How do I know which filter is best for me?

The best filter is the one that aligns with your required result. It depends on how you want your shot to turn out. For example, Polarizer is a good option if you want to enhance skies, cut reflections, and make colors pop. While black pro mist can be used to create a dreamy effect.

Will Tiffen filters fit my camera or phone?

Yes! Tiffen filters fit most cameras. However, you must check the size of your lens (like 49mm or 67mm) and choose the same size filter. Additionally, if you’re using a phone, you first need a smartphone filter mount, and then you can use filters too.

Can LED lights work for both video and photo shoots?

Definitely, Lowel LED lights, like the TotaLED, give you a bright and adjustable light and can be perfectly used whether you’re making a video or taking a still shot.

Which tripod is best for traveling?

If you’re looking for a portable yet sturdy option, our Traverse Tripod is the one you should consider. It is lightweight and can be folded to 12 inches to fit in any bag. Also, it’s steady enough for outdoor shoots and reliable in different conditions for your quick on-the-go shots.

Why do I need a camera bag?

Camera bags work as a protective shield for your gear, especially when you’re shooting outdoors and travelling. Therefore, Domke bags are a stylish yet lightweight option for beginners and pros as they come in sling, shoulder, and backpack styles to suit any shooting setup.

What does a Steadicam do for my videos?

If you want your videos to remain smooth and steady, even while you're moving, Steadicam should be your ultimate gear option. It helps avoid shakes and bumps while giving your shot a professional and cinematic look even when you're walking, running, or filming dynamic shots. Also, it’s a must-have tool for filmmakers, vloggers, or content creators who want stable footage without bulky gear.

My son showed me his aerial drone photography with an Autel X-Star Premium, he’s using Tiffen’s ND filters on it. I’m probably going to buy a DJI Phantom 4 drone, will I need different filters for my drone camera?

Yes, we make two sets of Aerial Drone photography filters that are different sizes and are not interchangeable. Our DJI Drone Filters Starter Kit were made specifically for and fit both the Phantom 3 and Phantom 4 drones. On the other hand the Autel drone filters fit both the X-Star and X-Star Premium drones, they have a standard 29mm thread so they will fit on anything with a 29mm thread. By the way both drone filter starter kits include multiple ND filters and a polarizer. It’s good to see that drone operators are using filters as part of their drone filming techniques for aerial video.

I’m getting into the drone photography business, I use Tiffen’s Aerial Polarizer and ND filters, do you have any others available, like any Tiffen special effect filters for drones?

As you probably know Tiffen manufactures an extensive line of photography filters for mptv and dslr cameras, we’ve started our latest lines of aerial drone filters with some of the basics like a CP filter and ND filters in our starter kits. One special effect that naturally occurs in drone video is the dreaded Jello Effect or Rolling Shutter, you can learn how to reduce camera shake while filming by using ND filters, check out our page on filters for aerial drones, you’ll get the latest drone video tips and news there. I think you’re onto something as far as special effect filters for drones…

I have a Digital SLR camera and I use 77mm filters, why would I want to start buying square or rectangular filters and the Pro100 filter holder?

Good question, you’ll have more creative choices for a start. There are actually a number of reasons to get our Pro100 Series Camera Filter Holder System the first is that Tiffen makes some 4×4 filters that are only available in square format (including 4×5.650 filters) such as the Twilight filter and some of the diffusion filters. One creative use of camera filters is that you’ll be able to move gradient filters up or down, which can’t be done with a round gradient filter. It’s also good to note that you’ll get no vignetting when using multiple filters, the Pro100 holds up to 2 filters.

How many anti-reflective layers are there in the coatings on the Tiffen 58 CP circular polarizer and precisely what kind of layers are they?

The Tiffen Circular Polarizer is not multicoated at all. Multi-coating is a proprietary process, and we seriously doubt that any lens or filter manufacturer will tell you the exact nature and composition of their coating layers. Tiffen Digital HT filters are a state-of-the-art technological breakthrough in multi-coated photo and video filters. Digital HT – High Transmission – filters offer the strength of a Titanium coating combined with the purest optical quality glass and Tiffen’s Academy-Award-winning ColorCore™ technology. They present unmatched scratch-resistant durability and worry-free cleaning while other coated filters on the market today cautiously suggest delicate, if any, cleaning procedures, in fear of destroying the coating (and thereby the filter). Learn more about Tiffen Digital HT camera filters and what they do by clicking here.

