The best lens protection filters give your expensive lenses a vital extra layer of protection. Every glass element is important in a lens. And knocking or scratching your camera can be a fatal accident. Plus, breaking the front surface requires replacing the whole lens! So putting on a protective filter possibly saves thousands of dollars!
Today we look at the best lens protection filters to keep your lenses pristine. We will look at price, features, and reliability. Our top choice is the Hoya HD Digital Protector Filter. This is because of its high-transparency optical glass, scratch resistance, and great price.
What Are the Best Lens Protection Filters?
Here is a quick listing of our top choices. Read on below to find out the properties of each particular filter. And jump to the end for our answers to FAQs about lens protection filters.
- Ultra-clear, high-transparency optical glass
- 4x stronger chemically enhanced glass
- 16-layer anti-reflective multi-coating
- Water- and oil-repellent, scratch- and stain-resistant
- Wide-angle compatible, ultra-thin frame
- Shields lens from dust and scratches
- Reduces ultraviolet light (UV) impact
- Eliminates bluish cast in photos
- Perfect for outdoor photography
- Fits 72mm diameter lenses
- Protects lens from dust and scratches
- Absorbs UV rays, enhances clarity and color
- 28 multi-layer coatings, 99.6% transmission
- High-quality Japanese AGC glass
- Ultra-thin frame, no vignetting on telephoto lenses
- Protects against scratches, dirt, and oil
- Cuts ultraviolet light for sharper photos
- Removes atmospheric haze for truer color
- 8-layer nano-coated Japanese AGC glass
- Every purchase funds 5 trees planted in deforested areas
- Neutral color for accurate shots
- Blocks UV light to prevent haze
- Multi Resistant Coating (MRC) minimizes flare
- Enhanced grip with knurled mount
- Eco-friendly packaging choice
- Guards against dust, moisture, and scratches
- Reduces ultraviolet light exposure
- Eliminates bluish cast in photos
- Most sought-after protection filter
- 77mm diameter with 10-year warranty
- General protective filter
- Absorbs ultraviolet light
- Hoya Multi Coated (HMC) with three layers
- High-transparency optical glass
- Low-profile aluminum frame
- Unmatched sharpness with UV light reduction
- Eliminates atmospheric haze for clarity
- Superior light transmittance, less flare
- 30-layer nano-coating for protection
- Supports reforestation with tree planting
- 99.7% light transmission, scratch and stain resistant
- 800% harder and 5x sharper than HD2 UV
- Exceeds sharpness needs of 50-megapixel cameras
- 32-layer ultra-smooth, ultra-hard nano-coating
- 4x stronger chemically enhanced optical glass
- 90% light transmission for clarity
- UV protection for color accuracy
- Highly-polished optical glass
- Durable hard anodized aluminum
- Slim design, no vignetting
10 Best Lens Protection Filters
Here are our top picks in more detail.
1. Hoya HD Digital Protector Filter
| Brand |
Brand
Hoya
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
37, 40.5, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
Yes
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
No
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Scratch and stain resistance, water and oil repellence, anti-reflective, ultra-thin frame, wide-angle compatible
|
| Best For |
Best For
Lens protection in the toughest environments
|
The Hoya HD Digital Protector Filter is at the top of our list thanks to its simple, effective features. Hoya is a well-known filter brand. So this all but guarantees high-quality construction and reliable features.
Unlike most lens protection filters, the Hoya HD Digital Protector Filter has no UV-blocking features. But you will find a range of other favorable abilities.
My favorite is its water- and oil-repellent coating that is scratch- and stain-resistant! This will have you covered for several lens-ruining situations.
It has an anti-reflective coating to help reduce lens flare or ghosting. The glass is also 4x stronger than its previous iteration. So it gives extra protection if you drop your camera from a height.
The HD Digital Protector Filter’s best feature is its affordable price! It may not be the cheapest on this list. But it’s worth providing good glass for your expensive lens to maintain the highest image quality.
2. Amazon Basics UV Protection Filter
| Brand |
Brand
Amazon Basics
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
58, 67, 72, 77, 82mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
Yes
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Cheapest lens protection
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginners or those looking to save costs with their equipment
|
The Amazon Basics UV is our list’s simplest lens protection filter. This is your best bet if you want the cheapest option. You can inexpensively protect your whole lens collection at such a low price!
This lens protection filter also includes UV properties. This means it helps reduce ultraviolet light. And it produces cleaner and more accurate colors in your photos.
But the anti-UV powers in this filter won’t be extremely effective. So if you want a UV filter, looking elsewhere is best.
The Amazon Basics UV Protection Filter is simple but effective. And its best feature is its price.
