Best UV Filters for Meike 85mm f/1.8 Lens
The Meike 85mm f/1.8 is a fantastic, budget-friendly portrait “bokeh beast,” but its large front element is a total magnet for fingerprints and dust. As someone who has shot with these affordable primes for years, I know the heartbreak of a scratched lens all too well. You need a 67mm UV filter that offers protection without introducing ghosting or ruining that sharp wide-open performance. Our top pick, the Hoya NXT Plus, provides the perfect balance of clarity and durability for this specific lens.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best UV Filters for Meike 85mm f/1.8: 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 85mm f/1.8. I’ve found that many budget filters tend to introduce a slight yellow cast or weird internal reflections when shooting backlit portraits, but the Hoya remains incredibly neutral. It features a low-profile aluminum frame that won’t cause vignetting, though that’s rarely an issue on an 85mm prime anyway. The real magic is in the 10 layers of multi-coating, which boast a 98% light transmission rate. This ensures your Meike lens retains its contrast even in tricky lighting. One minor drawback is that the ring can occasionally be a bit grippy, making it slightly tough to remove if overtightened, but the waterproof top coat makes wiping away smudges a breeze during a busy shoot.
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K&F Concept Nano-K Series View on Amazon View on B&H
The K&F Concept Nano-K series is an absolute steal for the price, offering features usually reserved for filters twice as expensive. When I first paired this with the Meike 85mm, I was impressed by the “Nano” coating, which actually works to repel water and oil. If you’re shooting outdoor portraits and a bit of mist or rain hits your lens, the water beads off rather than smearing. The glass is imported Japanese optical glass, which maintains the sharpness Meike users love. While it’s slightly more prone to flare than the Hoya when shooting directly into the sun, it’s vastly superior to generic, non-coated filters. It’s the perfect middle ground for the hobbyist who wants professional-grade protection without a professional-grade price tag. The slim design also makes it very easy to stack with a circular polarizer if needed.
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Tiffen UV Protector View on Amazon View on B&H
Tiffen is a household name in the industry, and their basic UV Protector is often the first filter most photographers own. It’s incredibly cheap, often priced under $15, which aligns well with the budget-friendly nature of the Meike 85mm. It’s essentially a transparent shield for your glass. You won’t find fancy multi-coatings here, which means you might notice some extra lens flare or a slight drop in contrast when shooting in harsh, direct light. However, for general indoor use or overcast days, it performs admirably. I recommend this primarily for photographers who are rough on their gear and want a “disposable” layer of protection. If the Tiffen gets scratched, it’s cheap enough to replace without a second thought. Just be prepared to spend an extra minute in post-production fixing contrast if you’re shooting into the light.
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B+W 67mm Master UV-Haze View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’re using the Meike 85mm for paid gigs, the B+W Master series is the ultimate investment. What sets this apart is the brass frame. Unlike aluminum, brass doesn’t “bind” or cross-thread as easily, ensuring it glides onto your Meike lens perfectly every time. The glass is Schott glass—the same stuff used in high-end German lenses—and the MRC Nano coating is exceptionally robust. It’s almost impossible to scratch this filter during normal cleaning. In my testing, the light transmission is so high that you effectively cannot tell there is a filter on the lens, even when looking at pixel-peeping crops of sharp eyelashes. It’s a bit overkill for a budget lens, but if you value your time and image quality above all else, this is the “buy it once” option that will likely outlive the lens itself.
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Sigma 67mm WR UV Filter View on Amazon View on B&H
Sigma’s WR (Water-Repellent) series is a sleeper hit. What I love about this filter on the Meike 85mm is its anti-static property. If you find yourself shooting in dusty environments, you’ll notice that some filters actually “pull” dust toward them via static electricity. The Sigma does the opposite, making it much easier to blow off stray particles with a simple rocket blower. The optical quality is top-tier, designed to meet the standards of Sigma’s own high-end Art lenses. It’s thin, lightweight, and features a very subtle black rimmed glass to reduce internal reflections. It sits comfortably between the K&F and the B+W in terms of price and performance. It’s a great “boutique” choice for those who want something reliable that doesn’t scream “budget” but still respects your wallet.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a UV Filter for the Meike 85mm
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya NXT Plus | Balanced Performance | ★★★★★ | Check |
| K&F Concept Nano-K | Outdoor Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Tiffen UV Protector | Basic Protection | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| B+W Master UV | Pro Durability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Sigma WR UV | Cleanliness | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Meike 85mm f/1.8 really need a UV filter?
While digital sensors aren’t sensitive to UV light like film was, a UV filter acts as a sacrificial layer. The Meike 85mm has a relatively large front element that is easily exposed to scratches and oil. It’s much cheaper to replace a $25 filter than it is to repair the front element of the lens or deal with the resale value drop of scratched glass.
Will a UV filter affect the bokeh quality of this lens?
If you use a high-quality multi-coated filter like the Hoya or B+W, you won’t notice any change in the bokeh. However, very cheap, non-coated filters can occasionally cause “ghosting” where highlights are reflected back onto the glass, creating double images or softening the edges of your out-of-focus highlights. Stick to the recommendations above to avoid this issue.
What size filter does the Meike 85mm f/1.8 use?
The Meike 85mm f/1.8 (whether for Sony E, Nikon F, or Canon EF mount) uses a 67mm filter thread. Always double-check the front of your specific lens barrel; it should have a small circle with a line through it followed by “67” (ø67). This is the diameter you need for any UV, CPL, or ND filters you plan to buy.
Can I leave the UV filter on all the time?
Yes, most photographers use UV filters as permanent protection. The only time I’d suggest removing it is if you are shooting directly into a very bright light source (like a sunset or a studio strobe) and you notice unwanted flare. Even the best filters can occasionally catch a weird reflection in extreme lighting scenarios that the bare lens might handle slightly better.
Does a UV filter slow down the autofocus on the Meike?
No, a UV filter is completely transparent and does not affect the amount of light reaching the sensor in a way that would impact the phase-detect or contrast-detect autofocus systems. As long as the filter is clean, your Meike 85mm will focus just as fast as it does without the filter attached. Just keep the glass free of heavy smudges or grease.
Final Verdict
For most Meike 85mm owners, the Hoya NXT Plus is the smartest investment—it protects your lens without introducing any optical flaws. If you’re on a tight budget, the K&F Concept offers surprisingly good performance for the money. Professional portrait photographers who want the absolute best should opt for the B+W Master. Whichever you choose, getting a 67mm UV filter is the best way to ensure your portrait lens stays in mint condition for years.