The Tiffen Black Pearlescent Diffusion Filter (4 x 5.65", 1/2 Density) is a 1/2-step diffusion filter designed to soften contrast and reduce image sharpness, creating a more flattering rendering of subjects by minimizing the appearance of blemishes and softening highlights. This makes it especially well suited to digital cinematography, where high-resolution cameras can be less forgiving. It also produces a slightly reduced pearlescent halo around highlights, which can further enhance a subject’s appearance or help achieve a specific visual effect. This halo effect is less pronounced than that of a white pearlescent filter.
Diffusion Effect
Black pearlescent filters are available in diffusion grades of 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, and 4 steps. With each increase in grade, the effect becomes approximately twice as pronounced.
Construction
This filter is manufactured using ColorCore technology, a process in which the filter substrate is laminated between two pieces of optical glass and ground flat to a tolerance of 0.0025 mm.