A medium-strength diffusion filter by Tiffen that provides noticeable soft-focus effect while maintaining good image sharpness and definition.
Technical Details
The Glimmerglass 1/4 is a medium-strength variant made of optical glass with embedded silica particles. Transmission is 92-94%, and the diffusion factor is 0.25 on the Tiffen diffusion scale. The filter thickness is 2mm and it is available in standard filter sizes from 4x4" to 6.6x6.6", as well as screw-on filters from 52mm to 138mm in diameter. Particle distribution is achieved through a patented process that ensures uniform scattering across the entire filter surface.
Differences in the Glimmerglass Series
Compared to the subtler 1/8 and stronger 1/2:
- 1/8: Minimally visible, maximum detail retention
- 1/4: Clearly visible effect, optimal balance for most applications
- 1/2: Strong softening, noticeable contrast reduction
The 1/4 offers the best combination of aesthetic impact and detail fidelity.
Usage on Set
The Glimmerglass 1/4 is preferably used for:
- Main shots of actors: Skin smoothing with detail retention
- Romances and emotional scenes: Soft, dreamy aesthetic
- High-end commercials and image campaigns: Elegant, sophisticated look
- TV series: Consistent, flattering portraiture across many episodes
Comparison: Glimmerglass 1/4 vs. Classic Soft 1/4
Both 1/4 strength filters differ in their characteristics: Glimmerglass creates a bright, shimmering effect with preserved image sharpness. Classic Soft produces a milky, velvety effect with stronger overall softening. Choose Glimmerglass when minimal detail loss is desired; choose Classic Soft for a more diffused, intimate look.
Film and Series Examples
Roger Deakins used Glimmerglass 1/4 on "Blade Runner 2049" (2017) for close-ups of Ryan Gosling. On "The Crown" (Netflix), the cinematography team systematically uses 1/4 filters for portrait shots of the main female cast.