This filter performs the simple task of protecting and little else. It is perfect for beginners who want protection for the lowest price.
3. K&F Concept UV Filter
| Brand |
Brand
K&F
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
37, 40.5, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82, 86, 95 mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
Yes
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
28 multi-layer coatings, 99.6% transmission, ultra-thin
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a great all-around protection lens for a great price
|
The K&F Concept UV Filter is another brilliant lens protection filter. This is due to its balance of high-quality glass at an affordable price.
It comes with 28 layers of coating. These layers provide ultraviolet filtration and water- and scratch-resistance features. Its high transmission also reduces reflection from the ground and the filter itself.
An issue with cheaper filters is that you can get vignetting when using telephoto lenses. This is normally due to the frame size. This K&F Concept filter ensures no vignetting with its 3.3mm frame.
Another strong point of the K&F Concept UV Filter is its clarity. This comes from its Japanese AGC (company) glass and its double-sided polishing technology.
This lens protection filter is for photographers who want high quality for a low price. Better filters are on the market. But this one ensures worry-free shooting. And it won’t break the bank!
4. Urth UV Filter
| Brand |
Brand
Urth
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
37, 39, 40.5, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82, 86, 95mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
Yes
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Wide selection of sizes, 8-layer nano-coating, lifetime warranty
|
| Best For |
Best For
Environmentally conscious photographers
|
The Urth UV Filter is made by an interesting brand becoming increasingly popular in photography. Its products are available for a great price. And they also try to positively impact the planet!
It’s a win-win for every photographer out there. Urth helps the planet by planting five trees in deforested areas from every purchase.
Urth provides a wide range of filter sizes. So you should be able to grab one for every one of your lenses. It is a simple filter perfect for anyone looking for a straightforward product to protect their lens.
The filters come with an eight-layer nano-coating. It helps with light transmittance, reducing ghosting and lens flares. And it also protects your lens from scratches, dirt, and oil.
The only downside is that its ridges for grip are quite small. So you have to ensure a good grip when handling them. Apart from that, they’re brilliant, and they help the environment!
The Urth UV Filter is for the environmentally conscious photographers out there. (Which should perhaps be all of us.) So pick one of these filters up today!
5. B+W Basic UV Filter
| Brand |
Brand
B+W
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
37, 39, 40.5, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 60, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82, 86, 95, 105mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
Yes
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Wide selection of sizes, neutral color, well-knurled filter for added grip
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professional photographers who want a high-quality filter
|
The B+W Basic UV is a mid-range lens protection filter that comes from a reliable brand. The price to pick up this basic UV filter is pretty low for such a reliable filter brand.
B+W filters are constructed in Germany. So you know they are produced with quality and accuracy in mind. It has a neutral color for precise imaging. And coatings prevent haze and flare.
B+W says their Basic UV filter suits analog and digital cameras. This is the same for every filter here. It just depends if you can attach it or not!
They also point out UV haze is more abundant in pure sea air and high mountain regions. So if you plan on traveling to one of these locations, consider a lens protection filter with anti-UV abilities.
The B+W Basic UV Filter is simple and effective. My favorite feature is its great knurled edges. This gives you an extra grip to ensure you don’t drop the filter when cleaning or attaching it to your lens.
6. Tiffen UV Protection Filter
| Brand |
Brand
Tiffen
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
40.5, 46, 52, 55, 58, 67, 72, 77mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
No
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Cheap and highly-rated filter, dust, moisture, and scratch resistance, 10-year warranty
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a tried and tested filter that many photographers enjoy
|
The Tiffen UV is another entry-level lens protection filter you can pick up cheaply. It is really popular among photographers! This is a good indicator that it is a simple filter that does the job.
Tiffen claims their filters are built with “Academy award-winning technology.” This is thanks to their technical achievements in filtration in 1999.
A huge plus is that their filters come with a ten-year warranty! This filter does not come with a multi-coating. But it does not effectively repel water, dirt, or other substances that could damage the filter.
The Tiffen UV Protection Filter is worth looking into if you want a cheap option. If you were to break one, it’s easily replaceable. And it will also probably last longer than its money’s worth!
7. Hoya NXT HMC UV Filter
| Brand |
Brand
Hoya
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
37, 40.5, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
Yes
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Entry-level filter, high-transparency optical glass, low-profile aluminum frame
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want to buy from a trusted brand for a low price
|
The NXT HMC UV is a lens protection filter worth considering if you want an entry-level Hoya filter that protects from ultraviolet light.
Many cheap UV filters can cause spots of light refraction when shooting directly into the sun. You will find that this Hoya filter doesn’t, which is a great ability for its price.
Another feature that may have you picking this filter is its thinness. Photographers will go to great lengths to find the most compact and lightest equipment.
