The Tiffen 86mm Fog 3 Filter simulates the effects of natural fog or mist by creating a soft glow around highlights and lowering the overall contrast of the scene. There can also be a softening effect due to how the light interacts with the subject matter. The 3 density provides a noticeable amount of fog effect and requires no exposure compensation.

Tiffen filters are 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.