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Tiffen 55SMQ2 55mm Smoque 2 Special Effects Filter — main product image
Tiffen

Tiffen 55SMQ2 55mm Smoque 2 Special Effects Filter

★★★★★4.0 (13 reviews)

Add a smoky, dreamlike haze to your shots without the hassle of artificial smoke machines.

$49.95*$65.00Save 23%
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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 55SMQ2 55mm Smoque 2 Filter is a specialty effects filter designed to simulate the appearance of smoke or atmospheric haze directly in-camera. Rather than relying on smoke machines, post-production tricks, or environmental conditions, this filter gives photographers and filmmakers a controlled, repeatable way to add a dreamy, diffused quality to their images. The "2" density strikes a balance between subtlety and impact, producing a clearly visible haze while preserving enough detail to keep subjects recognizable and well-defined.

Built with Tiffen's proprietary ColorCore technology, the filter sandwiches the effect material between two pieces of optical glass. This laminated construction protects the effect layer from scratches, moisture, and wear, while also ensuring consistent color transmission across the frame. The 55mm threading fits directly onto compatible lenses, and the filter can be combined with other 55mm threaded filters for layered effects. Whether you're shooting moody portraits, atmospheric landscapes, or cinematic video sequences, the Smoque 2 provides a practical, on-set solution for achieving that hazy, smoke-filled look.

Key Features

Produces a Smoky, Hazy Effect

Eliminates the Need for Artificial Smoke

ColorCore Technology

Specifications

Brand
Tiffen
Model
55SMQ2
Filter Size
55mm
Effect
Smoque 2 (Simulates smoke/haze)
Technology
ColorCore

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Creates a convincing smoke and haze effect in-camera without post-production work
  • ColorCore laminated construction provides durability and consistent optical quality
  • Eliminates the cost, mess, and safety concerns of using physical smoke generators on set
  • Moderate density level offers a visible effect without completely obscuring subject detail

👎 Cons

  • The 55mm thread size limits compatibility to lenses with that specific filter diameter
  • Effect intensity is fixed and cannot be adjusted between shots without swapping filters
  • May reduce overall image sharpness due to the diffusion nature of the haze effect
  • Not ideal for scenes where only selective areas need the smoke effect

Frequently Asked Questions

The "2" indicates a moderate smoke effect. It produces a noticeable haze that softens the image while still retaining subject detail, sitting between the subtler Smoque 1 and the heavier Smoque 3.
Yes, the Tiffen 55SMQ2 has standard 55mm threading and can be stacked with other filters, though stacking multiple filters on wide-angle lenses may introduce vignetting.
The filter uses Tiffen's ColorCore technology, which maintains consistent color transmission. The effect is primarily a diffusion-style haze rather than a color shift.
Yes, it works equally well for video. Many cinematographers use Smoque filters to create atmospheric mood without relying on post-production effects or on-set smoke machines.
ColorCore technology laminates the effect material between two layers of optical glass, making it resistant to scratching and environmental damage compared to surface-coated filters.

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