72 mm Lens Filter Thread (M72 × 0.75)
Direct Answer
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).
Source: DIN 4503 / ISO Standards
Specs
| Thread Diameter | 72.0 mm (nominal ø72) |
| Metric Thread Pitch | 0.75 mm (M72 × 0.75) |
| Thread Direction | 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 |
The 70-200mm f/4 Sweet Spot
While $f/2.8$ telephoto zooms require heavy $77\text{ mm}$ or $82\text{ mm}$ glass, $f/4$ constant-aperture telephoto zooms fit cleanly into 72 mm barrels, cutting overall lens weight by nearly half while preserving pro optical resolution.