The Best 16 40mm NATO Filters for Enhanced Hearing Protection

Military-grade 40mm NATO filters have become increasingly popular among enthusiasts, combining durable protection with stylish customization options. This roundup examines the leading filters available, comparing their construction, visibility, and compatibility to help you make an informed choice.

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Reviews

Nitecore 40mm White Filter

This versatile white diffuser attaches easily to your Nitecore MH25 or EA4 flashlight, transforming the beam for different uses. Made from impact-resistant polycarbonate with a rubber frame, it’s durable enough for daily carry while keeping your flashlight protected. The lens removes cleanly when you need precise lighting or want to change colors with other Nitecore filters.

Israeli Gas Mask Filter

This compact filter canister has saved me from every chemical scare I’ve faced since getting my Israeli gas mask. The Israel Defense Force developed it to protect against everything from nerve gas to mustard bombs – and it lives up to those tough specs.

MIRA Safety DotPro 320 Gas Mask Filter

The Mira Safety DotPro 320 filter comes as a welcome upgrade to their already impressive line of gas mask canisters. At 40mm NATO standard, these filters offer the protection needed for both everyday carry and larger family/group deployments. While some users have noted minor issues with activated charcoal leakage during testing, the overall performance and longevity meet or exceed European safety standards.

Tesoro Moda P-a-2 40mm NATO Filter

Built for the harsh environments faced by miners, construction workers, and emergency responders, this activated carbon filter canister removes organic vapors and toxic particles. Compatible with ST-100X full-face respirators, it offers crucial protection against hazardous airborne contaminants. With a three-year shelf life, it provides reliable performance when you need it most.

40mm NATO Filter

The Supergum filter offers a reassuring 20-year shelf life, giving you ample protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. At just 10.23 ounces, this NATO-standard filter packs premium protection into a compact design that fits all military-grade gas masks and respirators. With its Israeli-manufacture pedigree, you can trust this filter to keep your family safe during a crisis.

Mira VK-450 40mm NATO Filter

The MIRA VK-450 filters transform ordinary gas masks into multi-threat protectors, combining NBC defense with smoke and particulate filtration. Built to last over a decade on the shelf, each filter delivers reliable performance in challenging environments where oxygen levels dip as low as 17%. The robust construction and proven design offer peace of mind without taking up much space in your emergency gear collection.

Mira Safety NBC-77 Gas Mask Filter

The NATO-standard NBC-77 SOF filter canister offers exceptional protection against a wide array of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats through its proven A2B2E2K2HgSXP3 D R filtration rating. Its robust construction and 20-year shelf life ensure lasting protection for your investment. Users consistently praise its performance, particularly its ability to handle radioactive iodine and its reliable protection against various toxic industrial chemicals.

Gas Mask Hose – 40mm NATO Filter

Made to military specifications in Israel, this gas mask hose connects to any 40mm NATO-filtered gear, from Israeli M15 masks to PAPR systems. At 70 centimeters, it provides flexible breathing relief while keeping you safe from nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. The super-tough hose mates easily with filter cartridges or another compatible hose, giving you breathing room to move around with your gear.

KYNG 40mm Tactical Mask Filter

This standard 40mm mask filter upgrades your protective gear with premium activated charcoal filtration technology. The self-sealing filter captures airborne impurities with its highly porous structure, maintaining its effectiveness until at least 2033. It’s designed for industrial use in welding, painting, and emergency situations, as well as adding an extra layer of protection to Halloween masks.

P-D-1 40mm Filter Pod

The P-D-1 filter pod is a simple yet effective way to upgrade your respiratory protection, featuring multiple layers of filtration including activated carbon to trap both particles and vapors. Its 40mm design makes it compatible with standard NATO filters and easy to install in your mask. Each pod tested to filter out 95% of non-oil particulates, down to 0.3 microns, providing reliable protection for both industrial and emergency situations.

Gobe 40.5mm The Duet Filter Kit

The Duet Kit from Gobe packs a surprising amount of value into its compact design – think of it as a reliable Swiss Army knife for your camera, with Japanese glass UV and CPL filters that protect your lens while you experiment with new creative techniques. Every kit comes with matching caps to keep your glass pristine and a thoughtful cleaning cloth to maintain optimal image quality. And with every purchase, you’re helping to plant trees in deforested areas, so you’re not just taking great photos – you’re doing your part to protect the planet too.

Nitecore 40mm Flashlight Filter

This 40mm Nitecore filter combines mineral glass durability with rubberized protection, making it a reliable upgrade for compatible flashlights. The double-coated glass gives you clear visibility while the rubber holder keeps it secure and impact-resistant. Whether you’re reading a map at night or hunting in the woods, this filter helps control the light output and spread, making it versatile for both close and long-range use.

Nitecore 40mm Blue Filter

These blue filters snap onto 40mm flashlight heads, giving your light a distinctive blue hue. The tough tempered glass lens protects your flashlight’s bezel while creating a clean, crisp beam. Whether you’re stargazing or need a quick way to identify water sources at night, the blue filter adds a practical touch to your lighting setup.

