The Tiffen 4.5" Softnet White 1 Effect Glass Filter uses a tried and true famous Hollywood diffusion technique. This filter contains a net material that is laminated between clear optical glass. The result is a filter which produces a diffusion effect that minimizes unwanted details but maintains clarity. The best results are achieved when this filter is used for portraits. The best results are attained when larger apertures are used.

The mesh "net" material that makes up this filter lets light pass between the threads while "diffusing" the light that touches the threads. Shadow areas are subjected to lower contrast. Diffusion is achieved by the redirection of light since when "bent", it creates a slightly out of focus effect.  

The mesh "net" material that makes up this filter lets light pass between the threads while "diffusing" the light that touches the threads. Shadow areas are subjected to lower contrast. Diffusion is achieved by the redirection of light since when "bent", it creates a slightly out of focus effect.  

Ideal portrait filter that softens image without losing detail or sharpness

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. W'hich Hasselblad lenses is this filter compatible with?

A: There were several Hasselblad lenses that took/take a bay 60 filter. The most common being a 80mm cm lens.

Q: 2. How thick is this Schneider 4x4 filter? Will it fit in a Lee Filters 100mm foundation kit if I install the 4mm optional spacers? Thanks!

A: This filter is 4mm thick.

Q: 3. Is this suitable for checking the sun position?

A: This is a filter for reducing viewed tones to what they would be similar to as black & white renditions. Do not look into the sun with this! Don't risk your eyesight looking thru this. There are other filters and tools for that.

Q: 4. Is the aluminum-alloy frame magnetic so that it can be used with the Xume filter adapter system? Thank you.

A: Aluminum is not magnetic.

Q: 5. What material is the frame made out of?

A: The Tiffen 82mm North Star Effect Filter has an aluminum ring.

Q: 6. Hello any chance for me to have 72 mm

A: Here is the link for the Tiffen 72mm 4pt/2mm Grid Star Effect Filter, BH #TIS4272: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/59339-REG/Tiffen_72STR42_72mm_4pt_2mm_Grid_Star.html

Q: 7. Can I still easily hood on/off the lens 24-105 G and/or 100-400 GM that has this filter on ?

A: This filter screws into your front filter threads and is not significantly wider than the front of your lens. Depending on what type of hood you have, you can screw it into the front filter threads on this filter or on the bayonet mount on the end of the lens with no issues.

Q: 8. Will the 58mm vector star effect filter by Tiffen fit on my 18-270mm Tamron lens?

A: No it will not. Tamron has had two different versions of an 18-270mm lens, and neither had this filter thread size. The current version of the lens is the PZD version which has a 62mm sized filter thread. The previous version had a 72mm sized filter thread. To confirm which size your lens requires you may simply remove the lens cap and look at the number on the underneath side. If you still need further help determining the proper size for your lens, you may email askbh@bhphoto.com and they can assist you.

Q: 9. What is the thickness (in mm) of this filter?

A: The Tiffen 4 x 5.65" Water White ND 1.8 Filter (6-Stop) is 4mm thick.

Q: 10. How would this filter behave when shooting a sunrise?

A: While it will depend on the size of the sun in your image (and to some extent, your chosen aperture and focal length), it should behave similar to the sample image on our website. The main difference is, as the sun is both a large and bright light source, the points in the star would be much wider than when photographing a smaller light source or a small specular highlight. The size of the bands would typically depend on the size of the sun in the image. As focal length plays a part in the size of the sun (as well as the sun's position in the sky and/or as it approaches the horizon), wide angle lenses may typically have thinner points, while telephoto lenses would have wider points.