This topic is in the 2021 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2021Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
p.3 #1Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
How about dial down clarity and/or de-haze slider to negative value in LR?
Apr 19, 2021 at 09:19 AM
p.3 #2Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
ytwong wrote:
How about dial down clarity and/or de-haze slider to negative value in LR?
It works, but IMO the look is quite recognizable and artificial-looking.
How about dial down clarity and/or de-haze slider to negative value in LR?
It works, but IMO the look is quite recognizable and artificial-looking.
Apr 19, 2021 at 12:29 PM
p.3 #3Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
100% agreed. It will not give you the organic looking highlight bloom either, which is my primary interest in diffusion filters. You can technically kinda sorta simulate the bloom in Photoshop, which I have done before, but it still doesn’t look similar at all in character. You’d need to make a luminosity mask selection of the highlights, copy and paste it onto another layer and then apply a blur to it.
Apr 19, 2021 at 06:09 PM
p.3 #4Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
Kenko Tokina "Black Mist No.05" "Moderate soft effect" compared with No. 1
https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/minirepo/1316558.html
https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/minirepo/1316558.html
Apr 21, 2021 at 07:23 PM
p.3 #5Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
Interesting. My takeaway is if it's backlit, I prefer #1 but if not, you can get away with the #5 at 50mm and this kind of subject content. IOW, you still need a bunch of different strengths to cover a range of lenses and desired effects.
If only someone would invent a variable diffusion filter along the lines of variable NDs...
If only someone would invent a variable diffusion filter along the lines of variable NDs...
Apr 22, 2021 at 04:37 PM
p.3 #6Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
rscheffler wrote:
Interesting. My takeaway is if it's backlit, I prefer #1 but if not, you can get away with the #5 at 50mm and this kind of subject content. IOW, you still need a bunch of different strengths to cover a range of lenses and desired effects.
If only someone would invent a variable diffusion filter along the lines of variable NDs...
If you have two, you can stack them as well. I got a BPM 1/2 and 1/4 today and of course tried stacking both on top of the dream filter. It was pretty extreme and not for every shot, but I will definitely use the combo on occasion!
Interesting. My takeaway is if it's backlit, I prefer #1 but if not, you can get away with the #5 at 50mm and this kind of subject content. IOW, you still need a bunch of different strengths to cover a range of lenses and desired effects.
If only someone would invent a variable diffusion filter along the lines of variable NDs...
If you have two, you can stack them as well. I got a BPM 1/2 and 1/4 today and of course tried stacking both on top of the dream filter. It was pretty extreme and not for every shot, but I will definitely use the combo on occasion!
Apr 24, 2021 at 12:37 AM
p.3 #7Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
Hello,
The OOF areas/bokeh of the 35mm GM in some circumstances can be not as smooth as that seen with the Sigma 1.2, for example, not surprisingly as the Sigma is faster, though also, IMHO, the Sony has been engineered for sharpness and quite a bit of contrast.
Has anyone experimented with Black pro mist filters for this purpose?
These filters, and similar ones by competitors, are often used by videographers to soften the "digital" look from digital video cameras.
Here's the schpiel from the producer:
"-Contrast is lowered, but with less lightening of shadows for a more delicate effect
-Creates a soft light "pastel" effect
-Delicate effect with contained highlight flare
"... unique layering of contrast combined with a gauzy paint like halation, function as a twist on the stand of the pro halation spill effect. Even at its lowest density, it delivers an effective and increase in the halation which adds a pleasing depth of warmth, but is not transported to the skin tone values. "
https://tiffen.com/products/black-pro-mist-filter
I have nothing to do with this company. Some people prefer other similar filters. They're not cheap. Saw Lindsay Adler using one in a video.
The Black pro mist 1/8 has a weak effect, the 1/4 more (often used for portraits) and the 1/2 even more. If you use higher strengths then the chances of light "blooming" increases, so you have to watch out for that. Some people use higher strengths for higher FL I believe (or vice versa, I can't remember!).
