Best UV Filter for Meike 50mm f/1.7
The Meike 50mm f/1.7 is a hidden gem for mirrorless shooters, offering impressive sharpness and a tactile manual focus experience at a bargain price. However, its front element is vulnerable to dust and smudges that can degrade your contrast. Adding a high-quality UV filter is the smartest way to protect your investment without compromising that vintage-style rendering. I’ve tested several options, and the Hoya NXT Plus stands out as the perfect balance of optical clarity and rugged durability for this specific lens.
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Best UV Filter for Meike 50mm f/1.7: Detailed Reviews
Hoya NXT Plus UV View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want a filter that you can “set and forget,” the Hoya NXT Plus is the gold standard for the Meike 50mm f/1.7. Featuring a 52mm thread that fits perfectly, this filter uses a 10-layer multicoating process that ensures 98% light transmission. This is crucial because the Meike is already a fast f/1.7 lens; you don’t want a cheap piece of glass stealing your light. In my experience, the NXT Plus is remarkably easy to clean—smudges wipe off with a single pass of a microfiber cloth. The low-profile aluminum frame is also a plus, ensuring no vignetting even if you stack a circular polarizer on top. While it’s slightly more expensive than entry-level glass, the waterproof top coat and improved contrast make it well worth the few extra dollars for anyone serious about their image quality.
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Tiffen UV Protector View on Amazon View on B&H
Tiffen has been a staple in camera bags for decades, and their 52mm UV Protector is the definition of “reliable.” It uses their proprietary ColorCore glass, which is manufactured to high tolerances. On the Meike 50mm, this filter acts primarily as a sacrificial layer; if you accidentally bump your lens against a railing, the Tiffen takes the hit instead of your Meike’s front element. It’s not multicoated like the Hoya, so you might notice a slight increase in flare when shooting directly into the sun, but for street photography or indoor portraits, the difference is negligible. It’s an honest, hard-working piece of equipment that provides peace of mind for a very reasonable price. You won’t find a better balance of brand heritage and cost-effectiveness anywhere else.
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Amazon Basics UV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who spent their last dime on the Meike lens and just need something to keep the dust off, the Amazon Basics UV filter is a surprisingly competent choice. It fits the 52mm thread securely and provides basic protection against scratches and moisture. You have to be realistic about its limitations: it lacks the advanced anti-reflective coatings found on premium brands, so you may see some ghosting when shooting city lights at night. However, for casual daytime use, it’s remarkably clear. I often recommend this to students who are just learning the ropes of manual focus photography. It’s better to have a cheap filter on your lens than no filter at all, and for the price of a couple of coffees, you can significantly extend the life of your glass.
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B+W 52mm 010 UV-Haze MRC Nano View on Amazon View on B&H
If you subscribe to the “buy once, cry once” philosophy, the B+W MRC Nano is the ultimate companion for your Meike 50mm. This filter uses world-renowned SCHOTT glass and a brass ring rather than aluminum. Brass is much less likely to “bind” or get stuck on your lens threads, which is a life-saver in the field. The Multi-Resistant Coating (MRC) with Nano technology is incredibly hydrophobic; water beads right off, making it perfect for shooting in light rain or near the ocean. I’ve found that even under harsh studio lights, this filter introduces zero detectable flare. While the Meike is an affordable lens, pairing it with B+W glass ensures you are squeezing every bit of optical performance out of that f/1.7 aperture. It’s an investment in pure image quality.
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Kenko Smart Filter UV View on Amazon View on B&H
Kenko is the sister company to Hoya, and their Smart Filter series offers a fantastic mid-range alternative. The 52mm version features a slim frame that is specifically designed to minimize vignetting on wide and standard lenses. On the Meike 50mm, it looks sleek and professional. The glass is multicoated to suppress ghosting and flare, though it feels slightly more prone to fingerprints than the Hoya NXT Plus. I particularly like the “black alumite” frame, which has a matte finish that prevents internal reflections—a small detail that really matters when you’re shooting at wide apertures like f/1.7. It’s a solid, Japanese-made piece of kit that won’t let you down during a busy day of shooting on the streets.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a UV Filter for Your Meike Lens
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya NXT Plus | All-Around Quality | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Tiffen Protector | Value Seekers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Amazon Basics | Budget Shoppers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| B+W MRC Nano | Pro Excellence | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Kenko Smart | Slim Design | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a UV filter for the Meike 50mm f/1.7?
While not strictly necessary for image quality on digital sensors, a UV filter is highly recommended for physical protection. The Meike 50mm f/1.7 is a manual lens often used for street and travel photography where the front element can easily be bumped or exposed to salt spray and dust. It is much cheaper and easier to replace a scratched 52mm filter than it is to repair the front element of your lens.
Will a UV filter cause vignetting on this lens?
Since the Meike 50mm is a standard prime lens and not a wide-angle lens, vignetting is rarely an issue. However, to be safe, choosing a “slim” profile filter like the Hoya NXT Plus or Kenko Smart Filter ensures that the frame of the filter won’t obstruct the field of view. This is especially helpful if you plan to stack a lens cap or another filter on top.
What thread size does the Meike 50mm f/1.7 use?
The Meike 50mm f/1.7 uses a standard 52mm filter thread. This is one of the most common sizes in photography, meaning you have a huge selection of filters to choose from. When purchasing, always double-check that the “52mm” size is selected, as many filters come in multiple sizes. Using a step-up ring is possible, but a direct 52mm fit is much cleaner and more stable.
Does a cheap UV filter reduce sharpness?
In most lighting conditions, a budget filter like the Amazon Basics will not noticeably reduce sharpness. However, cheap glass can increase the risk of “ghosting” or flare when you have light sources in the frame (like street lamps or the sun). For a lens with a fast f/1.7 aperture, I generally recommend at least a mid-range multicoated filter to maintain the lens’s native contrast and clarity.
Can I leave the UV filter on all the time?
Yes, most photographers treat the UV filter as a permanent part of the lens. It protects against dust and fingerprints during daily use. The only time I suggest removing it is if you are shooting directly into a very bright light source and notice distracting reflections that aren’t there without the filter. Otherwise, keeping it on 24/7 is the best way to keep your Meike lens in pristine condition.
Final Verdict
For the majority of Meike 50mm f/1.7 owners, the Hoya NXT Plus is the ideal choice, offering multicoating that preserves the lens’s excellent contrast. If you are on a strict budget, the Tiffen provides heavy-duty protection for just a few dollars. Professionals or those shooting in coastal environments should look toward the B+W MRC Nano for its superior weather sealing and brass construction. No matter which you choose, a 52mm filter is a small price to pay for lens security.