Tiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter Reviews

• A little further insight...

  
  By A2FAUW24F2P75K on 2006-03-02
  This is one of the best bargains that i've seen, "essentially" you get 3 filters for the price of one. The image quality with these filters is great, the 812 (warming) filter is by far a favorite giving back the color richness that flash photography so often washes out, that is unless you have the patience for constantly tweaking your flash power. Aside from the 812 the UV protector is basically a clear protective filter. While it obviously has advantages over clear glass, I tend not to think of it as any different. This too is a great filter which I use about half the time because it doesn't affect color hues or change f stop values too greatly while it takes the worry out of carrying the camera around ready for any candid shots that may occur. Finally included is the circular polarizer. This filter adjusts the amount of uv light entering the camera by spinning the filter to the direction the uv rays are entering (or turning the thingy till things look better). This lens is great for sunny days and will take surface glare off lakes and glass making them transparent again. It also makes colors more crisp in general when photographing buildings and other large "reflective" man-made things. So things sound great so far, but now to why I only give this item 4 stars. While Tiffen is known to be one of the best at photo and video filters, they have quality control issues that do no live up to thier reputation. In my case the 812 filter arrived with a discoloration in the glass. While it was didn't hurt image quality, with the flaw being towards the edge of the filter, I none the less didn't want to find a situation in which the flaw would diminish quality. Seeing as it was not amazon's fault my first e-mail went to Tiffen for a replacement which they said they would gladly do, but only after I send them the filter and they recieve it would they ship my replacement (not an option in my circumstances). Instead Amazon's wonderful customer service shown through again, and within 3 days they had replaced the entire set. The second set arrivided without flaw but since my other two filters were in perfect condition I traded just the 812. I havn't had any other issues and i'm very satisfied with my filters. The only other word of warning would be to that of the circular polorizer. While I recieved 2 that were flawless occassionally I have read in reviews customers have received ones that were assembled backwards making the lens useless. A quick way to check to see if your CP is working correctly is to hold it, thread facing yourself, and look at an LCD monitor or TV and spin it until the picture dissapears(obviously working correctly). I still wouldn't pass up this deal knowing what I do now, chances are everything will show up perfectly but none the less if you're concerned order it before you need it and check everything over carefully. Amazon is always the best for returns and will often ship a replacement the next day with overnight shipping.
  
  
  And a little further insight...
  I was recently doing some black and white film photography, and decided to use my 812 warming filter as a protective lens as I was carrying 3 lenses with me. Just thought that I would mention that using this filter will produce a "White" sky in some outdoor photographs. The shots were taken with a gradient blue sky to which the entirety showed up white, even on bracketed sets, that should have shown something in one of the series. While itself was a interesting effect for some shots, it mostly just caused me frustration in the darkroom. I just wanted to add this as fair warning. I discovered this on accident, so I don't know if it applies to all sky conditions as I didn't do a lot B&W sky shots, I might test it using Photoshop later as I see they have the 812s effect built in. Anyways, good luck and have fun photoing.
  
  

• Far from perfect

  
  By AWH2AY17ZU7W2 on 2005-12-06
  I bought this filter for my Canon 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens. The price was right, and I thought it would be a good way to protect the lens, which this probably does well. And while I am shooting under normal lighting conditions (flash or natural) the filter stays out of the way, but as soon as the lights go down this filter will ruin more photos than I can bear, due to an abundance reflective artifacts. If you take a photo of Christmas lights for example you will see the lights again in a faint green glow on the opposite side of the photo... VERY ANNOYING.
  
  

• Internal Reflections

  
  By A285VN49Q6UD7B on 2006-06-17
  This filter is fine for normal shooting, but if you do low-light work, beware; you will see bad internal reflections on night shots, and will need to remove the filter.
  
  

• cheap filter

  
  By AAVSIY28BPKGV on 2007-08-12
  People are getting reflection with this filter because it is not multi coated. Coating kills reflection and keeps colors correct,a non coated filter on a multi coated lens is the worst thing you can do to a fine lens. Spend a little more to get a good one. Look for the term MULTI COATED !
  