I’m looking to get into macro photography, does Tiffen make any close up filters or anything for this?

Yes we have a line of close up filters, or diopter filters, great for nature photography. They come in a set of three filters or you can buy them individually in strengths of +1, +2 and +4. Each close up filter has dual threads so they can be combined with other types of filters giving you the creative edge for doing some very unique macro photography without getting a specialized lens.

Can I put more than one filter on my Digital SLR camera lens and is stacking neutral density filter or filters a good idea?

Yes, you can. Our screw in filters (except for the the WID types), are double threaded and can be screwed together. Stacking filters in general can create different effects and bring out your creativity. The only caution is that as you put more filters on the lens you can create vignetting or the cutting off of the corners of your picture. This can happen more with wide angle lenses. You’ll also get vignetting by stacking neutral density filters, depending upon which ones you stack and the order you stack them you’ll get varied effects. We don’t recommend stacking a VND filter, but if you do, make it the last one because of the threads. Feel free to experiment and remember you can always stack filters for storage reasons.

I am looking for a yellow enhancing filter for fall foliage colors. Which one do you recommend?

The unique Tiffen Enhancing Filter is a sure-fire way to improve landscape photography, it’s designed to make reds, rust browns, and oranges “pop” and is great for bringing out fall foliage while keeping other color looking natural. It is not specifically designed to intensify yellow, but it does bring it out to some extent if the foliage includes other colors. We think you will be pleased with the results with fall foliage, especially if you use the Enhancer in conjunction with a Tiffen Circular Polarizer.

I just received a Tiffen Digital Enhancing Kit for my Canon rebel camera. I was told that the kit included an ultra clear filter that works like a UV filter, which is what I requested. Is this true?

Yes. We believe the filter you are referring to is the Tiffen UV Protector, essentially a clear filter that protects your lenses and provides basic UV protection that minimizes the bluishness you sometimes get when shooting on overcast days, in open shade, or taking pictures of distant scenes. This filter is included in all Tiffen filter Kits and can be left on your lens at all time to protect it from physical damage.

I’m looking for a pair of filters for my newly bought Canon MarkIII camera. I need a Polarizer and a UV filter. Can you recommend any and what size should I get?

You can probably find the size you need in your instruction manual or on the outer ring of the lens, and in the worst case, you can measure it with a calipers or metric ruler. In any case, we suggest that you get a Tiffen Circular Polarizer, perhaps the most useful filter overall because it can eliminate or minimize reflections on water or glass, intensify colors, or bring out clouds, and its effects are variable and observable in your camera’s viewfinder and on the LCD. So far as a UV filter is concerned, the most popular is the Tiffen UV Protector, which provides basic UV reduction, and the Tiffen Sky 1-A filter that absorbs about 50% of the UV and adds a bit of warmth, which is useful when shooting outdoors in open shade and on overcast days. Either of these can be left on the lens at all times to protect it from physical damage.

I am taking pictures at a wedding. The theme is white…the building, walls, tables and everything else is white. It’s at night, with candlelight. Is there a filter that would help to capture the moment?

Maintaining pure white tones in the building, walls, tables, etc. while capturing the ambience of a candle-lit wedding is a pretty tall order. You don’t mention whether you are shooting with a digital slr or film camera, if it’s digital, you’ll probably get the best results by setting your White Balance control to Tungsten or a manual setting somewhere between 2500K and 2800K. If there is any way of doing so, shoot some test pictures before the event under the same lighting conditions to see which setting gives you the results you want. In any event, you may have to color correct in post-production–generally its better to err on the reddish side to maintain the atmosphere and let the whites go a little warm if need be. With film, you can reduce unnaturally red tones with a Tiffen 82A filter, which should maintain natural skin tones while preserving the candle-lit mood. You can also try this as a digital slr filter, but be sure to set your White Balance control to the Daylight setting. The main point: Take a series of test shots before the event and see what works best for you.

