Tiffen

Tiffen 55DY15 55mm Deep Yellow #15 Filter

4.6 (22 reviews)

Deepen sky contrast and separate clouds dramatically in black-and-white photography with this 55mm deep yellow filter.

$19.99*
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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 55mm Deep Yellow #15 filter is a classic optical accessory designed to enhance black-and-white photography by selectively absorbing blue light. When placed in front of the lens, it causes blue skies to render significantly darker on film or a monochrome digital sensor, which in turn makes white clouds stand out with much greater separation and drama. The #15 designation indicates a deeper yellow tint than the more common #8 yellow filter, meaning the contrast-boosting effect is more pronounced — ideal for landscape photographers seeking bold, graphic skies in their monochrome images.

Constructed from optical glass with a 55mm thread diameter, this filter screws directly onto compatible lenses and introduces no meaningful degradation to image sharpness. It is a simple, single-purpose tool that requires no batteries, software, or adjustments — just thread it on and compose your shot. Photographers should account for the filter's light absorption by adjusting exposure settings accordingly. For those working in the black-and-white tradition or experimenting with monochrome digital photography, the Deep Yellow #15 remains one of the most effective in-camera tools for controlling tonal contrast in skies and foliage.

Key Features

Deep yellow filter

Renders sky dramatically darker

Produces more dramatic effects than Yellow 8 filter

55mm diameter

Primarily for black-and-white imaging

Specifications

Filter Type
Deep Yellow #15
Diameter
55mm
Material
Glass
Primary Use
Black-and-White Photography
Brand
Tiffen
Model
55DY15

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Produces noticeably more dramatic sky darkening than a standard Yellow #8 filter
  • Glass construction provides consistent optical quality without degrading sharpness
  • Standard 55mm thread size fits a wide range of lenses without adapters
  • Durable and compact enough to keep in a filter pouch for regular field use

👎 Cons

  • Limited to 55mm thread size — requires step-up rings for lenses with different diameters
  • Minimal practical benefit when shooting in color, as effects are specific to black-and-white work
  • Requires exposure compensation, which may limit use in low-light or fast-action situations

Frequently Asked Questions

It is designed primarily for black-and-white photography, where it darkens blue skies dramatically and increases the contrast between clouds and sky for more striking monochrome images.
The #15 is a deeper yellow than the #8, producing more pronounced darkening of blue skies and stronger contrast effects. It creates more dramatic results than the lighter Yellow #8.
Yes, like all colored lens filters, the Deep Yellow #15 reduces the amount of light reaching the sensor or film. You will need to compensate with a wider aperture, slower shutter speed, or higher ISO.
Yes, it threads onto any lens with a 55mm filter thread. While designed for black-and-white work, it can also be used with digital cameras shooting in monochrome mode or when converting color images to black and white in post-processing.