Tiffen 52mm 21 Orange & 25 Red Filters - B&W Contrast Bundle

In this review the Tiffen 52mm 21 Orange and 52mm 25 Red filters are evaluated for photographers seeking stronger tonal separation in black-and-white work; the bottom line is that this compact two-filter bundle delivers predictable, film-style contrast control that is easy to use on any 52mm lens. The pair is notable because the #21 Orange absorbs blue and blue-green tones to darken skies and water, while the #25 Red pushes that further to produce dramatic cloud separation and stronger contrast between foliage and flowers, giving landscape and portrait shooters simple tools to shape monochrome contrast.

Key Features

• #21 Orange absorption: Absorbs blue and blue-green light so skies and water render darker and provide cleaner separation in black-and-white images.
• #25 Red contrast: Darkens blue skies even more and increases contrast between foliage and flowers for dramatic landscape and outdoor work.
• 52mm threaded size: Both filters screw directly onto any 52mm lens, making them quick to fit and swap in the field.
• ColorCore construction: Laminated between optical glass pieces for durable, non-dyed color that resists fading while preserving image quality.
• Usable together or solo: The two 52mm threaded filters can be combined or used individually to broaden creative control in black-and-white photography.

Who It's For

The bundle suits landscape, architectural and portrait photographers who shoot a lot of black-and-white images and want reliable, analog-style contrast control without digital processing. It is especially helpful for outdoor photographers who want deeper skies, clearer cloud separation, or stronger separation between foliage and subjects.

Photographers who do not shoot black-and-white often, who prefer variable screw filters or who require specialized multi-coated color correction for color work may want a different solution; this set is intentionally targeted at monochrome contrast effects rather than broad color correction in color photography.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well made with ColorCore construction that locks the filter material between optical glass for consistent image quality.
• Distinct effects: the orange filter reduces blue-green tones while the red filter produces stronger dramatic contrast in skies and foliage.
• Simple 52mm screw mounting makes these filters quick to use on compatible lenses for field work.
• Can be stacked together or used separately for a range of black-and-white looks.

Cons

• Some users report a mixed fit experience, including occasional slight looseness of the glass in the ring on individual samples.
• Not intended for color correction in modern color workflows; primarily for black-and-white contrast control.

Specifications

Brand	Tiffen
Filter sizes	52mm diameter (both filters)
Filter types	#21 Orange and #25 Red
Primary use	Black-and-white contrast control
Construction	ColorCore laminated optical glass
Filter factor (#21)	4.5 (approx. +2 1/3 stops)

Our Verdict

The Tiffen 52mm 21 Orange and 25 Red bundle is a compact, practical choice for photographers who want predictable, film-like contrast in black-and-white images; its durable ColorCore build and straightforward 52mm screw mounting make it good value for landscapes and portraits that benefit from darker skies and clearer tonal separation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stack the two filters?
Yes, the two 52mm threaded filters can be screwed together to combine their contrast effects, though stacking increases vignetting risk on wide lenses.

Will these filters affect color photos?
They will alter color balance by absorbing blue tones, so they are intended and most useful for black-and-white work rather than accurate color reproduction.

Do they fit my lens?
They fit any lens with a 52mm filter thread; confirm your lens' filter thread size before purchase.