Breakthrough PhotographyX2 UV 49mm, MRC8, Nanotec, Ultra-Slim Aluminum Frame, Weather-Sealed, 25 Year Support, Lens Cloth Included

Compared to bigger/better known brands: pricing is much lower, attention to detail (customer service, packaging, etc) is much higher, and function/fit/finish of actual product is at least on part with camera OEM (I think better). After a few hundred shots in challenging lighting (indoor track) I can see no negative effects from this filter on a 70-200 f2.8. Can't go wrong with BP filters!Update 10/2016Through a few seasons of shooting high school cross country and indoor/outdoor track & field, this filter has seen everything you can imagine in terms of lighting conditions, weather, and handling. Absolutely satisfied in all aspects of performance, up until last week. In a rushed moment I sat down my bag (including lens pre-mounted on body, neither protected by their cases) & heard a nauseating crunch. Filter had made the ultimate sacrifice, but the lens was undamaged. $49 for a new filter is a whole lot better than $1800 for a new lens! Didn't even bother going through the process of looking at other filters, just found my old order & clicked on "Buy it Again".

The package arrived on time but the filter was dirty and had obviously been opened and cleaned with the red rag - there were small pieces of that red rag in the grooves of the screw in piece along with pieces on the filter itself. I tried to clean my new 70-200 2.8 lens with the red rag and then there were red bits in that lens.... I threw out the crap rag and cleaned it up with a proper microfiber lens cleaner. The filter seems to fit well but I didn't appreciate the fact that it arrived dirty and accompanied by a disintegrating red thing.

Some kit, you just don't think about until it either fails or you have a chance to see something that's way better or way worse. When it comes to UV filters I had always gone with budget models because how much difference could there be? Besides, the $$$ needed to go for other gear. But, when I recently picked up a new lens (and this is my new workhorse) I stepped up my filter game. Seriously, it's hard to describe how much better it is over the other filters I've used. And, that's not saying they were junk. I'm just saying this is way better. Right out of the box it feels well made and sturdy, it went on easy and stayed there, the glass itself is crystal clear and that's the big deal for any shot you take. I've attached a photo of my everyday watch to show you what I mean. This was done off tripod, harsh florescent lights overhead but at off set angles and heavy natural light coming in from a window immediately behind me. And, the photo is crisp and clear I'm glad I made the move.

Pros:Excellent construction, impeccable glass, thin enough to prevent any vignetting @24mm (FX lens with crop body=36mm), yet has additional exterior threads if you desire to screw on more filters. Unnoticeable chromatic aberrations, and the colors remained neutral without post-processing of white-balance, or adjustment in the field.Cons:Can be difficult to remove if your use calls for the removal of the UV filter as the tread on the exterior ring is only located every 120 degrees and is not a deep tread.Overall:Would recommend for users whom are not removing their UV filter often, If you are removing the filter for other applications, I would recommend purchasing the X4 version, as the removal of the filter on the X2 can be difficult with the shallow tread on the exterior of the lens. Overall good filter.

I bought this because my need was urgent and it was 5 star rated with 295 reviews. When I recieved it I thought it must be either a joke or a hoax. It is actually a rip off. It is an extremely thin threaded ring of what I am hoping is aluminum but feels like plastic with an extremely thin piece of what I hope is glass but again feels like plastic. This for $49? The build cost has got to under $1. I feel foolish for buying it and I am very disappointed that I did.

This is a classic case of you get what you pay for. In this case I paid a premium price and I received a premium product.I recently bought a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM art lens and I wanted a filter that would not only protect my lens, but could maintain the lens' natural sharpness; you hear of other filters causing distortion or being fingerprint magnets and I'm glad to report this is not one of them.I also noticed no glare shooting even directly into a light source.All in all, a great piece and I would happily buy more for any future lenses I decide to purchase.

Everything about this filter seems very well thought out and screams quality. I don't see any negative effects from using this filter compared to going naked on my Sony 24-70GM lens. The packaging is well thought out and even has the non residue leaving kind of stickers on the case reminding you to activate their 25 year warranty. Yes, 25 years! I have never broken a filter, and don't plan on starting now, but it's nice to know that should things go sideways, Graham and his company are standing by their product. I love the ribs along the outside, it makes it incredible easy to loosen or tighten without worrying about a wrench. I'm going to jump to square filters shortly and Breakthrough will be at the top of my list. Great price and better performance. Thank you Breakthrough!

Great filter, the quality of workmanship and the materials used beat all hoye filters, the glass used in this filter is perfect, zero light flares and coloration, the edges of the photos without softening. I know that I will stay with this company for a long time, and buy other products. 100% recommend :)

Best filter I ever use:)