Tiffen Warm Diffusion Filters Introduced

Lens Filters

by Olaf von VossOctober 8^th, 2021

Tiffen has just announced the introduction of a new family of warm diffusion filters that includes three new lines called Antique Satin, Antique Pearlescent and Antique Black Pearlescent. All new warm diffusion filters are available in standard sizes and densities.

As we have seen in our Dehancer review, there is a strong demand for a certain cinematic look. With all the very powerful and capable video cameras out there these days, the look of the old days is still something very much desired. And it can be achieved digitally in post-production or in-camera with glass filters in front of the lens.

Tiffen is one of the key players in this market and has now introduced a new family of filters: so-called warm diffusion filters.

Warm Diffusion Filters

The new Warm Diffusion Filter family consists of three lines of diffusion filters: Antique Satin, Antique Pearlescent, and Antique Black Pearlescent. All three come in standard sizes (4×4, 6×6, 4×5.65, 138mm) with a choice of 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, densities. Tiffen states that “Special sizes and strengths including 3 and 4 are available upon request.“

Our new Warm Diffusion Filters prevents highlights from blowing out and shadows from losing detail, helping you create your greatest images

Tiffen

First up, the Antique Satin filters claim to “smooth fine details like pores on the skin while maintaining overall sharpness, without reducing contrast.” According to Tiffen, the Antique Pearlescent should “create a soft, pleasing atmospheric glow, along with a mild desaturation of colors and gentle creamy halation.” and finally, the Antique Black Pearlescent line of filters “maintain deep blacks while preserving shadow detail without excessive halation or loss of contrast.“

So much for the press release. Since I haven’t had a chance to test these new filters myself, that’s all I can say for now, but fortunately, Tiffen provides a number of video examples that can be very helpful when choosing a filter.

Antique Satin:

Antique Pearlescent:

Antique Black Pearlescent:

As you can see in the videos above, these new Tiffen filters are very useful for certain shooting situations. However, you have to keep in mind that using optical filters during shooting – as opposed to (digital) post-production – irrevocably locks in the look. So you have to be very careful not to overdo it.

Pricing and availability

All three lines of warm diffusion filters are available now. Pricing depends on your preferred size: A 4×4 filter is $335, a 4.5×6.5 one clocks in at $540 and a 6×6 filter is yours for $699.

If you want to find out more, please visit Tiffen’s website.

What do you think of these Warm Diffusion Filters? Do you usually use glass filters for your projects? If so, which ones? Share your experiences in the comments below!