  

• Great Deal For The Price!

  
  By A23O5LZQT3VANF on 2002-03-30
  I purchased this set after seaching high and low for the best deal. I was about to just go to my local photography store when, low and behold, I found these here at Amazon. You certainly can't complain about the price!! I priced JUST the UV-Haze filter at my local photo shop, and was rather suprised at the price... JUST FOR IT!! When you considerd that you are ALSO getting a polarizing filter AND, the warming filter, that's when this deal really hits home.

  So, if you're in the market for a GREAT starter set of filters, I can highly reccomend this set.
  
  

• Plain glass - lots of reflection at night
  By AN7QTAV3PFM3P on 2007-01-23
  In spite of the fairly positive reviews I've read here at Amazon about these filters, my experience differs. I returned the filters almost immediately after buying them. I was planning to use them the Nikon 50mm f 1.4D AF Nikkor lens I use with a Nikon D200. I was planning to use the UV filter primarily for protection of the lens. However, the filter glass is not "multi-coated" to reduce reflection. From my perspective, a filter - particularly a UV filter used to protect a pristine lens like my Nikkor - is absolutely worthless (underscore the word "worthless") if I've got to take it off the lens in the field in order to get a decent shot without reflection. As an aside, I thought the Tiffen filters looked and felt cheap. Additionally, they arrived somewhat smudged in their holder. Not a problem: Amazon allowed me to return them. In exchange, I purchased a Sigma multi-coated UV filter which cost roughly $19.00. Beautiful glass; great product; no reflections. Worth the price. 'Nuff said.
  
  
• Excellent filter for B&W and infra-red photography
  By A3MW5OB6IMNQI7 on 2001-05-09
  I had initially bought this for infra-red photography, but I use this filter all the time for regular black & white photography with excellent results. It really enhances your image if it contains blue sky and/or clouds. Another plus: it comes in a nice, sturdy carrying case, which is very handy.
  
  
• Surprisingly good (except in one situation, which it will create internal reflection)
  By A1TQZUSOU22E9M on 2006-10-08
  This UV filter does it job to protect the lens well. The build is solid (metal construction). The glass is also descent quality.
  
  About the performance, it absorbs some UV light. The UV light absorbtion is hardly noticeable, probably the sky 1-A and the haze filter version will absorb more UV light than this lens which is fine for me.
  
  Now, about the one problem which is the internal reflection. I've heard many people say that it mostly happens during night or low light shooting. I found out that it is not caused directly by the low light/night situation. The internal reflection will appear when there is a strong/bright source of light in comparison to the overall exposure (the surrounding environment). To put it in example (which hopefully is easier to understand), when you take a picture of a lamp during nightime and the light is much brighter than the surrounding area then you will see the internal reflection. as you move the position of the light to be closer to the sides/corner of the picture (and not in the center of the picture), the internal reflection reduces and finally dissapear (if you move the light far enough from the center). And if the light isn't too bright/contrast compare to the surrounding environment then there will be no internal reflection. but of course most of the time, a lamp at nightime is often very bright. But the point that I'm trying to make is that the internal reflection doesn't happen all the time during low light or night time.
  
  Additionally, the internal reflection isn't only happening at night. it can also happen in the afternoon if you are taking a picture of a sun for example. basically same rule as above, on how bright is the light source compared to the surrounding area, and as you move the sun from the center of the photo and near the side the internal reflection will move to the side/dissapear (also depending the angle). But the best way is just to remove the filter during these situations.
  
  Hope this explanation helps you to reduce the occurence of internal reflection by identifying correctly when the internal reflection will occur and then remove the filter during those situation (which is not hard to do).
  
  I'm actually not a fan of lens filter (any filter) as I think it will only degrade picture quality as we added another layer between the sensor and object, but I decided to use them anyway for all my lens. And I would recommend everyone to get one of this filter if you don't have any filter for your lens yet.
  
  I use this filter on my 50mm f/1.8D lens and on my 18-55mm lens.
  
