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Tiffen 49R25 Red Contrast Filter 49mm — main product image
Tiffen

Tiffen 49R25 Red Contrast Filter 49mm

★★★★★4.5 (464 reviews)

Enhance black-and-white contrast and create dramatic skies with Tiffen's 49mm #25 Red Filter.

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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 49R25 Red Contrast Filter is a staple tool for black-and-white film and digital photographers who want bold, dramatic results straight out of the camera. By absorbing blue and green light while passing red wavelengths, the #25 Red filter significantly darkens blue skies, making white clouds pop with striking contrast. It also reduces the effects of atmospheric haze and can simulate a moonlight look when used to underexpose daylit scenes.

Built with Tiffen's ColorCore technology, the filter element is sandwiched between two layers of optical glass rather than simply coated on the surface. This construction delivers uniform filtration across the frame and provides better resistance to scratching and environmental wear. At 49mm, the filter suits many popular compact primes and mirrorless kit lenses. Photographers should account for the filter factor of 8 — a 3-stop exposure increase — when composing shots, particularly in lower-light environments where shutter speed or ISO adjustments may be necessary.

Key Features

Enhances Black & White Contrast: Builds strong tonal separation for high‑contrast black and white photography.

Dramatic Sky Effects: Darkens skies, cuts through fog and haze, and can simulate moonlit scenes when slightly underexposed

Infrared Performance: Produces extreme contrast with infrared film, turning skies deep and foliage bright white

Exposure Compensation: Filter factor of 8 requires a +3 stop exposure increase

ColorCore Technology: Laminated optical glass construction, precision‑ground and polished, mounted in a durable metal ring

Specifications

Filter Type
#25 Red
Diameter
49mm
Filter Factor
8 (3-stop exposure increase)
Construction
ColorCore (laminated optical glass)
Country of Origin
China
Package Dimensions
1.6 × 8.8 × 7.6 cm
Package Weight
0.09 lbs

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • ColorCore construction provides even filtration and resists scratching better than dyed-glass filters
  • Dramatically darkens blue skies and increases cloud contrast in black-and-white photography
  • Effectively cuts through haze and fog for clearer landscape shots
  • Standard 49mm threading fits a wide range of compact and mirrorless lenses

👎 Cons

  • Requires a 3-stop exposure increase, which can limit use in low-light situations
  • Usefulness is largely limited to black-and-white photography
  • 49mm size only — photographers with larger lenses will need a different diameter or step-up ring

Frequently Asked Questions

The Tiffen 49R25 has a filter factor of 8, which means you need to add 3 stops of exposure to compensate for the light it absorbs.
While designed primarily for black-and-white photography, it can be used in color work to produce a strong red cast for creative or special effects.
ColorCore is Tiffen's proprietary manufacturing process where the filter material is laminated between two pieces of optical glass, providing consistent color and greater durability than surface-coated filters.
Yes, it screws onto any lens with a 49mm front filter thread, regardless of brand or focal length.

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