Reduces ultraviolet light; helps eliminate bluish cast in images
Protects lens from dust, dirt, and scratches
Most popular protection filter; ideal for outdoor photography
Measures 72mm in diameter
Specification: AmazonBasics UV Protection Camera Lens Filter – 72mm
Product Dimensions
7.39 x 7.39 x 0.71 cm, 17.58 Grams
Date First Available
Nov. 26 2015
Manufacturer
AmazonBasics
Place of Business
Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Item model number
CF26-N-72
Country of origin
China
13 reviews for AmazonBasics UV Protection Camera Lens Filter – 72mm
3.2out of 5
★★★★★
★★★★★
5
★★★★★
0
★★★★★
3
★★★★★
2
★★★★★
3
Write a review
Show allMost HelpfulHighest RatingLowest Rating
★★★★★
Adam –
This thing really messes up the quality of photos and videos.
Don’t even bother getting one, it’s dreadful. And if you have one then you should remove it immediately or at least compare your shots with and without it, you’ll be shocked at how badly it messes up the quality of your shots.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Yuran Liu –
I should not expect too much from the price but because it is AmazonBasics product so just want to try it out. Unfortunately, the inner side refection of this UV filter is CRAZY. It reflect light from less than 30 degree angle like a mirror! Compare to other average price UV filters, I definitely recommend you to try other UV filter over CAD$20. Much better result. But for the people don’t care too much about very tiny image quality difference. You could still go with this UV filter.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
michel –
Prodotto economico… Son rimasto fregato da queat’articolo perché l’ho utilizzato per proteggere le lenti dal freddo durante un viaggio in Lapponia… Tutte le foto che avesssero un tempo di esposizione superiore al secondo presentavano una distorsione luminosa.. Si presentavano dei cerchi concentrici al centro dell’immagine che non si riescono ad attenuare o togliere se non distruggendo la foto.. Meno male che me ne sono accorto dopo la prima sera..altrimenti potevo buttare tutto… Cerco di allegare un pezzo di foto in cui si vede quel che resta dopo averci messo mani con photoshop per attenuare il disastro
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Carson Au –
They are OK, they are cheap but very reflective and if you include any light source in your framing you will see the reflection on the filter. I have used filters for 25 years and have never seen anything quite that bad.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Dr. Tim Parker –
These UV filters come in a plain Amazon box; nothing fancy (which also means no added costs imposed for packaging and presentation). These are also the least expensive UV filters I’ve ever seen, at a fraction of the price of my usual UV filters. So, how good are they?
Well, basically, if you are using inexpensive equipment, then you’ll be fine with these filters, but for expensive lens protection and UV filtering, there is a negative to these: they are simply not as good as some more-expensive filters. I compared this Amazon 72mm UV to two much-more-expensive filters and while the coating quality on the expensive filters was excellent, there’s some variation in coating visible under magnification on these Amazon filters. The mounting rings are also not quite as good, not screwing into the lenses and seating as well as I would like. Finally, under test photos taken with a Nikon Z7 and Nikkor Z-series lens, I found some distortion caused by the filter at high zoom settings, and under wide apertures. The distortion went away when I removed the filter. To be fair, this was at very high magnification of the RAW images, and most people would not notice on a standard print.
So, for those who demand the best filters, these AmazonBasics will not meet those requirements. But for everyday use, those who plan to do more casual photography, those who will not blow their prints up to large sizes, or for those who haven’t invested a lot in their photography setup, these will do just fine.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Alex B. –
Blocks nothing. You can literally shine a weak 365nm uv LED through it (well into the range of what should be cut) and whatever is behind it will fluoresce at full brightness. Now I get it, the sun is far away and less intense, but how can I be assured this protecting my sensor?
Yes, it’s cheap and some people believe in the “protection from scratches” bit as valuable – but this filter in particular is just transmissive glass.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Tom –
Not so happy with this UV filter. Considering the price it’s hard to complain, but I had serious issues with glare on this on my Olympus 75mm f1.8. Should’ve known better than to put cheap glass on expensive glass, but you get what you pay for. If you need something basic and aren’t shooting in particularly challenging lighting conditions, this could be good for you. But honestly, would recommend looking elsewhere for a lens filter.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
grad student –
Mixed thoughts about this UV filter: its cheap and offers protection, but it can interfere with your shots in some conditions. PROS: it was super cheap and arrived quickly. Amazon Basics means just that – its essentially just a piece of round protective glass in a plain box with a hyperlink for instructions. CONS: as others have noted, it shows very noticeable reflections if there is a bright light source in the frame. I noticed reflection artifacts while shooting in sunny daylight from things like window reflections or bright objects. The effect varies based on the shape and brightness of the light source, but its noticeable. The sample photo of an LED light is an extreme comparison of the reflection effect so you get the idea. (I used the Amazon Basics 52mm UV filter on a Canon EF-S 24mm pancake lens.) THOUGHTS: Definitely not a high-end product – whether or not this is a deal breaker is up to you. An UV filter with better anti-reflective coatings will likely cost much more. I’ll keep it since I’m just a casual photographer, it offers some protection to my lens, and I can remove it if needed. Its cheap and you get what you paid for – there’s a reason pro-grade filters cost alot more.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
vikingaero –
Amazon are sometimes quite daft when they want reviews of products. I can understand someone wanting advice and reassurance on a complex cameras, drones etc. Or someone wanting info on visiting the 99 Wonders of the World. But this is a screw on filter bought to protect the lens! I screwed it on, it fits, it does its job. 5 stars for being easy and cheap (just like me on a Saturday night).
