The Tiffen 138mm Soft Contrast 4 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    138mm 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. What is the ring material, brass or aluminum?

A: The filter ring is made of Aluminum.

Q: 2. 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: 3. Will this fit in my redrock mattbox?

A: This filter is 4x5.65 inches and 4mm thick, please compare these measurements to your matte box specifications.

Q: 4. This filter is very loose (cannot fully tighten, keep rotating) when stacked on top of a B+W XS-Pro 67mm filter... Faulty unit? XS-Pro 67mm diameter slightly wider than TIffen 67mm?

A: I believe this filter is meant to be loose so that it can be easily turned to get the gradation to hit your photograph in the perfect position. Mine is loose as well and works well. It's my favorite filter!

Q: 5. Is this filter made of glass or plastic?

A: It's glass and I love this filter.

Q: 6. also does this come with the rota tray like in the picture?

A: Yes, this comes exactly as you see it. One 138mm geared circular polarizing filter in the tray you see.

Q: 7. Does this filter have a rotating filter ring to allow more control over placement of density in the image?

A: Yes it does. Turns easily and is well constructed. Used it successfully in Hawaii taking sunsets. It has a nice soft graduation. I've had good luck with Tiffen filters. Has the quality that I desire and meets my price point. I use my 58mm filters on a Canon GX1. Hope that helps.

Q: 8. Tiffen 62mm Graduated 0.6 ND Filter - will it work with the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000?

A: Yes. The Tiffen 62mm Graduated 0.6 ND Filter, will work screwed onto the front of the lens on the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000.

Q: 9. 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: 10. 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