Haze vs Clear: SquareHood for Ricoh GR III/IIIx v2
By The Usual | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Buying Guides
Deciding between Haze and Clear for your SquareHood v2? We break down the trade-offs in image effect and protection to help you choose the right filter for your Ricoh GR III or IIIx.
Quick answer
Choose Haze if you want a subtle warm tone and extra UV protection for outdoor shooting; choose Clear if you need neutral color accuracy and maximum light transmission for everyday or indoor use.
What the Haze filter does to your images
The Haze filter adds a gentle warming effect that can reduce the cool blue cast in bright daylight or overcast scenes. It also blocks UV light, which can improve contrast and clarity in landscapes or high-altitude shots. However, this subtle color shift means it's not ideal if you require perfectly neutral whites or are shooting products where color accuracy matters.
When the Clear filter makes more sense
The Clear filter (also called UV or protective) is optically neutral—it does not alter color or exposure. It's the safer choice if you plan to edit your photos later and want a consistent baseline. The trade-off is that it offers no additional atmospheric haze reduction beyond what the lens already provides.
Decision rules
- Choose Haze if: You shoot outdoors in bright sun, at high altitude, or in coastal areas where UV haze can reduce contrast. You like a slight warmth in your JPEGs or want to minimize post-processing.
- Choose Clear if: You need color-accurate images for product, food, or portrait work. You prefer to do all color grading in post or you shoot mostly indoors under mixed lighting.
- Not sure?: Start with Clear. It's the most versatile and won't surprise you later. You can always add a separate UV or warming filter if you find yourself wanting the haze effect. Consider buying both if you frequently switch between controlled and outdoor environments.
Product facts
- SquareHood Ricoh GR III / IIIx v2 (Haze or Clear): Our V2 hood for the Ricoh GR III and IIIX uses clear Japanese AGC optical glass with an anti scratch and anti glare coating. Both Haze and Clear variants start from this same high-quality glass base, so your choice between them is purely about the filter effect, not optical quality.
SquareHood Ricoh GR III / IIIx v2 (Haze or Clear)
Which filter fits your style?
Best for
- Street and travel photographers who shoot in variable outdoor light and want a subtle film-like warmth
- Landscape shooters who need UV protection and improved contrast in hazy conditions
Not recommended for
- Studio or product photographers who require strict color neutrality
- Users who edit extensively in post and prefer a flat, unmodified starting point