Its thinness is only a reduction of a couple of millimeters. But this can make all the difference to some photographers.
The Hoya NXT HMC is a UV filter that you can trust. And at this price, it is worth picking up if it looks good to you.
It is particularly for photographers who want light and compact equipment. It is suitable for landscape photographers or travel photographers.
8. Urth UV Filter Plus+
| Brand |
Brand
Urth
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
37, 39, 40.5, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82, 86, 95, 105, 112, 127mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
Yes
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Widest selection of sizes, high-quality glass, nano-coating, double threading, lifetime warranty
|
| Best For |
Best For
Environmentally conscious photographers who want the highest clarity
|
The Urth UV Filter Plus+ is a mid-range to upper-range lens protection filter. “Plus+” signifies a different approach to the filter that results in sharper images.
They use German SCHOTT glass and a 30-layer nano-coating to give you the best results possible.
I like that the filter also comes double-threaded. This allows you to use another screw-on filter on top, like a polarizing one.
And the slim rim also adds to your experience. It means you can have a fairly compact filter setup without having a front-heavy lens.
The UV Filter Plus+ also comes with a lifetime guarantee! This tells us they are confident in their construction and performance in the field.
Combine this with their promise of planting five trees for every purchase. And it’s worth considering, even at a higher price.
9. Hoya HD3 UV Filter
| Brand |
Brand
Hoya
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
Yes
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Sharp, strong optical glass, nano-coating, scratch and stain resistance, lifetime warranty
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a high-performing filter and will pay the price for it
|
The Hoya HD3 UV is another mid to upper-range lens protection filter. It is Hoya’s top-performing UV filter and comes with a lifetime warranty!
The reason that it comes low down on this list is because of its price. It is aimed at professionals. Or it may be worth exploring if you have one lens you use most of the time.
Hoya claims their chemically enhanced glass is four times stronger than competitors. It is a big claim and could save you money replacing broken filters. (For those a bit clumsy with their cameras.)
They also claim their new ultra-smooth nano-coating is easier to clean and maintain than previous ones. And the HD3 UV Filter provides the best lens protection with maximum clarity and performance.
It isn’t priced for beginners. (They may be unable to tell the difference in the results.) But this is a great purchase for professionals with the money for this type of equipment.
10. Chiaro UV Filter
| Brand |
Brand
Chiaro
|
| Sizes Available |
Sizes Available
43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 62, 67, 77, 82, 95mm
|
| Multi Coating |
Multi Coating
No
|
| UV Protection |
UV Protection
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Simple, inexpensive, double threading, slim design
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers on a budget or those using low-fi equipment
|
The Chiaro UV Filter is on our list thanks to its incredibly low price. This filter is best for someone looking for the lowest possible price for their equipment.
It may also work well for people purposely working with low-fi equipment. This is because the high-end filters won’t make a difference.
The positive is that it includes a front thread, enabling other filters to be screwed on top. You will also notice it has quite a slim design, which is always helpful.
But the filter has minimal knurling on top. So you must ensure you are holding the filter tight when handling it.
The Chiaro UV Filter is for beginners or photographers looking for the cheapest lens protection filter. But I recommend looking at some of the top options on this list and spending a bit more.
It’s definitely worth spending more if you have an expensive lens.
Lens Protection Filter FAQs
We answer some frequently asked questions we get about lens protection filters. We hope this helps clarify your buying decisions.
Is a UV Filter or a Clear Filter Better for Lens Protection?
It is best to get a UV filter for lens protection. UV filters are cheap and make subtle changes to your photos that don’t dramatically affect the photographic output.
These changes help reduce haze, especially near the sea or when you’re in mountainous regions.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Lens Filter for Protection?
The benefits of lens filter protection are extremely substantial for such a cheap product. The primary purpose is that any damage that would occur on your lens will now apply to the filter.
This can save you thousands of dollars from replacing your lens. A small scratch can be incredibly disruptive to your photos.
Are Lens Filters Necessary for Protection?
Yes. Consider the amount of money these simple additions can save you. Every photographer should use lens protection filters. I have one on every single one of my lenses.
Conclusion: The Best Lens Protection Filters
After going through this list, we can see a wide range of lens protection filters. The best lens protection filter doesn’t necessarily have to improve your photos. It just has to protect your lens! With this in mind, I suggest you purchase one of these filters for your lens. Every single one of my lenses has one!
Our top choice is the Hoya HD Digital Protector Filter. This is thanks to its great performance and simplicity. It is also available in a wide range of sizes. Get one now to avoid having to buy a whole new lens! Once a lens is scratched, it’s almost impossible to fix!
