Lens Filters for Special Wide-Angle and Ultra Wide-Angle Lenses

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There is a list of certain lenses that require a dedicated filter holder and special filters because of the design of the lens, as we discussed in our complete Guide for using lens filters in photography.

This type of lenses are wide-angle and ultra wide-angle lenses that offer great qualities like excellent sharpness in the corners of the image, control of geometric deformations or reduction of undesired effects such as coma or flares; common drawbacks that we find in the traditional wide-angle lenses.

However, these lenses also have their own “drawback”: In addition to greater weight, the convex design of the lens attached to a fixed hood limits the use of normal filters.

WIDE-ANGLE AND ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE LENSES THAT REQUIRE A SPECIAL FILTER HOLDER AND SPECIAL FILTERS

Some of the lenses that require a dedicated filter holder are the following:

• Nikon Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2’8 G ED
• Canon TS-E 17 mm f/4 L
• Tamron 15-30 mm f/2’8 SP
• Sigma 14 mm f/1’8 DG art
• Samyang 14 mm f/2’8 ED
• Sigma 14-24 mm f/2’8 DG HSM Art
• Sigma 20 mm f/1’4 DG HSM Ary
• Sigma 12-24 mm f/4.5-5.6 DG HSM II
• Tokina AT-X 16-28 mm f/2’8 PRO FX
• Canon EF 14mm f/2’8L II USM
• Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM
• Zeiss Distagon T* 15mm f/2’8 ZE
• Nikon 19mm PC f/4
• Nikon AF Nikkor 14 mm f/2’8D ED
• M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14 mm f/2’8 Pro
• Sony EF 12-24 mm f/4 G
• Pentax HD Pentax-D FA 15-30mm f/2’8 ED SDM WR
• Irix 15 mm f/2’4 Firefly
• Laowa 12mm f/2’8 ZERO-D

At the end of the article, you will find a list with other wide angle lenses that require special filter holders and special filters.

BEST BRANDS OFFERING FILTERS FOR SPECIAL WIDE-ANGLE AND ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE LENSES

A few years ago you could struggle trying to find any filter holder and filters for special wide-angle lenses, and those offered in the market at that time were archaic, with complex mounting systems and many flaws.

Some manufacturers started to develop systems that could counteract the main side effects found in the first designs, especially those referred to light leaks.

The main brands offering these filters are:

LEE FILTER HOLDER

It was one of the pioneer brands to offer this system. Although at first, the Lee filter holder offered a solution to the problem of these lenses with standard filters, the Lee SW 150 Mark II system is complex to use. It is composed by 4 different pieces, the assembly is tricky and requires removing the lens from the camera body every single time you want to use it, does not allow the use of polarizer and, according to numerous reviews, light leaks are a big problem together with a strong blue color cast in the Lee filters.

LUCROIT FILTER HOLDER

Lucroit was the first brand that designed a special system for these special lenses without having to remove the lens to install it. The design of the Lucroit 165 mm Filter Holder was designed to avoid the light leaks common in other special filter holders. The main cons were the impossibility of using polarizers at first, but this problem was solved with the manufacture of circular polarizing lenses in square filters. The main drawback might be the big dimension of the filter holder mounted with the flags, although, in turn, it is very light.

PROGREY FILTER HOLDER

The first Progrey G-150X version of the Progrey Portafilter was designed exclusively for the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 and the Canon 14mm LII lenses. This version was later replaced by the current Progrey G-150 Z which offers an adapter ring for more special lenses. The main cons of this system would be the slightly purple cast in the filters reviewed by some users as well as the large size and weight of the system.

NISI FILTER HOLDER

In the first design of the NiSi filter holder, the light leaks were constant but they solved the problem with its new model NiSi S5, which allows the use of a circular polarizer + two filters. The cons exposed by some users who have used this system and filters for some time is that the filters scratch easily and over time can end up sliding out of the filter holder.

HAIDA FILTER HOLDER

The Haida Filter Holder is the cheapest option. The most attractive pro is the price. But, nevertheless, it has several cons, such as for example that the lens has to be removed from the camera body to mount the filter holder, the system works with screws attached to the lens and it only includes a slot for two filters.

