TIFFEN 43690 Uv Protector Camera Lens Filter 55MM

( Brand: Tiffen ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 43690 ), ( Part Type: Circular Protector Camera Filter ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Filter Color: Clear ), ( Manufacturer Warranty: 10 Years ), ( Filter Effects: Uv Protection ), ( Mount Fitting: Threaded ), ( To Fit: Camera ), ( Filter Size: 55 Mm )

Review TIFFEN 55mm Uv Protector Circular Camera Lens Filter Threaded Clear

The Tiffen 43690 55mm UV Protector Camera Lens Filter is a high-quality, precision-engineered accessory designed to safeguard your camera lens while enhancing image clarity and color accuracy. Crafted from premium optical glass, this filter is engineered to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) light, which can otherwise degrade image quality by introducing haze, reducing contrast, and causing unwanted color casts, particularly in outdoor or high-altitude shooting scenarios. The UV Protector filter is particularly beneficial for photographers who frequently shoot in bright, natural light conditions, such as landscapes, weddings, or travel photography, where the absence of UV rays ensures cleaner, more vibrant, and true-to-life colors. With a consistent 1mm thickness, this filter maintains optical clarity without introducing noticeable distortion or vignetting, making it an ideal choice for both full-frame and crop-sensor DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The filter s durable, multi-coated surface minimizes reflections and flare, further protecting your lens from scratches and dust while ensuring optimal light transmission for sharp, high-resolution images. Whether you're a professional seeking reliable protection for your expensive glass or an enthusiast looking to elevate your photography, the Tiffen 43690 is a versatile, no-frills solution that seamlessly integrates into your workflow without compromising performance. Its universal 55mm diameter fits a wide range of lenses, making it a practical and cost-effective addition to any photographer s gear collection.

The Tiffen 43690 55mm UV Protector Lens Filter is a popular choice for photographers looking to protect their camera lenses while also addressing minor color cast issues caused by atmospheric conditions. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros of the Tiffen 43690 55mm UV Protector Filter**

1. **UV Protection**: Ultraviolet light can degrade image quality by causing lens flare, haze, and color shifts (particularly in blue tones). This filter absorbs harmful UV rays, resulting in clearer skies and more accurate colors, especially in outdoor and landscape photography.

2. **Minimal Color Cast**: Unlike some cheaper UV filters, the Tiffen 43690 is designed to have a neutral density, meaning it does not introduce a noticeable color shift into your images. This makes it a safer alternative to leaving lenses unprotected.

3. **Durability and Quality**: Tiffen is a well-regarded brand known for producing high-quality optical glass. This filter is built to withstand regular use without scratching or warping easily, provided it is handled carefully.

4. **Thread Compatibility**: The 55mm thread is one of the most common lens filter sizes, making this filter versatile for a wide range of DSLR and mirrorless cameras (e.g., Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm). It also works with many third-party lenses.

5. **Easy to Install and Remove**: The filter threads smoothly onto the lens without requiring additional tools, and it can be quickly removed when not in use. This makes it convenient for photographers who frequently switch lenses or filters.

6. **Affordable Protection**: Compared to purchasing a high-end lens hood or a more expensive multi-coating filter, the UV protector offers a cost-effective way to add an extra layer of protection to your lens.

7. **Reduces Lens Flare**: By absorbing stray UV light, the filter can help reduce lens flare caused by bright light sources like the sun, leading to cleaner, more controlled exposures.

8. **No Focal Length Limitations**: Unlike some specialized filters (e.g., polarizers), the UV protector works consistently across all focal lengths, making it a practical all-around solution.

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### **Cons of the Tiffen 43690 55mm UV Protector Filter**

1. **Not a True Lens Hood**: While it provides some protection against dust and scratches, it is not a substitute for a proper lens hood, which is more effective at blocking stray light and physical debris. Relying solely on the filter may still expose the lens to damage from impacts or moisture.

2. **Potential for Ghosting or Flare**: Although UV filters reduce flare, they are not foolproof. In extreme lighting conditions (e.g., shooting directly into the sun), some flare or ghosting can still occur, especially if the filter is not of the highest optical quality.

