Though not extremely sharp. Without the VC ON, the hand shake is obvious.

This is my test subject:

VC ON

VC OFF

Ok, VC does helped but at 1/4s, it is kind of a bit extreme…

Sharpness?

The Tamron 17-50VC is a very sharp lens, which I am quite impressed with.

Test Subject

100% crop

Another full view

100% crop

As compared to the first generation version that I have, I found that mine is slightly sharper…not a scientific test so don’t take it as a definite answer. When you turn the VC OFF, I find the photo to be sharper as with VC ON.

I also notice that VC is less successful with shooting at 1/15s, which is a critical shutter speed that is very much affected by camera mirror bounce.

Auto Focus Speed?

There are 3 versions of Tamron SP 17-50mm lens for Nikon mount.  First is the screwdriver type, Second is the built in motor type, and now the Third version is the VC lens.

In terms of AF, the built in motor type is the slowest, really slow that I feel throwing the lens away and you can fee how lame the lens is in AF when you first use it. The screwdriver type is fast and the VC version is similar speed as compared to the screwdriver type. This is a great improvement in Tamron for the 17-50mm lens considered that the VC version is using built in motor as well!

How does it compared to Nikon AF-S 17-35mm? Not near and not even close. The Nikon AF-S 17-35mm is extremely fast and you can feel the difference immediately once you tried it. This can be partly due to the fact that Nikon AF-S 17-35mm is shorter in range as compared to Tamron 17-50mm. Sorry, I do not have the Nikon AF-S 17-55mm ready in hand to compare. While the Tamron 17-50mm VC has improvement in AF speed, it still can’t compare to the Silent Wave technology I believe.

Not forgetting that the S lens is extremely quiet, while the Tamron is slightly noisier (not disturbing).

Conclusion

I wonder why Nikon and Canon does not implement VC into their 17-55mm and 16-35mm or 17-35mm f/2.8 lenses, is it because it might reduce the overall sharpness of the lens or is it because it is not needed in such wide angle?

While the screwdriver version (first generation) of the Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 lens is no longer available, and only the built in motor version and the VC versions are available now, I would suggest to get the VC version for the improvement in focusing speed in Nikon mount (Take note that Canon version has built in motor from day 1, and is fast like the Nikon screwdriver version.).

A recommended lens for those who do not want to spend 2-3 times the money of the Tamron for Nikon or Canon counterparts, and is definitely a nice addition to have VC to play with when you needed it.

http://fotolah.com/index.php

Just a month old,  Fotolah.com is growing steadily and we now have 7 staffs including myself.

We aimed to become the largest, most respectable and active Chinese photography forum in Malaysia. Do join us and be part of Fotolah.com today!

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II VC (Vibration Compensation) LD Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital DSLR

Did some comparison to my own Tamron SP 17-50mm (without built in motor…

and also Nikon AFS 17-35mm f/2.8.

I am really tired today…will continue tomorrow…

“Hey…I support you…I buy this from you…you give me best best price lah!”

Your friend is selling computer, doing it as a business to support his family and life. You plan to buy a computer, so you thought of him and want to “support” him.

You went to his shop, said “hey friend, I want to buy a computer for my kid, you give me best price then I support you and buy from you lah!”

THINK AGAIN!

Are you really supporting your so called FRIEND? Or are you trying to TAKE ADVANTAGE from your friend?

Your friend is making living from selling computer, and yet you are trying to squezze him and ask him to give you the lowest possible price and to SUPPORT YOU! So this is the friendship you are talking about…

A true friend won’t mind paying more to support the business of another friend, that is what I think is the true support. So next time if you want to buy something at the lowest price from your friend, don’t use the word “Support him” again instead of “Support ME!”.

I still prefer the traditional tang lung than the now battery powered type. But of course need to watch out for the candle / fire, cannot let children play by themselves and must watch out for the candles and matches.

Family photo…

Megumi loves carrying tang lung.

Mother and daughter…

Goodnight…

Parked at Pasir Gudang port from 25th September 2009 till 06 October 2009 if I am not mistaken. We took the chance to visit there yesterday. I used to work as a volunteer onboard many years ago…miss the time there and it is good to see her sailing here again. (ship is always called “her” and not “he”…)

We make a visit there yesterday (Saturday - 3rd Oct 2009).

Hmm…time for me to keep fit…can see the stomach coming out… (or should I blame that shirt?!)

Foong’s sister is with us as well. In fact, it was her idea of visiting Doulos.

Entrance into the Bookstore onboard can see many children books at reasonable or rather low price! They use unit system. 100 unit = RM8.00. This is for them to convert to different currency when they sailed to different country.

Of course, Bible is being sold online as well.

Different religion people also visited there…

and various races too!

I saw some Singaporeans making their trip across the bridge to visit as well!