They say that it reduces contrast and doesn't effect sharpness or skin tones (good for portraits! Don't think such an effect can exactly be accomplished in post processing as the random tiny specks of matter in the filter disperse light slightly, producing different effects according to the subject/light etc)
Anyway, I decided to do a few test shots with an A7RII and the Sony 35mm GM.
These photos were taken with EFCS off and manual focused to around a few feet, I think it was, to isolate not such smooth OOF areas.
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/7l3cz1X.jpeg
Black pro mist 1/2:
https://i.imgur.com/8Bo1rvg.jpg
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/2RjbDMZ.jpeg
Black pro mist 1/2:
https://i.imgur.com/4t8L1oM.jpg
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/eXPouuH.jpg
Black pro mist 1/4:
https://i.imgur.com/xpxsUAC.jpg
At first glance you may not notice much of an effect (especially with the 1/4 strength), though to my eye I can see reduced contrast and softer rendering.
If anyone is interested I can do more experiments (the effect should be more pronounced with back light as there would be more blooming), and your own experiments would be useful if you have such a filter.
I use them when doing portraits, and when I can't be bothered to work on background OOF areas to smooth them more (which I've never done anyway though haven't used such a crazy sharp contrasty lens like the 35mm GM before), so it might save you some post processing of the background if you feel the effect is OK for you.
Thanks
The OOF areas/bokeh of the 35mm GM in some circumstances can be not as smooth as that seen with the Sigma 1.2, for example, not surprisingly as the Sigma is faster, though also, IMHO, the Sony has been engineered for sharpness and quite a bit of contrast.
Has anyone experimented with Black pro mist filters for this purpose?
These filters, and similar ones by competitors, are often used by videographers to soften the "digital" look from digital video cameras.
Here's the schpiel from the producer:
"-Contrast is lowered, but with less lightening of shadows for a more delicate effect
-Creates a soft light "pastel" effect
-Delicate effect with contained highlight flare
"... unique layering of contrast combined with a gauzy paint like halation, function as a twist on the stand of the pro halation spill effect. Even at its lowest density, it delivers an effective and increase in the halation which adds a pleasing depth of warmth, but is not transported to the skin tone values. "
https://tiffen.com/products/black-pro-mist-filter
I have nothing to do with this company. Some people prefer other similar filters. They're not cheap. Saw Lindsay Adler using one in a video.
The Black pro mist 1/8 has a weak effect, the 1/4 more (often used for portraits) and the 1/2 even more. If you use higher strengths then the chances of light "blooming" increases, so you have to watch out for that. Some people use higher strengths for higher FL I believe (or vice versa, I can't remember!).
They say that it reduces contrast and doesn't effect sharpness or skin tones (good for portraits! Don't think such an effect can exactly be accomplished in post processing as the random tiny specks of matter in the filter disperse light slightly, producing different effects according to the subject/light etc)
Anyway, I decided to do a few test shots with an A7RII and the Sony 35mm GM.
These photos were taken with EFCS off and manual focused to around a few feet, I think it was, to isolate not such smooth OOF areas.
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/7l3cz1X.jpeg
Black pro mist 1/2:
https://i.imgur.com/8Bo1rvg.jpg
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/2RjbDMZ.jpeg
Black pro mist 1/2:
https://i.imgur.com/4t8L1oM.jpg
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/eXPouuH.jpg
Black pro mist 1/4:
https://i.imgur.com/xpxsUAC.jpg
At first glance you may not notice much of an effect (especially with the 1/4 strength), though to my eye I can see reduced contrast and softer rendering.
If anyone is interested I can do more experiments (the effect should be more pronounced with back light as there would be more blooming), and your own experiments would be useful if you have such a filter.
