Tiffen

Tiffen 405DF5 40.5mm Double Fog 5 Filter

Name: Tiffen 405DF5 40.5mm Double Fog 5 Filter
Brand: Tiffen
SKU: 405DF5

★★★★★4.4 (3 reviews)

Pull a Double Fog 5 over your 40.5mm lens and watch hard edges dissolve into soft, halation-kissed tones without sacrificing underlying sharpness.

$65.00*

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Tiffen 405DF5 is a 40.5mm Double Fog 5 filter — a precision optical diffusion element designed to create a soft, fog-like atmospheric effect in-camera by dramatically lowering scene contrast and introducing halation around highlight sources. Unlike soft-focus or portrait diffusion filters that blur the image, the Double Fog maintains underlying subject sharpness while reducing the micro-contrast that makes images read as crisp and hard-edged. The result is a filmic, slightly otherworldly quality — highlights bloom into their surroundings, shadow separation flattens, and the image takes on a quality reminiscent of pre-coated vintage lenses or classic film emulsions. This is a creative tool most naturally suited to portrait, fine art, and narrative still work where atmosphere carries as much weight as technical precision.

Tiffen's ColorCore construction is the manufacturing differentiator: the filter compound is laminated between two layers of optical glass rather than applied as a surface coating. This approach delivers more consistent optical performance across the filter's surface, better flare resistance than resin alternatives, and greater durability against delamination in humid or variable conditions — relevant for a filter that may be left on a lens for extended shooting sessions. At 40.5mm, this filter targets micro four-thirds primes and compact lens systems where premium glass diffusion filters are less commonly produced. The Double Fog 5 designation refers to the density of the effect — it is among the stronger densities in the Tiffen Fog series, delivering a visually unambiguous result rather than a subtle suggestion. Photographers who want the look but with more creative restraint should consider the standard Fog 3 or Fog 5 as starting points.

Key Features

Creates a Fog-Like Effect to Image

Maintains Sharpness and Minimizes Flare

Dramatically Lowers Contrast

ColorCore Technology

Specifications

Filter Diameter

40.5mm

Filter Type

Double Fog

Density

Construction

ColorCore (compound laminated between optical glass)

Effect

Dramatically lowers contrast, creates fog-like halation, maintains sharpness, minimizes flare

Model

405DF5

Brand

Tiffen

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

The Double Fog 5 creates a pronounced cinematic halation and contrast reduction that is technically difficult to replicate convincingly in post-production without looking processed
ColorCore lamination provides more stable color consistency and longer filter life than surface-coated alternatives — relevant for a filter that may spend extended time mounted during a shoot
Dramatically lowers contrast in a way that flatters skin tones in portrait work, reducing the harshness of high-key lighting setups without requiring a major exposure compensation
40.5mm thread size serves micro four-thirds and compact lens systems that are underserved by premium optical filter makers — a purpose-built fit for smaller-format creative shooters
Tiffen's stated flare minimization means you can use this filter in challenging backlit conditions without catastrophic flare while still achieving the diffusion effect

👎 Cons

The Double Fog 5 is a strong diffusion density — it's a creative statement filter, not a subtle enhancement, and its pronounced contrast reduction may be too aggressive for photographers who prefer a lighter touch
40.5mm is a non-standard filter size with limited step-up ring options, which makes sharing this filter across lenses with larger thread diameters less practical
Adding any optical element introduces a risk of ghosting or veiling flare in extreme high-contrast scenes that a bare lens would handle without issue
The filter produces its look permanently at capture — there is no way to reduce the effect in post if the density proves heavier than the scene called for
No included filter case or pouch is noted in the product description — a small glass filter at this size is vulnerable to scratching in a bag without dedicated protection

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Double Fog 5 differ from a standard Fog filter, and when would you choose Double Fog over regular Fog density?

The Double Fog is a more aggressive diffusion effect than Tiffen's standard Fog series — it lowers contrast more dramatically and spreads halation further into shadow areas. Choose Double Fog when you want a pronounced cinematic or period-era look where highlights bloom and shadow separation flattens. Use a standard Fog when you want a subtler atmospheric touch that the viewer may not consciously register.

Does the Double Fog 5 affect focus sharpness — will my subject appear soft?

The Double Fog is engineered to maintain underlying image sharpness while reducing contrast and spreading halation. Your subject retains resolving detail, but the perceived crispness is reduced because contrast carries as much of the perception of sharpness as actual resolution. At close portrait distances, the subject remains recognizable and sharp; the glow affects highlights more than edge definition.

Does Tiffen's ColorCore technology affect the color rendition of the filter — will it shift my white balance?

ColorCore lamination sandwiches the filter material between optical glass rather than coating the surface, which provides more consistent, stable color rendition and reduces delamination risk over time. The Double Fog 5 is not a color-grading filter — it should not introduce significant color shift. However, adding any glass element can introduce subtle color casts; evaluate the filter under your shooting conditions before critical work.

Is the 40.5mm thread size specific to small mirrorless or compact camera lenses?

Yes — 40.5mm is a smaller filter thread size common on micro four-thirds lenses (like certain Panasonic and Olympus primes) and compact fixed-lens cameras. It's not a standard size on full-frame interchangeable lens systems, which typically use 49mm and larger. Confirm your lens's filter thread diameter before ordering.

Will the Double Fog 5 cause flare issues in backlit shooting scenarios?

The product specifically states it maintains sharpness and minimizes flare — this is a meaningful design claim from Tiffen, whose optical-glass construction generally performs better for flare resistance than resin alternatives. That said, a Double Fog 5 is a diffusion filter, and shooting directly into a strong light source will produce more pronounced halation and bloom than an unfiltered lens. This is often the desired creative effect; for neutral backlit shooting, remove the filter.