NiSi 72mm SMC UV Filter | Ultra-Thin Frame UV Protection

In this review the NiSi 72mm SMC UV Filter is judged as a practical protection and image-preservation accessory for photographers who want simple, reliable UV blocking without altering color or contrast. The reviewer found the decisive reason to buy is the filter's UV395 cutoff combined with high-quality Japanese optical glass and a slim, matte-black aluminum frame that avoids reflections. For anyone who shoots outdoors, cares for lens surfaces and sensor longevity, this filter offers protection plus minimal optical impact.

Key Features

• UV395 cutoff: Blocks ultraviolet radiation starting at 395nm to reduce UV-induced haze and help protect camera sensors from higher-wavelength UV exposure.
• SMC multi-coating: The seven + nine layer anti-reflective coating reduces reflections and improves light transmission for clearer images and fewer flare artifacts.
• Japanese optical glass: High-quality glass provides clean, consistent imaging with low distortion and reliable surface quality.
• Ultra-thin aluminum frame: The slim, aircraft-grade frame minimizes vignetting on wide-angle lenses while remaining sturdy and lightweight.
• Front and back threading: Both filter faces accept accessories or additional filters so users can stack or mount add-ons without removing the filter from the lens.

Who It's For

The NiSi 72mm SMC UV Filter is best for landscape, travel and outdoor photographers who routinely leave a filter on the lens for protection and want purposeful UV attenuation that starts closer to visible light. It is also a good choice for camera owners who value thin frames to avoid vignetting on wider lenses and who stack filters or attach accessories.

It is less relevant for studio photographers who rarely encounter UV haze or for photographers who prefer specialized filters that alter color or polarization; anyone needing ND or polarizing effects should look to dedicated optical filters instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective UV protection with a 395nm cutoff reduces UV haze while guarding the lens and sensor.
• High-quality SMC seven + nine layer coating lowers reflections and improves contrast in challenging light.
• Ultra-thin, matte-black aluminum frame limits vignetting and unwanted reflections for wide-angle use.
• Front and back threads add versatility for stacking filters or attaching accessories without removing the filter.

Cons

• Provides protection and UV blocking but is not a substitute for polarizers or neutral density filters when those functions are required.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The NiSi 72mm SMC UV Filter is a sensible, value-minded choice for outdoor photographers who want strong UV attenuation, solid optical glass and a slim frame that avoids vignetting. It protects lenses and helps reduce UV haze without affecting color, and the threaded faces make it versatile for stacking. Buy it if you want dependable protection with minimal tradeoffs; choose a dedicated polarizer or ND when you need those effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this filter change colors or contrast?
Answer. The SMC seven + nine layer multi coating and quality Japanese glass are designed to minimize color shifts and preserve contrast, so visible image change should be negligible.

Can I stack other filters on this?
Answer. Yes, the filter has both front and back threading to accept additional filters or accessories without removing the unit from the lens.

Will the ultra-thin frame cause vignetting on wide-angle lenses?
Answer. The ultra-thin aluminum frame is specifically intended to reduce vignetting on wider lenses, though extreme wide-angle setups should always be tested with any stacked filters.