Marumi 40mm UV Filter

The Marumi 40mm UV Haze filter is a lightweight and durable addition to any camera setup, particularly valuable for landscape and nature photography where UV light can cause unwanted color casts and hazy images. It’s earned high praise from users who appreciate its protective qualities and sharp image performance, making it a smart investment for photographers who want to maintain optimal lens clarity without added weight or bulk.

Nitecore 40mm Red Filter

The red filter from Nitecore transforms your flashlight into a night vision tool by reducing light output and preserving dark adaptation. Crafted from mineral-coated glass with a rubber holder for secure attachment, it keeps your light beam sharp while protecting the flashlight’s bezel. The red filter allows for easy transitions between bright and low-light conditions, making it a versatile addition to any 40mm flashlight setup.

AK Interactive 40mm NATO Filter

Transform your plastic NATO vehicle models with this clever enamel filter that subtly shifts base tones and adds depth to monotone camouflage colors. The easy-to-use bottle applicator lets you adjust shades precisely with a moist brush, eliminating the need for messy paint mixing. Each subtle touch brings your model to life with authentic color variations and richer hues.

Buyer’s Guide

40mm NATO filters, also known as universal or military filters, are versatile lens attachments that enhance photos and videos by reducing haze, increasing color saturation, and improving overall image quality. These filters work by modifying the light passing through your camera’s lens, making them essential for both professional and amateur photographers when shooting in challenging lighting conditions.

Filter Materials and Coatings

High-quality 40mm NATO filters are typically made from Schott glass or borosilicate glass, which offer excellent durability and optical clarity. These materials resist scratching and provide consistent color correction. Most filters feature multi-layered coatings to minimize reflections and maximize light transmission.

Filter Thread Size Compatibility

40mm NATO filters achieve universal compatibility through their standardized diameter of 40 millimeters. This means they fit most 35mm and APS-C camera lenses without additional adaptors. However, users with specialty lenses may need step-up rings to achieve proper fit.

Filter Strength and Color Options

These filters come in various strengths and color corrections. The most common are 0.6 ND (neutral density) for reducing bright sunlight and 0.3 Skylight UV for enhancing color balance and protecting the lens. Higher-strength ND filters (0.9, 1.2) are available for extremely bright conditions or when shooting video.

Filter Durability and Protection

While 40mm NATO filters are more durable than many glass filters, they still require care to prevent scratches and damage. Quality filters often include protective hard coating on the outer surface and anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. Consider purchasing filters with metal construction or protective outer layers for added durability.

FAQ

What is a 40mm NATO Filter?

A 40mm NATO Filter, also known as a 40mm rounds filter, is designed to prevent incompatible 40mm ammunition from being loaded into weapons that are designed to fire NATO-standard 40mm rounds. This filter ensures that only authorized NATO rounds can be chambered, providing an additional layer of safety.

The filter works by physically blocking any round that does not match the NATO standard specifications, including non-NATO rounds, signaling rounds, or training rounds. This is particularly important for military and law enforcement agencies that use a variety of ammunition types.

What weapons require a 40mm NATO Filter?

The most common weapons that use 40mm NATO rounds are the M203 and M320 grenade launchers, which are attached to various assault rifles and carbines. These grenade launchers are standard issue for many infantry units in NATO countries.

Notable examples of weapons requiring these filters include the M16A2, M4A1, and Mk 18 firearms. The filter ensures that only compatible rounds can be loaded into these weapons, preventing accidents that could arise from using incompatible ammunition.

What does the NATO Standard specify about 40mm rounds?

The NATO Standard for 40mm rounds requires that all approved rounds be marked with specific identification codes and colored bands to indicate their type and function. These standards help differentiate between lethal rounds, signaling rounds, and training rounds.

The standard also specifies critical dimensions such as overall length, diameter, and the presence or absence of tracers, ensuring that all NATO rounds are compatible with each other and with the associated weapon systems.

Are 40mm NATO Filters expensive to replace?

40mm NATO Filters are generally modestly priced, typically ranging from $15 to $30, depending on the manufacturer and availability. However, this cost can vary based on factors such as bulk purchases, international shipping, and specific requirements such as certified components or extended warranties.

While replacement costs are reasonable compared to the total investment in a weapon system, regular maintenance and replacement of these filters are crucial for ensuring weapon safety and operational readiness.

Can I use a 40mm NATO Filter with non-NATO weapons?

No, 40mm NATO Filters are specifically designed to work with weapons chambered for NATO-standard 40mm rounds. Using a filter designed for one weapon system with another can potentially damage both the filter and the weapon, rendering them unserviceable.

It’s important to note that while some aftermarket filters may claim compatibility with non-NATO weapons, there is no guarantee of safety or proper function, and these devices may not meet military or law enforcement specifications.

How do I install a 40mm NATO Filter?

Installation of a 40mm NATO Filter typically requires unscrewing the spent case collector (also called the case remover) on a grenade launcher and sliding the filter into place. Most filters feature a groove or lip that prevents them from being inserted in the wrong direction.

The filter should seat firmly against the chamber when properly installed. Users should check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance on installation procedures and maintenance requirements.

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