Tiffen

Tiffen 82Y12 82mm Yellow-12 Black and White Filter

4.2 (75 reviews)
0.1 lbs

Control contrast and cut through haze in black and white photography with this precision-made 82mm yellow filter.

$90.78*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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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 82Y12 82mm Yellow-12 filter is a purpose-built optical accessory for photographers working in black and white. By selectively absorbing blue wavelengths, it darkens skies and increases tonal separation between clouds and sky — an effect that transforms flat, gray monochrome skies into images with depth and drama. It also cuts through atmospheric haze, improving clarity and contrast in landscape and outdoor photography. The Yellow-12 density sits in the moderate range of yellow filtration, providing a noticeable but natural-looking increase in contrast without the extreme effect of orange or red filters.

Sized at 82mm, this filter threads onto larger-diameter lenses commonly found in professional and enthusiast kits. It is manufactured in the United States to Tiffen's established quality standards. Beyond traditional black and white film use, the filter is compatible with Kodak Aero Ektachrome Infrared film for specialized aerial and scientific imaging, and it can be applied creatively in color photography to introduce a warm yellow tone. For photographers who regularly shoot monochrome — whether on film or by converting digital captures — the Yellow-12 is a fundamental tool for controlling contrast at the point of capture rather than relying solely on post-processing.

Key Features

Product Type:Camera Lens Filters

Item Package Dimension:10.922 cm L X 10.16 cm W X 2.286 cm H

Item Package Weight:0.1 lbs

Country Of Origin: United States

Specifications

Brand
Tiffen
Model
82Y12
Filter Type
Yellow 12
Thread Size
82mm
Function
Haze Reduction, Blue Light Absorption, Contrast Control
Compatibility
Black and White Film, Kodak Aero Ektachrome Infrared Film, Color Imaging
Country of Origin
United States
Package Dimensions
10.9 cm x 10.2 cm x 2.3 cm
Package Weight
0.1 lbs

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Effectively darkens blue skies and enhances cloud contrast in black and white photography.
  • Reduces atmospheric haze for sharper, cleaner landscape images.
  • Made in the USA by Tiffen, a long-established optical filter manufacturer.
  • Can also be used creatively in color photography for warm tonal effects.

👎 Cons

  • The 82mm size is relatively large, making it incompatible with smaller-threaded lenses without an adapter.
  • Limited to a single fixed density — no adjustability for varying levels of blue absorption.
  • The yellow cast makes it unsuitable for neutral color photography without intentional creative use.
  • Primarily beneficial for black and white shooting, which limits its everyday utility for color-only photographers.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Yellow-12 filter absorbs blue light, which darkens blue skies and increases contrast between clouds and sky in black and white images. It also reduces atmospheric haze, producing cleaner, more defined landscapes.
Yes. While primarily designed for black and white work, the filter can be used creatively with color imaging to introduce a warm yellow cast across the frame.
This filter has an 82mm thread size and fits any lens with a matching 82mm filter thread. If your lens has a different thread size, you would need a step-up or step-down adapter ring.
The filter threads onto any lens with an 82mm filter mount regardless of camera type, so it works with both digital and film cameras. Its effects on contrast and haze are most pronounced with black and white film or when converting digital images to monochrome.
This filter is made in the United States.