Tiffen 5211G1 52mm #11 Green Filter — main product image

Tiffen

Tiffen 5211G1 52mm #11 Green Filter

Name: Tiffen 5211G1 52mm #11 Green Filter
Brand: Tiffen
SKU: 5211G1

★★★★★4.2 (16 reviews)

Control contrast and tonal separation in black-and-white photography with this precision-ground 52mm green filter.

$12.79*$19.99Save 36%

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 15, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Tiffen 52mm #11 Green Filter is a classic optical tool for photographers working in black and white. In monochrome imaging, colored filters alter which tones appear lighter or darker in the final image, and the #11 green sits in a particularly useful sweet spot. It lightens green tones — making foliage appear brighter and more detailed — while simultaneously lightening skin tones for more flattering portraiture. Red tones are darkened, and skies gain contrast against clouds, adding depth and drama to landscape compositions.

Constructed from Tiffen's optical glass, the filter maintains image sharpness and clarity without introducing distortion or color inconsistencies. The filter factor of 4 requires a two-stop exposure increase, which is straightforward to manage with modern metering systems or manual exposure adjustments. At 52mm, it threads onto one of the most widely used filter sizes in photography, making it compatible with many popular lens models. For black-and-white enthusiasts who want to go beyond flat, unfiltered tones and take creative control over their monochrome imagery, this filter is a focused and effective addition to the camera bag.

Key Features

Light green filter

Darkens sky in contrast to clouds

In foliage, greens are lightened and reds darkened

52mm diameter

Used primarily for black-and-white imaging

Specifications

Brand

Tiffen

Model

5211G1

Filter Diameter

52mm

Filter Type

#11 Green

Filter Factor

4 (two-stop increase)

Material

Optical Glass

Primary Use

Black-and-white photography

Effect

Lightens skin tones and foliage, darkens skies and reds

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Lightens foliage and skin tones for more pleasing black-and-white tonal separation
Darkens skies to create dramatic contrast against clouds
Optical glass construction ensures consistent image quality without degradation
52mm thread size fits a wide range of popular lenses
Filter factor of 4 (two stops) is manageable for most shooting situations

👎 Cons

Designed specifically for black-and-white work, making it a single-purpose accessory
Two-stop exposure increase may require slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in dim conditions
52mm size only — photographers with different thread sizes will need step-up rings
Effect is subtle compared to stronger contrast filters like orange or red

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary use of a #11 green filter?

It is used primarily in black-and-white photography to lighten green tones (such as foliage and skin) and darken red tones, while also adding contrast between skies and clouds.

How much exposure compensation does this filter require?

The filter has a filter factor of 4, meaning you need to increase exposure by two stops to compensate for the light it absorbs.

Can this filter be used with color photography?

While physically possible, the #11 green filter imparts a strong green cast that is generally undesirable in color work. It is designed for black-and-white imaging.

What thread size does this filter fit?

This filter fits lenses with a 52mm front filter thread, one of the most common sizes across many camera brands.

Does this filter improve portrait photography in black and white?

Yes, the green filter lightens skin tones in black-and-white portraits, producing smoother and more flattering tonal rendering compared to unfiltered shots.