  
  
• Fine for protecting the lens, but not much else.
  By A2YEZ8Z3BW2SKG on 2007-10-05
  I got this filter before I understood the difference between cheap filters and ones that actually work well. I was getting such great results with my new 50mm f/1.8 lens during the day, but at night i was getting a lot of ghosting and flaring in my pictures. It took me a while to realize it was because of the filter. After doing some online research, I decided to remove the filter, and my pictures were all suddenly better with that lens. The glass was affecting my picture quality!
  
  The glass used is cheap, and not very good quality, so it can actually degrade your pictures. It works well to protect the glass on the lens from scratches or dust, but it's a much better idea to pay $20 more and get a good filter that will actually help you get better pictures. If you don't want to pay the extra for a decent filter, you might be better off just leaving the filter off. I reccomend Hoya Pro1 and B&W filters; and in the 52mm size, the price is very reasonable. Once you start buying nicer lenses that require 77mm filters, that's where the good filters really start adding up. But again, you aren't going to want to put a cheap filter on a $1000 lens.
  
  I know this review might sound negative, but if it helps someone capture a memory better because they decided to get a little nicer filter, it will be worth it.
  
  
• Horrible Customer Service
  By ALD64QRS9JATP on 2006-12-12
  Based on the past reviews, the product seems to be a great deal. However, I am writing this review based on the customer service of ADORAMA. I haven't had the oppurtunity to use this product yet, due to the poor customer service of ADORAMA. Therefore, this review is to inform you about their service, and NOT about the filters.
  
  I purchased this item on Oct. 13 and waited anxiously for the product. When the box arrived at my front door, I didn't hesitate to open it. To my surprise, the box was empty. There was no product in the box! There was an invoice, but no filters. So I called ADORAMA and they gave me a bit of a hassle. Finally I got them to ship me out a new filter set. When I got this new set (a week later) I opened the box and found my filters. However, when I looked at the filters, one of them had a big crack on the glass. They sent me a used set!!! This definately upset me, but I was able to keep my cool and call customer service. They told me that they would pay for the filters to be shipped back, and once received, they would ship me out a new set. I asked how long the process would take, and they said about 2 weeks. Now, I was already upset that so much had gone wrong, but I decided to be a nice customer and wait out the two weeks.
  
  Well, it is now Dec 12, and I still have no filter set! I called ADORAMA today and told them of my problem. The representative put me on hold for a minute then came back and said, "okay, I have placed another order for you, thank you." There was no apology given, nor any offer of a speedy shipping. I then started to get politely heated (upset, yet still kind)and asked to speak with a manager. The customer service rep told me to hold, and then....click, they hung up on me. Now I can understand that as a customer rep, they must receive hundreds of rude customers, but I have in no way been rude to them. This company needs to work on their customer service skills. I don't think its fair that they charge me (back in Oct.) for the product, yet I still have nothing to show for it today (in Dec.)
  
  STAY AWAY FROM ADORAMA!!! THEY ARE A HORRIBLE COMPANY WITH NO CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS.
  
  
• great deal!
  By A1A027UELK4JZC on 2004-10-17
  These are great filters and especially for the price! I was looking for just one UV filter, and after stumbling upon this set which was not much more than the price of one filter, I bought it. These are great lenses. I especially like the polarizing filter, but all 3 are great.
  
  
  definitely a worthy buy!
  
  
• Received a defective filter
  By A11KV6I0TKOLG3 on 2003-04-21
  I have other Tiffen filters and I love their overall quality but I ordered this polarizer on-line and it was defective. After studying the lens itself, I found that it was assembled backwards! As you look through it from the male threaded side of the lens, there was no polarization but looking through from the female threaded side I would notice proper polarization (I set out a bowl of water with sunlight shining on it at an angle). I quickly returned this one and went to my favorite local camera store to purchase the same filter, at least I got to inspect it before buying. I highly recommend this filter but if you buy on-line be sure give it a close inspection as soon as you get it!
  
