Tiffen

Tiffen 4981EF 49mm 81EF Light Balancing Filter

3.5 (3 reviews)

Achieve Perfect Color Balance in Any LightThe Tiffen 49mm 81EF Filter is designed to balance light in cool conditions, providing warmer tones and brighter colors. Ideal for overcast days or when using electronic flash, this filter enhances your photography with consistent color accuracy. Fi...

$40.75*
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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

Achieve Perfect Color Balance in Any Light

The Tiffen 49mm 81EF Filter is designed to balance light in cool conditions, providing warmer tones and brighter colors. Ideal for overcast days or when using electronic flash, this filter enhances your photography with consistent color accuracy.

  • Filter Size: 49mm
  • Type: Light Balancing Filter
  • Effect: Warms tones, brightens colors
  • Use: Daylight corrected film in cool light conditions

Key Features

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

Great for improving flesh tones.

81A converts tungsten 3200 K film to 3400 K lighting.

High quality optical glass.

High Quality Metal mounting ring.

Specifications

Brand
Tiffen
Model
4981EF
Filter Type
81EF Light Balancing Filter
Filter Size
49mm
Material
High quality optical glass
Mounting Ring Material
High Quality Metal
Primary Effect
Creates warmer tones and brighter colors
Application
Overcast days, electronic flash, improving flesh tones
Color Temperature Conversion
81A converts tungsten 3200 K film to 3400 K lighting

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Creates noticeably warmer tones and brighter colors, enhancing images captured on overcast days or with electronic flash
  • Effectively improves flesh tones in portraits, providing a more natural and pleasing appearance
  • The 81A conversion aspect helps adapt tungsten 3200 K film for use with 3400 K lighting, offering versatility
  • Constructed with high-quality optical glass, ensuring superior image clarity and minimal degradation
  • Features a high-quality metal mounting ring, providing durability and a secure attachment to your lens

👎 Cons

  • This filter is specifically designed for a 49mm lens thread size, limiting its compatibility to only lenses of that diameter
  • The primary function is color temperature adjustment, meaning it does not offer UV protection or creative effects like polarization
  • While it warms tones, it might not be suitable for situations where accurate, neutral color rendition is desired
  • The "81A" conversion is specific to older tungsten film types and may not be as relevant for digital photography workflows
  • The effect of the filter is fixed, unlike variable color temperature adjustments available in post-processing or with gels

Frequently Asked Questions

This filter is designed to create warmer tones and brighter colors, particularly useful when shooting on overcast days or with electronic flash.
Yes, it is great for improving flesh tones, helping to achieve more pleasing and natural-looking portraits.
This Tiffen filter is designed for lenses with a 49mm filter thread.
Yes, it is made with high-quality optical glass and features a durable, high-quality metal mounting ring.
The 81A characteristic allows for converting tungsten 3200 K film to better match 3400 K lighting conditions.