Tiffen

Tiffen 58Y12 58mm Yellow Filter

4.2 (84 reviews)

Sharpen contrast and cut haze in black-and-white photography with this optically precise 58mm yellow 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 58Y12 58mm Yellow Filter is a purpose-built optical accessory for black-and-white photography. As a #12 yellow filter, it absorbs blue wavelengths of light, which translates to darker skies, more pronounced cloud separation, and reduced atmospheric haze when shooting monochrome film or converting digital images. This makes it particularly effective for landscape, aerial, and astrophotography, where blue-light interference can flatten tonal range and obscure fine detail.

Constructed from optical glass, the filter maintains consistent light transmission and color absorption across the entire 58mm surface. The 2x filter factor requires a straightforward one-stop exposure increase, making it simple to meter and compensate whether you are shooting manually or adjusting exposure compensation on a digital body. The standard 58mm thread pitch ensures compatibility with a wide range of lenses from major manufacturers, and the slim profile helps minimize the risk of vignetting on most focal lengths.

Key Features

Reduces excess blue of full moon in astrophotography

"Minus blue" cuts haze in aerial work

Primarily for black-and-white images

58mm diameter

Specifications

Brand
Tiffen
Model
58Y12
Filter Type
#12 Yellow
Filter Size
58mm
Material
Optical Glass
Filter Factor
2x (1 stop)
Primary Use
Black-and-White Photography
Effect
Contrast Enhancement, Haze Reduction

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Optical glass construction delivers consistent color absorption and durability.
  • One-stop filter factor is easy to calculate for manual exposure adjustments.
  • Effectively darkens blue skies and enhances cloud detail in black-and-white images.
  • Standard 58mm threading ensures broad lens compatibility.
  • Useful for reducing haze in aerial and landscape black-and-white photography.

👎 Cons

  • Limited to black-and-white photography since it introduces a strong yellow cast in color images.
  • One-stop light loss may require slower shutter speeds in low-light situations.
  • Does not include a protective case or pouch for storage.
  • The effect is fixed and cannot be dialed in or adjusted like a variable filter.

Frequently Asked Questions

The filter factor is 2x, which means you need to increase your exposure by one full stop to compensate for the light absorbed by the yellow glass.
It is designed primarily for black-and-white photography, where it darkens blue skies and enhances contrast. In color photography, it will produce an overall yellow cast that is generally undesirable.
Yes. It reduces the excess blue cast of a full moon, which can improve tonal detail and contrast in lunar and nighttime black-and-white images.
It threads onto any lens with a 58mm front filter thread, regardless of brand. Check your lens cap or front ring for the diameter marking.
The Tiffen 58Y12 is made from optical glass, which provides consistent color absorption and resists scratching better than resin alternatives.