As you can see, there is no perfect filter holder system for special wide-angle lenses, and as with filters, the decision for one system or another will depend both on our budget and on our personal preferences.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH SPECIAL FILTER HOLDERS

In my case, I have been using the Lucroit 165mm Filter holder system for more than two years with the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 lens and I have never had any problems. It is true that it takes space in the backpack but it is practically impossible to find a system of 150mm or more that is not bulky.

On the other hand, the Lucroit system has endured perfectly windstorms in the Lofoten Islands, temperatures below 21ºF in Iceland, rain, sandstorms and many more challenging weather conditions and has always stood without any problem. For me, that guarantee and durability together with the quality of the filters makes Lucroit the best brand to work with filters in the current market.

After more than two years working with their filters, we established a collaboration with them to offer a 10% discount through this link to our readers.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR WIDE-ANGLE LENSES

Below you can find a list with the best filter holders for special wide-angle lenses. If you have another lens that requires a special holder and you need some advice, do not forget to leave us a comment so we can add it to the list.

BEST FILTER FOR NIKKOR NIKKOR 14-24MM F/2.8 G ED

The Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 was one of the first lenses in solving many of the drawbacks that other ultra wide-angles had in the past.

All brands offering filters and special filter holders have designs and adapter rings for this lens, so you can make your decision based on the information provided above in the brands section.

In my case, I have been using this lens with the Lucroit 165mm system for the last two years and it is definitely the system I would recommend. This would be the recommended model.

BEST FILTER FOR CANON TS-E 17MM F/4 L

One of the classic wide-angle lenses of Canon is the Canon 17mm f/4 L, especially used in architecture and landscape.

Lucroit, Haida, Nisi and Progrey offer this system for the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4, so you can review the pros and cons of Lucroit, Nisi, Progrey and Haida in the upper brands section.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR TAMRON 15-30MM F/2.8 SP DI VC

The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 is one of the best wide angle lenses in the market and the demand for a special filter holder dedicated to his lens was huge.

All the brands mentioned in the above section offer an adapter and filter holder for the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR SIGMA 14 MM F/1.8 DG HSM ART

The Sigma 14mm f/1.8 is one of the favorite lenses for astrophotography, Northern Lights photography and landscape in recent years.

Lucroit, Nisi and Lee offer support for filter holders and filters for the Sigma 14 mm f/ 1.8 art. You can see the comparison between this three brands in the top box although for an easier use and quality we would opt for the Lucroit or Nisi system.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR ROKINON 14 MM ULTRA WIDE ANGLE F/2.8 ED IF ED UMC

The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 became a very popular lens for its focal length and brightness at a very low price.

Lucroit, Haida and Lee offer designs for this lens.

The Lucroit system is the only system that will prevent you from having to remove the lens from the camera body every time you want to install the filter holder, so it is our favorite choice within the 3 brands. You can see a comparison between this three systems at the top box.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR SIGMA 14-24 MM F/2.8 DG HSM ART

The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 is another of the great well-rounded wide-angle lenses on the market.

Lucroit, Lee, Nisi and Progrey offer filter holders and filters for this lens.

In the upper section, you can see the comparison between the four brands.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR SIGMA 20 MM F/1.4 DG HSM ART

The Sigma 20mm f/1.4 may be the brightest wide-angle lens on the market.

For this lens Lucroit, Progrey, Haida and Lee offer a filter holder and filter system.

At the top, you will find a comparison with the pros and cons of this four brands.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR SIGMA 12-24MM F/4.5-5.6 DG HSM II

For the wide-angle Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6, Lucroit, Lee and Haida offer this system.

Of the three systems, Lucroit would be the only one to offer a filter holder and filter system of quickly installation without having to remove the lens from the body of the camera. You can see a comparison on the top of this three brands.

Lucroit is the only brand that also offers a design for the Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 D EXDG and Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM art.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR TOKINA AT-X 16-28 MM F/2.8 PRO FX

The Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 is undoubtedly one of the most popular wide-angle lenses for its value for money.

Lucroit, Haida and Lee manufacture filters and filter holders for this wide-angle lens.

At the top, you can see a comparison between this three brands.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR CANON EF 14MM F/2.8L II USM

One of the angles with fixed focal par excellence is the Canon 14mm f/2.8 known for its high quality and brightness.

Lucroit, Lee and Haida offer filters and filter holders for this system.

