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Best Lens Filters for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: April 22nd, 2024

Last Updated: August 29th, 2024

📸Picking the right lens filter can really up your photography game. Whether you're aiming to boost colors and contrast, cut down on annoying glare, or create cool effects, our 2024 guide to the best lens filters has got you covered.

We've pulled together recommendations based on expert opinions and feedback from photographers like you, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck and your specific needs.

So dive in and find the perfect filter to make your photos pop.

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Overall Best: Hoya Circular Polarizer Filter (for 62mm)

The Hoya Circular Polarizer Filter (for 62mm) stands out as our top choice due to its remarkable versatility and quality. Notably, it significantly cuts down reflections and glare on non-metallic surfaces like water and glass, enhancing the clarity and vibrancy of your photos. It's particularly beneficial for landscape photography, as it boosts color saturation and contrast. Unlike some effects that can be achieved through post-processing software, the capabilities of a polarizer filter are unique to physical modifications. The filter also features a rotating frame, making it easy to adjust the polarization effect, adding a layer of control that is hard to pass up. This combination of ease of use and powerful results makes it an indispensable tool for photographers striving for excellent image quality.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$29.95 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Tiffen 58CLR Clear Filter (for 58mm)

For those seeking a strong alternative, the Tiffen 58CLR Clear Filter (for 58mm) is an excellent runner-up. As a protective filter, it offers solid performance by safeguarding your lens from dust, moisture, and scratches without altering the color balance of your images. This filter is a great option for photographers who want to protect their equipment while still achieving high image clarity. Its universal compatibility with various lens types further enhances its versatility, making it a valuable addition to any camera kit.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$8.76 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Tiffen Close-Up Lens Set (for 49mm)

The Tiffen Close-Up Lens Set (for 49mm) is our top budget pick, perfect for photographers looking to experiment with macro photography without making a significant financial investment. Priced affordably at $29.95, this set includes multiple diopters allowing you to capture detailed close-up images without the need for an expensive macro lens. While it may not offer the same range of functionality as its higher-priced counterparts, it effectively enhances your ability to shoot detailed, close-up shots, making it ideal for hobbyists and budget-conscious photographers.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$49.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How does the Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set affect image quality?

The Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set is like a little toolkit for anyone interested in macro photography. It comes with three lenses: +1, +2, and +4 diopters, which lets you get up close and personal with small subjects like insects or flowers. You can use them one at a time or stack them for a bit more magnification, similar to a combined +7 diopter. It's sort of like adjusting your focus based on what you're trying to capture. The manufacturer mentions that these lenses attach easily to any camera lens with a 49mm thread, making them pretty flexible. The dual-thread design means you can stack them for more customization, which is nice if you're into tweaking your setup to get just the right shot. From what we found, people generally like how affordable and easy to use the Tiffen Close Up Lens Set is. It's a nice option if you're just starting with macro photography or want to try something new without spending a ton. But, because these are add-on optics, you might see some issues like edge softness or image distortion, particularly when you're using them to their limits. That's just something to keep in mind. As for build quality, Tiffen is generally known for making sturdy lenses. However, some folks have mentioned that the storage case isn't the most durable, which might be annoying if you're planning to carry them around a lot. Overall, if you're curious about macro photography and looking for a budget-friendly way to explore it, the Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set might be worth checking out. It’s an easy, flexible way to experiment with new shots without the need to buy an expensive macro lens.

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Can the Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set filters be stacked?

Yes, you can stack the filters in the Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set. The kit comes with +1, +2, and +4 diopter lenses, each offering its own level of magnification to help you get those close-up shots. Each lens has its purpose: the +1 gives you a gentle magnification, which is nice for general close-ups like flowers or small objects. The +2 gets you a bit closer, keeping good image quality, while the +4 offers even more magnification—great for really fine details—although you might notice some edge blur or distortion at that level. The cool thing is, these lenses are dual-threaded, so you can stack them. If the +2 is too weak or the +4 is too strong, you can combine the +1 and +2 to get a +3 effect, offering more flexibility. According to our research, folks appreciate this set for its versatility and price, especially if you're just starting out with macro photography. Just be aware that stacking all the filters can sometimes affect image quality, like causing some distortion or reduced clarity at the edges. So, if you're looking to dive into macro photography and want some flexibility with your close-ups, these lenses offer a handy option. Just keep an eye out for those potential quality trade-offs when stacking.

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What are the diopter strengths included in the Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set?

If you're getting into macro photography but don't want to spend a ton on a dedicated macro lens, the Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set might be a good option for you. It's designed to help you capture all those tiny details in subjects like flowers or small objects, turning your regular lens into a makeshift macro lens. Wondering what it includes? The set has three close-up lenses with diopter strengths of +1, +2, and +4. This gives you some flexibility, as you can use them on their own or stack them for more magnification. So whether you're trying to photograph the intricate details of a flower petal or the texture on a coin, these lenses could really broaden your creative options. The manufacturer describes these lenses as being crafted from high-quality glass and encased in durable aluminum frames, which should make them pretty sturdy for regular use. They're also compact and light, convenient for outdoor photographers who like to keep their gear portable. Our research shows that the Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set offers a nice balance between quality and price, making it a solid choice for those keen on diving into macro photography without breaking the bank. Some folks have found it to be a practical, cost-effective way to start experimenting with close-ups. That said, be aware of a couple of things. Some have reported potential image distortion and edge softness, which can happen with auxiliary lenses. Knowing this ahead of time can help manage expectations. Also, while the lenses themselves seem pretty robust, there have been mentions that the storage case isn't as impressive. If you're worried about protecting your gear while on the move, you might want to keep that in mind. All in all, the Tiffen 49mm Close Up Lens Set provides a handy and affordable means to boost your macro photography skills. It's great for hobbyists and even pros looking to explore detailed close-ups without making a big financial investment.

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For Long Exposures: Hoya Pro ND 500 (for 62mm)

Hoya 62 mm Pro ND 500 Filter 62mm ND 500

The Hoya Pro ND 500 Filter (for 62mm) is a specialist tool for creating stunning long-exposure photographs. By dramatically reducing the amount of light entering the lens, this ND filter allows photographers to use slower shutter speeds in bright conditions, capturing the beautiful motion blur in waterfalls, rivers, and clouds. It's an essential tool for landscape photographers aiming for dramatic effects. Additionally, this filter maintains the natural color balance of your photos, ensuring reliable and artistic results every time.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$39.90 at Amazon

For Balanced Exposures: Tiffen Graduated 0.6 ND Filter (for 77mm)

Tiffen 77mm Color Graduated Neutral Density 0.6 Filter 77mm 0.6 Filter

For those looking to balance exposures in high-contrast scenes, the Tiffen Graduated 0.6 ND Filter (for 77mm) comes highly recommended. This filter is darker at the top and gradually transitions to clear, making it ideal for landscape shots where the sky is significantly brighter than the foreground. By preserving details in both the highlights and shadows, it helps produce well-balanced, striking images. Its effective design and affordability make it a must-have for serious landscape photographers.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$57.95 at Amazon

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