A subtle diffusion filter by Tiffen that creates a light soft-focus effect with minimal reduction in image sharpness and contrast.
Technical Details
The Glimmerglass 1/8 by Tiffen is the most subtle in the Glimmerglass series. It creates a soft, elegant look with minimal softening. Unlike stronger diffusion filters, the image retains maximum sharpness and contrast while optically refining minor skin imperfections.
The 1/8 strength reduces contrast by approximately 8-12% and produces a light reduction of less than 1/6 stop. The filter is available in standard sizes from 4x4" to 6.6x6.6" and features a multi-layer anti-reflective coating. The result is a natural look without the discernible "soft focus" effect of stronger variants.
Differences in the Glimmerglass Series
The Glimmerglass 1/8 differs from its stronger counterparts by:
- Minimal Softening: Barely visible reduction in image sharpness
- High Contrast: Retains natural image contrast ratios
- Subtle Skin Softening: Perfect for true-to-life portraits
- Less Halation: Minimal distracting glow around bright objects
On-Set Usage
The Glimmerglass 1/8 is preferably used for:
- Interview and Talk Show Shoots: Flattering for faces without exaggeration
- Emotional Close-ups: Close-ups of characters with a gentle skin texture
- High-Quality Commercials: Product shots intended to appear elegant
- Documentaries: When subtle aesthetics without artifice are desired
Comparison: Glimmerglass vs. Classic Soft
The Glimmerglass 1/8 creates a sparkling, elegant sheen, while the Classic Soft 1/8 has a denser, milkier diffusion effect. The Glimmerglass appears brighter and airier, the Classic Soft appears more intimate and veiled. Choose Glimmerglass when you want elegance without loss of sharpness.