What are UV Filters, and are they still worth it?

Everything you need to know in 10 minutes
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NiSi Optics UV Filters

Budget Friendly Protection

The UHC UV offers affordable protection with all the necessary nano-coatings and 99.3% transmittance.

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Indestructible Defense

The Armor FX offers shatterproof laminated glass in a brass frame with 99.3% transmittance and all the necessary nano-coatings.

SHOP ARMOR FX

Ultimate Transmittance

AIR UV offers 99.9% centerpoint transmittance thanks to a combination of CDGM's H-K9L optical proglass and NiSi's ULRC technology. Paired with a 48-layer nano-coating system in a brass frame, this is the best lens protection money can buy.

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There's nothing like
that new lens smell

Let's keep it that way

For 99% of people, keeping a front element pristine during everyday shooting without a layer of protection is simply impossible.

Most wear to the front element occurs without you even noticing it and a UV filter transfers that wear to a cheap, replaceable component.

A pristine front element ensures you can always shoot into the light without worrying about unwanted flare or artefacts from micro-scratches.

When your lens has served its purpose and it's time to upgrade, a UV filter pays for itself by getting you a much better trade/resale price for your used lens.

Not all UV Filters are created equal

The last thing you want is a reduction in optical quality. Buy just any UV and you might just get that. NiSi HQ goes above and beyond to ensure that you get the very best optical value money can buy at different price points. So, let's get to the elephant in the room...

How does a UV filter affect image quality?

According to independent photo-spectrometer testing, there is no degradation of image quality that is visually perceptible to the human eye.

If you're using the latest and greatest high resolution gear, opt for NiSi's cutting edge AIR UV, which offers an industry-leading 99.9% centerpoint transmittance. Thanks to NiSi's ULRC technology, the transmittance is so good that the glass appears close to invisible.

Every single AIR UV filter undergoes comprehensive testing with a Shimadzu spectrophotometer to ensure exceptional transmission and reflectivity, guaranteeing unparalleled optical performance.

AIR UV Reflectance

AIR UV Transmittance

Three options. Three distinct uses.

Our best selling filter, the UHC UV. NiSi's budget friendly go-to option.

  • It is made with CDGM's ultra water white optical glass set in an ultra thin 3.5mm aircraft-grade aluminium frame.
  • While not an optical proglass, this glass is of a much higher standard than you'll find in most budget-friendly UV filters and it helps to keep cost down.
  • The UHC UV features a double sided 18 layer nano-coating system that makes it hydrophobic (easy to clean), scratch resistant and helps to mitigate issues from internal reflections.
  • The UHC UV scores 99.3% on independent transmittance testing.

If you are looking for the best affordable lens protection, NiSi's UHC UV is the answer.

SHOP UHC UV

The ARMOR FX. All about survival in extreme conditions.

  • Pioneered in the cinema industry where it is known as the explosion proof filter and is trusted as the last line of defense in front of cinema lenses that cost tens of thousands of dollars.
  • It is made from laminated ultra water white glass that won't shatter, even under severe impacts.
  • The Armor FX features an ultra-thin 3.5mm brass frame. Brass is much more stable under temperature variation and less prone to jamming on the lens thread.
  • Armor FX features a double sided 24-layer nano-coating system, with special emphasis on scratch resistance in addition to the usual hydrophobic and anti-reflective layers.
  • Armor FX scores 98.6% average and 99.9% on centerpoint transmittance testing.

If you shoot motorsports, mostly outdoors or industrial work, then this is the filter to keep your lenses safe.

SHOP ARMOR FX

The AIR UV. For photographers who demand the highest image quality.

  • AIR UV filters are designed to have virtually no impact on sharpness, colour or contrast while still providing front-element protection.
  • Released in 2025, the AIR UV represents the cutting edge of NiSi's optical technology and is one of the products that has put them squarely ahead of the West.
  • The key to this filter is their new 48-layer
    ULRC (ultra-low reflection coating) coating.
  • In independent photo-spectrometer testing, it scores 99.9% on centerpoint transmittance.
  • The ULRC technology works so well
    that the filter is close to invisible - at the right angle, it simply looks
    like an empty ring.
  • Set in an ultra-thin 3.5mm brass frame with a beautiful silver finish, it adds a great finishing touch to any lens.
  • Prominent knurling makes it easy to install and remove.

If you have invested your hard earned money in the very best camera gear and you want to keep your lenses pristine while retaining every drop of detail, then AIR UV is the best choice.

SHOP AIR UV

Pricing

The pricetag of the UHC UV is about 40% less than that of the Armor Fx and AIR UVs, which are very similarly priced.

Comparing Key Specs

You'll find key differences in the frame material, glass optics, coatings, transmittance and glass thickness.

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

We offer a 10 YEAR GUARANTEE on these UV filters. If your NiSi UV filter fails under normal use, we’ll replace it.

Protect your lens today

Whether you're looking for affordable everyday protection, maximum impact resistance, or the highest optical performance available, there's a NiSi UV filter designed for your needs.

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