Volunteers from various countries and skin colours…

There are many different souvenirs sold there…

Megumi is busy onboard scouting around…

As usual, she is curious of my camera and lens…

and her mum also busy shopping for children books…

Coming down from the ship…way home…

Took an hour to drive back…quite jam, but of course is a nice and worthy trip.

No choice, have to do a new one…as I am a “no spec can’t see” person…very high degree in far sight.

Went to a nearby spectacle shop last week to do my spectacle. Don’t want to spend much initially, but then can’t find one that I am happy with.

Test tested the Nikon frame, quite nice and is quite light (not heavy). It is a spring type, so is comfortable to wear and should be more lasting. The frame is made out of titanium (yeah…as if I am going to put it through test…). Anyhow, RM420 for the frame and I swipe my card…

The nose resting design is quite special. Simple and quite comfortable. Take a closer look at you will see Nikon wordings on it too.

The side frame has Nikon wording too and the spring design is not thick.

Together with 1.67 slim multicoated lens, it costs me RM610. Ok…way above what I have planned initially but since it is going to be my daily Nikon…no choice lah…better than any other Nikon items that I have bought but only use occasionally.

http://fotolah.com/thread-18-1-1.html

 标题：
我们的节日！
（相关于马来西亚的节日庆典 - 中秋节， 国庆日， 华人新年， 圣诞节。。。）

重要日期
参赛截止日期：31日10月2009年
投票日：1-7日11月2009年
成绩公布： 8日11月2009年

比赛一定要有奖品。。。如下:
1. Fotolah 摄影勋章！
2. Maha Imedion AA rechargeable batteries 2100mAh (4pcs)

Fotolah 摄影比赛规则
1. 比赛作品必须是参赛者之版权所有。参赛者须承担所有法律责任如盗取他人作品参赛。
2. 比赛作品必须上载到 Fotolah 摄影比赛之帖。作品尺寸： 直 或 横=1000px
3. 参赛者需允许 Fotolah 使用参赛及得奖作品用作 Fotolah 之促销， 而不需给予版权拥有者任何费用。 作品之版权仍归参赛者之所有。
4. Fotolah 有权修改比赛规则或取消参赛作品而无须做另行通知。

http://fotolah.com/thread-18-1-1.html

Join today and win a Maha PowerEx Imedion 4AA Rechargeable Batteries!

摄影啦！马来西亚中文摄影网站！

We have just hit over 130 registered member in less than a week after announcing the site! The site is just 8 days old from the day the domain get registered, and is currently actively participate by members in the discussion and sharing photos.

There are currently many amazing macro photos shared by Kingfisher. Do drop by and have a look if you are free…

摄影啦！马来西亚中文摄影网站！

Started a new photography website few days ago…FotoLah.com. A dedicated Chinese photography forum in Malaysia. Registered the domain on 20092009, yes 20th September 2009, then start installing the forum software and start customizing it.

Start inviting members and started the banner promotions two days ago and now has nearly a hundred registered members, which around 300-400 posts a day. Quite good for a start.

Take a look and join us if you are interested in photography.

FotoLah.com

Alvin, Janice, Fu Yong, Ammy, Lydia, Megumi and myself (Kho King).

New BBQ tray borrowed from Alvin. Simple and nice to use.

Some food as prepared by my wife. Jagung (corn) is very sweet, one of the best food among all. The front meal with white snow is sagu with coconut actually, very nice desert.

Sushi rice in tauhu skin. I love it!

Wife busy in the kitchen and I took her shot by surprised…

Bought low smoke coal (as according to the seller) at RM8.00 per pack of not sure how many kg. Definitely enough for the night lah…

Fire is ready…where is the food?!

Ok…on the way to the fire…

Man’s job for the fire / BBQ part (Fu Yong is at the back)..while lady setting up the table. Megumi was getting ready too…can you see the big cup on their baby chair already?!

Not a overly full dinner (for me lah…I drank a lot of O-cha (red tea)). I think we have a nice night…good to have gathering with friends from time to time.

Thanks, Sis!

Alvin visited me two days ago, so we have some time in the yard shooting some flowers, testing his new toy…Sigma OS HSM 18-250mm lens. Quite a nice lens! Very close focusing distance and fast focusing speed (with HSM for Nikon mount!).

Ok…here are my roses…

No matter how pretty those roses are, they still can’t compete to my precious…

I went to bought a cake after work…a happy surprise to them I hope. Though I knew they do not like to eat cake, but I think it still means a lot when blowing candle and cutting cake during birthday, as an official celebration. The night before we have actually already went out for celebration dinner, but no cake or a pandan chifon cake made by my wife, but no candle and not so official…hahaa…lots of excuses…

Anyhow…here’s some photos to share.

Megumi can’t wait…in fact she has been very curious and excited when I brought the cake home. Yeah, she is holding the chifon cake made by my wife.

Blowing candle moment…

Cutting cake moment…

Happy birthday mother in law! May God be with you, protect you, give you health and guide you always. In Jesus precious name I prayed. Amen.