73226 Skylight Filter 39MM 0.5X KR-1

( Brand: B-w ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 73226 ), ( Part Type: Filter ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Filter Color: Pink ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Unit Quantity: One ), ( Filter Effects: Skylight ), ( Mount Fitting: Threaded ), ( Filter Size: 39 Mm ), ( To Fit: Lens ), ( Country Of Origin: Germany )

Review B W And 39mm 0.5x Kr-1 Skylight Filter

The **Hoya 73226 39mm 0.5x KR-1 Skylight Filter** is a precision-engineered optical accessory designed to enhance the performance of your camera lens while maintaining exceptional clarity and color fidelity. Crafted from high-quality, multi-coated optical glass, this filter is built to minimize reflections, flare, and ghosting common issues that can degrade image quality, especially in bright or backlit conditions. The **0.5x reduction** in light transmission (equivalent to a 1-stop reduction) makes it an ideal choice for photographers working in high-contrast environments, such as shooting against the sky, bright landscapes, or when dealing with harsh sunlight that could otherwise wash out details. Unlike traditional UV filters, the KR-1 Skylight filter is optimized to preserve the natural color balance of your images while subtly reducing the blue cast often associated with unfiltered shots taken through the atmosphere. Its **39mm diameter** ensures compatibility with a wide range of lenses, from standard to telephoto, making it a versatile addition to any photography kit. The filter s durable, screw-in design ensures a secure fit, preventing parallax errors that can occur with square or rectangular filters, while its lightweight construction minimizes any potential impact on lens handling. Whether you're capturing vibrant sunsets, crisp architectural details, or candid street scenes, the Hoya KR-1 Skylight filter delivers a subtle yet effective enhancement to your lens s performance, helping you achieve professional-grade results with every shot.

The **73226 39mm 0.5x KR-1 Skylight Filter** is a popular neutral-density (ND) filter designed for use with Sony E-mount cameras, particularly those with a **0.5x crop factor** (like the Sony RX100 series). Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros**

1. **High-Quality Optical Clarity**

The KR-1 series from B W is known for its excellent optical quality, minimizing color fringing and maintaining sharpness. This filter is designed to reduce lens flare and ghosting, which is particularly useful in bright outdoor conditions.

2. **Neutral Density (ND) Functionality**

As an ND filter, it allows photographers to use slower shutter speeds in bright light without overexposing the image. This is useful for long-exposure photography, such as silky water effects or light trails, without needing a more expensive variable ND filter.

3. **Skylight Correction**

The filter is a **light yellow-tinted ND filter**, which helps neutralize the blue cast often present in daylight photography, especially when shooting under harsh sunlight or in cloudy conditions. This can result in more natural-looking skin tones and colors.

4. **Durable and Weather-Sealed**

B W filters are built to withstand harsh conditions, including dust, moisture, and scratches. The 39mm size is standard, making it compatible with most filter holders and adapters.

5. **Reduces Lens Flare**

The anti-reflective coating on the KR-1 series helps minimize lens flare and ghosting, which can be problematic when shooting directly into the sun or bright light sources.

6. **Versatile for Various Genres**

While primarily marketed as a skylight filter, its ND properties make it useful for landscape, travel, and even some portrait photography where controlled exposure is needed.

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### **Cons**

1. **Limited to 0.5x Crop Factor**

This filter is specifically designed for cameras with a **0.5x crop factor** (e.g., Sony RX100 series). If you use it on a full-frame or APS-C camera without a 0.5x adapter, the filter will appear **too dark** because the effective aperture will be reduced by half. Without a proper adapter, the filter may not function as intended, leading to underexposed images.

2. **Fixed ND Value**

Unlike variable ND filters, this is a **fixed 3-stop ND filter**. If you need more or less density, you ll need additional filters, which can be costly. For example, if you re shooting in very bright conditions and need a higher ND value (e.g., 6 or 10 stops), this filter alone won t suffice.

3. **Slight Color Cast**

While the skylight correction helps neutralize blue tones, some photographers may still notice a very subtle warm tint, especially when compared to a true neutral ND filter. This is generally minor but worth considering if color accuracy is critical for your work.

4. **Cost**

B W filters are premium-priced, and while this filter is reasonably priced for its quality, it may still be an investment for hobbyists or those on a tight budget. Cheaper alternatives (e.g., generic ND filters) may exist, but they often lack the optical quality of B W.

5. **Requires Proper Filter Holder**

To avoid vignetting or misalignment, you ll need a **high-quality filter holder** that supports 39mm filters. Cheap holders can cause light leaks or uneven exposure.

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### **Conclusion**

The **73226 39mm 0.5x KR-1 Skylight Filter** is an excellent choice for photographers using **Sony 0.5x crop cameras** (like the RX100 series) who need a reliable ND filter with skylight correction. Its high optical quality, durability, and effectiveness in reducing flare make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize image quality. However, its **fixed ND value** and **specificity to 0.5x cameras** limit its versatility, and it may not be ideal for full-frame or APS-C users without an adapter.

If you re a **landscape or travel photographer** shooting with a Sony 0.5x camera and need a filter that balances ND density with color correction, this is a strong option. For other camera systems or those requiring variable ND capabilities, you may need to explore alternatives.

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### **Recommendation**

- You own a **Sony 0.5x crop camera** (e.g., RX100 series).

- You need a **reliable ND filter** for long exposures or bright conditions.

- You want **minimal color fringing and flare reduction**.

- You re willing to invest in a **high-quality filter** for professional results.

- You use a **full-frame or APS-C camera** without a 0.5x adapter (you may need a different ND filter or an adapter).

- You prefer **variable ND filters** for more flexibility in exposure control.

- You re on a tight budget and can compromise slightly on optical quality (cheaper ND filters may suffice).

- You need **higher ND values** (e.g., 6 or 10 stops) for extreme conditions.

For most **Sony 0.5x users**, this filter is a **solid, high-quality choice** that justifies its cost. Pair it with a **good filter holder** to ensure optimal performance.

Details:

Front Accessory Thread 39mm, allowing attachment of other filters or a lens cap. Filter Size 39mm rear filter thread diameter. Glass is high optical clarity and color fidelity, mounted in a durable, black anodized brass ring to prevent jamming. 0.5X no exposure correction necessary.

It also serves as a permanent protective element for your lens. Key Specifications Feature Specification Filter Type Skylight also known as 1A Effect Adds a slight warming/light salmon tint to improve color accuracy and clarity out doors, especially in shade or snow scenes. Filter Factor Approx.

part #: 73226 prices

• $18.95-$99.95

specifications filtecam:

• brand: B-w
• mpn: 73226
• part type: Filter
• filter shape: Circular
• filter color: Pink
• unit type: Unit
• unit quantity: One
• filter effects: Skylight
• mount fitting: Threaded
• filter size: 39 Mm
• to fit: Lens
• country of origin: Germany

returns filtecam:

• policy: No Returns

seller filtecam:

• rating: 99.1%
• city: West Palm Beach, Florida
• # reviews: 3331

shipping filtecam:

• cost: $8.75
• transit: 6-10 Days
• type: Calculated
• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• class: Standard
• carrier: USPS

general filtecam:

• condition: Used
• Cameras Photo > Lenses Filters > Filters

offer filtecam:

• started: April 10, 2026
• quantity: 1
• options: Ship-to-home
• availability: In Stock
• sold: 0

payments filtecam:

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

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