I am planning a trip to Peru and will visit Machu Picchu. A travel book recommends that I purchase a skylight filter (81B or 81C) to minimize haze/light problems. I have Skylight 1-A filter on my lens. Do I need to purchase a new filter (81B or 81C) or will the Skylight 1-A accomplish the same effect?

The Tiffen Skylight 1-A filter absorbs almost half of the UV radiation and is a popular general-use filter that’s helpful when shooting outdoors in open shade and on overcast days because it adds a bit of warmth. For your particular application where haze can be more a problem, we suggest that you get a Tiffen Haze-1 filter that absorbs about 3/4 of the incoming UV, and works well where increased atmospheric haze tends to wash out color and reduce image clarity.

What do you recommend for a tripod and filter kit for someone who is just beginning to take serious pictures (weddings) but still likes to take a lot of outdoor photography pics and doesn’t have a lot of money to spend? Both would be for a 67 mm lens and a Canon 20D.

Since you are shooting nature as well as weddings with your Canon 20D we would recommend a sturdy but easy-to-carry compact travel tripod such as the Davis & Sanford Traverse 553-P228. Your best bet in a filter kit would be the Tiffen Deluxe Enhancer Kit that includes a UV protector filter, a circular polarizer, an Enhancing filter, and Tiffen’s unique 812 warming filter.

I notice that Tiffen offers 3 neutral density filters. I am just getting into the photography game here in Tucson, AZ and don’t anticipate any exotic photographic situations. However, I do like the idea of being able to blur for motion and to blur the background in order to highlight the subject. Please give me your recommendation on which N.D filters I should obtain.

Tiffen offers a variety of Neutral Density filters – Solid Neutral Density, IR Neutral Density, Graduated Neutral Density and the Attenuator/Blender in densities ranging from .3 (1-stop) to 3.0 (10-stop) learn more about them by clicking here. Neutral Density filter kits are also available.

I’m looking for a set of filters for black and white photography. Which filters are most useful and then which are the next set of filters that I should consider buying if I have extra money?

The most useful filters for black-and-white photography in film or digital are the Tiffen Yellow 8, which is best for natural looking clouds against blue skies, the Green 11, which yields more pleasing skin tones outdoors and reveals the details in foliage, and the Red 25 which creates dramatic cloud effects. Once you have these we would strongly recommend a Tiffen Circular Polarizer, a variable effect filter which can be used to alter contrast, bring out clouds, and minimize reflections on glass or water when used in bright sunlight.

I have a Nikon D50 and Nikon N75, and I use a 62mm AF Nikkor 28-100mm lens, that I switch between both cameras. I’d like to get a filter to get an orangey sunrise/sunset type of shot. What do you recommend? It would be for a beach shot, so water and sky would both be shades of orange.

The Tiffen Color-Grad Sunrise filter is tailor-made for creating dramatic orangey sunrise or sunset shots and it is available in the 62mm size. This is a graduated filter designed to make the sky orange, but leave the rest of the scene unaffected when it’s properly positioned. Most people prefer this to an overall orange result, and it certainly looks more realistic. If, for creative reasons you prefer an overall orange effect for both sky and water, you can try a Tiffen Orange 16 filter that’s usually used for dramatic effects in black-and-white. You can opt for a Tiffen Enhancing filter which creates brighter, more saturated reds, browns and oranges, and can be used with a Tiffen Circular Polarizer for dramatic outdoor effects. All of these work equally well as a digital slr filter or film filter.

I just purchased a Tiffen close-up set of +1,+2,+4 filters. I am interested in getting as close to the subject as possible for photos of bugs, flowers, etc. I’m using the filters on my Nikon D2X camera with a Sigma 105 mm 1:2.8D DG Macro lens. I did not find any instructions with the filters but have read elsewhere that you can combine them. Could you tell me the correct order to combine them and the best method to get as close as possible?

The most common advice for stacking close-up lenses is to mount the one with the highest magnification closest to the lens, and in descending order toward the subject. However, stacking more than two close-up lenses at a time can have an adverse effect on image quality, so take a few test shots to vet your setup before shooting anything critical using this method.

I have a question about wide-angle adapters. They carry numerical designations like .45, .5, .6, and .7. Does the view get wider the lower the number?

