The Tiffen 49mm Soft Contrast 2 Filter is a contrast reduction filter that darkens highlights while maintaining the density of shadows within a scene. The effect of a light absorbing element within this filter is apparent in highlights without requiring a change in overall exposure. Details within bright areas are made more visible without a similar effect on dark areas. Tiffen Soft Contrast filters are available in grades numbering one through five. Each larger numbered grade corresponds to a stronger effect.

This filter is made using ColorCore technology, a process that involves laminating the filter substrate between 2 pieces of optical glass, grinding flat to a tolerance of 1/10,000th of an inch, and then mounting to precision metal rings.

Contrast Reduction Filter    Darkens Highlights    Maintains Shadow Density    Increases Visible Details in Highlights    No Exposure Change Required    ColorCore Technology    49mm Front Filter Threads    Plastic Case

Darkens highlights within an image while maintaining shadow density.

Filter does not affect coloration of the image and does not require a change in exposure.

Plastic filter case for storage and transport.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Do these work on a macro lens, 18-55mm? And stacked?

A: Yes. I have been using them to catalogue my stamp collection using only the 4x but also the 2x + 4x for very close wotk on the edges to capture any minute wear and tear. I have been having excellent results.

Q: 2. DO these lens work on macro lens 18-55mm?

A: Yes, you can use close up lenses on an 18-55mm lens.

Q: 3. Thank you!I suppose you meant 5mm to 10mm of thikness/height of the ring, right?

A: The thickness of the filter ring is .265 inch

Q: 4. Hello, What is the difference between the filters included in this kit and these filters sold individually on your site?Tiffen 49mm UV Protector FilterB&H #TIUVP49 Mfr #49UVPTiffen 49mm Circular Polarizing FilterB&H #TICP49 Mfr #49CPTiffen 49mm 0.6 Neutral Density FilterB&H #TIND.649 Mfr #49ND6They all come with 10 year warranties. The kit says they are all aluminum, but aluminum is only called out for the polarizing filter individually. Are these the same filters?

A: These are all the same filters, and all the filters have aluminum rings.

Q: 5. What is the thickness of the filter?(I'm concerned to get vignetting in wide angle lenses)Does it rotate too?Thank you very much!

A: I am not completely sure of its thickness but it seems to be in the .5mm to 1.0 mm range. Very lightIt does not rotate.I use it with my Sigma 10-20mm lens and unless I use it with another filter it does not produce any vignetting. I have used it together with a polarizing filter and it produces some vignetting at 10mm but it disappears at 15mm.O hope this helps.

Q: 6. I am looking into buying this filter for shooting sunrises and sets where the mountains and forests are very shade compared to the sky. Should I go for something darker or lighter?

A: There is no definitive answer to your question based upon the information provided. Your question depends on the difference in correct exposure value between the mountains/forest and the sky. Each .3 of ND is equal to one stop of light loss. If the difference in exposure values is two stops, go with a graduated ND .6, if it is three stops then use a .9, etc. For best results, keep a few of these filters in your camera bag with varying ND densities.

Q: 7. Do these filters have flaring? My other Tiffen flares majorly when there is a bright light in shot. Like a sun filled window.

A: There may be slight flaring when using the Tiffen 58mm Digital Ultra Clear Filter.

Q: 8. I am not certain whether I should use a neutral density or polarizing filter for the photography I do.At present, I shoot a lot of landscape, nature, waterfalls, lakes, ponds and close up I wish to shoot photos that are well contrasted and have that jump off the page type of distinct quality. Well saturated photos, vibrant colors, no wash outs are also my hope and objective. Is this level of neutrality serve my objectives. Should the ND and polarizer be graduated?. If so, why? I own a Nikon D90, 3000 and 7000What do you suggest?

A: I would suggest getting a polarizer for the type of image you want. A circular polarizer will saturate blues and enrich color. A circular polarizer is essentially 3 stops of a ND filter as it is, but it is rotate-able. A neutral density filter is more useful in applications where you would want to blur water or shoot wide open for long exposures. Take a look at the B+W 77mm Kaesemann XS-Pro Circular Polarizer MRC Nano Filter, which is one of the highest quality circular polarizers available: http://bhpho.to/1ke87X9

Q: 9. Will this fit the Sony GM 24-70

A: This filter will fit any lens with a 82mm filter thread. When looking at your lens on the B&H website at a href= https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222774-REG/sony_sel2470gm_fe_24_70mm_f_2_8_gm.html target= _blank https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222774-REG/sony_sel2470gm_fe_24_70mm_f_2_8_gm.html/a please refer to the SPECS tab, where it lists the filter thread diameter as 82mm.

Q: 10. What is the practical or functional difference between this filter and the Tiffen ND digital filter with the same specifications? Is the ND digital model worth the extra cost (It lists at $120) ?

A: The difference between the normal 72mm Graduated 0.6 ND filter and the Tiffen 72mm Graduated 0.6 ND Digital HT Filter a href= http://http://bhpho.to/1xRFwr9 target= _blank http://bhpho.to/1xRFwr9/a is in the coatings. The Digital HT filter has a high transmission coating that is optimized for digital cameras, as well as scratch resistance and a low-profile titanium filter rings for increased strength and vignetting reduction.