Camera filtration is awesome. You can change your entire world in milliseconds without even leaving your seat. Many companies produce camera filters, but a few notable names rise above the rest.

Tiffen just so happens to be one of these memorable brands. An industry pillar since the days of old, they can be trusted with every shot because they truly have seen it all in a million different ways.

Here are the best Tiffen filters available today.

Premium pick

1. Tiffen 77mm Black Satin

9.00 / 10
Read Reviews

The Tiffen 77mm Black Satin filter is a screw-in filter that's designed to soften the overall look of an image, reducing harshness and creating a more well-rounded look. Whether you're taking professional shots or recording a YouTube video, this camera filter complements digital images and is available in a wide range of sizes.

Aside from creating great images, the Tiffen 77mm Black Satin is extremely high-quality. Using Tiffen's ColorCore technology, this filter lowers contrast and reduces highlights to soften any blemishes.

While the Tiffen 77mm Black Satin is undoubtedly powerful, it does come at a hefty price. For professional photographers and cinematographers, the investment is worthwhile. However, novices may find the expense too much if they're just starting out.

Key Features
  • Availiable in a variety of sizes
  • Screw-in filter
Specifications
  • Brand: Tiffen
  • Material: Satin
  • Photo Filter Thread Size: 43mm, 46mm, 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm
  • Photo Filter Effect Type: Portrait
  • Density: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Creates subtle image filters
  • Great for close-ups
Cons
  • Expensive
Buy This Product
Tiffen 77mm Black Satin
Editors choice

2. Tiffen Black Pro-Mist Filter

10.00 / 10
Read Reviews

The look of film grain is highly sought-after in the world of film. The cost of actually shooting on film is steep, however. One thing that all digital cinematographers can agree on: the Tiffen Black Pro-Mist camera filter comes pretty close.

Black Pro-Mist is essentially Tiffen's original Pro-Mist filter with the addition of dark inclusions that are meant to balance out Pro-Mist's tendency to wash out the image. These inclusions break up some of the halation without eliminating the effect entirely.

When used with restraint, the Tiffen Black Pro-Mist filter is subtle and widely applicable, especially for narrative work. Warm Black Pro-Mist is also a formidable choice, warming up the image as the name would suggest.

Key Features
  • The look of regular Pro-Mist without making the image feel overly diffuse and low-contrast
  • Skin tones remain true to life
  • Available in mptv and screw-in sizes
Specifications
  • Brand: Tiffen
  • Material: Glass
  • Photo Filter Thread Size: 37mm, 49mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm
  • Photo Filter Effect Type: Pro-Mist
  • Density: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2
Pros
  • Softens the look of a digital image
  • Evens out on-screen values - less intense highlights, "lifted" dark areas
  • Reduces blemishes and improves complexion
Cons
  • Higher densities may make the image look "dirty" in some cases
Buy This Product
Tiffen Black Pro-Mist Filter

The Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter is a lightweight and small filter, ideal for taking with you on outdoor shoots. Relying on a neutral density filter as your preferred means of exposure compensation can be extraordinarily expensive. For each density, you would usually need to buy a separate filter for each step up or down, swapping one for another when necessary.

What if you only need to reduce the light by half of a stop instead of a whole one, though? The Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter allows you to dwell between the lines. Instead of choosing between an ND 0.9 and an ND 1.2, for example, a rotating ring helps you pinpoint the sweet spot precisely.

The Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter is an excellent choice if you shoot candids and are constantly on the move. This all-in-on neutral density filter eliminates the need to swap ND filters as the conditions around you change.

Key Features
  • Cuts light by 2 to 8 stops
  • Gives you exactly the amount of ND that you need
  • Includes padded nylon pouch
Specifications
  • Brand: Tiffen
  • Material: Glass
  • Photo Filter Thread Size: 52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm
  • Photo Filter Effect Type: Neutral Density
  • Density: ND 0.6 to ND 2.4
Pros
  • One ND filter to rule them all
  • Reduces vignetting
  • Never choose between too much or too little ND again
Cons
  • Only available as a screw-on filter
Buy This Product
Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

The Tiffen Glimmer Glass Filter can soften images and videos in a subtle manner while offering a distinct look through the use of lighter grades. Cinematographers truly want it all: a deep look, rich with the spirit of the light at play, but one that does not come at the cost of the integrity of the subject.

The Tiffen Glimmer Glass satisfies both needs without question. Tiffen describes the Glimmer Glass effect as non-destructive at low densities. The resulting frame is clean and beautiful, without the overwhelming spillover and "milkiness" associated with other halation filters.

Even at its heavier densities, this Tiffen filter won't overbear your shot, offering an element of sparkle without being too invasive.

Key Features
  • Known for creating perfect halation around highlights and other on-screen light sources
  • High-quality and extremely regular inclusions prevent the look from feeling "accidental" or as a result of a smudge on the lens
  • Produces distinct Sparkle look
Specifications
  • Brand: Tiffen
  • Material: Glass
  • Photo Filter Thread Size: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm
  • Photo Filter Effect Type: Diffusive
  • Density: 1/4, 1, 2
Pros
  • Clean and attractive halation
  • Softens without compromising clarity and detail
  • Stands strong in both wide shots and close-ups
Cons
  • May muffle the intensity of extreme colors and luminant values
Buy This Product
Tiffen Glimmer Glass Filter

If you've ever been lucky enough to shoot an exterior on a foggy day, you're probably familiar with the production value that atmosphere adds to a scene. We recommend that you skip the hazer rental—instead, take the look with you everywhere with a Tiffen Smoque filter.

