Storage for smaller filters

JJC Filter pouch

This filter wallet is about the only one I could find that is specifically designed for smaller filters. It will take filters up to 58mm in size.

The front sections of the filter pouches appear to be made from neoprene (or a similar material), and this works well in holding the filters in place so they don't slide out of the pockets. It does mean you can't easily see what filters are in the pockets. But you could either make sure you place the filters with the label on the ring towards the top of the pocket, or just stick labels on the pouches, if this is a problem.

The pouch only takes 4 filters, which isn't very many. And while it is smaller than most filter pouches that are designed for larger filters, it is still oversized for 49mm (or smaller) filters. You can fit drop-in filters in the pockets, though they can be slightly tricky to get the larger top part of the filter into the pocket.

Generic filter wallet

This is not a good solution for storing smaller filters, but I wanted to include it to demonstrate the problems of typical filter wallets with smaller filters. Firstly it is much larger than needed.

Secondly, the material used is not grippy, and so when using smaller filters they easily slide out the pockets. Meaning you need to be very careful how you hold the wallet to ensure the filters don't fall out.

The positives are that you can use it with filters of a variety of sizes, you're not stuck using it only with small filters. And depending on the filters you're storing in it, the see-through pockets may allow you to determine the filter in each pocket easily. (Works well with colour filters as in this example, wouldn't work well with filters that all look the same like a set of 700nm+ IR filters).

DIY Neoprene small filter wallet

The best solution for carrying filters that you can put in your bag, is, in my opinion, to make your own filter wallet. This allows you to design it specifically for the filter size that you use, making it as small as possible.

I took a piece of neoprene material about 22cm square, then folded over about a 5cm strip with superglue on the outside edges and lines going down 7.3cm in from either edge. This then creates 3 pockets. Then I did the same on the opposite side, creating another 3 pockets.

This gives a small filter wallet that can take 6 filters. Because it's made from Neoprene, it's soft, waterproof, and grips the filters well so they won't fall out.

The wallet can be folded up into thirds or in half down the centre. It's about a third the size of my standard generic filter wallet yet still holds the same amount of 6 filters. For now I'm just using a velcro 'cable tie' strip to keep the wallet shut, but I'll probably superglue some velcro pieces to it that can be used for keeping it closed.

Generic twist lid small filter case

A lot of cheap (and some expensive) Chinese filters I buy come in these plastic cases where you have to twist the top on and off.

The problem with these cases I have had is that sometimes the lid seems to get stuck and can be very difficult to remove. In one case I had to cut away the case to rescue the filter stuck inside. So although I do use these cases for storing some filters, I don't recommend them at all. They are however, smaller than the cases many more expensive small filters come with.

Generic hinged lid small filter case

These small filter cases are much better than the twist lid ones in my opinion. I don't think you can purchase these separately, but you can buy cheap filters that come with these cases then throw away* the filters and just use the case.

*I don't actually suggest throwing them away, just add them to a pile of bits you keep that may come in useful one day.

I like cases for storing my filters at home as I can label the top edge of the case with the filter type and size, making it easier to find a specific filter. These will also work for storing a drop-in filter (at least the ones I bought that came with 49mm filters do).

Meike Drop-in filter case

My Meike RF-EF drop-in filter adapter came with one of these cases, and you can also purchase them separately. I don't have a 3D printer (yet) but I have also seen designs online for 3D printing similar cases for drop-in filters.

In terms of the Meike design, they do a good job at protecting the filter and are designed so that you can snap several of the cases together.

Conclusion

For storing small filters at home, the generic hinged lid small filter cases work best, when labelled on the top edge. For taking filters out with you, a DIY neoprene filter wallet will let you take the most filters while only using a small amount of space in your bag.

For drop-in filters I can't really say yet as I don't have enough of these filters. But the Meike drop-in filter cases do seem like a good solution.