  
• Excellent Digital Starter Kit
  By A2ZLYEBWRTTYRM on 2006-02-01
  This was an outstanding value. The kit includes three often needed filters as well as an excellent filter wallet. The wallet itself, along with the included Tiffen Booklet is an added extra value. I found it to be a great value for the money. You get all three for less than the price of one filter and the filter wallet is an added bonus.
  
  
• You get what you pay for!
  By ANCEUISUJAYR5 on 2006-03-31
  I purchased this set, and upon arrival, I found the circular polarizer to be defective. Amazon quickly replaced the set, and this polarizer did not work either! I returned the set, as I am not going to waste any more time trying to get a polarizer that works. I'll pay more, and get a quality product from a different maker. I will say that Amazon is second to nobody for customer service. I appreciate that, and will continue to be an Amazon customer. However, I can't say the same for Tiffen.
  
  
• Good filters, even if some redundant
  By A2YC6AANV4GZ0F on 2007-06-02
  This kit comes with four things:
  - Circular polarizer: the filter that most people looking at this kit are interested in. While it is difficult to make a "bad" polarizer (it either works or doesn't) this one certainly is among the good working ones. Makes the sky look awesome, and takes away reflections from water and windows. Polarizer is a definite must for photographers of any level.
  - UV filter: if you read reviews online, the Tiffen UV filter is generally not effective at blocking out UV. So most people just use it as an additional layer of glass, for protecting their lens. My personal philosophy is "why bother", but you may find it interesting.
  - Warming filter: this is really more for the "authentic field" photographer who wants their picture to look right the first time. Any decent software can mimic this effect, so I also say "why bother".
  - A four-filter pouch: there is a single pouch to store all three filters. Since polarizer is a little thicker, in effect, it's just perfect for three. Since there no individual wrappers, and I only really use one filter, this pouch just sits at home.
  
  Overall, for a bit more than what the polarizer is retailing alone, you get some extras. I don't really find their all that valuable, but nevertheless worth the extra couple of dollars.
  
  Regarding the build quality: I am not discerning enough to tell any aberrations in the glass. The plastic frame, though, is a bit rough along the edges, and the printed labels aren't sharp, but doesn't really affect the performance. But basically, it doesn't *look* expensive. Made in USA.
  
  Also comes with a promotional brochure, but it's interesting 'cause it explains the effects of all current Tiffen filters, so good reading material :)
  
  
• Inexpensive, but doesn't fit quite snugly on my lens
  By A2IRN5K661Q0WS on 2005-12-28
  I bought this UV filter to protect the 50mm f/1.8 canon lens that I purchased. While I can't aruge with the price, I didn't like the way it fit on the lens. I tried screwing it on carefully multiple times but could never get it to sit flush against the lens. It always seems like one side stuck out a bit. That being said, I haven't had any problems with it falling off when I take the lens cover off so it's not too bad.
  
  
• Great value for inexpensive lenses
  By A2XFX6ADNMZHB1 on 2008-08-01
  At a range between $7 and $10, this is one of the best values and investments out there. What is it actually used for? A UV filter has two primary purposes: to filter out unwanted ultra-violet light and to protect the lens. For most general photography applications, you will not notice the difference in UV light. Only when you have intense sunlight at a specific angle will you start to notice the UV light. It will not alter your photos and their lighting negatively, so you can pretty much leave this filter on all the time. This filter doesn't do that great of a job in actually filtering out harsh light at the ultra-violet spectrum, but if you're an amateur photographer, you won't need that function. If you do encounter a lot of harsh UV light (you live out in the desert or in Alaska), then you should consider a different filter. As an advanced but non-professional photographer who averages 500 photos indoors and outdoors per week, I have not yet encountered any harsh UV light that this filter cannot block.
  
  I use this on my Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens, and I pretty much never take it off. This filter will protect your lens from scratches to the glass. When you get smudges (which you will) on this filter, you just wipe the filter or remove it and clean it. It's much easier to clean this filter than the glass on the lens. But the most important part is that this filter serves as insurance for your lens. If something comes flying at your lens, you have a choice of replacing a $7 filter or an $85 lens. It's a no-brainer!
  