Yes, the effective angle of view gets wider as the numbers decrease because you multiply the focal length of the lens by the numbers you list (which are magnification numbers) to calculate the effective focal length with the converter in place.

Please advise if you still have the enhancing filter for fall foliage.

Yes indeed–it’s called the Tiffen Enhancing Filter and it’s ideal for making reds, oranges, browns, and rusts “pop”. For even more dramatic effects with fall colors you can use it with a Tiffen Circular Polarizer.

When shooting portraits with my Nikon digital which “soft” filter do you recommend so the image does not go “mushy”? The lenses and imaging system of today’s digital cameras are just too sharp and have a peculiar way of magnifying the effects of some softening filters. Should I start with a #1 or #2 soft-focus filter instead of the #3 I used when shooting film in my Mamiya RB 67?

There are a number of excellent Tiffen soft-effect filters that tone down the harsh sharpness you get with many digital cameras. The Glimmerglass is an exclusive Tiffen filter that gives a very subtle softness in portraiture, and the Black Pro-Mist is also popular among pros. The Soft/FX filters are available in increasing strengths from 1 to 5 and we would start with the lower numbers to see which works best for your applications.

I have purchased a Tiffen Vector Star filter. I have a Panasonic DMC-FZ7 camera, and am getting strange reflection patterns with the Vector Star. Does a digital camera (this has a 12X zoom) preclude the use of star filters? I’m new to the digital world and may be missing something basic here. Can you help?

There is no reason that you can’t use a Vector Star filter on a digital camera provided it is mounted correctly. What you see on the LCD is what you should get in the final image. Of course 12X is a very wide zoom range indeed, and at certain focal lengths and focusing distances is it possible that you will get some odd-looking effects due to internal lens reflections, etc. If you are getting unsatisfactory results all the time, there is probably something amiss with the mounting, presuming the filter is not damaged or contaminated. We suggest you try shooting some images at a normal focal length about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way from the wide-angle position toward the tele end to see if you can get a star effect you like.

I have purchased a Tiffen 3 filter kit (TPK1) to be used with my Panasonic DMC-FZ50 digital camera. This camera has a Leica Vario-Elmarit lens. I have no previous experience using lens filters. 1. Should I be able to adjust (properly rotate) the circular polarizer filter by SEEING the effect in the camera’s electronic viewfinder (EVF)? 2. I expect to leave the UV filter on the camera all the time. In addition to the UV filter, can I (or should I) leave the circular polarizer filter on the camera all the time? 3. Can I simultaneously use multiple filters without adversely affecting the picture quality? 4. What does Tiffen recommend for cleaning their filters? Would the same procedure also be appropriate for cleaning the lens?

You can certainly see the effect of a Circular Polarizer filter in your camera’s EVF since it is basically a live feed taken of the camera’s CCD. You can also leave the Circular Polarizer and the UV on the camera at all times, but since the Polarizer will also protect the lens, there is no need to leave the UV on unless you’re shooting distant scenes, over water, etc., where a UV is really helpful. Don’s use more than two high quality filters on your camera at once or you can affect sharpness to some degree. Filters are cleaned like lenses–use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning fluid or pure ethyl alcohol.

I have been a 35mm Nikon and medium-format Pentax 6×7 user for over 20 years. I will be using my current Nikkor lenses on a digital SLR in conjunction with my collection of Tiffen Filters. If I use a digital camera with the Nikkor lenses I have will it be necessary to use different filters?

No. In general, digital sensors respond to filters very much like film, and it definitely is not necessary to change the filters you use with your Nikkors when going to a DSLR. However, if you don’t have a Tiffen Circular Polarizer, we would suggest that you try one of these since it is the most useful all-around filter for both digital and film.

I have the Tiffen Ultra Clear, 812, and UV, and I also use an ND2. If I used the the 812 & circular polarizer together, would that make my pictures overly warm? Is it better to use the 812 by itself? My pictures are outstandingly clear, sharp, and beautiful and I’d like to keep it that way. In terms of sharpness and contrast, what should I do to get the maximum effect of the 812?

