Best UV Filter for Meike 85mm f/1.8
The Meike 85mm f/1.8 is a hidden gem for portrait photographers, offering impressive sharpness and bokeh at a fraction of the cost of first-party glass. However, its large front element is a magnet for dust and fingerprints. Finding the right 67mm UV filter is essential to protect your investment without degrading the lens’s surprising optical performance. After testing several options, I’ve found that the Hoya NXT Plus offers the perfect balance of clarity and durability for this specific lens.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best UV Filter for Meike 85mm f/1.8: Detailed Reviews
Hoya NXT Plus UV View on Amazon View on B&H
The Hoya NXT Plus UV is my top recommendation for the Meike 85mm f/1.8 because it mirrors the lens’s own value proposition: high performance without a premium price tag. It features a 10-layer multicoating that provides a 98% light transmission rate, ensuring that the Meike’s contrast remains punchy even in backlit situations. The waterproof top coat is a lifesaver; I’ve used this in light mist, and the droplets wipe away without leaving those annoying greasy streaks. The low-profile aluminum frame is well-constructed and doesn’t bind to the lens threads. While it’s slightly more expensive than entry-level filters, the peace of mind you get from the reinforced Schott glass is worth every penny. It doesn’t introduce any noticeable color cast, which is vital for keeping skin tones natural in your portraits. The only minor drawback is that the glass can be a bit reflective if a light source is directly hitting the filter at a sharp angle.
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K&F Concept Nano-K View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who spent their budget on the lens and need affordable protection, the K&F Concept Nano-K series is an outstanding value. I’ve been consistently impressed by K&F’s ability to offer professional-grade coatings at a fraction of the cost of legacy brands. This 67mm filter boasts 18 layers of coating, which significantly reduces ghosting and flare—common issues when shooting portraits near windows or streetlights. The “Nano” designation means the glass is scratch-resistant and moderately water-repellent. In practice, you’ll notice it feels much more premium than a standard “uncoated” filter. The ultra-slim frame prevents any mechanical vignetting, though that’s rarely an issue on an 85mm prime anyway. While the glass quality is excellent, I have found the threads can sometimes feel a bit “gritty” when first mounting them, so be careful not to cross-thread. Overall, it’s the smartest buy for someone who wants genuine optical quality without the “brand name” tax.
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Tiffen 67mm UV Protector View on Amazon View on B&H
The Tiffen UV Protector is the “old reliable” of the filter world. Unlike the more expensive options, this filter is generally not multi-coated. Instead, Tiffen uses their ColorCore process to laminate the filter material between two pieces of optical glass. If you’re shooting in a controlled studio environment where you just want to keep dust off the Meike 85mm’s front element, this is perfectly fine. However, you should be aware of its limitations: in high-contrast outdoor lighting, you might see more flare or a slight reduction in contrast compared to a coated filter. I often recommend Tiffen for beginners because the glass is surprisingly tough and the price is so low that if you scratch it, you won’t lose any sleep. It’s an honest, no-frills tool. It does exactly what it says on the box: it protects your lens from the elements. Just don’t expect it to perform miracles when shooting directly into the sun.
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B+W 67mm Master 010 UV-Haze MRC Nano View on Amazon View on B&H
If you believe in the “buy once, cry once” philosophy, the B+W Master series is the gold standard. While the Meike 85mm is an affordable lens, putting high-end German glass in front of it ensures you are getting 100% of the sensor’s potential. The MRC Nano coating is incredibly slick; fingerprints barely stick, and when they do, a quick breath and a cloth remove them instantly. My favorite part about B+W filters is the brass frame. Unlike aluminum frames, brass doesn’t “bind” or weld itself to your lens threads over time due to temperature changes. It feels substantial and premium in the hand. The optical quality is flawless, with zero impact on the beautiful bokeh the Meike is known for. You’re paying for the best materials and the tightest quality control in the industry. It’s overkill for some, but for a working pro, it’s the only filter I truly trust for critical work.
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Marumi DHG Super Lens Protect View on Amazon View on B&H
Marumi is often the “insider’s choice” for filters. Made in Japan, the DHG Super Lens Protect is specifically designed to be as transparent as possible while offering rugged outer coatings. I find this filter particularly useful if you frequently shoot weddings or events where champagne spray, cake, or sticky fingers might come into contact with your gear. The “Super” coating is exceptionally resistant to oils. During a recent outdoor shoot, I accidentally touched the glass, and the smudge was almost non-existent. It sits comfortably between the Hoya and the B+W in terms of price and performance. The matte black finishing on the outer rim of the glass (the “inked” edge) is a nice touch that helps minimize internal reflections. It’s a workhorse filter that doesn’t get as much marketing hype but delivers consistent, professional results every time you hit the shutter.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a UV Filter
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya NXT Plus | All-Rounders | ★★★★★ | Check |
| K&F Nano-K | Value Seekers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Tiffen UV | Extreme Budgets | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| B+W Master | Professionals | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Marumi DHG | Durability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a UV filter affect the bokeh of my Meike 85mm?
If you use a high-quality multicoated filter like the Hoya or B+W, the impact on bokeh is virtually non-existent. However, cheap, uncoated filters can cause “onion rings” or distracting reflections inside the out-of-focus highlights. For a portrait lens like the 85mm, the quality of the filter glass is paramount to preserving the smooth background blur that makes this focal length so popular for professional headshots and creative photography.
What size filter does the Meike 85mm f/1.8 take?
The Meike 85mm f/1.8 uses a 67mm filter thread. This is a very common size, which is great because you can easily find plenty of options in stock. Always double-check the front of your lens barrel or the inside of your lens cap; it will usually have a circle with a slash through it followed by “67” (Ø67). Buying the wrong size is a common mistake for beginners!
Do I really need a UV filter on a digital camera?
While modern digital sensors aren’t as sensitive to UV light as film was, a UV filter serves a critical secondary purpose: physical protection. It’s much cheaper to replace a $40 filter than it is to repair a scratched front element on your Meike lens. Additionally, filters make cleaning much easier, as you aren’t constantly rubbing a cloth against the lens’s specialized expensive coatings, which can wear down over many years.
Can I still use my lens hood with a UV filter?
Yes, absolutely. All the filters recommended here feature front threads that allow you to stack another filter (like a CPL) or attach your standard Meike lens hood. I always recommend using the lens hood even with a filter on, as the hood provides extra physical protection and further reduces the chance of stray light hitting the filter and causing flare, especially when shooting outdoors.
How do I clean my UV filter without scratching it?
First, use a blower to remove any loose grit or dust. Then, use a clean microfiber cloth or a dedicated lens cleaning tissue with a drop of lens cleaning solution. Wipe in a gentle circular motion starting from the center and moving outward. For filters with “Nano” coatings like the B+W or Hoya NXT Plus, you’ll find that oils and moisture wipe away much faster than on standard glass filters.
Final Verdict
For most Meike 85mm owners, the Hoya NXT Plus is the clear winner, offering professional-grade clarity that matches the lens’s capabilities. If you’re a professional who demands the absolute best in build quality, the B+W Master is a worthy investment. However, if you’re just starting out and want to keep your lens safe from scratches without breaking the bank, the K&F Nano-K provides surprisingly good performance for the money. Protect your glass and enjoy shooting!