Cokin NX Series Filter System

Cokin's latest filter system shows that the company can adapt and compete in the modern photographic market

WEBSITE: cokinfilter.com

Price: £219/$220

Cokin first started making photographic filters in 1978 and for many years, it was the go-to brand for enthusiast photographers, with filters to add everything from rainbows to keyhole effects as well as more run-of-the-mill options, such as graduated neutral density filters.

Since then, tastes and fashions have moved on and the arrival of digital photography has changed our filter requirements. Polarising filters are still required to cut glare and reduce reflections, while neutral density (ND) filters enable long exposures and graduated neutral density (GND) filters help balance exposure across the frame.

Today, Cokin has three series of filter holders, the Creative and Evo holders, both available in a range of sizes and the newer NX Series filter holder that is designed for use with 100mm-type square and rectangular filters. This means that the NX Holder is compatible with Cokin’s Z-Pro or L-sized filters as well as those from other manufacturers. However, the filters must first be mounted in an aluminium frame.

Strangely, Cokin’s graduated 100mm filters measure 143.5mm along their longest edge, whereas most competitors make their filters 150mm long. Consequently, Cokin makes two sizes of rectangular filter frames and one square frame.