Best UV Filter for Meike Lenses
Meike lenses have carved out a fantastic niche by offering impressive optical performance at prices that don’t break the bank. However, whether you’re shooting with their popular 85mm f/1.8 AF or a manual 35mm prime, that front glass is vulnerable to dust and scratches. I’ve found that pairing these lenses with the right UV filter is essential for peace of mind. While the Hoya NXT Plus is my top recommendation for its clarity, choosing the right fit depends on your specific Meike model and shooting environment.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best UV Filter for Meike Lenses: Detailed Reviews
Hoya NXT Plus UV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
The Hoya NXT Plus is the gold standard for photographers who want professional-grade protection without a stratospheric price tag. When I tested this on the Meike 85mm f/1.8, I was struck by how it maintained the lens’s natural sharpness while virtually eliminating ghosting. It features a waterproof top coat, which is a lifesaver when you’re shooting in light drizzle or near misty waterfalls. The low-profile aluminum frame is well-machined, ensuring it doesn’t get stuck on your lens threads—a common issue with cheaper filters. While Meike lenses are affordable, their optics are surprisingly sharp, and the 98% light transmission of the Hoya ensures you aren’t losing any of that precious detail. The only minor drawback is that the glass can be a bit stubborn to clean if you get oily fingerprints on it, but a good microfiber cloth solves that quickly. It is an ideal companion for any serious hobbyist.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
K&F Concept Nano-K Series View on Amazon View on B&H
The K&F Concept Nano-K series strikes an incredible balance between cost and performance, making it the perfect match for the budget-friendly Meike lens lineup. Most people buying a Meike 35mm f/1.7 don’t want to spend half the cost of the lens on a filter, and the Nano-K respects that. It uses high-quality optical glass with 18 layers of coating to reduce reflections and improve durability. In my experience, the slim frame is particularly useful for Meike’s wider lenses, such as their 12mm f/2.8, as it prevents vignetting at the corners of the frame. The blue coating is effective at cutting through atmospheric haze, though it doesn’t quite match the color neutrality of higher-end filters like the B+W. However, for everyday street photography or casual portraits, the difference is negligible. It’s a rugged, reliable piece of kit that feels far more premium than its price tag suggests.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Amazon Basics UV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve just picked up a Meike lens for under $100 and simply want something to stop your kids’ sticky fingers or trail dust from touching the front element, the Amazon Basics UV filter is your answer. It is a no-frills, utilitarian piece of glass. It doesn’t feature the advanced multi-coatings found on the Hoya or B+W, which means you might notice a bit more lens flare when shooting directly into the sun. However, for general indoor use or overcast days, it performs admirably. I often recommend these for beginners who are still learning to handle their gear; it’s much better to scratch a $10 filter than a $150 lens. The frame is slightly thicker than “slim” variants, so be wary of using it on ultra-wide Meike lenses to avoid dark corners. For the price of a couple of coffees, it provides essential insurance for your optics.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
B+W 010 UV-Haze MRC nano View on Amazon View on B&H
The B+W 010 UV-Haze with MRC nano coating is widely considered the best in the business. While it might seem like overkill for Meike’s entry-level primes, it is a perfect match for the Meike Cine lens series (like the T2.2 range) where optical purity is non-negotiable. The frame is made of brass rather than aluminum, which means it’s much less likely to bind or cross-thread on your lens—something you’ll appreciate during quick lens changes on set. The nano-coating is incredibly hydrophobic; water beads up and rolls off instantly. I’ve used this filter in salt-spray environments and was able to clean it with a single wipe. It uses legendary Schott glass, ensuring that your Meike lens’s resolution isn’t degraded in the slightest. If you view your lenses as a long-term investment, this is the filter that will outlast the camera body itself.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Tiffen UV Protector View on Amazon View on B&H
Tiffen is a name synonymous with Hollywood, and their standard UV Protector is a workhorse. Unlike many modern filters that use thin coatings, Tiffen uses their ColorCore process to laminate the filter material between two pieces of optical glass. This makes the filter exceptionally tough against physical impact. I’ve found that Tiffen filters have a slightly “warm” characteristic that looks beautiful on Meike’s manual focus lenses, giving images a slightly more organic, film-like feel. It doesn’t have the fancy anti-reflective coatings of the Hoya, so you should expect some flare when shooting toward light sources—but many photographers actually find this flare pleasing and artistic. It’s a great, dependable option that is manufactured in the USA and offers a different tactile feel compared to the sleek, modern competition. It’s a solid choice for those who prefer a more traditional build quality.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose a UV Filter for Meike Lenses
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya NXT Plus | Balanced Performance | ★★★★★ | Check |
| K&F Concept Nano-K | Budget Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Amazon Basics UV | Pure Protection | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| B+W 010 MRC nano | Professional Quality | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Tiffen UV Protector | Impact Resistance | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Meike lenses really need a UV filter?
Technically, modern digital sensors have UV filtration built-in, so the “UV” aspect isn’t strictly necessary for image quality. However, from a protection standpoint, absolutely. Meike lenses often lack weather sealing, so a UV filter acts as a sacrificial layer against dust, moisture, and scratches. It’s much cheaper to replace a scratched filter than to repair the front element of a lens, even a budget-friendly one like Meike.
Will a UV filter make my Meike lens less sharp?
If you use a high-quality filter like the Hoya NXT Plus or B+W, the impact on sharpness is virtually invisible to the naked eye. However, very cheap, non-coated filters can cause a slight loss in contrast and increased flare when shooting into the sun. To maintain the optical performance Meike is known for, I recommend sticking to multi-coated (MC or MRC) filters rather than the absolute cheapest options.
How do I find the right filter size for my Meike lens?
You don’t need to guess! Look at the front of your lens; there is almost always a symbol that looks like a circle with a slash through it (ø) followed by a number like 49, 52, 55, or 67. That number is the millimeter diameter of the filter thread you need. If it’s not on the front, check the inside of your lens cap or the Meike product manual.
Can I stack a UV filter with a CPL (Polarizer)?
You can, but it’s generally not recommended. Stacking two filters increases the thickness of the frame, which can lead to vignetting (dark corners), especially on wider Meike lenses like the 25mm or 35mm. Additionally, every extra layer of glass can potentially introduce more reflections. If you need to use a polarizer, it’s best to remove the UV filter first for the cleanest possible shot.
Is there a difference between a UV filter and a Protector filter?
A “Protector” filter is just clear glass designed to shield the lens from physical damage. A UV filter does the same thing but also includes a coating to block ultraviolet light. For digital cameras, they are essentially interchangeable. Most photographers buy UV filters simply because they are more common and provide the same physical protection as a dedicated protector filter while also cutting out atmospheric haze.
Final Verdict
For most Meike lens owners, the Hoya NXT Plus offers the perfect intersection of quality and cost. If you are a professional using Meike Cine glass, the B+W is the only way to go. Beginners or casual shooters will find the K&F Concept or Amazon Basics filters more than adequate for daily protection. No matter which you choose, putting a piece of glass in front of your lens is a smart move for long-term durability.