Best UV Filter for Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8
The Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 is the ultimate “nifty fifty” for photographers on a budget, but its exposed front element and plastic build make it vulnerable to the elements. You don’t want to spend more on a filter than the lens itself, yet poor glass can ruin your sharpness. I’ve tested various options to find the sweet spot between protection and optical clarity. My top pick, the Hoya NXT Plus, offers the perfect balance of premium coating and affordability for this specific lens.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best UV Filter for Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8: Detailed Reviews
Hoya NXT Plus UV View on Amazon View on B&H
The Hoya NXT Plus is the gold standard for a lens like the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8. When you’re using a lens that is already prone to a bit of flare, the last thing you want is a cheap filter adding more reflections. I find the 10 layers of multicoating on the NXT Plus exceptional at maintaining the lens’s native contrast. It features a waterproof top coat that makes wiping away fingerprints or raindrops significantly easier than with cheaper uncoated glass. The low-profile aluminum frame is well-machined and won’t get stuck on the Yongnuo’s plastic threads. While it costs a bit more than the absolute cheapest options, the optical quality ensures you aren’t “dumbing down” your glass. The only minor drawback is that the thin frame can make it slightly fiddly to remove if you overtighten it, but that’s a small price for such high light transmission.
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Tiffen UV Protection Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve bought the Yongnuo 50mm specifically to save money, the Tiffen UV Protection filter is likely your best bet. Tiffen is a household name in the US, and their basic UV filters are incredibly rugged. Unlike many imports, these are manufactured using their ColorCore process, ensuring consistent glass density. You’ll notice it doesn’t have the fancy multicoating of the Hoya, which means you might see a bit of ghosting if you’re shooting directly into a sunset or a bright streetlamp. However, for general daytime protection against dust, sand, and accidental bumps, it is nearly indestructible. I’ve used these for years on various lenses and they are surprisingly resistant to scratches. It’s a “set it and forget it” piece of gear that provides peace of mind without doubling the cost of your lens setup. It’s the quintessential choice for a student or hobbyist photographer.
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Amazon Basics UV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
The Amazon Basics UV filter is exactly what it sounds like: a basic piece of protective glass. When you’re using a lens like the Yongnuo 50mm—which is often available for under $100—it’s hard to justify spending $40 on a filter. This option costs less than a lunch at most fast-food places. It doesn’t feature any advanced coatings, so you will definitely see some loss of contrast and increased flaring when shooting in challenging light. However, its primary job is to be a sacrificial layer of glass, and it does that perfectly. If a stray pebble or a child’s sticky finger hits the front of your lens, you’ll be glad this $8 filter was there to take the hit. I recommend this for beginners who are just learning the ropes and want to protect their gear without a significant investment. Just remember to take it off for critical night photography to avoid “ghost” lights.
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B+W XS-Pro Clear UV MRC-nano View on Amazon View on B&H
Is it overkill to put a B+W XS-Pro on a Yongnuo lens? Maybe. But if you’re someone who values the optical quality of your 50mm f/1.8 and plans to upgrade to a Canon or Nikon “L” or “S” series lens later, this is a smart investment. B+W uses world-renowned Schott glass and a heavy brass frame. Brass is superior to aluminum because it doesn’t “bind” or cross-thread as easily on your lens. The MRC-nano coating is incredibly slick; water literally beads off it, and dust barely sticks. In my side-by-side tests, the B+W is the only filter that shows zero perceptible difference in sharpness or color shift compared to a bare lens. It’s a professional-grade tool that will likely outlive the Yongnuo lens itself. If you want the absolute best image quality possible and don’t mind the higher price tag, this is the one to get.
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Kenko Smart UV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
The Kenko Smart UV is a fantastic middle-ground option that often flies under the radar. Kenko is actually the parent company of Hoya, and much of that Japanese optical expertise trickles down into this “Smart” line. What I love about this filter is the extremely slim frame. While vignetting isn’t a huge issue on a 50mm prime, a slim filter is always preferable if you plan on stacking it with a circular polarizer later. It features a multi-layer coating that performs admirably in preventing internal reflections. It feels more premium than the Tiffen but usually costs less than the Hoya NXT Plus. You’ll find it very easy to clean, and the threading is smooth. It’s a reliable, high-quality choice for anyone who wants Japanese glass quality without paying a “brand name” premium. It’s a solid, dependable workhorse for your Yongnuo prime.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a UV Filter for Your Yongnuo 50mm
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya NXT Plus | Best Overall | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Tiffen UV | Durability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Amazon Basics | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| B+W XS-Pro | Optics | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Kenko Smart | Value/Slim | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
What filter size does the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 use?
For the most common Canon and Nikon mount versions of the Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 (including the Mark II), the filter thread size is 52mm. However, if you are using the newer Sony E-mount (DF DSM) version, it actually uses a 58mm filter thread. Always look at the front of your lens; there will be a symbol (a circle with a line through it) followed by a number like 52 or 58.
Does a cheap UV filter affect image sharpness?
Yes, it can. While it won’t make your photos look like they were taken through a window screen, cheap, non-multicoated glass can introduce soft edges, chromatic aberration, and significant flaring. On a budget lens like the Yongnuo, which is already prone to flare, a poor-quality filter will exaggerate these issues. That is why I usually recommend a multicoated option like the Hoya or Kenko filters listed above.
Should I remove the UV filter when shooting at night?
Generally, yes. UV filters are great for protection, but they add an extra layer of glass that can cause “ghosting” when you have bright point-source lights (like streetlamps or car headlights) in a dark scene. If you notice weird orbs or double-images of lights in your night shots, simply unscrew the filter. For daytime shooting, however, you can safely leave it on at all times.
Why do I need a UV filter for a budget lens?
Even though the lens is affordable, the cost and hassle of replacing a scratched front element are much higher than buying a $15 filter. The Yongnuo 50mm has a plastic barrel and the front glass moves back and forth during focusing, which can suck in dust. A UV filter acts as a physical barrier against debris and saves your lens from permanent damage if you accidentally drop it.
Can I stack other filters on top of my UV filter?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Stacking a Circular Polarizer or ND filter on top of a UV filter increases the distance between the glass and the sensor, which can lead to vignetting (dark corners). More importantly, every layer of glass you add slightly degrades image quality. It’s better to remove your UV filter before putting on a different creative filter for the best possible results.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best filter for your Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 depends on your shooting style. If you want to maintain the highest image quality for portraits and travel, the Hoya NXT Plus is my top recommendation. For those who just want basic protection for a cheap lens, the Tiffen or Amazon Basics filters will do the job perfectly. If you plan on keeping your 52mm filters for years to come across multiple lenses, investing in the premium B+W is a choice you won’t regret.