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Rick –
Something an experienced photographer told me about using UV filters goes beyond how the pictures will look. First & foremost, it is a lens saver! I have accidentally had my camera bonk into something right on the lens and thankfully I had this filter on! It is the first point of contact and will most likely save the actual lens from damage. If I break or scratch this lens filter, I won’t be nearly as upset as I would scratching or breaking a $600 lens! The UV filter component definitely removes glare and adds richness to the photos, a worth while purchase on many levels!
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Nik Smeltzer –
I got this just to protect the lens on my camera when taking arty shots of splashing water or sparklers on fire etc as I would rather get splashes or grit on this than my lens. And for that, its great. I don’t plan on leaving it on my lens because I believe that any extra bit of glass just adds another medium for light to pass through and if you don’t need it, you shouldn’t use it. But when I need it, this is fine.
I just wish it didn’t say “Amazon Basics” on the side. “Amazon Photography” or something would have been fine, but “Basics” makes me sound like a cheapskate. I am a cheapskate, but I don’t want anyone else to know!! 🙂
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Tim Max H –
There is so much nonsense written about UV protection. What has changed since the days of film and flarey UV shots is that most Digital cameras have sensors with a degree of built in UV filtration, combine that with modern lenses that have multiple coatings on each element reducing both UV and other image degrading effects from stray light and the UV problem is minimal, (unless you happen to live high in the Andes) . What has n’t changed is the fact that you are going to whack your lens on a table one day… or drop it…or take a shot and get covered in sea spray and a UV filter is going to save your lens. That simple fact, along with preventing dust and smudges directly on a lens which will cause image problems, make a UV filter the cheapest and most sensible addition to every lens.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Raven –
As an UV filter it is good. But there’s one thing you need to know. Doesn’t matter if its worth Rs.150 or Rs.1500, all UV filters will decrease the picture quality & sharpness by 0.7% to 1.0% so just deal with it in post processing. This thing is super durable & can take pretty hard bumps to protect the lens from getting scratched. The best thing is that you can still put your hood & lens cap on the lens even if it is attached. There are some better uses of this. You can add that artistic sun glare to the lens with this filter. I’m using it as more of a creative thing instead of a protection thing on my lens. For sure this filter is true value for money.
Know the sizes!
1. 52 mm for Nikkor 50 Prime lens (Nifty-Fifty). 2. 55 mm for Nikkor 18-55 Kit lens. 3. 58 mm for Nikkor 70-300 Telephoto lens.
*To check what size goes on your lens, just see the number marked in mm behind your pinch-open lens cap.
Adam –
This thing really messes up the quality of photos and videos.
Don’t even bother getting one, it’s dreadful. And if you have one then you should remove it immediately or at least compare your shots with and without it, you’ll be shocked at how badly it messes up the quality of your shots.
Yuran Liu –
I should not expect too much from the price but because it is AmazonBasics product so just want to try it out. Unfortunately, the inner side refection of this UV filter is CRAZY. It reflect light from less than 30 degree angle like a mirror! Compare to other average price UV filters, I definitely recommend you to try other UV filter over CAD$20. Much better result. But for the people don’t care too much about very tiny image quality difference. You could still go with this UV filter.
michel –
Prodotto economico… Son rimasto fregato da queat’articolo perché l’ho utilizzato per proteggere le lenti dal freddo durante un viaggio in Lapponia… Tutte le foto che avesssero un tempo di esposizione superiore al secondo presentavano una distorsione luminosa.. Si presentavano dei cerchi concentrici al centro dell’immagine che non si riescono ad attenuare o togliere se non distruggendo la foto.. Meno male che me ne sono accorto dopo la prima sera..altrimenti potevo buttare tutto… Cerco di allegare un pezzo di foto in cui si vede quel che resta dopo averci messo mani con photoshop per attenuare il disastro
Carson Au –
They are OK, they are cheap but very reflective and if you include any light source in your framing you will see the reflection on the filter. I have used filters for 25 years and have never seen anything quite that bad.
Dr. Tim Parker –
These UV filters come in a plain Amazon box; nothing fancy (which also means no added costs imposed for packaging and presentation). These are also the least expensive UV filters I’ve ever seen, at a fraction of the price of my usual UV filters. So, how good are they?
Well, basically, if you are using inexpensive equipment, then you’ll be fine with these filters, but for expensive lens protection and UV filtering, there is a negative to these: they are simply not as good as some more-expensive filters. I compared this Amazon 72mm UV to two much-more-expensive filters and while the coating quality on the expensive filters was excellent, there’s some variation in coating visible under magnification on these Amazon filters. The mounting rings are also not quite as good, not screwing into the lenses and seating as well as I would like. Finally, under test photos taken with a Nikon Z7 and Nikkor Z-series lens, I found some distortion caused by the filter at high zoom settings, and under wide apertures. The distortion went away when I removed the filter. To be fair, this was at very high magnification of the RAW images, and most people would not notice on a standard print.