We don’t think that using the Tiffen 812 Warming Filter with a circular polarizer will give an overly warm effect. The polarizer may enhance colors under certain circumstances but it does not provide any additional warming. Indeed, many people have used these two filters in tandem with outstanding results. Stacking two good quality filters should have no visible effect on picture sharpness, but stacking more than two can compromise sharpness a bit.

What is a MC skylight 1A filter? What film is the best used with this filter?

The Tiffen filter that corresponds to the filter you’re asking about is the Sky 1-A, a skylight filter that absorbs almost 1/2 of the incoming UV radiation. This popular filter is pink tinted and gives a touch of added warmth and is helpful when shooting outdoor in open shade or on overcast days. It works with any film but is most effective with slide film.

What is an enhancing filter?

The exclusive Tiffen Enhancing filter makes reds, oranges, and rust browns “pop” with minimal effect on other colors. It would be a great choice for shooting fall foliage, especially when used in combination with a Tiffen Circular Polarizer. The exclusive Tiffen Enhancing filter has a filter factor of 1, meaning that you open up one f/stop from the indicated reading when using a separate handheld exposure meter. Through-lens metering systems adjust automatically to compensate for the exposure.

I shoot with an HP Photosmart 945 camera with a TIF-HP850A-D adapter to allow me to use a 43mm tele-converter Lens. I’m wondering if this is the right combination. When using these together, it is unable to focus, it is very fuzzy almost dreamlike.

The Tiffen adapter you cite is the correct one for your application with your HP Photosmart 945 camera, and we are not able to state with certainty why you are getting fuzzy results. However you could be using the wrong tele-converter for your camera. Is it a Tiffen or HP unit specifically recommended for your camera model? Also is the tele-converter clean, in good condition, and screwed all the way in?

My digital photos are very orange under the school gym’s mercury vapor lights. I use a Canon EOS 10D set at 3200 ISO since no flash is allowed during volleyball games. What Tiffen filter should I use?

Mercury vapor lighting is tough to correct. Usually it is done with a couple of color correction filters, in this case, to correct for daylight-balanced capture a CC40M and a CC20Y would be called for. Of course a color-temperature meter is the best way to get a precise reading on the color output. The average person is not going to have all this, so what we suggest is a CC30M (magenta) filter or even the FL-D (daylight fluorescent) filter. Neither of these will provide perfect color balance but either does a decent job. The easiest solution would be to use one of the filters mentioned last and then fine-tune the results with computer color balance program.

I would like to know something more about Tiffen’s ColorCore technology. Is the core of the filter made of gel or is it glass?

The Tiffen ColorCore technology is a secret proprietary formula so we cannot tell you the exact composition of the material used. However, most Tiffen filters are laminates, which has the advantage of providing uniform color and density even after the filter is polished to our exacting specifications. This system has proven extremely reliable and consistent over many decades of filter production

What is the difference between a Circular Polarizer and a Linear type?

A Circular Polarizer is for all cameras, especially still cameras with autofocus or cameras with “Beam Splitting “ metering systems. The circular works just like a linear, except it doesn’t adversely affect the function of these systems. For more info about different types of Polarizer filters, click here.

Which filter should I use if I want to take available light pictures in a room that is lighted only by household tungsten light bulbs.

If you have daylight balanced film in your camera, you want to use the 80A filter. This filter converts the 5600 degree color temperature of daylight to match the 3200 degree color temperature of the tungsten light bulbs.

Does Tiffen make filters for Ultra Wide lenses?

We do not make every filter for this purpose. In sizes 58 to 77MM, we make the Circular Polarizer, UV Protector, Skylight, Haze and Enhancing Filters in a very thin ring, so thin there are no threads for stacking filters.

I have a 35MM SLR camera with thru the lens metering. I am using Black and White film with the Red 25 Filter on it. How many stops do I open the lens in order to compensate for the density of this filter?

Actually, you do not have to adjust the lens at all. Since you have thru the lens metering, your exposure system is reading the light coming thru the filter and is already adjusting for the loss of light due to the density of the filter.

I have the Sony Alpha 100 digital camera, with the 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and would like to know which filters would be best for it?

