The Tiffen 82mm Soft Contrast Filteris 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    82mm 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. Can I still get lens flares?

A: There is no filter that eliminates flares. In fact, sometimes a filter increases the chance of flares. It depends on the lens and the light that is in and out of frame. Therefore to answer your question, it depends. What you need to do is to put it on and off the lens while checking for flares. As a motion picture camera assistant I had to check for flare on the lens, with or without filter, during the set up of the entire move (if there was one) of every shot. Wish I had a buck for each time I had to do that. I could buy two Leicas, with a nice set of lenses.

Q: 2. Will this cause a vignette on the Sony 24-105mm at the wise end?

A: No, it should not vignette on the 24mm end.

Q: 3. Just gotten the 72mm Tiffin ND filters. Was not able to use my 72mm Nikon Lens cap & also wasn't able to attached the 72mm Sensei wide angle lens hood. Kindly please advice what size Nikon Lens cap & sensei lens hood should be use instead.

A: The Tiffen VND filters have limited front filter threads to avoid vignetting. You will not be able to use a traditional lens cap on this filter, we recommend sourcing a 3rd party slip on lens cap or removing the filter and placing it back in its protective pouch when not in use. The filter rings are larger and wider than a traditional filter (necessary in the construction of a VND), this prevents most lens hoods from being used as well.

Q: 4. I have recently purcahsed this filter and I used it for the first time last week. I find that when I use it at apertures smaller than f8 that a discoloured area appears (I suspect it is refracted light as in some instances I see banding of different colours). I suspect I received a bad copy but wanted to check if others had this issue as well?

A: Please submit an inquiry to Tiffen technical support at a href= http://tiffen.com/contact/. target= _blank http://tiffen.com/contact/./a Make sure to include a copy of your receipt and two photos of the same subject. One taken without the filter, one taking with the filter showing the issue.

Q: 5. Looking to put this on my voigtlander 17.5mm so I can shoot video at f/2.0 in daylight. With a 3stop ND filter I own, I have to shoot at f/8 to shoot at 1/50 shutter for video. If my math is correct, I would need at least 7 stop filter for f/2.0. When does the infamous cross pattern show up on this filter?

A: Thanks for your interest in the Tiffen VND filter. The X Bar is dependent upon three factors.... the sensor size of your camera, your focal length and your VND setting. There is no way to say when exactly it will happen. The X Bar typically happens when shooting wide angle and when using higher density settings on the VND. This will happen sooner with a full frame sensor. To eliminate the X Bar you would simply adjust your focal length (zoom in), go to a lighter density setting on the VND or a combination of both.The X Bar effect is a product of optical physics and does not indicate that anything is wrong with the VND filter. If it appears you are simply operating outside of the recommended VND parameters.

Q: 6. I just received the Tiffen 77mm Variable Neutral Density filter and it rattles when I shake it. The glass on the interior (camera) side is loose and it rotates inside the ring. This is my first variable ND filter so I am wondering if a loose rear element is normal for this filter or is mine defective?

A: Bill, it sounds like your rear filter glass is loose. We can send you instructions on how to fix this yourself, or you can send it in for repair under warranty. Please submit the form at a href= http://tiffen.com/contact/. target= _blank http://tiffen.com/contact/./a Make sure to include a copy of your receipt and a description of the problem. We will send you information on how to fix it yourself or send it in for repair under warranty.

Q: 7. Which filter best work in a canon 6D?

A: Filter sizing depends on the lens, not the camera. Check your lens to see what the filter thread diameter is. Regarding which filter works best ... it all depends upon what you want to do. Each filter is designed for something different, see the link below for more information:a href= http://www.tiffen.com/tiffen_edu_camera_filters.html target= _blank http://www.tiffen.com/tiffen_edu_camera_filters.html/a

Q: 8. Hi i am planning to buy sony 10-18mm f4 lens and just wondering which tiffen ND filter will fit in to that lens. Any idea which filter should i buy for this lens. ?

A: The Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS lens has a 62mm front filter thread.

Q: 9. Does anyone know if my Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 VR lens hood works with this filter attached?

A: I assume you mean the 77mm version of the variable ND... because this is the 82 mm which of course will not fit ... guess you can use a stepup ring? But it will work for sure if it fits you lens... pretty sure there is a 77mm version. The variable ND is ideal for shooting video where you are maintaining a shutter speed and F stop or T stop with a specific depth of field and you need to drop the amount of light coming in plus you cannot drop the ISO any further. That's what I use it for anyways.

Q: 10. Could you recommend a lens cap for this filter please? The filter is 82mm but the front part of (I think) 94mm.

A: You may have success with the Kaiser 85mm Push-On (http://bhpho.to/2aJYEnM). People seem to have luck with other 82mm sized filters.