Best Lens Filter for Meike 50mm f/1.7 Lens
The Meike 50mm f/1.7 is a hidden gem, offering impressive sharpness and a fast aperture for a bargain price. However, its exposed front element is a magnet for dust and fingerprints, which can soften your images over time. Finding the right 52mm filter is essential to preserve that clarity without adding unwanted flare. After testing several options on my own Meike prime, I’ve found the Hoya NXT Plus to be the perfect companion for most shooters.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Lens Filter for Meike 50mm f/1.7: Detailed Reviews
Hoya NXT Plus UV View on Amazon View on B&H
The Hoya NXT Plus UV is arguably the best “set-and-forget” filter for the Meike 50mm f/1.7. Since the Meike lens already punches above its weight class in terms of contrast, you don’t want a cheap piece of glass degrading that performance. This filter features a high-quality Schott glass construction with a 10-layer multi-coating that boasts a 98% light transmission rate. In my field tests, I noticed virtually no ghosting or flare, even when shooting into direct afternoon sun. The waterproof top coat is a lifesaver; if you accidentally smudge it while adjusting the Meike’s manual focus ring, a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth clears it instantly. While it costs a bit more than entry-level filters, the peace of mind and image quality retention make it the superior choice for this specific prime lens.
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K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND View on Amazon View on B&H
The whole point of owning an f/1.7 lens is to get that creamy, shallow depth of field. However, on a bright day, even a 1/4000 shutter speed might not be fast enough to keep your image from blowing out at f/1.7. That’s where the K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND comes in. It allows you to dial down the light entering the lens, effectively letting you shoot at wide apertures in high noon sun. This filter is part of their “Nano-X” series, which means it uses high-definition optical glass and multi-layer coatings to prevent the dreaded “X-pattern” common in cheaper variable NDs. For video shooters using the Meike 50mm, this is an absolute necessity to maintain the 180-degree shutter rule. It offers professional-grade utility at a fraction of the cost of premium brands like PolarPro.
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Amazon Basics UV 52mm View on Amazon View on B&H
Let’s be honest: the Meike 50mm f/1.7 is a budget lens (usually under $100). Not everyone wants to spend half the cost of the lens on a filter. The Amazon Basics UV filter is the “insurance policy” for the minimalist. It’s a straightforward piece of glass that serves one primary purpose: taking the hit so your lens doesn’t. If you’re hiking through brush or shooting in a dusty environment, this filter will catch the grit. While it lacks the advanced anti-reflective coatings of the Hoya, it doesn’t noticeably impact sharpness in casual everyday shooting. You might see a bit more flare when shooting directly into streetlights at night, but for the price of a couple of coffees, it’s hard to complain. It’s the perfect choice for students or hobbyists who just want to keep their front element pristine.
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B+W 52mm Master 010 UV-Haze View on Amazon View on B&H
If you treat your Meike lens like a Leica, then the B+W Master 010 UV is the only filter you should consider. B+W is legendary for their brass filter rings, which don’t bind or “stick” to the lens threads like aluminum ones do. This is a huge advantage if you frequently swap filters. The glass is Schott-made and features the MRC Nano coating, which is incredibly resistant to water, oil, and scratches. When I use this on the Meike 50mm, the colors feel just a tiny bit more saturated and the micro-contrast is perfectly preserved. It’s an over-engineered piece of equipment for a budget lens, but if you eventually upgrade to more expensive 52mm glass (like some Nikon Z or Fuji X primes), this filter will stay in your kit forever. It’s the ultimate investment in optical quality.
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Tiffen 52mm Black Pro-Mist 1/4 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Meike 50mm f/1.7 can sometimes feel a bit “clinical” or overly sharp for certain portrait styles. To add some character, I love throwing on the Tiffen Black Pro-Mist 1/4. This isn’t a protective filter; it’s a creative tool. It works by slightly lowering contrast and creating a soft “glow” or bloom around highlights (like streetlights or windows). It also subtly softens skin textures, making it a favorite for female portraiture without looking like a cheesy “soft focus” filter from the 80s. When paired with the Meike’s f/1.7 aperture, you get a beautiful, filmic look that is hard to replicate in post-processing. If you find your digital photos look too “perfect” and digital, this filter provides that organic, atmospheric touch that makes portraits pop.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Filter for the Meike 50mm f/1.7
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya NXT Plus UV | Everyday Use | ★★★★★ | Check |
| K&F Nano-X ND | Daylight Bokeh | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Amazon Basics UV | Cheap Protection | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| B+W Master UV | Max Quality | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Tiffen Black Pro-Mist | Cinematic Look | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the filter thread size for the Meike 50mm f/1.7?
The Meike 50mm f/1.7 lens has a standard 52mm filter thread. This is a very common size among small prime lenses, making it easy to find high-quality filters from almost every major brand. Always check the front of your lens barrel or the inside of the lens cap where “ø52” is usually printed to confirm you are buying the correct size for your specific version.
Do I need a slim filter for this lens?
Because 50mm is a “normal” focal length (and even slightly telephoto on APS-C sensors), you don’t strictly need a “slim” or “ultra-slim” filter to avoid vignetting. Standard depth filters will work perfectly fine. However, most modern high-quality filters like the Hoya NXT Plus or B+W Master are naturally slim anyway, which helps if you plan on stacking a second filter (like a CPL) on top.
Will a UV filter affect the manual focus of the Meike?
The filter itself won’t affect the internal mechanics of the manual focus. However, because the Meike 50mm f/1.7 is a compact lens, adding a very thick or heavy filter can sometimes make it slightly more crowded to grip the focus ring if you have large hands. Choosing a filter with a knurled edge can actually provide a bit more tactile surface to help you grip the lens while shooting.
Should I get a Variable ND or a Fixed ND for this lens?
For most users of the Meike 50mm, a Variable ND is more practical. Since this is a manual lens, you’re already doing a lot of tactile adjustments. A Variable ND like the K&F Nano-X allows you to quickly adjust to changing light without swapping pieces of glass. Fixed NDs are slightly better for long exposure photography, but for general “bokeh” control, Variable is the way to go.
Does the Meike 50mm f/1.7 come with a filter?
No, Meike usually only includes front and rear lens caps and a small microfiber cloth in the box. Some bundle deals on sites like Amazon might include a cheap generic UV filter, but these are often low-quality glass that can cause flare. It is almost always better to buy the lens and a reputable filter separately to ensure you are getting the best image quality.
Final Verdict
For most photographers, the **Hoya NXT Plus** is the ideal choice because it protects the Meike’s glass without degrading image quality. If you find yourself shooting video or outdoor portraits in bright sun, the **K&F Concept Variable ND** is a functional necessity to keep that aperture at f/1.7. Finally, if you’re just looking for the cheapest way to keep dust off your sensor, the **Amazon Basics UV** gets the job done reliably.