Best Lens Filter for Meike 35mm f/1.7
The Meike 35mm f/1.7 is a beloved “nifty fifty” equivalent for mirrorless shooters, offering incredible bokeh and tactile manual focus for a steal. However, its front element is prone to flare and accidental scratches. Finding the right 49mm filter is essential to preserve image quality without overspending. After testing various options on my Sony a6000 and Fujifilm bodies, Iβve found that the Hoya NXT Plus offers the perfect balance of clarity and protection for this specific lens.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Lens 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 gold standard for a lens like the Meike 35mm f/1.7. While the Meike is an affordable lens, its glass is surprisingly capable, and you don’t want to bottleneck that performance with cheap plastic. The NXT Plus features a waterproof top coat and 10 layers of anti-reflective multi-coating, which is vital because the Meike 35mm can sometimes struggle with internal reflections when shooting toward light sources. In my experience, this filter actually helps manage ghosting better than the bare lens. The low-profile aluminum frame ensures there is zero vignetting, even when shooting wide open at f/1.7. Itβs easy to clean, doesn’t attract dust, and provides that peace of mind you need when street shooting. It might cost a third of the lens itself, but the optical purity is worth every penny for consistent results.
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K&F Concept Slim MCUV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
If you bought the Meike 35mm because you wanted a high-quality experience on a budget, the K&F Concept Slim MCUV is your perfect match. It offers a 99% transmission rate, which is impressive for a filter at this price point. Iβve noticed that it maintains the Meikeβs characteristic “vintage” contrast without adding an annoying yellow or blue tint. The build quality is surprisingly rugged; the aviation-grade aluminum feels substantial and screws onto the 49mm threads smoothly without binding. While it doesn’t have the fancy nano-coatings of the Hoya, it still resists fingerprints better than most budget options. For casual weekend photographers who want to keep their lens safe from sand or stray fingers without spending a fortune, this is the most logical choice. Itβs a workhorse filter that doesn’t pretend to be more than it is, delivering honest protection and clear shots.
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Amazon Basics UV Protection Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
The Amazon Basics UV filter is the “emergency” option that everyone should have in their bag. It is fundamentally a piece of protective glass, and while it lacks the sophisticated multi-coatings found in Hoya or B+W, it does its primary job: absorbing ultraviolet light and shielding your Meike’s front element from the elements. You might notice a bit more flare when shooting directly into the sun compared to more expensive filters, but for most everyday situations, the difference is negligible. I often recommend this to beginners who are just learning manual focus with the Meike; it allows you to be a bit more reckless in your exploration without worrying about damaging your equipment. Itβs cheap enough to be disposableβif it gets a major scratch, you just replace it for the price of a coffee. Just keep a microfiber cloth handy, as it tends to smudge more easily than premium glass.
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B+W 49mm 010 UV-Haze MRC nano View on Amazon View on B&H
Putting a B+W filter on a Meike lens is like putting premium tires on a budget sports carβit maximizes every ounce of performance. The MRC nano coating is legendary for being incredibly easy to clean; water literally beads off. Unlike aluminum filters that can sometimes “bind” or get stuck on the lens threads, B+W uses heavy brass rings that are far less likely to jam. The glass itself is sourced from Schott, the same company that provides glass for Zeiss. While some might argue it’s overkill for a $70 lens, I find that if you plan on eventually upgrading to more expensive 49mm glass (like the Sony 35mm f/1.8 or Fuji 16mm f/2.8), this is an investment that will outlast the Meike lens itself. It offers the most neutral color rendition possible, ensuring that the Meike’s unique rendering isn’t altered by the filter. It’s the “buy it once” solution for serious photographers.
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Tiffen 49mm Black Pro-Mist 1/4 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Meike 35mm f/1.7 is often praised for its “vintage” soul, and nothing leans into that aesthetic better than the Tiffen Black Pro-Mist 1/4. This isn’t a protective UV filter; it’s a creative tool. It subtly softens highlights, creates a gentle “bloom” around lights, and slightly lowers contrast without destroying detail. On the Meike, which is already a bit softer at f/1.7, this filter creates a dreamlike, cinematic look that is perfect for late-night street photography or portraits. Youβll notice that skin tones look smoother and the digital “harshness” of modern sensors is tempered. I love using this combination for video work where I want a more organic, filmic feel. Itβs a specialty item, but for the Meike 35mm owner who wants to create art rather than just take snapshots, itβs an incredibly fun and rewarding addition to the kit.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Filter for your Meike Lens
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya NXT Plus | Balanced Performance | β β β β β | Check |
| K&F Concept Slim | Value Shoppers | β β β β β | Check |
| Amazon Basics | Basic Protection | β β β β β | Check |
| B+W 010 UV-Haze | Maximum Durability | β β β β β | Check |
| Tiffen Black Pro-Mist | Cinematic Look | β β β β β | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
What filter size does the Meike 35mm f/1.7 use?
The Meike 35mm f/1.7 uses a standard 49mm filter thread. This is a very common size for smaller mirrorless prime lenses, which means you can easily find a wide variety of UV, CPL, and ND filters. Always double-check the front of your lens, as Meike occasionally updates their designs, but the f/1.7 version has consistently stayed at 49mm for years. Using a step-up ring is possible but usually unnecessary for this compact lens.
Is a UV filter really necessary for this lens?
While digital sensors don’t need UV protection as much as film, a filter acts as a physical barrier. The Meike 35mm f/1.7 doesn’t have a protective “front element” as robust as expensive L-series or G-Master glass. If you drop the lens or it bumps against a zipper, a $15 filter will shatter instead of your $70 lens. Itβs a cheap insurance policy that makes cleaning smudges much easier without risking the lens’s actual glass.
Will a filter cause vignetting on the Meike 35mm?
Since the Meike 35mm f/1.7 is designed for APS-C sensors, vignetting is rarely an issue with 49mm filters. However, if you stack multiple filters (like a UV and a CPL), you might see some darkening in the corners. To avoid this, always look for “Slim” or “Low Profile” filters. All the recommendations on this list are thin enough to avoid any mechanical vignetting, ensuring you get the full field of view without interference.
Can I use a lens hood and a filter at the same time?
Yes, you can. Most 49mm filters have front threads that allow you to screw a lens hood or another filter on top. Many Meike 35mm users prefer the screw-in metal “vented” hoods. These typically screw right into the front of your UV filter. Just be aware that adding a filter and a hood increases the length of the setup, but it won’t impact the image quality negatively if the filter is of decent quality.
How do I clean my lens filter properly?
The best way to clean a filter is to first use a blower to remove loose dust. Then, use a clean microfiber cloth or a LensPen. If there are oily fingerprints, a tiny drop of lens cleaning solution on the cloth (never directly on the glass) will do the trick. Premium filters like the B+W or Hoya NXT Plus have specialized coatings that make oil easier to wipe away compared to the more basic Amazon Basics or K&F filters.
Final Verdict
For most Meike 35mm f/1.7 owners, the Hoya NXT Plus is the clear winner because it protects your lens while actually improving flare resistance. If you are on a strict budget, the K&F Concept Slim offers nearly the same performance for less money. For those looking to experiment with a vintage, cinematic aesthetic, I highly recommend the Tiffen Black Pro-Mist to really unlock the creative character of this fantastic little manual lens.