I searched through photonet and found some postings relating to this topic but didn't get enough info to answer my question. I am going to buy a soft focus filter. I want to be able to soften blemishes in portraits and also add dreamlike qualities to photos. Can I do both with one filter? Any recommendations? I am considering the Tiffen Soft/FX 2 or 3. Anyone seen photos with each to give me a comparison? How about the B+Wsoft focus 1 or 2? Thanks for your help.

-- dan woodlief (dwoodlief@carolina.com), August 18, 1998

Answers

Dan

There is a post in photo.net Q&A titled, "any examples of soft focus filters", where we're been discussing this. Unfortunately there isn't a site that anyone has found to give one examples of soft-focus filters, and the catalogs don't help either.

I queried some portrait studios to look at some finished photos taken with these filters and the results are posted there. However, it's hard to describe the results in words.

I have been using a Tiffen Soft FX-3 for portraits of my wife and daughters and the results are ok. IMO, FX-3 would probably be too soft for landscapes you ask about in the nature forum.

You might follow the post in Original Q&A for any follow ups. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Maybe an up-coming photo.net article on it.

-- George Chambers (gwill1000@brooksdata.net), August 18, 1998.

I use a Tiffen Warm Soft/FX 3 for many portrait shots to soften facial features and add a "soft" effect. For portraiture, this filter does wonders as many clients have preferred these shots over the others...

-- Bill Meyer (william_meyer@stortek.com), September 22, 1998.

I just tried a quick-and-dirty shoot-off between a cheapo Bower diffuser, a Hoya Softener A (which is supposed to be similar to the Zeiss Softar 1), a Tiffen Pro-Mist 3, and a 4-point cross star. These are four very different filters. I shot at f/8 and f/11, with flash. Film was Kodak Royal Gold 400 (fairly contrasty to begin with). Processing and printing was at a local lab with whom I have a long relationship.

I liked the Hoya Softener A, because it looked softened without looking unsharp. The Bower Diffuser was next -- I could hardly tell it was softened until I looked at the unfiltered shot. It seemed to get a more-defined soft look at f/11 (at f/8 it just looked a little out of focus). With both of these filters, the eyes appeared sharp but some light crows-feet around the eyes were definitely lightened. The Hoya Softner A held the eyelashes better than the Bower Diffuser. The Tiffen Pro-Mist 3 is a strong mist filter. It might be appropriate for certain types of shots -- I particularly like a shot I made with it of Christmas lights and cut glass -- but as a soft focus for portraits it's a bit much. The cross-screen was a throw-in, because I've heard that it works. There is indeed some softening, but what bugged me was the four-pointed highlight in the eyes. I wouldn't like all my portraits to have a star-shaped highlight. Then again, you might decide to make that your "signature look!"

Just thought I'd add these thoughts to the database.

-- John Kuraoka (kuraoka@home.com), November 12, 1999.

For many years ,I ,have been using the Nikon Soft1 and find it an excellent filter. I have the Soft2 also,but that is good for landscape etc. The Nikon Soft1 gives the soft effect irrespective of the aperture in use.Comparatively it does not seem too expensive either. Try it ! I am sure you 'll like it. regards, Suresh

-- Suresh Haridas (salma_haridas@hotmail.com), November 09, 2001.

For many years ,I , have been using a Nikon Soft1 and find it an excellent filter.I have the Soft2 also,but it is good for landscape etc.only. The Soft1 gives the soft effect,irrespective of the aperture in useand it is comparatively cheaper too. Use it! You'll like it.I typed this again,because,i made a typo with my e-mail address regards, Suresh

-- Suresh Haridas (salma_haridas@hotmail.com), November 09, 2001.