72 mm Lens Filter Thread (M72 × 0.75) vs. 82 mm Lens Filter Thread (M82 × 0.75)
Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 6 key differences identified.
The 72 mm Filter Thread (M72 × 0.75 mm metric pitch) is an intermediate lens thread size widely used for telephoto f/4 zoom lenses (Canon/Nikon 70-200mm f/4), fast 35mm and 85mm f/1.4 primes, and versatile all-in-one enthusiast zooms (Nikon 24-120mm f/4, Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G).
The 82 mm Filter Thread (M82 × 0.75 mm metric pitch) is the modern flagship standard for ultra-fast wide-angle and standard zoom lenses across full-frame mirrorless systems. Standard on the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS, Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and ultra-fast 50mm f/1.2 primes.
Specification Comparison Table
8 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Thread Diameter
|
72.0 mm (nominal ø72) | 82.0 mm (nominal ø82) |
|
Metric Thread Pitch
|
0.75 mm (M72 × 0.75) | 0.75 mm (M82 × 0.75) |
|
Thread Direction
|
Standard right-hand | Standard right-hand |
|
Target Lenses
|
70-200mm f/4 telephotos, 24-120mm f/4, 35mm f/1.4 pro primes, 18-200mm superzooms | — |
|
Notable Glass
|
Canon RF 24-240mm, Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II, Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S, Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art | — |
|
Why Modern Lenses Grew to 82mm
|
— | High-resolution 50MP+ sensors require larger front elements to eliminate optical aberration and corner vignetting |
|
Flagship Lenses
|
— | Sony FE 24-70 f/2.8 GM II, 16-35 f/2.8 GM II, Canon RF 15-35 f/2.8L, RF 24-70 f/2.8L, Nikon Z 24-70 f/2.8 S, Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Art |
|
Universal Filter Recommendation
|
— | 82mm is currently the recommended baseline diameter for buying expensive high-end magnetic ND/CPL filter sets |