3. **Slightly Reduced Sharpness**: Some photographers report a minor loss of sharpness when using a UV filter, though this is often negligible with high-quality filters like the Tiffen 43690. The impact varies depending on the lens and shooting conditions.

4. **Limited Use in Low-Light Conditions**: UV filters do not improve low-light performance; they only protect against UV rays. If you re shooting in low light, you ll still need to rely on your camera s ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings.

5. **Not a Polarizing or Graduated Filter**: This is a basic UV protector and does not offer the additional benefits of polarizing filters (reducing reflections and increasing contrast) or graduated filters (balancing exposure in high-contrast scenes). If you need these features, you ll need to purchase separate filters.

6. **Potential for Dust Accumulation**: Since the filter is exposed to the elements, dust or smudges can accumulate on its surface. While easy to clean, this requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal image quality.

7. **Overkill for Indoor or Studio Use**: If you primarily shoot indoors or in controlled environments where UV light is minimal, the benefits of a UV filter may be outweighed by the added cost and bulk.

8. **Thread Size Limitations**: While 55mm is common, some high-end lenses (e.g., some Sony FE or Canon RF lenses) may require a step-up ring if your camera body has a different filter thread size (e.g., 67mm or 72mm). This adds extra cost and bulk.

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### **Conclusion**

The Tiffen 43690 55mm UV Protector Filter is a practical and affordable solution for photographers who want to protect their lenses from UV rays, reduce haze, and minimize color casts in outdoor shooting. It excels as a basic protective filter with neutral optical properties, making it a solid choice for landscape, travel, and general photography. However, it is not a substitute for a lens hood or specialized filters like polarizers, and its impact on sharpness is minimal but noticeable to some users.

For photographers who prioritize lens protection and minor color correction without the need for advanced filtering effects, this filter is a worthwhile investment. Those who shoot primarily in controlled environments or require high-end optical performance may find it less essential.

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### **Recommendation**

- You frequently shoot outdoors in bright, sunny conditions and want to reduce UV-related color shifts and haze.

- You want an affordable way to protect your lens from minor scratches and dust without compromising image quality significantly.

- You use a 55mm lens and don t need specialized filters like polarizers or ND filters.

- You prefer the convenience of a filter that can be quickly attached or removed.

- You shoot mostly indoors or in low-UV environments where the benefits are minimal.

- You prioritize maximum sharpness and are willing to invest in a lens with built-in UV protection (some modern lenses include this).

- You require advanced filtering effects (e.g., polarizing, graduated neutral density) and would prefer a multi-functional filter.

- You already use a high-quality lens hood and consider the filter unnecessary for your workflow.

**Final Verdict**: The Tiffen 43690 is a reliable, no-frills UV protector that offers real benefits for outdoor photographers. While it may not be a game-changer for every shooter, it s a practical addition to any photography kit that values both protection and image quality. For most hobbyists and enthusiasts, the pros outweigh the cons, making it a recommended purchase.

Details:

Tiffen 55mm UV Protector Filter New Old Stock NOS Brand new filter in original packaging. Vintage/new old stock item, so packaging may show minor storage wear from age. Designed to protect your camera lens from dust, scratches, and UV light. Includes original insert and case.

Made in USA by Tiffen, a well-known photography filter brand.

part #: 43690 price

• $11.99

specifications filtecam:

• brand: Tiffen
• mpn: 43690
• part type: Circular Protector Camera Filter
• filter shape: Circular
• filter color: Clear
• manufacturer warranty: 10 Years
• filter effects: Uv Protection
• mount fitting: Threaded
• to fit: Camera
• filter size: 55 Mm

general filtecam:

• condition: Open box
• Cameras Photo > Lenses Filters > Filters

payments filtecam:

• other
• wallet: Apple-pay
• credit card: Visa

seller filtecam:

• rating: 100.0%
• # reviews: 19
• city: Fort Wayne, Indiana

returns filtecam:

• policy: No Returns

shipping filtecam:

• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• transit: 4-10 Days
• carrier: USPS
• class: Standard
• cost: $5.89
• type: Calculated

offer filtecam:

• sold: 0
• quantity: 1
• best offers: True
• options: Ship-to-home
• availability: In Stock
• started: May 17, 2026

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