Check out my new and improved DIY filter "rig" design. Click here.
This is a home-made filter rig for my Nikon 14-24mm lens. The design came about because I didn't want the universal adapter to scratch the hood of the 14-24mm lens.
It consists of a 100mm PE or polyethylene pipe, its black and is generally used for waste. I managed to get a piece of off-cut from a plumber mate. You can't find this at Bunnings, you need to visit a proper plumbing supply store.
I cut a 35mm piece of pipe for the universal adapter to clamp onto. I then sculpted the piece of pipe to the contours of the hood using my Dremel. The PE pipe is very soft so its not too hard to do. This has to be done otherwise you will see it on an FX camera, like my D700.
I also used strips of stick on foam to ensure a snug fit onto the lens and to minimise movement. You can buy them from Clark Rubber, you can buy them cut to length so its cheap, only costs me a couple of bucks.
Here are a couple of shots of the universal adapter and filter holder mounted onto the "rig"
Here is a shot of the filter "rig" mounted on my Nikon 14-24mm.
Here are a couple of shots of the filter rig with the Cokin X 121 installed.
Check out my new and improved DIY filter "rig" design. Click here.
Ok, you can see that there is a gap between the "rig" and the universal adapter. This gap needs to be blocked otherwise light coming from the back will ruin your photos.
This what happens if you don't block the gap. Can see the circle of light?
I used a piece of packing foam from a power supply I bought to fix my nephew's PC. Using a Stanley knife I cut a circle using the "rig" as the template. I am in the process of spraying it black. I have only managed to do the first coat, a couple more coats should do the trick.
I've been very happy with the results from my testing, there is zero vignetting at 14mm when using just one filter. However, the results have not been great when I try stacking 2 filters together. Most of the time I am able to just see the top right hand corner of the X-Pro filter holder. I think this is because I am not able to clamp the the filter holder squarely onto the "rig". A bit more tweaking to the "rig" should resolve this issue.
It is not the most elegant solution but I am still in the process of refining the design. If any of you guys reading this has a good idea please let me know. Chris and Vince, I hope this will help you guys get started.
Cokin has release a new universal adapter specifically for the Nikon 14-24mm. This wasn't around when I bought my one. Thanks for that Miha.
Here are some of my test shots from Warriewood Beach and Turrimetta Beach
13 comments:
Ok, this is what I'd hoped to see - thanks for taking the time to post it! I have been thinking of something quite similar, with the difference being the use of a larger diameter pipe (one that tightly fits inside the filter mount), and then building up the inside with foam so that it has a nice friction fit with the lens. Now I'm questioning that logic in that the larger pipe may, in fact cause some vignetting. Your solution using the foam "gasket" is a nice, simple way to tone down the liklihood of that happening. I guess it's time to go buy some pipe and start experimenting!
I haven't seen that particular Cokin adapter ring (guessing it's new?), but the rig they sell that includes a CPol is unbelievably expensive - especially considering the lessened need for a polarizer with the nano coating on this lens. Even though reflections aren't reduced so much, the vivid nature of images produced by this lens (when properly exposed) makes spending $600USD a ridiculous idea.
Thanks for sharing your solution with us! Looking forward to trying it myself even more now!
Vince
Hi Vince,
I am glad you found the guide useful. Let me know how you go with pics of course. I might be able to pinch some ideas off you.
That new universal adapter with the 8 prongs is the one they are bundling with the super expensive Cir. Pol kit. I was thinking about getting one until I saw the price, AUD 650.00, that's just for the Cir. Pol. Umm, no thanks.
Are you on flickr?
Regards
Lawrie
Lawrie, no - not officially on flickr. I had a Zenfolio acct for a while, but never really did a lot with it. Lately I've been between Nikon's Picturetown and iDisk on my .me acct. One of my near term projects is to refine my library and upload some stuff to one of the official hosting sites (like flickr or maybe Zenfolio again). This filter mount is also one of my near term projects as is putting a new lightened verto clutch in my classic Mini.
As soon as I get something worthy of mounting and photographing, I'll glady get back and provide you the links so you can see, or even post them if you'd like.
