For years, portrait photographers have complained about the tactfully sharp and often sterile images produced by lenses today. While one can edit them digitally to give a distinct look, some photographers prefer to capture the perfect image in-camera. We don’t blame them, as it certainly reduces the hours spent in post-production. To ensure you get the best portraits in-camera, we rounded up the best lens filters for portrait photography last year. It turns out that we also became the number one Google result for “best lens filters for portraits.” Today, we are here to share an exciting update with you!
How We Chose The Best Lens Filters for Portrait Photographers
The Best Lens Filters for portrait photographers are typically made by a few companies. The photo industry puts a big emphasis on sterile and clean photos so that a photographer can do a ton in post-production. But these lenses give your images the lifesaving water they need.
The Phoblographer’s various product round-up features are done in-house. Our philosophy is simple: you wouldn’t get a Wagyu beef steak review from a lifelong vegetarian. And you wouldn’t get photography advice from someone who doesn’t touch the product. We only recommend gear we’ve fully reviewed in these roundups.

If you’re wondering why your favorite product didn’t make the cut, there’s a chance it’s on another list. If we haven’t reviewed it, we won’t recommend it. This method keeps our lists packed with industry-leading knowledge. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
We took a look at some of the most requested features by portrait photographers. Some of them want more sparkle and dazzle. Others wish intensely for softer skin that glows. These filters have those. And we’d know because we tested them.
How to Go About Our Guide
If this is your first time looking at filters, then let our guide to the best lens filters for portraits be a way forward. We have tested various filters over the years, and our guide tells you exactly what the ones listed can do. There is a table of contents column, and as you scroll through, you’ll see a link to our review, followed by a quote from the article. Our best advice would be to read through the review. In addition, we have listed pro tips for each filter, which can help you make an informed decision. For instance, we may tell you about the magnetic adapter, which is sold separately, or tell you how the filter can be best to emphasize lens flares.


Up until last year, the list had seven filters, and just now, we have added the Maven Glow, our newest member. In our review, Gear Editor Feroz Khan said: “These filters help rediscover the artistry of a time that’s longed for a lot in this hyper-digitalized world. If you’re a baby boomer or a millennial like me, you’ve probably got loads of such glowy images neatly filed in your stashed away albums.” Furthermore, he notes that with larger apertures, such as f2.8 or less, the images can truly look dreamy.
While our list is small, it still is the best one out there. We hope when look through our best lens filters for portraits guide, you find what you are looking for. Happy shopping!
