Best UV Filter for Meike 35mm f/1.7
Protecting your Meike 35mm f/1.7 is a smart move, but finding the right UV filter involves more than just picking the first 49mm ring you see. While this lens is a budget-friendly gem known for its characterful bokeh, a low-quality filter can introduce nasty flaring or soft edges that ruin its vintage charm. After testing several options on my own APS-C setup, I’ve found that the Hoya NXT Plus offers the perfect balance of clarity and ruggedness for this specific glass.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
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 my go-to recommendation because it feels like it was designed for lenses like the Meike 35mm f/1.7. It features high-quality Schott glass with a 10-layer multi-coating that significantly reduces reflections. When shooting into the sun, which the Meike often struggles with due to its simpler internal coatings, this Hoya filter actually helps maintain contrast. The waterproof top layer is a lifesaver; I’ve found that fingerprints and rain droplets wipe off with a single pass of a microfiber cloth, unlike cheaper filters that just smear the oils around. The aluminum frame is low-profile, ensuring no vignetting on APS-C sensors. While it costs a bit more than the lens’s entry-level competitors, the peace of mind and optical purity make it the most logical “set it and forget it” choice for your kit.
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K&F Concept Nano-X UV View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want high-end specs without the “brand name” tax, the K&F Concept Nano-X is an incredible value proposition. I’m consistently impressed by their 28-layer nano-coating, which provides 99.6% light transmission. This is crucial for the Meike 35mm f/1.7, as you don’t want to lose any of that “fast” f/1.7 light-gathering capability. The frame is made of aviation-grade aluminum and features a “trapezoidal” CNC pattern that makes it much easier to grip and unscrew than smooth-sided filters. In real-world use, it handles ghosting remarkably well for its price point. One minor drawback I’ve noticed is that the tint is exceptionally neutral, though in rare lighting, it can feel just a tiny bit cooler than the Hoya. However, for the price, getting scratch-resistant and oil-proof glass is a steal.
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Amazon Basics UV Protection View on Amazon View on B&H
Let’s be honest: the Meike 35mm f/1.7 is a very affordable lens. If you’ve only spent $80 on the lens, you might not want to spend $40 on a filter. The Amazon Basics UV filter is the perfect “sacrificial” barrier. It’s a simple piece of glass that will protect your front element from scratches, dust, and cat whiskers. While it lacks the advanced multi-coatings of Hoya or B+W, it does the job for general daytime shooting. You will notice some increased flare if you shoot directly into streetlights at night, and it’s a bit harder to clean than nano-coated options. However, for a beginner who just wants to make sure they don’t scratch their first prime lens while learning manual focus, this is an honest, functional, and incredibly cheap solution.
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B+W 49mm 010 UV-Haze MRC nano View on Amazon View on B&H
The B+W 010 MRC nano is widely considered the gold standard in the photography world. Why put a premium filter on a Meike lens? Because the Meike’s manual focus experience is so tactile and mechanical that it deserves a filter with a brass frame. Aluminum filters can sometimes “bind” or get stuck on the lens threads due to temperature changes; brass doesn’t. Optically, the Schott glass used here is flawless. The MRC nano coating is incredibly slick—dust simply slides off. I’ve used this filter in salt-spray environments by the ocean, and it protected my lens while being effortless to clean afterward. If you plan on keeping your 49mm filters for future lenses (like a Fujifilm 35mm f/2 or a Sony 50mm f/1.8), investing in this B+W now is a move you won’t regret.
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Tiffen 49mm UV Protection Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
The Tiffen 49mm UV is a classic that has lived in camera bags for decades. Unlike many modern filters that use coatings, Tiffen uses their proprietary ColorCore process, laminating the filter material between two pieces of optical glass. This makes the filter extremely durable. You’ll find this filter in almost every camera shop on earth for a reason: it’s reliable. On the Meike 35mm f/1.7, it provides a very slight warming effect that some photographers actually prefer for portraiture. You won’t get the fancy “water-beading” coatings of the Hoya or K&F, so you’ll need to be a bit more careful when cleaning it to avoid streaks. But for a sturdy, Made-in-the-USA filter that does exactly what it says on the tin, Tiffen is a very respectable choice.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a UV Filter
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya NXT Plus | All-around use | ★★★★★ | Check |
| K&F Nano-X | Maximum features | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Amazon Basics | Lowest cost | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| B+W 010 MRC | Professional build | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Tiffen UV | Durability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the filter thread size for the Meike 35mm f/1.7?
The Meike 35mm f/1.7 uses a 49mm filter thread. This is a very common size, which is great because it means you can easily find high-quality filters and even share them with other popular lenses like the Sony 50mm f/1.8 or many vintage Pentax Takumar lenses. Always double-check the front of your lens barrel where “ø49” should be printed to confirm.
Will a UV filter affect the bokeh of my Meike lens?
Technically, any piece of glass you put in front of a lens can slightly impact the image, but a high-quality UV filter will not noticeably change the bokeh. The Meike is loved for its soft, swirly out-of-focus areas. As long as you use a multi-coated filter like the Hoya or K&F, your bokeh will remain just as beautiful and creamy as without the filter.
Do I really need a UV filter for a budget lens?
While the Meike 35mm f/1.7 is affordable, replacing a scratched front element is impossible—you’d have to buy a whole new lens. A UV filter acts as a cheap insurance policy. I find it especially useful when shooting at events or outdoors where dust, fingerprints, or accidental bumps against a table could happen. It’s much easier to clean a filter than a lens element.
Does the UV filter help with image quality on digital cameras?
On modern digital sensors, the “UV” part of the filter doesn’t do much because sensors already have UV/IR cut filters built-in. However, the protection factor is the real benefit. That said, a high-quality filter can actually improve your “perceived” image quality by reducing haze in distant landscapes and protecting the lens’s own coatings from being worn down by frequent cleaning.
Can I still use my lens cap with these filters?
Yes, all the filters recommended here feature front threads, allowing you to snap your original Meike 49mm lens cap directly onto the filter. Some ultra-slim filters can occasionally be a bit “slippery” for certain caps, but with the 49mm size, you should have no issues with the standard pinch-style caps that come with the Meike lens.
Final Verdict
For most Meike 35mm f/1.7 owners, the Hoya NXT Plus is the winning choice because it offers professional-grade cleaning ease without a massive price tag. If you are a professional using this lens for its unique look, the B+W is worth the investment. However, even the basic Amazon filter is better than no protection at all, especially if you’re just starting your photography journey and want to keep your gear pristine.