The Tiffen 52mm Soft FX 3 Filter for Photographycan be applied to purposely reduce the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles in portraits or to apply a general soft-focus effect while maintaining overall sharpness. An array of small lenses distributed within the surface of this filter smooths fine lines and textures, which can be useful for creating a more flattering result of a subject.

This filter has a grade of 3. Grades of 1/2, 1, 2, 4, and 5 are also available where this filter type's effect becomes approximately twice as strong with each grade number increase. When higher grade numbers are applied, a halation effect around highlights can be created to further enhance a subject's appearance or produce a desired effect.

This filter is constructed from optical glass for clarity as well as color fidelity. It is made using ColorCore technology, a process that involves laminating the filter substrate between two pieces of optical glass and grinding flat to a tolerance of 1/10,000th of an inch, and then mounting to precision metal rings.

Soft-Focus Effect    Reduces Subject Blemishes and Wrinkles    Maintains Overall Sharpness    Optical Glass Construction    ColorCore Technology    52mm Front Filter Threads    Plastic Case

• General soft-focus effect while maintaining overall sharpness
• Reduces the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles
• Provides a smoother appearance of fine lines and textures
• Constructed from optical glass for clarity and color fidelity
• 52mm front filter threads allow for use with other filters
• Plastic case included for storage and transport

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. If the lens I am purchasing is a 50mm would I need the 52mm filters?

A: Ashley, please check the filter thread diameter specifications for the lens you are purchasing. B&H lists this in the specifications for each lens. There is no way to determine the correct filter thread given the information provided.

Q: 2. Will this 9mm thick ND filter work on Nikon 10-24mm Wide angle or is there a thin version?Thanks in advance, Terry

A: The Tiffen 77mm Variable Netural Density Filter may cause vignette on a Nikon 10-24mm lens. B+W makes a thinner profile variable ND filter with a larger filter ring that will be better for use with a wide angle lens: http://bhpho.to/OH7mr4

Q: 3. I see the warning on the webpage but is this filter appropriate to take pictures of the 2024 eclipse using a digital camera?

A: Yes, as the Tiffen Solar ND Filter (67mm, 18-Stop, Special 50th Anniversary Edition) is designed for solar photography usage, it would be compatible for use to photograph the upcoming solar eclipse on October 14, 2023.

Q: 4. What is the difference between close-up lenses and extension tubes? Is one better than the other for close up work?

A: Close-up lenses are less expensive and will allow the use of all electronic functions of the lens. They are like putting a magnifier in front of the lens. However image quality is slightly degraded due to adding another optical element. Extension tubes magnify by increasing lens distance but you will lose some functions of the lens.

Q: 5. Do these introduce any color cast?

A: Neutral density filters do not cause any color cast or affect the color of an image, but rather, darken an image.

Q: 6. Will these filters (52 mm) fit a Nikon 5300 DSLR?

A: As long as you're using a lens that has a 52mm filter thread size, this kit will work with the Nikon 5300. I have the Nikon 18-55mm lens that I use this kit with. I also have a Nikon 55-300 lens that uses 58mm filters so I have two different sizes for my Nikon lenses I use with my 5300. Most lenses have a filter size indicator on the bottom side so you know what size to use. Look for a circle with a diagonal line through it then a number, which is the mm size of the filter threads. For instance, 52.

Q: 7. Any vignetting while using aps-c censor with 16 mm lens ( 24mm on full frame)

A: I use these filters with an 18mm lens and havent noticed any significant vignetting. Especially if you are correcting for your Lens profile in photoshop. The only serious draw back is at 18mm the rim of the filter is visible when I stack/screw them together to further slowdown the exposure. I have been getting by this by zooming in slightly to get the rim of the filter out of view. But when only using one filter at a time they work great.

Q: 8. What size lens cap does this filter need?. I know it is larger then 77 mm as the manufacturersays it was built to avoid vignetting.

A: I also purchased a 77mm and a normal lens cap does not work, but a Kaiser 90mm push on lens cap will fit over the outside of the filter. This is not the ideal situation, but it is a lot better than nothing.

Q: 9. Should this filter have a physical hard stop at both ends? I have a different brand variable ND filter on my 50mm, and the adjustment ring will stop at both ends of the spectrum, where this one just keeps spinning with not stop. Is that a defect or how it's made? I find it annoying to not have the tactile 'stop', so to speak, of open or closed filter.Thanks for your help!

A: Adam,I have one and it does not have a stop, which is annoying. On the outside ring of the filter are Min - Max calibrations, which are not of much help. I just eyeball it until I have the scene, or photo exposed how I want it. This lack of a hard stop also caused me to unscrew the filter from my lens when I was just starting out with it. The last inconvenience is the lack of a lens cap to go over it which is a hassle when you are running and gunning. That said, the filter is a big help for quick lighting adjustments... once you get used to it.

Q: 10. What is the outer diameter to each thread size? For example, the 72mm thread has an outer diameter of 85mm.

A: The outer diameter of the Tiffen 77mm Variable Neutral Density Filter is 88mm, plus or minus a few µm.