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Tiffen 4981B 49mm 81B Warming Filter — main product image
Tiffen

Tiffen 4981B 49mm 81B Warming Filter

★★★★★4.0 (15 reviews)

Add natural warmth and improved flesh tones to your 49mm lens shots on overcast days or with flash.

$18.99*$19.99Save 5%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Tiffen 49mm 81B Warming Filter is a color-correction filter designed to add warmth to images captured under cool lighting conditions. Whether you're shooting on an overcast day, in open shade, or using electronic flash — all situations that tend to produce a bluish color cast — the 81B counteracts that coolness with a subtle amber tone. It's particularly valued for improving flesh tones, making portraits look more natural and flattering without the need for post-processing adjustments.

As a stronger variant than the 81A, the 81B provides a more pronounced warming effect while still maintaining a natural appearance. The filter threads onto any lens with a 49mm front diameter and is constructed from Tiffen's optical glass for consistent, edge-to-edge color quality. Its minimal filter factor means you won't need to worry about significant exposure compensation, making it a practical addition for everyday shooting. For photographers who prefer to get the look right in-camera rather than relying on software white balance corrections, the 81B remains a trusted tool in the filter kit.

Key Features

Creates warmer tones and brighter colors on overcast days or when shooting with an electronic flash

Great for improving flesh tones

Warmer than the 81A filter

49 millimeters diameter

Specifications

Brand
Tiffen
Model
4981B
Filter Type
81B Warming
Filter Diameter
49mm
Effect
Warms tones, brightens colors, improves flesh tones
Recommended Use
Overcast days, electronic flash photography

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Effectively warms cool-toned images from overcast skies and electronic flash
  • Improves skin tones without post-processing
  • Slim 49mm design adds minimal bulk to compact lens setups
  • Can be left on the lens as everyday protection with a slight warming benefit
  • Tiffen's consistent optical glass quality ensures even color across the frame

👎 Cons

  • The warming effect is fixed and cannot be dialed back without removing the filter
  • 49mm size only fits smaller lenses, limiting use across a multi-lens kit
  • Digital white balance adjustments can approximate the effect, reducing necessity for some shooters
  • May introduce slight vignetting if stacked with other filters on wide-angle lenses

Frequently Asked Questions

The 81B provides a stronger warming effect than the 81A, adding more noticeable warmth to counteract cool lighting conditions.
This filter fits any lens with a 49mm front filter thread. Check your lens cap or lens barrel for the diameter marking.
Yes, you can stack it with other filters, though stacking multiple filters may cause vignetting on wide-angle lenses.
The 81B has a very slight filter factor (approximately 1/3 stop), so in most situations no manual compensation is needed as your camera's meter will adjust automatically.
While white balance on digital cameras can replicate some warming effects, the 81B provides a consistent optical warming that many photographers prefer over software adjustments, particularly for flesh tones.

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