Brands Guides About
Polaroid PLFILST443 43mm Rotating 4-Point Star Filter — main product image
Polaroid PLFILST443 43mm Rotating 4-Point Star Filter
Polaroid PLFILST443 43mm Rotating 4-Point Star Filter
Polaroid PLFILST443 43mm Rotating 4-Point Star Filter
Polaroid PLFILST443 43mm Rotating 4-Point Star Filter
Polaroid PLFILST443 43mm Rotating 4-Point Star Filter
Polaroid PLFILST443 43mm Rotating 4-Point Star Filter
Polaroid

Polaroid PLFILST443 43mm Rotating 4-Point Star Filter

★★★★★4.0 (90 reviews)

A rotating 43mm star filter that transforms point light sources into eye-catching four-point starbursts in-camera.

Check availability
Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Polaroid Optics PLFILST443 is a 43mm screw-on filter designed to add four-pointed starburst effects to point light sources in your photographs. Street lamps, car headlights, candle flames, and other bright, concentrated lights are transformed into defined star patterns directly at the time of capture, saving you the effort of adding the effect in editing software. The filter's rotating front ring lets you twist the starburst rays to any angle you prefer, giving you creative control over the final look of each shot.

As a specialty effect filter, the PLFILST443 is best suited for specific shooting situations — nighttime cityscapes, holiday lights, and high-contrast scenes where specular highlights are prominent. In evenly lit daytime conditions, the effect is largely invisible. The 43mm thread size fits a narrower range of lenses, typically found on compact cameras and some mirrorless kit lenses, though step-up adapter rings can expand compatibility. For photographers looking to experiment with in-camera creative effects without a large investment, this filter offers a straightforward and affordable option.

Specifications

Brand
Polaroid
Model
PLFILST443
Filter Type
4-Point Star
Size
43mm
Rotating
Yes

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Rotating design lets you precisely control the angle of the starburst rays
  • Creates dramatic four-point star effects in-camera without post-processing
  • Compact and lightweight, adding virtually no bulk to your lens setup
  • Affordable way to add a creative effect to nighttime and high-contrast scenes
  • Standard 43mm thread mounts directly to compatible lenses without adapters

👎 Cons

  • 43mm thread size fits a limited range of lenses, mostly compact or older optics
  • Effect is only visible on point light sources and has little impact on evenly lit scenes
  • Can introduce slight softening across the image, particularly at wider apertures
  • The starburst effect is baked into every frame, offering no selective control in-camera
  • Build quality is basic plastic and glass, which may not withstand heavy professional use

Frequently Asked Questions

It turns point light sources — such as streetlights, candle flames, and specular highlights — into four-pointed starburst patterns directly in your image, without any post-processing needed.
The front ring of the filter rotates freely while it remains threaded to your lens, allowing you to adjust the angle of the starburst rays to your preferred orientation before taking the shot.
This filter fits lenses with a 43mm front filter thread. You can use a step-up ring to mount it on lenses with a smaller thread size.
Star filters can introduce a very slight softening effect and minimal light loss. The impact is generally negligible in normal shooting conditions, but it is worth testing with your specific lens.
Yes, it can be threaded onto other 43mm filters, though stacking multiple filters increases the risk of vignetting, especially on wide-angle lenses.

Related Products