Can Standard Filters Be Used as Handheld Filters?

Photographers often ask us whether a standard threaded filter can also be used as a handheld filter. The short answer is: yes, absolutely! But there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Handheld vs. Threaded Filters – What’s the Difference?

Threaded filters are designed to be mounted directly onto your lens, using the filter thread. Handheld filters, on the other hand, are used freely in front of the lens, giving you more flexibility and allowing you to quickly change angles or combine different filters during a shoot.

How to Turn a Standard Filter into a Handheld Filter

Any threaded filter from the REFLECTLENS collection can be used handheld. To make this more comfortable, we recommend using our Filter Grip or Filter Wand – simple accessories that allow you to hold your filters securely and move them smoothly in front of the lens.

With these tools, your standard filter instantly becomes a handheld filter, opening up more creative possibilities.

Why Use Filters Handheld?

Handheld filters are especially useful if you:

• want to quickly experiment with framing and angles,

• need to combine multiple filters at once,

• shoot in dynamic situations where speed matters,

• enjoy adding effects selectively to parts of the frame.

This approach makes your photography more flexible and creative, especially with our prismatic and effect filters.

Conclusion

So, can standard filters be used handheld? Yes! With the help of our Filter Grip or Filter Wand, you can unlock the handheld potential of every threaded filter in the REFLECTLENS collection.

Discover the tools here: Filter Grip & Filter Wand – REFLECTLENS Store