Meanwhile, I can't believe no one has made a specific holder for this lens! Even with it's relatively high cost, the 14-24 is immensely popular. Seems like someone would have something in the works by now - that's not as crazily priced as the Cokin X-Pro CPol kit!
Great photo work. I've really enjoyed seeing your stuff since finding your site a couple of weeks ago. Looking forward to seeing more soon!
Vince
Hi Vince,
Cool, I can't wait to see your "rig" up and running.
This is an official email from Cokin.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your interest in the Cokin filters. We have recently adapted our X-PRO system to the Nikon 14-24mm lens, so you should be able to still use your X-PRO system with this lens. It is a modification of the universal ring of the X-PRO Cokin system http://www.cokin.com/ico15/ico15-haut.html?=#x).
The universal ring to use is the new reference X499-N ; please contact your Cokin dealer as this accessory is available now.
The only limitation is that between 14 to 17mm, it is not possible to avoid all vignetting ; in fact due to the formula and shape of the lens it is impossible whatever the system or brand used.
According to Cokin their setup vignets up to 17mm. There is no mention of reflections or stray light from behind interfering with the shot. I am not willing to pay $600 USD for something like that!
I wished I had access to CNC machine (and someone to operate it) I reckon I can design a pretty decent holder for Cokin X-Pro.
Yes It is amazing that no one has a commercial solution. There is a lot of misconception on the forums that it is not possible to have filters on the Nikon 14-24mm lens.
Let me know when you have your "rig" ready.
Lawrie
It's absolutely crazy that Cokin doesn't market this kit without the polarizer. I'd be willing to wager that what 90% of us 14-24 shooters are looking for is a ND or graduated filter - NOT a polarizer! I guess they have a LOT of those giant polarizers in a warehouse somewhere and need to get rid of them!
I'll try to get something working on this sometime over the next two weeks and post my progress.
Thanks again for helping us all out with this "problem"!
Vince
According to Cokin's website they do have a ND Grad kit - Pro ND Grad Kit (W960) = FH+121L+121M+121S. You can get from B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=Cokin+X-Pro+W960&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fproductlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t
It pisses me off that they don't have the 154 ND8 filter for the X-Pro. They have it for the entire range except for the X-Pro!
Hello, I love your rig and I was wondering how much you would charge to make one or two and ship them over to me in the US? I'd be willing to pay you for your time and parts. Please let me know. Thanks a lot and great work!
joey.cerone@gmail.com
Hi Joey,
Thanks for your interest in the "rig". You know that I am not a craftsman and the "rig" is pretty rough and ready and it definitely won't win any awards.
I only ever intended to make just the one unit for personal use. Look let me think about it.
Do you already own or are planning to purchase the Cokin X-Pro filter system?
Cheers
Hi Lawrie,
I'm a photgrapher from England, I found your post realy helpful, thanks. I've nearly finished making up the rig, and have most of the other bits. It's probably a cheek to ask, but would you mind if I made up some extra rigs and sold them on ebay? I have some time on my hands and quite a bit of left over materials.
Regards,
Rob
Hi Rob,
Glad to hear that you found my post useful. I have no problems with you making extra rigs and selling them on ebay.
However, I wouldn't mind checking out your handy work. Please post any pics you have of your rig!
Actually, you should leave details on here that you are selling rigs for the Nikon 14-24mm here or on my other post >> http://lozzmann.blogspot.com/2009/09/cokin-x-pro-filter-rig-mark-ii-nikon-14.html.
I have had a few people asking if I would build one for them.
Regards,
Lawrie
hi lozzman,
i've been googling about a filter solution to nikon's 14-24 and i stumbled at your site - GREAT STUFF!! Staring at your solution to nikon's 14-24 filter problem, i'm amazed! i'll try to make one myself.
i've noticed you're in australia, are you in sydney? thanks!
iori
Hi iori,
Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog! This is the first version. You should be checking the newer and better version here:
http://lozzmann.blogspot.com/2009/09/cokin-x-pro-filter-rig-mark-ii-nikon-14.html
I hope you find it useful. Yes, I am in Sydney!
Regards,
Lawrie
I have built such a solution Tokina 16-28
http://www.flickr.com/groups/landscapes-pro/discuss/72157628808512961/
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