Cokin

Cokin P093 Filter P Dreams 3 Lens Effect

5.0 (1 reviews)

Cokin P093 Dreams 3 filter adds the strongest soft-focus halo effect in the Dreams series for creative photography.

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Overview

The Cokin P093 Dreams 3 is a creative effect filter in Cokin's P-series square filter system, designed to add a soft, ethereal quality to photographs. It works by diffusing light around the edges of the frame while maintaining relative sharpness in the center, creating a halo-like glow that draws attention to the subject. As the third and strongest filter in the Dreams series, it produces a more dramatic effect than its Dreams 1 and Dreams 2 counterparts, making it suited for portraits, fine art photography, and any situation where a pronounced dreamy atmosphere is desired.

The filter slots into a standard Cokin P-series holder, which attaches to lenses via adapter rings available in various thread sizes. This modular system means a single filter can be used across multiple lenses, though photographers who don't already own a P-series holder will need to factor in that additional purchase. The Dreams 3 effect is optical and happens at the moment of capture, giving images a quality that differs subtly from software-based diffusion applied in post-production. Because the effect is strong and unchangeable once the filter is in place, it rewards careful scene selection and intentional composition.

Key Features

Fits Cokin P-Series filter holder

Creates halo's around background highlights towards the edges of the image

Clear center for sharp subject

Dreams 3 (093) has the strongest effect of the series

Specifications

Brand
Cokin
Model
P093
Filter Series
P
Filter Type
Dreams 3
Effect
Soft-focus halo with sharp center

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Produces the strongest dreamy halo effect in the Cokin Dreams series for maximum creative impact
  • Compatible with the widely available Cokin P-series holder system, which works across many lens sizes with adapter rings
  • Keeps the center of the image sharp while softening the periphery, creating a natural focal point
  • Provides an in-camera creative effect that is difficult to replicate precisely with post-processing software
  • Lightweight and compact square filter format is easy to carry and swap in the field

👎 Cons

  • Requires a separate Cokin P-series filter holder and adapter ring, adding cost if you don't already own the system
  • The strong Dreams 3 effect is not adjustable, so it may be too intense for some scenes or subjects
  • As a square filter system, it is bulkier to set up than a simple screw-on filter
  • The fixed diffusion effect is baked into every shot, limiting flexibility compared to applying diffusion selectively in post-processing
  • Limited to the P-series holder dimensions, which may vignette on ultra-wide angle lenses

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dreams 3 provides the strongest diffusion effect in the series. It creates a more pronounced ethereal halo around the central sharp area compared to the subtler Dreams 1 and Dreams 2 filters.
It uses the Cokin P-series holder system. You need a P-series filter holder and the appropriate adapter ring for your lens thread size to mount this filter.
No, the filter keeps the central portion of the image relatively sharp while adding a soft, dreamy halo effect around it. This draws the viewer's attention to the center of the frame.
The filter can be used for video, but the strong diffusion effect is fixed and cannot be adjusted during recording. It works best when the dreamy look is desired throughout the entire clip.
The Dreams 3 filter may cause a minimal reduction in light transmission, but it is not designed as a light-reducing filter. Exposure compensation is generally not needed when using it.