The B+W Black Mist MRC Nano V-Pro Filter provides specialized diffusion and adds a soft, dreamy look to your images without excess image brightening. Black mist filters maintain rich contrast and create halos around highlights for added depth and atmosphere. This effect elevates portrait and landscape photographs with a film-like look.
Advanced multicoating technology minimizes reflections, maximizes light transmission, and is water and dirt repellent for easy cleaning. The filter is constructed with optical glass and a slim brass ring.
Advanced multicoating technology minimizes reflections, maximizes light transmission, and is water and dirt repellent for easy cleaning. The filter is constructed with optical glass and a slim brass ring.
A Guide to Diffusion Filters
What is a Diffusion Filter?
Diffusion filters, also known as mist, bloom, or soft filters, are used to soften details, lower contrast, and diffuse highlights. They are used to create a more dream-like or filmic image, especially when used on modern digital cameras. It softens blemishes and works well in landscapes to emphasize an atmospheric effect.
How to Use a Diffusion Filter
To achieve the desired results, use with scenes that have backlighting, highlights, or specular highlights. The lens should be used at a relatively wide open position&emdash;when stopped down too far the "mist" structure can start to be reproduced on the image. Also, while diffusion filters do not impact overall exposure, often a slight exposure compensation of 1/3 to 1/2 stop may provide improved results.
White Mist vs Black Mist vs Soft Filters
Mist filters are among the most popular diffusion options. They use tiny specks of white or black particles throughout the filter to achieve the softening effect. There are two main types of mist filters though many companies will also make varieties of more general softening filters with slightly different results.
- Black mist filters create blooming around highlights in the scene and retain contrast and atmosphere in the image.
- White mist filters have a dreamy look that is reminiscent of soft-focus techniques. They add a noticeable glow around highlights, soften shadows, and reduce contrast.
- Soft, glow, or diffusion filters are similar to mist filters but can be tuned to provide a slightly different look or result depending on the brand or series
Understanding Filter Strength (Grade)
Diffusion filters are typically made available in different strengths or grades. The greater the strength the more noticeable the diffusion effect will be on your final image. Filter grades are listed in fractions or whole numbers (1/4, 1/2, 1, 2) while more generalized strength measures can be stated in percentages. The larger the number, the greater the diffusion.
Often this effect is achieved with only a minimal degree of diffusion. Start with a modest 1/4 grade or 5-10% strength for a standard diffusion result. Choose lower strengths for more subtle effects or to retain more contrast. Select a greater strength for a more aggressive style.
Often this effect is achieved with only a minimal degree of diffusion. Start with a modest 1/4 grade or 5-10% strength for a standard diffusion result. Choose lower strengths for more subtle effects or to retain more contrast. Select a greater strength for a more aggressive style.
Selecting Filter Type
- Round or circular filters screw directly onto your lens. Select a filter size that corresponds with the filter thread of your lens. You can also choose a filter size larger than or matching the largest filter thread of all your lenses and use step-up rings to adapt that single filter to any of your lenses. Circular filters offer very secure attachment but it takes time and care to attach and remove them from the lens.
- Rectangular or square filters are made from glass or resin, and are typically used in conjunction with a filter holder that attaches to the front of a lens. They come in a variety of sizes to suit different camera types, but for DSLRs the most common are the 100mm (4 inch) type.The square filters are therefore 4x4 inches, and rectangular ones for the same system are 4x6 inches. Just like screw-on filters these square/rectangular ones come in a variety of types, although the most common are neutral density filters (square) and graduated neutral density filters (rectangular).
- Some filters may also be made available in unique variants that allow them to be mounted internally to specific camera models or work with select accessories.