Searching for the best lens filter brands? Wondering what the difference is between all the key names? You’re in the right place. This page is dedicated to turning lens-filter newbies into seasoned pros.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the main names to look out for when shopping as well as how to find the products that you actually need. Read on to up your photography game!
Main Lens Filter Types
In order to understand what sets each of these brands apart, it’s necessary to explain the different types of lens filters and what they’re used for. This section will run through the most common filter variants and bring you up to speed on their main pros/ cons.
Keep in mind that not all of these filters are useful if you’re using a modern camera. The type(s) that may prove beneficial for you will depend wholly on the kind of photographer you are and the equipment you’re already using.
Polarizing Filters
Photography that captures a lot of reflective surfaces can benefit very well from a polarizing lens filter. This can be anything from landscape photography to photos of architecture and other man-made structures.
While editing can tackle a chunk of the glare that these subjects produce, using a filter on the day is a much better way to handle the root cause of the issue.
UV Filters
Back in the days when film photography reigned supreme, UV filters were super popular. They protected sensitive film from ultraviolet light when shooting. Without this protection, an unwanted blue haze could quickly enter into users’ photographs.
While digital cameras don’t suffer from the same UV sensitivity, these filters can still offer reasonable amounts of protection when used correctly.
GND Filters
Graduated Neutral Density (GND) filters darken one half (either the top or bottom) of your frame. This can be useful when one half of your scene is too bright for your camera’s film or sensor.
Say you’re capturing a scene on a particularly bright day. Without this kind of filter, it can be much harder to tweak your setup so that it’s properly exposed. This is one example where a GND filter is a great choice.
ND Filters
Neutral Density (ND) filters follow the same general principle of GNDs, only they darken the entire frame. This can be useful for a number of reasons. Anything from controlling for movement, better tweaking the exposure triangle, or controlling for excess brightness can be made easier with an ND filter.
Warming/ Cooling Filters
As you may have already guessed, warming and cooling filters are designed to change the color temperature of your images. If you know you want a colder or warmer result, they can enhance your images with much less editing required.
They can also come in handy in certain lighting environments that affect your color temperatures in ways you don’t like.
Clear Protective Options
Even the most premium lenses can scratch fairly easily. A small amount of sand or other debris can quickly damage your lens elements if they’re not adequately protected. A good clear protective filter can add a much-needed layer of protection for your equipment.
The best filter brands produce options with minimal optical interference.
Filters for Special Effects
This one is fairly straightforward. There are a number of lens filter brands producing filters that help create interesting effects for your images. This includes soft focus effects, split focal lengths, and many more creative opportunities.
This section runs through some of the biggest lens filter brands out there. Our reviews will touch on their main strengths, potential drawbacks, and which options you might like to choose for your own photography.
Read on to become a lens filter pro!
Tiffen Filters
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- Produces a range of lens products for the US market
- Big on cinematography and video work
- Broad range of filters designed for hobbyists and pros
- Has won Academy awards and Emmys
Tiffen Filters Overview
If you’re a cinematographer or regularly do video work, you may have already heard about this filter manufacturer. Tiffen produces a ton of excellent lens accessories including ND, contrast, and polarizing filters that are perfect for screen work.
The brand has been going since 1945 and has a great track record for producing phenomenal camera equipment. Their work has been so successful that they’ve even been recognized at both the Academy and Emmy awards.
These Filters are Great for:
- Cinematographers
- Video work in general
- Pro-level photography
Lee Filters
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- One of the very best lens filter brands in 2021
- Great for a huge range of photography types
- Handmade, quality products
- A range of architecture-ready products
Lee Filters Overview
For our money, this brand is one of the best out there for lens filters in 2021. They offer a stunning range of products for hobbyist photographers, cinematographers, interior designers, and much more. They prevail as one of the leading names in the industry.
