The Tiffen 4 x 4" Softnet White 3 Filter is a softening filter meant to replicate the look of draping silk over the lens in order to soften or diffuse light. This filter works by scattering light entering the lens through a mesh pattern, resulting in an overall soft glow. The white distinction provides even diffusion and lessening of contrast within the scene. The 3 density provides more softening than the 2, but less than the 4.

Tiffen filters are made using ColorCore technology, a process that involves laminating the filter substrate between 2 pieces of optical glass and grinding flat to a tolerance of 1/10,000th of an inch. This filter measures 4 x 4" / 101.6 x 101.6mm.