Best UV Filter for Meike 35mm f/1.7
The Meike 35mm f/1.7 is a beloved “nifty fifty” equivalent for mirrorless shooters, offering a tactile manual experience and beautiful bokeh at a bargain price. However, its front element is quite exposed, making it a magnet for fingerprints and dust. To keep your glass pristine without degrading that signature character, finding the right UV filter is essential. After testing several options on my own Fuji and Sony setups, I’ve found the Hoya NXT Plus to be the perfect companion for this specific lens.
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Best UV Filter for Meike 35mm f/1.7: Detailed Reviews
Hoya NXT Plus UV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
The Hoya NXT Plus is the “goldilocks” of UV filters for the Meike 35mm f/1.7. Since this lens is often used for street photography and travel, you need a filter that handles harsh light without introducing ghosting. The 10 layers of Hoya’s proprietary multicoating ensure a 98% light transmission rate, which is impressive at this price point. I’ve noticed that it’s significantly easier to clean than cheaper alternatives; a quick swipe with a microfiber cloth usually removes oils that would smear on budget glass. The low-profile aluminum frame is a great match for the Meike’s compact aesthetic and won’t cause vignetting. While it isn’t as indestructible as Hoya’s “HD” series, it offers professional-grade optical purity that won’t bottleneck the surprisingly sharp resolution of your Meike prime. It is simply the most logical choice for a $80-$100 lens.
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K&F Concept Nano-K Series UV View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want modern coatings without spending more than $20, the K&F Concept Nano-K is an absolute steal. K&F has disrupted the market recently, and this filter shows why. It features 18 layers of multicoating which does a fantastic job of reducing the blue cast often found in high-altitude or seaside shots. What I particularly love about this on the Meike 35mm is the ultra-slim frame. Since the Meike is already a very small lens, bulky filters can make it look awkward, but the Nano-K is almost invisible once screwed on. The knurled edges make it easy to grip, which is a lifesaver when you’re out in the cold with gloves on. While it doesn’t feel quite as “premium” in the hand as a Hoya or B+W, the optical impact is negligible. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” protector for casual weekend adventures.
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Amazon Basics UV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
Let’s be honest: some people just want a cheap piece of glass to take the hit if they bump their camera into a table. The Amazon Basics UV filter is exactly that. It doesn’t have fancy nano-coatings or high-transmission Schott glass, but it costs less than a lunch. For a lens like the Meike 35mm f/1.7, which itself is a budget-friendly option, spending $40 on a filter might feel wrong. This filter gets the job done by shielding your front element from scratches and dust. The downside? You will notice more lens flare when shooting directly into the sun, and it can be a bit of a pain to clean because smudge-resistant coatings are absent. However, for indoor shooting or controlled environments, it’s a perfectly functional sacrificial layer. If you break it, you won’t cry—you’ll just buy another one.
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B+W 010 UV-Haze MRC nano (XS-Pro) View on Amazon View on B&H
The B+W 010 is widely considered the best UV filter in the world, and for good reason. While putting a $50+ filter on an $80 lens might seem like overkill, if you plan on using this 49mm filter across multiple lenses (like the Sony 35mm f/1.8 or Fuji 16mm f/2.8), it’s a wise investment. The brass ring is the standout feature; unlike aluminum, brass doesn’t “bind” or get stuck on your lens threads as easily. The MRC nano coating is incredibly slick, causing water and oil to bead right off. In my experience, B+W filters have the least impact on color temperature, maintaining the Meike’s natural, slightly warm rendering. It’s a tank of a filter that will likely outlast the lens itself. If you demand the absolute highest optical quality and a frame that won’t jam, this is the one.
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Tiffen UV Protection Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
Tiffen is a household name in the US film industry, and their standard UV filter is a workhorse. Unlike Hoya or B+W which use coatings, Tiffen uses their ColorCore process to laminate the filter material between two pieces of optical glass. The benefit here is that the optical properties are very consistent. I find Tiffen filters to be extremely rugged; they can handle a beating in a gear bag without the glass getting loose. However, they lack the multi-coatings found on the NXT Plus, meaning they are more prone to internal reflections when shooting city lights at night. On the Meike 35mm f/1.7, this can actually be a “vibe”—sometimes the extra flare adds to the vintage manual lens aesthetic. If you want a brand you can trust that’s readily available at any camera shop in the world, Tiffen is the standard.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a UV Filter for the Meike 35mm f/1.7
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya NXT Plus | Best Overall | ★★★★★ | Check |
| K&F Nano-K | Best Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Amazon Basics | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| B+W 010 MRC | Premium | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Tiffen UV | Durability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the filter size for the Meike 35mm f/1.7?
The Meike 35mm f/1.7 uses a 49mm filter thread. This is a standard size shared by many small mirrorless lenses. Always check the front of your lens barrel or the inside of the lens cap where the “ø49” symbol is usually printed to confirm the diameter before making a purchase.
Does a UV filter affect the bokeh of the Meike lens?
Generally, no. A high-quality UV filter is optically neutral and won’t change the shape or quality of the bokeh. However, a very cheap, uncoated filter might introduce “onion rings” or internal reflections in out-of-focus highlights if you’re shooting bright light sources at night.
Do I really need a UV filter for digital cameras?
Modern digital sensors are already shielded from UV light, so the “UV haze” reduction is minimal. Today, we use them primarily as physical protection. It’s much cheaper to replace a $20 filter than to repair a scratched front element on your Meike lens.
Can I stack a CPL filter on top of the UV filter?
Yes, you can, but it’s not recommended. Stacking two filters increases the risk of vignetting (dark corners) and adds more glass surfaces that can cause flare. For the best results, remove the UV filter before attaching a Circular Polarizer or ND filter.
Will the lens cap still fit over the UV filter?
Yes, all the filters recommended here have front threads that allow you to snap your original Meike lens cap directly onto the filter. Just ensure you aren’t using a “unthreaded” specialty filter, which is rare for standard UV protection.
Final Verdict
For most Meike 35mm f/1.7 owners, the **Hoya NXT Plus** is the best investment—it protects your lens without compromising its image quality. If you’re on a strict budget, the **K&F Concept Nano-K** offers surprisingly good coatings for the price. Professional shooters who want a filter that will last a lifetime should opt for the **B+W 010**, but for a lens in this price bracket, it’s a luxury rather than a necessity.