I use them when doing portraits, and when I can't be bothered to work on background OOF areas to smooth them more (which I've never done anyway though haven't used such a crazy sharp contrasty lens like the 35mm GM before), so it might save you some post processing of the background if you feel the effect is OK for you.
Thanks
Apr 24, 2021 at 02:00 PM
p.3 #8Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
This is an interesting topic, I think I read someone's thoughts on these kind of filters not that long ago here...
Would you mind posting some comparisons with a busy background (like trees, branches, foliage, etc.) focused a bit further (like 3-4m) ? I think it's then, when the blur amount diminishes and all the rendering imperfections come out...
Would you mind posting some comparisons with a busy background (like trees, branches, foliage, etc.) focused a bit further (like 3-4m) ? I think it's then, when the blur amount diminishes and all the rendering imperfections come out...
Apr 24, 2021 at 02:19 PM
p.3 #9Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
j4nu wrote:
This is an interesting topic, I think I read someone's thoughts on these kind of filters not that long ago here...
Would you mind posting some comparisons with a busy background (like trees, branches, foliage, etc.) focused a bit further (like 3-4m) ? I think it's then, when the blur amount diminishes and all the rendering imperfections come out...
Sure, I had limited time this evening when I remembered about these filters and took the above shots in the diminishing light.
How far do you want the branches to be with the focus at 3-4m? Branches at 5 or 10m or more like 20+?
Where would you prefer the sun to be (if I can manage that!)?
This is an interesting topic, I think I read someone's thoughts on these kind of filters not that long ago here...
Would you mind posting some comparisons with a busy background (like trees, branches, foliage, etc.) focused a bit further (like 3-4m) ? I think it's then, when the blur amount diminishes and all the rendering imperfections come out...
Sure, I had limited time this evening when I remembered about these filters and took the above shots in the diminishing light.
How far do you want the branches to be with the focus at 3-4m? Branches at 5 or 10m or more like 20+?
Where would you prefer the sun to be (if I can manage that!)?
Apr 24, 2021 at 02:24 PM
p.3 #10Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
I think it will be enough just not to focus too close in order not to blur the background completely 
.
Thanks!
. Thanks!
Apr 24, 2021 at 02:36 PM
p.3 #11Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
I think it works.
Do you have a link to the video?
Any threads or articles out there that compare the various brands?
Do you have a link to the video?
Any threads or articles out there that compare the various brands?
Apr 24, 2021 at 03:42 PM
p.3 #12Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
Hmmm, I think it was none of the videos on her channel; think I viewed it over six months ago. She was photographing a model in her studio, may have been one of her short videos where she breaks down the lighting etc. Sorry, can't remember more.
I believe that I found that there were other brands of these filters when I was researching which one to get (settled on black pro must for no reason in particular, though then you have to choose a strength; in the end I bought the 1/4 and 1/2).
I believe that in the many reviews that I read a person mentioned a different brand. I read reviews on adorama, b & h, Amazon, other places after doing searches.
If you find out more let us know!
DaveFP wrote:
I think it works.
Do you have a link to the video?
Any threads or articles out there that compare the various brands?
I believe that I found that there were other brands of these filters when I was researching which one to get (settled on black pro must for no reason in particular, though then you have to choose a strength; in the end I bought the 1/4 and 1/2).
I believe that in the many reviews that I read a person mentioned a different brand. I read reviews on adorama, b & h, Amazon, other places after doing searches.
If you find out more let us know!
DaveFP wrote:
I think it works.
Do you have a link to the video?
Any threads or articles out there that compare the various brands?
Apr 24, 2021 at 03:50 PM
p.3 #13Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
DaveFP wrote:
I think it works.
Do you have a link to the video?
Any threads or articles out there that compare the various brands?
Go to Youtube and put this into the search box: "tiffen black pro mist" and you'll get a list of videos with reviews and test shots etc.
I think it works.
Do you have a link to the video?
Any threads or articles out there that compare the various brands?
