Quick answer
Choose the Tiffen 55mm Warm Low Light Polarizer if you want to reduce glare while adding a subtle warming effect in dim conditions; pick the Tiffen 55mm UV17 Lens Filter for everyday lens protection and UV haze reduction without altering color or light levels.
Why the polarizer and UV filter serve different primary jobs
The Tiffen 55mm Warm Low Light Polarizer combines a 1-stop polarizer with a warming filter, making it ideal for reducing reflections and adding warmth in indoor or darker scenes. Its polarizing effect is intentionally milder than a standard polarizer, so you can use it where full polarization would cut too much light.
The Tiffen 55mm UV17 Lens Filter absorbs most UV light (slightly less than a Haze 2A) and acts as a permanent lens protector against dust, moisture, and scratches. It does not change color or exposure, making it a neutral choice for everyday carry.
Trade-offs to consider before buying
The Warm Low Light Polarizer adds both a color shift and a stop of light loss, so it is not ideal for scenes where you need accurate whites or maximum brightness. It also requires manual rotation to adjust the effect, which can be slower in fast-paced shooting.
The UV17 filter offers no creative effect and does not reduce glare or reflections. If you shoot in bright sun or want to cut haze, a standard polarizer or haze filter may be more effective. However, it is the simpler choice for protecting your lens without changing the image.
How to decide between the two Tiffen 55mm filters
- Need to reduce glare and add warmth?: Choose the Warm Low Light Polarizer. Rotate it to fine-tune reflection control while the warming filter adds a subtle amber tone. Best for indoor portraits, overcast days, or scenes with reflective surfaces.
- Want everyday lens protection without altering the image?: Choose the UV17 Lens Filter. It stays on your lens full-time to guard against dust and scratches, with no effect on color or exposure. Ideal for walk-around shooting or when you need consistent color accuracy.
- Shooting in very low light?: The Warm Low Light Polarizer's 1-stop light loss is manageable, but the UV17 does not reduce light at all. For extreme dimness, neither filter is ideal—consider removing the polarizer or using a faster lens. The polarizer is usable indoors; the UV filter is neutral but offers no creative help.
Filter facts at a glance
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Tiffen 55mm Warm Low Light Polarizer: Combines a 1-stop polarizer with the Tiffen 812® Warming filter; has less polarizing effect than a standard polarizer. You can reduce reflections and add warmth in low-light settings without over-darkening the scene.
Tiffen 55mm Warm Low Light Polarizer
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Tiffen 55mm UV17 Lens Filter: Absorbs slightly less UV light than a Haze 2A; protects against dust, moisture, fingerprints, and scratches. It is a safe, permanent lens protector that reduces bluish UV haze without affecting exposure or color balance.
Tiffen 55mm UV17 Lens Filter
Which filter fits your shooting style?
Best for
- Photographers who want to reduce glare and add a warm tone without losing too much light
- Manual focus camera users who can take time to rotate the polarizer for the desired effect
Not for
- Shooters who need a neutral, everyday lens protector with no color or exposure change (choose the UV17 instead)
- Users who require strong polarization for bright outdoor scenes (a standard polarizer would be more effective)
