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Reviews: Lee Foundation Kit
If you are a landscape photographer, then chances are you have used a graduated filter, most likely a graduated ND (Neutral Density) Filter to control the contrast between the ground and the sky in an image. If you have used the round grads then you already know about the inherent limitations of this design. The division between clear and color/ND happens right in the dead middle of the filter. This is the worst possible place for the division to take place compositionally speaking. However, it is not practical for the makers to place the dividing point anywhere but the middle. There is a solution to this dilemma, and that is a slot type grad filter.
The concept is simple; take a square (4x4”) or a rectangle (4x6”) filter that slides into a mount that is fitted to the end of the lens. Using this manner of attachment, the photographer can select where he/she wants the division between clear and ND/color to appear. This gives the ultimate flexibility to composition which is very important. There are several mounting systems to choose from, with the two major players being Cokin and Lee.
I researched both of these mounting systems and had originally decided on one of the Cokin lines that would fit a 4x6” filter. The size of the filter was important because I was going to be fitting them on 77mm lenses, and one of which was a 10-22mm. Vignetting of the image was a consideration for me. After some more specific research on this issue, I found out that the Cokin filter mounts tended to obscure the edges of the frame when the lens was racked out to 10mm, up to about 12-13mm for some. This was not for me, so I looked again at the Lee system.
The Lee was a bit more expensive, but I quickly learned that it was made much better than the Cokins were. The mounts are hard plastic held together with brass hardware. They come with slots for up to three slot filters, and one screw-in filter (round type). You can add to or reduce the number of slots quite easily with the supplied screwdriver. There is just a very slight bit of encroaching on the sides when used at 10mm, but by removing one of the slot layers, that problem is cleared right up.
Mounting this device is fairly simple and requires an adaptor ring that fits to the filter threads of the lens. Once the adaptor is in place, the mount itself pops right on with a spring retainer to keep it in place. You can rotate the entire filter mount freely without having to adjust anything. This is handy for switching between landscape and portrait orientation. It is also beneficial when you wish to align to a mountainous horizon that drops to one side. With the rotational and division height flexibility allowed by this mounting system, an unlimited amount of compositions can be supported.
There are many different types of slot filters to choose from. I have used Singh-Ray 4x6” filters exclusively with the Lee mount and have had no problems with them. They fit snugly so I am confident that they will not drop out. Adjusting is an easy task, and when you need to remove the grad filters, simply pull the spring retainer and the whole assembly comes right off. This is great if you see a passing deer that you would like to capture, but you don’t want your split ND filters for the shot.
Final Thoughts…
While the Lee Foundation Filter Kit is more expensive than the other brands, I think it is of superior build quality. Also, it is a very flexible tool that can grow as your needs change. It works very well with extreme wide angle lenses, as well as all others. The mounting is simple and secure, allowing for easy adjustments. No longer will your compositions be based on what your filter dictates. It is time that the filter works for the scene, not the other way around.
The only potential gripe for this system (and it is the same for all of this type) is that the lens hoods can’t be used when the slot filters are being used. This is but a minor issue as you can shield the lens with a hat or your hand if need be. The flexibility you gain, along with the control over the exposure is well worth the minor compromise.
This product is highly recommended.
Recommended:
Yes
Written by Greg A. Kiser
Read the original review at epinions.com
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I someday hope to be able to get filters and all the things I need to take the photographs I want to. For now it will have to be one filter and accessory at a time. Except I am thinking about changing my camera again so will hold off until I get that. Thanks for all the tips.
Julie -
Light years away from me with this (lol ) but..... I sure do love reading and getting inspired by your reviews.
Nancy -
Greg could I make a suggestion...could you link your product review item and picture. I never heard about the Lee system...my next filter is going to be gradulated ND. I'll have to do a little more research before purchasing.
Betty -
Interesting, since i have the 10/22 wide angle I guess I should be getting one of these right away. It sounds so confusing to me though :o I am only learning the lens so I don't know if I should jump in with this foundation kit or not. Thanks for bringing this matter up ~ I didn't even know about this (along with the twenty million other things i don't know!)
Lisa
3/7/08 11:45 PM
gina