Go to Youtube and put this into the search box: "tiffen black pro mist" and you'll get a list of videos with reviews and test shots etc.
Apr 24, 2021 at 05:07 PM
p.3 #14Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
rainio wrote:
Hello,
The OOF areas/bokeh of the 35mm GM in some circumstances can be not as smooth as that seen with the Sigma 1.2, for example, not surprisingly as the Sigma is faster, though also, IMHO, the Sony has been engineered for sharpness and quite a bit of contrast.
Has anyone experimented with Black pro mist filters for this purpose?
These filters, and similar ones by competitors, are often used by videographers to soften the "digital" look from digital video cameras.
Here's the schpiel from the producer:
"-Contrast is lowered, but with less lightening of shadows for a more delicate effect
-Creates a soft light "pastel"...Show more →
There is already a thread started for this exact thing here recently! This thread covers BPM mist among others at different FL's and such:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695216/0
It would be great if you posted your examples and thoughts in that so we don't have multiple threads covering the same thing--it's a much more valuable/helpful source for the FM community when info/testing/discussion is centralized.
Hello,
The OOF areas/bokeh of the 35mm GM in some circumstances can be not as smooth as that seen with the Sigma 1.2, for example, not surprisingly as the Sigma is faster, though also, IMHO, the Sony has been engineered for sharpness and quite a bit of contrast.
Has anyone experimented with Black pro mist filters for this purpose?
These filters, and similar ones by competitors, are often used by videographers to soften the "digital" look from digital video cameras.
Here's the schpiel from the producer:
"-Contrast is lowered, but with less lightening of shadows for a more delicate effect
-Creates a soft light "pastel"...Show more →
There is already a thread started for this exact thing here recently! This thread covers BPM mist among others at different FL's and such:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695216/0
It would be great if you posted your examples and thoughts in that so we don't have multiple threads covering the same thing--it's a much more valuable/helpful source for the FM community when info/testing/discussion is centralized.
Apr 24, 2021 at 05:15 PM
p.3 #15Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
fuzzykeys wrote:
If only someone would invent a variable diffusion filter along the lines of variable NDs...If you have two, you can stack them as well. I got a BPM 1/2 and 1/4 today and of course tried stacking both on top of the dream filter. It was pretty extreme and not for every shot, but I will definitely use the combo on occasion!
Post some examples
rscheffler wrote
Interesting. My takeaway is if it's backlit, I prefer #1 but if not, you can get away with the #5 at 50mm and this kind of subject content. IOW, you still need a bunch of different strengths to cover a range of lenses and desired effects.If only someone would invent a variable diffusion filter along the lines of variable NDs...
Post some examples
Apr 24, 2021 at 05:21 PM
p.3 #16Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
Those pictures remind me of my wayward youth college days of "experimentation!"
Apr 24, 2021 at 06:16 PM
p.3 #17Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Post some examples
Here's a start! SOOC JPEG taken with the BPM 1/2 this afternoon and uploaded from my phone.
Samyang 35 1.4 @f2 w/ Black Pro Mist 1/2 by Test Shots, on Flickr
Post some examples
Here's a start! SOOC JPEG taken with the BPM 1/2 this afternoon and uploaded from my phone.
Samyang 35 1.4 @f2 w/ Black Pro Mist 1/2 by Test Shots, on FlickrApr 24, 2021 at 09:52 PM
p.3 #18Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
Oh, wow! This looks like it's turning into the internet's definitive diffusion filter discussion!
I'll move over to yours!
It seems that these filters do smooth bokeh and OOF areas, so if anyone's is interested in more discussion you can pop over to the other discussion.
Someone mentioned do the filters work at higher studies, which is a good point. I'll look into this and post there.
Thanks!
nehemiahphoto wrote:
The OOF areas/bokeh of the 35mm GM in some circumstances can be not as smooth as that seen with the Sigma 1.2, for example, not surprisingly as the Sigma is faster, though also, IMHO, the Sony has been engineered for sharpness and quite a bit of contrast.