If atmospheric haze would be a logistical nightmare, it's nice to have this alternative in your back pocket. Pop it on and off, no waiting required. A bar scene, cigar smoke hanging heavy in the air. An eerie night at the cemetery. Many narratively significant situations can be enhanced greatly with a little bit of Smoque. The possibilities are endless.

The Tiffen Smoque Filter is certainly unique, however, as the effect is global, some cinematographers may prefer to use an actual fog machine to direct the effects to a singular location.

Key Features
  • Emulates the look of atmospheric haze
  • Provides a foggy smoke effect where weather conditions, allergies, or other logistical issues make the real thing impractical or impossible
  • Available in a variety of sizes
Specifications
  • Brand: Tiffen
  • Material: Glass
  • Photo Filter Thread Size: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm
  • Photo Filter Effect Type: Haze
  • Density: 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4
Pros
  • Applied in an instant
  • Easily removed if it's not working for you
  • No more messing around trying the achieve your desired level of haze thickness and coverage the old-fashioned way
Cons
  • The effect is global and may not be as subtle as actual fog or a strategically-placed haze machine
Buy This Product
Tiffen Smoque Filter

For a taste of the Wild West or any other scenario where a vintage vibe is non-negotiable, the Tiffen Sepia 2 Filter is the professional DP's first choice. There are plenty of ways to make your footage feel old-fashioned in post. Achieving this effect in-camera, however, makes use of the camera's full gamut. The difference in color depth can be enormous.

Offering a green-brownish tone, it's incredibly easy to achieve a vintage look across your images and videos. The Tiffen Sepia 2 Filter adds a warm Sepia coloration allowing cinematographers to change the effects of their work in an instant.

Available in multiple sizes, this high-quality Tiffen filter can be easily paired with other filters to create a work of art.

Key Features
  • Nostalgic and kitsch
  • Provides a balanced sense of warmth beyond Tiffen's 85 series of color correction filters
  • 2 density solid color filter
Specifications
  • Brand: Tiffen
  • Material: Glass
  • Photo Filter Thread Size: 40.5mm, 46mm, 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm
  • Photo Filter Effect Type: Sepia
  • Density: 1, 2, 3
Pros
  • Preserves some chromatic value, muting the image without extinguishing it entirely
  • More subtle than applying a similar effect in post
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Does impose some impact on the brightness of the image - user discretion is advised
Buy This Product
Tiffen Sepia Filter

The Tiffen Soft FX Filter applies a soft effect without reducing the sharpness of an image. The masters of the golden age of Hollywood had no problem simply smearing some Vaseline over the lens in order to create a dreamy look for their films. Nowadays, we've got better options. Tiffen's Soft FX filter is one of the best.

The Hollywood Soft FX Filter romanticizes the actor without diffusing the image unduly. When you want all eyes on the talent in front of you, this filter makes everybody look like a star.

Due to its front filter threads, you can use the Tiffen Soft FX Filter with other filters to achieve the ultimate look. Included in the box is a handy case for storage and transport, ideal for any occassion.

Key Features
  • Great for close-ups and portraits
  • Gives an Old Hollywood type of appeal to the shot
  • Can use with other filters
Specifications
  • Brand: Tiffen
  • Material: Glass
  • Photo Filter Thread Size: 37mm, 40.5mm, 43mm, 46mm, 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm, 86mm
  • Photo Filter Effect Type: Diffusive
  • Density: 1/2, 2, 3, 4, 5
Pros
  • Lessens the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and unevenness in skin tone
  • Some halation at higher densities
  • A timeless and classy effect
Cons
  • If you want a super crisp, sharp, modern-looking image, any filter like this will be something to avoid
Buy This Product
Tiffen Soft FX Filter

FAQ

Q: What Is Camera Filtration?

Camera filtration occurs at the head of the camera. Any time you put something in front of the lens, you change the character of the image that the camera captures.

We should clarify that this doesn't really include cut-out effects intended to change the shape of the light entering the camera. Instead, the focus here is on a glass or plastic plate that modifies the image as a whole.

Some are practical, keeping the camera on the same page as the scene in a technical sense. Others are fun and niche, like starburst filters. There truly is a camera filter for every occasion.

Q: What's the Difference Between Filter Wheels and Square Filters?

Filter wheels are screwed onto the front of your lens. The larger square filters that you may sometimes see online are slid into the frame of a matte box. If they've got the same specs, there really is no difference aside from the way that you stick it on. It will come down to the equipment that you're working with.

Q: What Is the Best Type of Filter to Buy?

Novelty filters and corrective filters should both have a place in your arsenal. Building your kit is easy if you shoot one thing or another frequently.

If you're a portrait photographer, it's all about what the filter can do for the face. Investing in this area would be a wise move. Other filters improve contrast and are really great for black and white photography. For the narrative cinematographer, atmospheric filters like the Black Pro-Mist and Smoque filters mentioned here are definitely must-haves.

Don't take our word for it, though. You'll find your favorites soon enough. There's no going back from that point on.