We would suggest a Tiffen Circular Polarizer as your first choice, and the Tiffen Photo Essentials Kit if you prefer the most useful set. The Circular Polarizer is a very useful variable-effect filter that can eliminate or minimize reflections in water and on glass, bring out clouds against a blue sky, and intensify colors. The Kit includes a Circular Polarizer a UV Protector filter that protects your expensive lens from damage and cuts the excess blue you sometimes get when shooting landscapes of scenes over water, Tiffen’s unique 812 Warming Filter and a 4-pocket filter pouch.

I have recently taken up the hobby of photography. Purchased a Panasonic DMC FZ-30 with Tiffen Filter Kit which included four filters, Digital Ultra Clear Filter, 812 Warming Filter, Enhancing Filter and Circular Filter. I am going to Rome in November and trying to determine the best filter to use in museum. Many museums will only allow you to take pictures without a flash. Would the Clear or Warming Filter be best? If I’m allowed to use flash which filter would be best? Or do you recommend a completely different filter?

Since it is impossible to conjecture what the ambient lighting would be in the museum, we suggest you use the clear glass Protective Filter when shooting with or without flash. If the lighting is cool white fluorescent (common in museums) a Tiffen FL-D filter would be best for shooting non-flash pictures. If the lighting is standard incandescent bulbs, set your white balance control to Tungsten for the best color balance.

I have a Kodak P850 camera and bought the Tiffen filter kit TPK1 which includes a UV Protector, 812 warming filter and a Circular Polarizer. I don’t have a clue how to use these. Where do I start?

Assuming you know how to mount the filters on your camera, the UV protector removes some UV radiation that sometimes shows up as excess blue in distant scenes and pictures taken over water, and it also protects your lens from physical damage caused by dust, sand, rain, etc. You can leave it on your camera at all times except when using the other two filters. The 812 is a warming filter that improves skin tones in picture taken on cloudy days of in the shade on sunny days. The Circular Polarizer is a variable filter that you control by turning the front ring and looking at the image on the LCD. It can be used to eliminate reflections on water or glass, to make clouds stand out against a blue sky, or to enhance colors. The Tiffen Circular Polarizer is probably the single most useful filter you can own.

I have just bought a Nikon D50 camera and lens and want to fit a filter to protect the lens but would also like to have one to give me some optical benefits as well. Is the Haze-1 or 2 better than the general UV? Does it require any exposure adjustment and if so will the camera system deal with that? Advice on the polarizing filters would also be appreciated. I don’t specialize in any particular fields of photography — mostly vacation type pictures and lots of shots of my grandchildren!

The Tiffen UV Protector filter is the best all-round filter for protecting your lenses from physical damage. It also provides basic UV absorption and will reduce the bluish casts you sometimes get when shooting distant scenes or over water. If you want additional UV absorption, you can use the Tiffen Sky 1-A, another popular general use filter that cuts UV by nearly 50% and is helpful when shooting in open shade or on overcast days. We would use a Haze-1 or the stronger Haze 2A filter when shooting under hazy conditions, especially aerial shots and mountain scenes. There are some photographers who use a Haze filter at all times, and none of these filters require an exposure increase. The choice is yours.

As for Polarizers, by all means get a Tiffen Circular Polarizer for your D50 with 18-200mm Tamron lens. This adjustable filter will eliminate reflections on water or glass, bring out clouds against a blue sky, and enhance color saturation. As you will appreciate after using it, the Circular Polarizer is the single most useful filter you can buy.

I have a debate running at work. With a Tiffen warming or circular polarizer, can either of these filters be used along with a UV protector or Sky 1? Also, do you set the white white balance before you install the filter or can you set it while the filter is already on?

You can certainly stack a Tiffen Warm filter or a Circular Polarizer with a UV Protector or a Sky 1 filter, but stacking filters can reduce image quality slightly and we wouldn’t recommend it as the ideal solution, especially with the Circular Polarizer. In general, whenever you use a filter to obtain a specific color effect, set the white balance first, and then apply the filter. If you do it the other way around, the AWB will cancel the effect of the filter. To be on the safe side, we suggest you use the same procedure with UV Protector or Sky 1 filters, but the Circular Polarizer will do its job irrespective of when or you set the balance control.

I have a Panasonic DMC- FZ30PP Lumix 8 mega pixel 12 X zoom camera and am planning on buying a Tiffen UV Protector filter but I’m not sure which one. Can you please help me?

