In-depth review
Tiffen Review: Industry-Standard Filters and Stabilisers
The verdict
Tiffen is about as blue-chip as camera gear gets. Its filters have won Emmy and Academy Awards, are made in the USA, and are used on a huge share of major film and TV productions, even by NASA. The company also owns Steadicam, Lowel lighting, Domke bags and more. For filters, stabilisers and pro accessories, you're buying genuine industry-standard kit, not a gamble.
Shop filters, Steadicam and accessories on the official store.
Buy from Official Site →Overview
When a brand's products turn up on actual film sets, you know the quality is real rather than marketing. Tiffen is one of those names: its camera filters have won Emmy and Academy Awards and are used in a large proportion of major movies and TV shows. The company has been at this for over 80 years.
Beyond filters, Tiffen is a whole family of pro brands. It owns Steadicam (the camera stabiliser that changed filmmaking when it launched in 1976), Lowel location lighting, Domke camera bags, Davis & Sanford tripods and more. So it spans diffusion and creative glass, motion stabilisation, lighting and protection, all from one manufacturer.
What they offer
The famous line, Black Pro-Mist and Glimmerglass diffusion, circular polarisers, variable ND, UV protectors and more, made in the USA and used across the industry. The diffusion filters are especially loved for cinematic skin and highlight rendering.
Buy from Official Site →A full line of camera stabilisers from lighter rigs up to broadcast and feature-film systems, the original and still a benchmark name in motion stabilisation.
Buy from Official Site →Lowel lighting, Domke bags, Davis & Sanford tripods and other pro accessories, so you can kit out a shoot from one trusted source.
Buy from Official Site →Who it's for
A clear fit if you are a photographer or filmmaker, hobbyist or pro, who wants reliable, industry-proven glass and gear that holds its value and performance.
Worth noting the premium reputation comes with premium pricing, but for filters and stabilisers this is genuinely gear the professionals use.
Pros and cons
What's good
- +Emmy and Academy Award-winning filters, made in the USA
- +Used across major film and TV productions
- +Owns Steadicam, Lowel, Domke and more
- +80+ years of reputation and quality
What to keep in mind
- –Premium pricing versus generic alternatives
- –Huge range can be daunting for beginners
- –Some pro gear is overkill for casual shooters
Buying advice
If you're new, start with a quality UV protector and one creative filter, a Black Pro-Mist is the classic for a softer, cinematic look. Match the filter thread size to your lens, or use a magnetic system for quick swaps.
Buy direct from the manufacturer for the full range and genuine product.
Buy direct from the manufacturer for the full range.
Buy from Official Site →Frequently asked questions
Are Tiffen filters worth it?
For most photographers and filmmakers, yes. They're industry-standard, made in the USA, and the diffusion filters in particular create looks that are hard to replicate cheaply.
What is Steadicam?
Steadicam, owned by Tiffen, is the pioneering camera stabiliser system used to create smooth moving shots in film and TV since 1976.
Which filter should a beginner get first?
A UV protector to guard the lens, plus a Black Pro-Mist for a softer cinematic look, are popular first choices. Check your lens thread size.