If color accuracy and control is your thing, these guys are definitely worth checking out. They offer a number of excellent filters that can make it much easier to get the results you’re looking for. Their diffusion comparator app also makes a handy companion for interior designers.
These Filters are Great for:
- Interior designers
- Practically anyone who can afford them
- Pros or serious hobbyists
Heliopan
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- Killer range of general use lens filters
- Great polarizing options
- Plenty of specialty filters too
- Operating since 1949
Heliopan Overview
“Perfecting perfection” has been at the center of this brand’s ethos since 1949. In our opinion, this attitude really shines through in their broad range of accessories. If you’re looking for some good general use options, this company is a particularly good choice.
There are a fair few reasonably priced products to be found among the Heliopan catalog as well as some decent pro-level accessories. If infrared or other specialty filters are more your speed, they’ve got plenty of choice in this department too.
These Filters are Great for:
- Beginners looking for a good general use lens filter
- Pros who know which specialty products they’re looking for
- Those on a budget
Kenco Filters
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- Super varied range
- Some great astrophotography options
- Prices for most requirements
Kenco Filters Overview
From astrophotography to beginner’s accessories, there really is something for everyone with Kenco. Drone shooting in particular can be made much easier with a good filter from this brand. These filters are made to remarkably high standards and are trusted by professionals around the world.
If you’re a beginner, you haven’t been left out here either. There are plenty of more affordable options to choose from too. For entry-level filters, the Kenco line of “Air II” products is probably for you.
These Filters are Great for:
- Astrophotography
- Drone shots
- Beginners
B+W Filters (Schneider Kreuznach)
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- Fantastic balance of performance and price
- Range of polarizing, protection, ND, and close-up filters
- German-made since 1949
- Manufactured in house
B+W Overview
Precision German engineering goes into every one of these lens filters. This brand is particularly good for polarizing and ND filters. If you’re looking to up your color correction game or better tackle bright outdoor environments, these guys are worth checking out.
A phenomenal level of value can be found in the B+W catalog. These accessories offer the perfect blend of both performance and affordability. Whether you’re looking to experiment and get creative or have very specific color goals, this is one of the best lens brands in 2021.
These Filters are Great for:
- Those on a budget
- Those who value precision
- Black and white filters
Filters for Nikon Lenses – Nikkor Filters
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- Perfect filters for Nikon lenses
- Reasonable range of options
- Relatively affordable
- Nikon’s rich history of optical performance
Nikkor Filters Overview
Nikon is one of the biggest names in camera equipment – and for good reason. The brand’s line of filters are ideally suited to its broad range of camera lenses. Close-up, protective, and other options can all be found at fairly reasonable prices.
Just keep in mind that these products are designed for Nikkor lenses specifically. Your mileage may vary considerably if you’re using lenses from other manufacturers. You might want to look into a step-up ring if you’re set on going with Nikkor.
These Filters are Great for:
- People who own Nikon lenses
- Those on a budget
- Those who need an extra level of protection
NiSi
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- Premium filters built for professionals
- Great for Sony and Fujifilm users in particular
- Killer filter cases also available
NiSi Filters Overview
If you’re a pro looking for something a little more premium, this awesome brand might be for you. They first made their name by producing excellent cinematography filters. They now stock a huge range of options mostly geared toward professionals.
For those who know they need options to cover all bases, NiSi offers a great selection of 100mm and 150mm systems along with finely tuned carrying cases to go along with them. While newbies might like to look elsewhere, pros around the world trust this brand every day.
These Filters are Great for:
- Sony and Fujifilm users
- Professionals
- Those who want a full filter system
Hoya Filters
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- Seasonal options for all weathers and environments
- Great for astrophotography
- Massive selection of products
- Light pollution correctors are great
Hoya Filters Overview
This brand stocks perhaps the biggest collection of filters in the world. Name a use case and these guys probably have a filter for it. Of particular interest is the manufacturer’s line products designed to tackle light pollution.
