TIFFEN FILTER FACTS

STAR FILTERS

Star filters achieve their effect by having grid patterns, similar to those on graph paper, etched onto optically clear glass.

The spacing of the etched lines, which are 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, or 4mm apart, determines the brightness of the rays. The closer the line spacing, the brighter the star effect produced. That's because the more etched lines there are to cross the path of light to the film, the more light will be channeled to form the star.

A 1mm grid spacing produces a brighter and broader star effect with longer rays than a 4mm spacing, which creates a dimmer, very fine-lined effect and shorter rays.

The star effect produced also depends on the intensity of the light source, the camera’s distance from the light source, the angle to the light source, and the overall lighting condition. Scenes of higher contrast will tend to display a more pronounced star effect. For example, a streetlight at night.

Stars with 1 mm spaced lines create brighter star effects and tend to reduce contrast in the scene.

Star filters are available in different-point stars, such as 4 point, 6 point, and 8 point. So, consider which type of "ray" you want. In some cases, a 6 point or 8 point star may be overpowering in a scene. Sometimes, a very subtle star effect is desired.

Star filters can be rotated for precise positioning of the rays in the scene. All Tiffen
screw-in star filters have rotating mounts.

Star effects can also be created from reflections off water and metallic objects.

The aperture opening has no effect on the star effect.

Tiffen also offer a series of Hollywood FX Star effects: Hollywood, Hyper, North, and Vector. These were originally developed to add special effects to Hollywood productions. They have very intricate etched lines that deliver unique star patterns. Unlike standard Star filters, HFX Stars don’t have their etched lines equidistant and their rays are not all equal in length.

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