  Now, this filter is useful for either the amateur photographer or the advanced photographer who has a relatively cheap lens (an $85 lens is considered CHEAP compared to $350 or even $1000+ for the Canon 50mm f/1.2 L). If you own a more expensive lens, you'd want to go with a better filter, such as one from Hoya or B+W. But if you own the Canon 50mm f/1.2 L, you know that already.
  
  All in all, I gave this filter 5 stars because of its great value. If it costs $20, I would have reduced it to 4 stars. Considering its use, you cannot beat this product.
  
  
• assembled backwards, ad nauseam
  By AW9WYODSQY3H3 on 2004-04-03
  Save your money. Had seen others write that filter was assembled backwards and other flaws. They were right.

  Cheaply designed and made. Get a Heliopan from Adorama, you'll be very pleased.
  
  

• An Economical Way To Protect Your Camera Lens
  By AGXMC3ITWZASE on 2006-09-28
  This filter is a must have for photographers that care about their gear. It remains a cost effective tool for protecting the camera lens while serving as a great every day filter.
  
  
• Simple safeguard
  By A32MROO7VTK0TQ on 2007-01-06
  My grandfather taught me years ago to put a UV filter on all lenses for the very simple reason that if scratched or cracked, replacing a cheap filter is more cost effective than buying a replacement lense. Not that I can afford the best of what Nikon has to offer in terms of optics, but a few hundred dollars is a few hundred dollars. I can't believe I waited nearly a year to protect two Nikon lenses I bought with the D50! I don't know much about the optical quality of this filter, but as it is for all practical purposes clear, I cannot discern any effect to photos. For five dollars, leaving a fine lense "naked" is inviting disaster.
  
  
• Essential protection for lens
  By A3QQ0WTTCSY92Y on 2007-04-14
  This Tiffen 52mm filter fits well on my Nikon D40X 55-200mm lens. I bought it more for protecting the lens from smudges and debris than for the UV protection. It is working well and easy to clean. I highly recommend this $9 investment to protect your lens.
  
  
• Great for its price, but don't use it indoors
  By A1KAC6V1DBU5A5 on 2007-06-10
  The last commenter is not kidding: you'll see spots of green perhaps because of the anti-reflect coating of the filter. It's an overall great filter for its price, but I used it at a wedding. The outdoor shots were great, but when it came time for the indoor banquet, all my pictures have green spots everywhere, some more intense than others.
  
  
• Poorly factory packed and filthy
  By A1IS44ZX9NY81F on 2007-05-28
  What do you expect from a new UV filter? That it is "new", clean, well factory packed, in good condition, right?
  I ordered a couple of Tiffen filters to protect my lenses. They came in a nice plastic case. Upon opening the case I found
  the bare filter inside, bouncing all over the case. Not even a simple plastic bag or wraping to protect it from the harsh platic enclosure. A couple if nicks in the ring, another one in the filter itself (unable to remove). I spent 10 minutes patiently cleaning each one of them. If I lived in the US, I would have returned them immediately. I will have to replace the damaged one at my expense.
  
  
• Worth the price
  By ADLJYBOCPJAFE on 2006-03-24
  A basic protection item you should have. Does not appear to be multi-coated, as the more expensive Hoya filters are, but clearly worth it. Fits the Nikon 18-55mm ED perfectly and allows the Nikon lens hood to fit well.
  
  
• A good purchase
  By A1JN7HAYCFQA0O on 2006-11-03
  I am certainly happy I bought this filter kit. For a starting photographer, the price was right, and I have not noticed any quality issues. The UV filter stays on a lens at all times, as it's cheaper to replace the filter, than it is to have a scratched lens element repaired.
  
  The light polarizer is very handy, and also works very well, cutting down greatly on glare.
  
  I have not yet had the occasion to use the warming filter yet.
  
  The filter case is a nice extra, it fits right in my camera bag, and is out of the way untill I need it.
  
