The Tiffen 86M (Medium Thread) 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. What would I need to mount to Alien Bees?

A: You will need to purchase a speedring designed to work with the Alien Bees strobes. Just search for speedring alien bee , and you should find them. I use my boxes with Alien Bees.

Q: 2. Will it work with B2 head?

A: Sort-of... It won't fit in the usual way as the cover glass on the B2 is not removable. However you can hold it in place in front of the B2 using the mounting ring of the OCF grid/gel holder. It's not the most secure mounting though - you'd need to be careful about bumping it off - or just add some gaffer tape to keep it in place. This solution does preclude use of the built-in umbrella holder on the B2.

Q: 3. Any idea how many stops this takes out of the head?

A: What you do is replace current glass with dome, and if I'm not mistaking it's same type of glass where same amount of stops lost. It does create better light, no hot spots creates better light

Q: 4. If I am using a zoom reflector on my B1, will this dome increase the reach of the light since it will be reflecting a little more from the sides or will the frosting decrease the reach?

A: The reach of the light is a function of the shape of the reflector. The dome just distributes the light in a more uniform pattern and reduces the hot spot of the flash head. I love the improved uniformity of the light with all my modifiers. I think the dome should have been the standard defuser. I own 6 of these.

Q: 5. Is the bag big enough for a Canon 1DX with an attached 100-400mm Zoom lens?

A: Unfortunately, the Manfrotto Advanced Messenger M III 16L Camera Bag (Medium) is not large enough for that combination. The Canon 1dx is 6.6 inches tall, but that bag is only 5.1 inches wide, so it won't fit.

Q: 6. Will this fit the d2?

A: Yes it will.

Q: 7. What are the dimensions of the carrying case? Trying to figure out if it can fit in my case. Thanks.

A: 34 x 9 x 4

Q: 8. Is this screen compatible with the new Leica Q3?

A: Yes, Leica lists the Leica Premium Hybrid Glass Display Protection for Leica M10, M10-P, M10 Monochrom, SL, Q2 as an accessory for the Q3.

Q: 9. Can this dome be used alone with effect, i.e., will it soften the light of the bare flash (spread the light and soften shadows) without an additional modifier? Thanks!

A: It'll soften the shadow transitions a bit specially if shooting in smaller spaces with white walls because instead of the light spreading out in 170 degrees it'll spread out 270 degrees (pulled that angle from my sleeve), light will bounce around. I usually use it inside my bigger soft-boxes (i.e. 1'x6') or umbrella (65 ) for a more even light when I need that by spreading more light onto the walls of the soft box or umbrella. It will not necessarily substitute a soft-box. Hope that helps.

Q: 10. I installed this on my Q2 but am not entirely happy with the job I did. If I decide to buy another one in the future will it be easy to remove this one?

A: The screen protector can easily be removed.