If you’re into astrophotography, these will definitely come in handy. Don’t worry if you’re just looking for budget options, there’s plenty of choice here for you too. The company’s Alpha line in particular is probably for you.
These Filters are Great For:
- Basically anyone (their catalog is huge)
- Astrophotographers
- Nature photographers
Best Lens Filters for Canon – Canon-Made Options
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- Perfect for Canon lenses
- Reasonable selection of filter types
- Great for protective options
Canon Filters Overview
If you use Canon lenses and are unsure where to get compatible filters, the company produces a reasonable selection of options that are worth considering. They’re especially good if you’re just looking for some added protection.
Keep in mind that these products won’t necessarily play nicely with non-Canon lenses. It all depends on your lens diameter. Read our section on step-up/down rings further down this page if you want to know how to ensure cross-compatibility.
These Filters are Great for:
- Canon customers
- Those looking for some added protection
- Pros who know exactly what they’re looking for
Opteka
Link – here.
Lens Filter Brand Cheat Sheet:
- Some excellent budget filters
- Plenty of polarizing options
- Perfect for newbies
Opteka Lens Filters Overview
We haven’t featured this brand for outstanding performance but for its incredible value. While the Chinese manufacturer might not win many awards for cutting-edge results, it is definitely a great option for beginners looking for an entry-level lens filter.
For polarizing and protective products in particular, this brand stands out. If you’re mainly looking to try out filters for the first time but don’t want to spend a ton of money until you’ve got some experience, give these guys a try.
These Filters are Great for:
- Beginners
- Those on a budget
- Those using budget cameras
Lens Filters and Their Brands – Some Pointers
We believe the lens filter brands listed above are some of the absolute biggest and best names in the industry. When doing your own shopping and research, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to avoid disappointment.
Image Quality and Lens Filters
The reality is that some image quality will always be sacrificed when using a lens filter but please don’t let this discourage you from using them. A small decrease in quality on paper does not necessarily translate to a poorer overall image.
This is especially true when using filters to correct for excessive brightness or color temperature issues; the corrections you make can actually improve your final results. Just remember that a small amount of compromise on quality is inevitable with this kind of accessory.
Compatibility
So how do you know if a specific filter will be a good fit for your lens? The good news is that most lens filters are fairly universal. The main measurement to look out for is diameter.
It’s worth keeping in mind that some manufacturers do make proprietary filters for their own lens lines so it’s always worth double-checking to make sure. If in doubt, check the user manual for any product you’re considering or contact their customer support.
If the diameter of a filter is the same as your lens, though, you’re probably good to go.
Step-Up Rings
If you realize your old filters aren’t compatible with a new lens, it’s not the end of the world. A simple step-up/down ring is what you need. They’re affordable accessories that screw on to the front of your lens to make incompatible filters fit properly.
Price
The world of lens filters can be pretty daunting to the uninitiated. Pro-level options can easily run you hundreds of dollars. While professional photographers can really benefit from these products, you might be wasting your money if you’re new to all this.
Our advice is to start with a budget option first to see if it meets your requirements. As you grow as a photographer and become more familiar with what your specific needs are, then it’s time to branch out into the more expensive stuff!
Protection Matters
Even if you don’t have any specific filtering needs as a photographer, we strongly recommend considering a clear protective filter for your work, especially if you take a lot of photos outdoors.
Damage from scratches, dust, and water can quickly ruin a lens if you’re not careful. A high-quality protective lens filter can save you hundreds of dollars on repairs down the line. The last thing you want to do is spend money on lens replacements after just a few months – trust us.
Best Lens Filter Brand – Conclusion
The best brand for lens filters will look a little different for everyone . Your specific requirement, skill level, and equipment will determine the kind of product that will be the best fit for you.
Remember that a low-cost clear protective filter can save you hundreds of dollars in damages in the long run. Considering that decent protective options can be found for under $15, it’s well worth the investment in our opinion.
Whichever lens filters you choose, we hope they serve you well when shooting.
