Summary
- Sigma is renewing its protective, UV and circular polarizing filters
- Redesigned frames and slimmer profiles in the 95mm and 105mm sizes
- The ceramic version starts at 67mm and the other models at 52mm
Sigma is renewing four lens filter ranges, with redesigned frames and separate options for protection, ultraviolet filtration and reflection control.
The September 8, 2026 announcement includes the WR Ceramic Protector PTC-21, WR Protector + UV PUV-21, Protector LPT-21 and WR Circular PL Filter CPL-21. The update covers construction, exterior design and packaging, which follows the visual identity the company introduced in 2025.
For photographers, the important distinction is that these are not four versions of the same accessory: protective filters primarily aim to safeguard the lens, while a polarizer changes how reflections are recorded.
What changes in the construction
Sigma reports a new surface treatment for the frames to reduce internal reflections. In the larger 95mm and 105mm sizes, the redesign also allows for a slimmer profile. These are improvements described by the manufacturer, not the results of an independent test.
The company says it has checked compatibility with its lenses, including ultra-wide-angle models, for vignetting and lens cap attachment. This statement concerns Sigma’s own system; it is not a universal guarantee for every other manufacturer’s lens or for combinations of stacked filters.
Four models, different roles
The WR Ceramic Protector PTC-21 is the option focused on durability. It uses transparent glass-ceramic material which, according to Sigma, combines high hardness with greater flexibility than sapphire crystal. The company also reports a reduced risk of fragments scattering in the event of breakage.
The WR Protector + UV PUV-21 combines protection with ultraviolet filtration. Like the ceramic and polarizing models, it features a WR coating with water-repellent, oil-resistant and antistatic properties, making droplets, fingerprints and dust easier to remove.
The Protector LPT-21 is the range’s basic, colorless and transparent protector. It is designed to protect against dust, dirt and scratches, without being described as a model with a WR coating.
The WR Circular PL Filter CPL-21 is a circular polarizer: it allows reflections on surfaces such as water and glass to be controlled and can enhance color contrast. Here, the choice concerns the resulting image, rather than simply protecting the front optical element. Its practical application relates to how to use a polarizing filter correctly, a topic previously featured on PTTL with advice from photographer Steve Perry.
Which sizes will be available
The PTC-21 was announced in 67, 72, 77, 82, 95 and 105mm sizes. The PUV-21, LPT-21 and CPL-21 add the smaller 52, 55, 58 and 62mm diameters, bringing each model to ten size options.
Release and early European pricing
Sigma’s international announcement sets the release for September 30, 2026. However, there is a discrepancy in the published dates, as PetaPixel reports November 5, 2026. The start of deliveries in Greece requires local confirmation.
Preorder listings are already appearing in the European market: German retailer Foto Erhardt lists the CPL-21 at €199 for 77mm and €211 for 82mm, including VAT. These are one retailer’s prices, not a confirmed Greek price list.
What we think
The useful aspect of this update is the clear distinction between durability, ease of cleaning and optical control over the image. In PTTL’s view, the announced changes alone do not justify replacing a good existing filter. A final assessment requires comparative testing and actual retail pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Are all of Sigma’s new filters polarizers?
No. Only the CPL-21 is a circular polarizer. The other three primarily serve a protective role, with the PUV-21 adding UV filtration.
What does WR mean?
It means Water Repellent and refers to the filter’s coating. It is not waterproofing certification for the entire camera and lens combination.
Are filter diameters the same as lens focal lengths?
No. For example, a 77mm filter is selected to match a lens’s compatible filter thread diameter, not because the lens has a focal length of 77mm. The correct diameter is listed in the lens specifications.