You can see a comparison of the three brands at the top.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR CANON EF 11-24MM F/4 L USM

The Canon wide-angle lens Canon 11-24mm f/4 L has filter and filter holder options by Lucroit, Lee and Haida.

Lee remarks on its website the existence of vignetting below 12.5 mm, which would make us choose between Lucroit or Haida if we had to decide which system we prefer for this lens.

You can see a comparison between this three manufacturers in our section of brands.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR ZEISS DISTAGON T * 15MM F/2.8 ZE

One of the best wide-angle lenses of Zeiss is the Zeiss 15mm f/2’8. Lucroit, Haida and Progrey offer a filter holder system and filters for this lens.

You can see the pros and cons of these brands at the top.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR NIKON 19MM PC F/4

For the prime Nikon 19mm f/4 lens, Lucroit, Lee and Nisi offer a filter holder system and filters.

In the upper part, you will see all the advantages and disadvantages of this three systems.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR NIKON AF NIKKOR 14 MM F/2.8D ED

One of the best wide-angle prime lenses of Nikon is the Nikkor 14mm f / 2.8.

In this case, Lucroit, Lee and Haida provide options in terms of filters and filter holders.

To see a comparison of these three brands, you can navigate to the top menu.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14 MM F/2.8 PRO

Olympus landmark wide-angle lens in terms of quality and brightness is the Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8.

We can find a system of filters and filter holders for this lens by Lucroit, Lee and Haida.

Lucroit also offers a system for the Olympus 7-14 mm f/4 Zuiko ED.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR SONY EF 12-24 MM F/4 G

For the Sony 12-24 mm f/4 wide-angle zoom lens, both Lucroit and Nisi offer options. You can evaluate the pros and cons of this two systems and filters on the top brand comparison box.

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR PENTAX HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30MM F/2.8 ED SDM WR

The Pentax 15-30mm f/2.8 lens is manufactured by Tamron using the Pentax logo, so any filter holder valid for the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 would fit the Pentax 15-30mm f/2 .8 ED (any of the brands mentioned in the upper comparison).

BEST FILTER HOLDER FOR IRIX 15 MM F/2.4 FIREFLY

The Irix 15mm f/2.4 is one of the most popular lenses recently because of its great quality-price.

Although Irix offers its own filter holder, it seems that light leaks are a big problem and the filters create side effects that are difficult to solve.

The only brand today offering a quality filter holder for the IRIX 15 mm f/2.4 is Lucroit.

BEST LAOWA FILTER HOLDER 12MM F/2.8 ZERO-D

The Laowa 12 mm f/2.8 is another of the most popular lenses today because of its value for money offering a bright and lightweight wide-angle at a very affordable price.

Both Lucroit and NiSi offer a system for the Laowa 12mm f/2.8. You can see the comparison between this two brands in the top section.

BEST FILTER HOLDERS FOR OTHER LENSES

There are more lenses on the market with this type of handicap for which it is extremely difficult to find a special filter holder and filter system.

• Best filter holder for Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM
• Best filter holder for Olympus 7-14mm f/4 Zuiko ED
• Best filter holder for Panasonic Lumix G Watt 7-14 mm f/4 ASPH
• Best filter holder for Pentax 25 mm f/4
• Best filter holder for Samyang 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye
• Best filter holder for Samyang 10 mm f/2.8
• Best filter holder for Sigma 8-16 mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM
• Best filter holder for Sigma 12-24 mm f/4.5-5-6 D EXDG
• Best filter holder for Sigma 12-24 mm f/4 DG HSM ART
• Best filter holder for Phase one Schneider Kreuznach LS 28mm f/4.5
• Best filter holder for Mamiya Schenider Kreuznach 28 mm LS f/4.5
• Best filter holder for Peleng 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye
• Best filter holder for Voigtlander 21 mm f/1.8 ULTRON

For all these brands, the only manufacturer that provides filter holder and filters support is Lucroit.

REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN GET A 10% DISCOUNT ON LUCROIT BY USING THIS LINK.

I hope that this analysis of the different special filter holders and filters on the market helped you and you can make the most of your filters in your workflow.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT WHAT FILTER HOLDER YOU NEED FOR YOUR SPECIAL WIDE-ANGLE LENS, LEAVE ME A COMMENT AND I WILL BE PLEASED TO HELP YOU.