  
• Hope it does what it's supposed to
  By A3GZHI2Y4HNJMD on 2007-03-06
  I purchased this filter for one reason which is to protect my lens. Difficult as it is to rate the filter simply based on that factor, I'd say it appears that it'll help keep my lens clean, scratch-free, and hopefully protect it if a mishap occurs! As everyone is saying, better to break the filter than your costly lenses.
  
  As for the effects it has on photo quality, I've read some other reviews that it affects photos in low light/night shots. I'm just a beginner so maybe it'll be helpful to look into that via other reviews.
  
  
• lens saver
  By A384BWXUDRCQZ3 on 2007-05-18
  This is just a great, simple product that will save you a lot of money - greatly reducing the chances you will damage the lens itself.
  
  
• Outstanding Bargain!
  By A2R8R2UOD0H8J3 on 2007-09-13
  Despite some of the negative comments I've read here concerning the quality of the Tiffen 52mm Photo Essentials Filter Kit, I went ahead and ordered it anyway, and am perfectly satisfied with the Kit, in all ways.
  
  
  The item was shipped direct from Adorama; the filters were extremely well packed and arrived swiftly.
  
  I use them on my Nikon D40 with the Nikon kit lens (a 18-55mm zoom) and they fit it perfectly and perform even better than I had hoped for...the Circular Polarizer in particular is a delight to use and worth the price of the kit alone. If you've never used a decent polarizer filter before, trust me...it's a fantastic asset to any outdoor photographer's outfit and if you don't use one, you don't know what you're missing.
  
  Besides, the use of the filter to remove or greatly minimize glass and water reflections is something that simply cannot be done *properly* in software editing packages.
  
  The Tiffen padded carrying case (it came with 3 filters and there is plenty of room for others) is attractive, sturdy, and much better than I had imagined.
  
  Tiffen also included an interesting and informative booklet detailing their products for photo and video filters and I am delighted to add it to my collection of reference materials.
  
  I heartily recommend the Tiffen 52mm Photo Essentials Filter Kit to anyone interested in improving their photographic endeavors!
  
  
  
• Filthy Filters
  By A91K91GJRE6OU on 2006-11-11
  I purchased this filter pack with high hopes. Granted, it's a low end pack of three filters, so I didn't expect world class optics. What I did expect is that I'd be able to use these filters out of the box without having to clean them. Straight of the box, they were covered in dust, pieces of cardboard, and in some cases even grease and fingerprints. (Literally, you could have used the prints on one of the filters to convict someone)
  
  After cleaning, and drying with a very soft, clean cloth, I discovered a number of scratches.
  
  I contacted the company via email and a very nice, very polite rep got back to me. WONDERFUL service (which is the only reason this review isn't a 1 star), but unfortunately the second, and then the third replacement they sent me were also filthy and scratched. On the first and second rounds, the black filters actually had multiple dings in the metal, revealing the underlying silver color.
  
  The service rep told me each time that he had personally inspected the filters before sending them out. Each time, they've arrived less than expected. The last time around, he promised a nice gift I was sure to like. For a company who makes filters as a primary business, I expected he'd drop me an extra filter or two. Instead he send me a garment bag marked from some photographer's organization. Very strange.
  
  I finally gave up after round 3. I'm accepting them. Lesson learned - don't buy Tiffen.
  
  
• Three Great Filters for a Great Price
  By A700QM96Y4HG9 on 2006-12-16
  You could easily spend $30-50 on just one of these filters. I've been extremely happy with mine so far. I especially love the circular polarizer. Ever wonder how photographers get that brilliant blue sky with perfect white clouds? Try that polarizer (you do have to rotate the filter to get results, mind) and see the difference!
  
  

• Adorama Micro Fiber Clean Cloth 8 x 8" (18% Gray - can also be used as 18% Gray Card)
• Adorama Filter Wrench. Set of 2. Fits 46-58mm Filters
• Tiffen Filter Wallet for up to 6 Filters
• Adorama Filter Stack Caps 52mm
• Adorama Professional Lens Cleaning Kit

• Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens
• Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
• Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for Nikon D40, D40x, D60 & D80 Digital SLR Cameras
• Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras