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Tiffen 49R23A 49mm Red 23A Contrast Filter B&W Photography — main product image
Tiffen

Tiffen 49R23A 49mm Red 23A Contrast Filter B&W Photography

★★★★★4.1 (18 reviews)

Darken skies and boost contrast in black-and-white photography with this 49mm red filter from Tiffen.

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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 Red 23A Filter is a purpose-built tool for black-and-white photographers who want to add dramatic contrast to their images. By absorbing blue and green wavelengths of light, the filter causes skies and water to render significantly darker on film or a monochrome digital conversion, while red and warm-toned subjects appear brighter. The result is bold, high-contrast imagery with well-separated tonal zones — a look that is difficult to replicate in post-processing with the same natural quality.

Constructed with Tiffen's optical glass and a slim metal ring, the 49R23A maintains edge-to-edge sharpness and resists flare. The 49mm thread size makes it compatible with many popular mirrorless and compact camera lenses. Because the Red 23A sits in the middle of the red-filter spectrum — stronger than an orange filter but less extreme than a deep red 25A — it strikes a practical balance for photographers who want noticeable contrast enhancement without losing all shadow detail. Keep in mind that through-the-lens metering will generally handle the required exposure increase automatically, but manual shooters should plan for roughly 2.5 to 3 additional stops.

Key Features

Light-red filter

Produces contrast effects that darken sky and water

49 millimeters in diameter

Primarily for black-and-white images

Specifications

Brand
Tiffen
Model
49R23A
Filter Type
Red 23A Contrast
Diameter
49mm
Primary Use
Black-and-white photography
Effect
Darkens sky and water, increases contrast

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Produces striking contrast in black-and-white images by darkening blue skies and water
  • Tiffen's optical glass maintains image sharpness without distortion
  • Standard 49mm threading fits a wide range of compact and mirrorless lenses
  • Light-red tone offers a balanced effect without the extreme darkening of deeper red filters
  • Durable metal filter ring holds up to regular field use

👎 Cons

  • Limited usefulness for color photography due to the heavy red cast
  • The 49mm size only fits one thread diameter, requiring step-up rings for larger lenses
  • Requires significant exposure compensation of roughly 2.5–3 stops
  • Effect is only visible in black-and-white work, making it a niche accessory

Frequently Asked Questions

It is designed primarily for black-and-white photography, where it darkens blue skies and green foliage while lightening red tones. In color photography, it will apply a strong red cast to the entire image.
This filter fits lenses with a 49mm front filter thread. Check your lens cap or lens barrel for the thread size marking.
The 23A is a light-red filter, sitting between an orange (21) and a deeper red (25A). It provides moderate contrast enhancement — more dramatic than an orange filter but not as extreme as a deep red.
Yes, it has standard threading that allows stacking, though stacking multiple filters on wide-angle lenses may introduce vignetting.
Yes. A Red 23A filter typically requires approximately 2.5 to 3 stops of additional exposure. If your camera meters through the lens, it should compensate automatically.

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