Has anyone experimented with Black pro mist filters for this purpose?
These filters, and similar ones by competitors, are often used by videographers to soften the "digital" look from digital video cameras.
Here's the schpiel from the producer:
"-Contrast is lowered, but with less lightening of shadows for a more delicate effect
-Creates a soft light "pastel" effect
-Delicate effect with contained highlight flare
"... unique layering of contrast combined with a gauzy paint like halation, function as a twist on the stand of the pro halation spill effect. Even at its lowest density, it delivers an effective and increase in the halation which adds a pleasing depth of warmth, but is not transported to the skin tone values. "
https://tiffen.com/products/black-pro-mist-filter
I have nothing to do with this company. Some people prefer other similar filters. They're not cheap. Saw Lindsay Adler using one in a video.
The Black pro mist 1/8 has a weak effect, the 1/4 more (often used for portraits) and the 1/2 even more. If you use higher strengths then the chances of light "blooming" increases, so you have to watch out for that. Some people use higher strengths for higher FL I believe (or vice versa, I can't remember!).
They say that it reduces contrast and doesn't effect sharpness or skin tones (good for portraits! Don't think such an effect can exactly be accomplished in post processing as the random tiny specks of matter in the filter disperse light slightly, producing different effects according to the subject/light etc)
Anyway, I decided to do a few test shots with an A7RII and the Sony 35mm GM.
These photos were taken with EFCS off and manual focused to around a few feet, I think it was, to isolate not such smooth OOF areas.
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/7l3cz1X.jpg
Black pro mist 1/2:
https://i.imgur.com/8Bo1rvg.jpg
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/2RjbDMZ.jpg
Black pro mist 1/2:
https://i.imgur.com/4t8L1oM.jpg
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/eXPouuH.jpg
Black pro mist 1/4:
https://i.imgur.com/xpxsUAC.jpg
At first glance you may not notice much of an effect (especially with the 1/4 strength), though to my eye I can see reduced contrast and softer rendering.
If anyone is interested I can do more experiments (the effect should be more pronounced with back light as there would be more blooming), and your own experiments would be useful if you have such a filter.
I use them when doing portraits, and when I can't be bothered to work on background OOF areas to smooth them more (which I've never done anyway though haven't used such a crazy sharp contrasty lens like the 35mm GM before), so it might save you some post processing of the background if you feel the effect is OK for you.
ThanksThere is already a thread started for this exact thing here recently! This thread covers BPM mist among others at different FL's and such:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695216/0
It would be great if you posted your examples and thoughts in that so we don't have multiple threads covering the same thing--it's a much more valuable/helpful source for the FM community when info/testing/discussion is centralized.
I'll move over to yours!
It seems that these filters do smooth bokeh and OOF areas, so if anyone's is interested in more discussion you can pop over to the other discussion.
Someone mentioned do the filters work at higher studies, which is a good point. I'll look into this and post there.
Thanks!
nehemiahphoto wrote:
rainio wrote
Hello,The OOF areas/bokeh of the 35mm GM in some circumstances can be not as smooth as that seen with the Sigma 1.2, for example, not surprisingly as the Sigma is faster, though also, IMHO, the Sony has been engineered for sharpness and quite a bit of contrast.
Has anyone experimented with Black pro mist filters for this purpose?
These filters, and similar ones by competitors, are often used by videographers to soften the "digital" look from digital video cameras.
Here's the schpiel from the producer:
"-Contrast is lowered, but with less lightening of shadows for a more delicate effect
-Creates a soft light "pastel" effect
-Delicate effect with contained highlight flare
"... unique layering of contrast combined with a gauzy paint like halation, function as a twist on the stand of the pro halation spill effect. Even at its lowest density, it delivers an effective and increase in the halation which adds a pleasing depth of warmth, but is not transported to the skin tone values. "
https://tiffen.com/products/black-pro-mist-filter
I have nothing to do with this company. Some people prefer other similar filters. They're not cheap. Saw Lindsay Adler using one in a video.