If you have an instruction manual for your Panasonic DMC-FZ30, the filter sized should be listed in the specifications. Sometimes it’s listed on the lens identification ring or barrel as a circle with a line through it followed by a number, which is the filter thread diameter in millimeters. As a last resort, you can measure the diameter yourself with a millimeter rule or calipers. Unfortunately, this spec is not listed on the Panasonic website or in posted test reports on this camera or we would have given it to you directly.

What filter would you recommend for ‘general use’? I shoot mostly nature/scenic/travel photos and I live in Vancouver, BC. Is there one filter that should remain on the lens ‘all the time’?

If you are going to keep the filter on at all times to protect the lens, we suggest you get the Tiffen UV Protector, which provides basic UV reduction as well. It will reduce the excess bluishness in images shot at high altitudes, of distant scenes, or when shooting over water. The Tiffen Skylight 1-A filter is also suitable for this purpose and many photographers leave it on the lens at all times. It absorbs almost half the UV and is pink-tinted to add a touch of warmth. It generally produces more pleasing skin tones when shooting outdoors in open shade or on overcast days. In short, either filter will suit your purpose and the choice really depends upon whether you want a touch of extra warmth or not. Of course, you can also get both filters and tailor your choice to your requirements and shooting conditions.

Could you please supply any information regarding Tiffen kits i.e., Deluxe Enhancing kit and Photo Essentials intro kit?

The Tiffen Deluxe Enhancing Kit includes a UV Protector filter, 812 Color Warming filter, Circular Polarizer, an Enhancing Filter which makes colors (especially reds and reddish browns) “pop”, and a 4-pocket filter pouch. The Photo Essentials Kit has all of the above except for the Enhancing Filter. Both are available in standard sizes ranging from 37-82mm. For more info, go to www.tiffen.com.

I have Sony digital camera model DSC-R1 that takes 67 mm filters. I need filter just to protect the lens from scratches, dust, etc. What do you suggest?

We would suggest a Tiffen UV Protector filter in 67mm size. This filter is primarily designed to physically protect your expensive lens from damage, but has the added benefit of reducing the excess bluishness you sometimes get when photographing distant and high-altitude scenes or shooting over water.

I have a Nikon Coolpix 995 digital camera. I have misplaced my step- up adapter and a lens. Now nobody seems to have heard of such a thing! I really did have one! Can you tell me please what adapter ring I need for my Coolpix 995, so I can use some of the nice lenses and filters and protectors I have?

The good news is that the Tiffen step-up adapter you need is a Nikon 900AD. The bad news is that this is a discontinued item and we have none left in stock. However, you can probably locate one by checking around with local camera dealers or online at larger stores.

Which is best, leaving a protective filter to on the lens and adding a circular polarizer on top, or removing the protective filter before installing the polarizer?

A Tiffen UV Protector filter can be kept on your lens at all times to protect it. It provides the added benefit of removing the excess bluishness often seen in distant scenes or shots taken over water, etc. You can mount a Tiffen Circular Polarizer on top of your UV Protector if you wish, or you can remove the UV and replace it with the polarizer if you prefer–the results will be virtually the same.

I have an HVX200 and am planning to shoot a lot outdoors. I need to get a good selection of filters for plenty of shooting options. Also I will be traveling to South America and want to obtain the best possible results from my trip. What would you suggest?

Essential filters for your HVX200 in South America and elsewhere would include: A Tiffen Circular Polarizer which can enhance color intensity, bring out clouds against a blue sky, and control or eliminate reflections on water and glass; a Tiffen UV Protector filter which will physically protect your lens and reduce UV radiation which often shows up as excessive bluishness in distant scenes and shots taken over water; a Tiffen Haze 2A filter which maintains color and image clarity at high altitudes, and in mountain scenes, aerial shots and marine scenes; a Tiffen Enhancing Filter which makes reds, oranges and rust browns “pop”‘; and Tiffen Color Grad half clear, half colored filters (take a look at the Blue 3, Tropic Blue, Sunrise 3 and Sunset 3) which can give spectacular skies and sunrise/sunset effects without altering the rest of the scene.