So, for those who demand the best filters, these AmazonBasics will not meet those requirements. But for everyday use, those who plan to do more casual photography, those who will not blow their prints up to large sizes, or for those who haven’t invested a lot in their photography setup, these will do just fine.
Alex B. –
Blocks nothing. You can literally shine a weak 365nm uv LED through it (well into the range of what should be cut) and whatever is behind it will fluoresce at full brightness. Now I get it, the sun is far away and less intense, but how can I be assured this protecting my sensor?
Yes, it’s cheap and some people believe in the “protection from scratches” bit as valuable – but this filter in particular is just transmissive glass.
Tom –
Not so happy with this UV filter. Considering the price it’s hard to complain, but I had serious issues with glare on this on my Olympus 75mm f1.8. Should’ve known better than to put cheap glass on expensive glass, but you get what you pay for. If you need something basic and aren’t shooting in particularly challenging lighting conditions, this could be good for you. But honestly, would recommend looking elsewhere for a lens filter.
grad student –
Mixed thoughts about this UV filter: its cheap and offers protection, but it can interfere with your shots in some conditions.
PROS: it was super cheap and arrived quickly. Amazon Basics means just that – its essentially just a piece of round protective glass in a plain box with a hyperlink for instructions.
CONS: as others have noted, it shows very noticeable reflections if there is a bright light source in the frame. I noticed reflection artifacts while shooting in sunny daylight from things like window reflections or bright objects. The effect varies based on the shape and brightness of the light source, but its noticeable. The sample photo of an LED light is an extreme comparison of the reflection effect so you get the idea. (I used the Amazon Basics 52mm UV filter on a Canon EF-S 24mm pancake lens.)
THOUGHTS: Definitely not a high-end product – whether or not this is a deal breaker is up to you. An UV filter with better anti-reflective coatings will likely cost much more. I’ll keep it since I’m just a casual photographer, it offers some protection to my lens, and I can remove it if needed. Its cheap and you get what you paid for – there’s a reason pro-grade filters cost alot more.
vikingaero –
Amazon are sometimes quite daft when they want reviews of products. I can understand someone wanting advice and reassurance on a complex cameras, drones etc. Or someone wanting info on visiting the 99 Wonders of the World. But this is a screw on filter bought to protect the lens! I screwed it on, it fits, it does its job. 5 stars for being easy and cheap (just like me on a Saturday night).
Rick –
Something an experienced photographer told me about using UV filters goes beyond how the pictures will look. First & foremost, it is a lens saver! I have accidentally had my camera bonk into something right on the lens and thankfully I had this filter on! It is the first point of contact and will most likely save the actual lens from damage. If I break or scratch this lens filter, I won’t be nearly as upset as I would scratching or breaking a $600 lens!
The UV filter component definitely removes glare and adds richness to the photos, a worth while purchase on many levels!
Nik Smeltzer –
I got this just to protect the lens on my camera when taking arty shots of splashing water or sparklers on fire etc as I would rather get splashes or grit on this than my lens. And for that, its great. I don’t plan on leaving it on my lens because I believe that any extra bit of glass just adds another medium for light to pass through and if you don’t need it, you shouldn’t use it. But when I need it, this is fine.
I just wish it didn’t say “Amazon Basics” on the side. “Amazon Photography” or something would have been fine, but “Basics” makes me sound like a cheapskate. I am a cheapskate, but I don’t want anyone else to know!! 🙂
Tim Max H –
There is so much nonsense written about UV protection. What has changed since the days of film and flarey UV shots is that most Digital cameras have sensors with a degree of built in UV filtration, combine that with modern lenses that have multiple coatings on each element reducing both UV and other image degrading effects from stray light and the UV problem is minimal, (unless you happen to live high in the Andes) . What has n’t changed is the fact that you are going to whack your lens on a table one day… or drop it…or take a shot and get covered in sea spray and a UV filter is going to save your lens. That simple fact, along with preventing dust and smudges directly on a lens which will cause image problems, make a UV filter the cheapest and most sensible addition to every lens.
Raven –
As an UV filter it is good. But there’s one thing you need to know. Doesn’t matter if its worth Rs.150 or Rs.1500, all UV filters will decrease the picture quality & sharpness by 0.7% to 1.0% so just deal with it in post processing. This thing is super durable & can take pretty hard bumps to protect the lens from getting scratched. The best thing is that you can still put your hood & lens cap on the lens even if it is attached. There are some better uses of this. You can add that artistic sun glare to the lens with this filter. I’m using it as more of a creative thing instead of a protection thing on my lens. For sure this filter is true value for money.
Know the sizes!
1. 52 mm for Nikkor 50 Prime lens (Nifty-Fifty).
2. 55 mm for Nikkor 18-55 Kit lens.
3. 58 mm for Nikkor 70-300 Telephoto lens.
*To check what size goes on your lens, just see the number marked in mm behind your pinch-open lens cap.