The Black pro mist 1/8 has a weak effect, the 1/4 more (often used for portraits) and the 1/2 even more. If you use higher strengths then the chances of light "blooming" increases, so you have to watch out for that. Some people use higher strengths for higher FL I believe (or vice versa, I can't remember!).
They say that it reduces contrast and doesn't effect sharpness or skin tones (good for portraits! Don't think such an effect can exactly be accomplished in post processing as the random tiny specks of matter in the filter disperse light slightly, producing different effects according to the subject/light etc)
Anyway, I decided to do a few test shots with an A7RII and the Sony 35mm GM.
These photos were taken with EFCS off and manual focused to around a few feet, I think it was, to isolate not such smooth OOF areas.
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/7l3cz1X.jpg
Black pro mist 1/2:
https://i.imgur.com/8Bo1rvg.jpg
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/2RjbDMZ.jpg
Black pro mist 1/2:
https://i.imgur.com/4t8L1oM.jpg
No filter:
https://i.imgur.com/eXPouuH.jpg
Black pro mist 1/4:
https://i.imgur.com/xpxsUAC.jpg
At first glance you may not notice much of an effect (especially with the 1/4 strength), though to my eye I can see reduced contrast and softer rendering.
If anyone is interested I can do more experiments (the effect should be more pronounced with back light as there would be more blooming), and your own experiments would be useful if you have such a filter.
I use them when doing portraits, and when I can't be bothered to work on background OOF areas to smooth them more (which I've never done anyway though haven't used such a crazy sharp contrasty lens like the 35mm GM before), so it might save you some post processing of the background if you feel the effect is OK for you.
Thanks
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695216/0
It would be great if you posted your examples and thoughts in that so we don't have multiple threads covering the same thing--it's a much more valuable/helpful source for the FM community when info/testing/discussion is centralized.
Apr 25, 2021 at 12:43 AM
p.3 #19Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
I am becoming a big fan of diffusion filters and now I have three of em. I just got two Black Pro Mists (1/4 and 1/2) to add to my Prism Lens FX Dream Filter, which works a bit differently than a BPM. They can all definitely add some jus.
I am not using them to soften per se, but if you are in a backlit situation, you will definitely see some blooming in your out of focus bg, which will soften it some. I posted some 50mm Dream Filter tests in the diffusion and effects thread as well as one SOOC JPEG portrait with the 1/2 yesterday. I will try to add some more soon. One interesting thing is that you can stack filters so if you have a 1/4 and a 1/2, you can add them together for a pseudo 3/4.
I am not using them to soften per se, but if you are in a backlit situation, you will definitely see some blooming in your out of focus bg, which will soften it some. I posted some 50mm Dream Filter tests in the diffusion and effects thread as well as one SOOC JPEG portrait with the 1/2 yesterday. I will try to add some more soon. One interesting thing is that you can stack filters so if you have a 1/4 and a 1/2, you can add them together for a pseudo 3/4.
Apr 25, 2021 at 11:17 AM
p.3 #20Diffusion Filters! (or Effect Filters in general)
fuzzykeys wrote:
Here's a start! SOOC JPEG taken with the BPM 1/2 this afternoon and uploaded from my phone.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51137385274_6e262f1545_h.jpgSamyang 35 1.4 @f2 w/ Black Pro Mist 1/2 by Test Shots, on Flickr
Looks great--excellent effect. Feel free (please) post more if you have them!
nehemiahphoto wrote
Post some exampleshttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51137385274_6e262f1545_h.jpgSamyang 35 1.4 @f2 w/ Black Pro Mist 1/2 by Test Shots, on Flickr
Looks great--excellent effect. Feel free (please) post more if you have them!
Apr 25, 2021 at 02:24 PM