Tiffen

Tiffen 58SFX1 58mm Soft/FX 1 Glass Photographic Filter

3.8 (13 reviews)

The Tiffen 58mm Soft/FX 1 filter gently smooths skin imperfections while keeping eyes tack-sharp for flattering portraits.

$69.99*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 15, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Tiffen 58mm Soft/FX 1 is a glass photographic filter engineered specifically for portrait photography. Unlike generic diffusion filters that soften the entire image uniformly, the Soft/FX 1 targets fine details — skin texture, wrinkles, and minor blemishes — while leaving larger features like eyes, eyebrows, and hair sharp and well-defined. The result is a flattering, natural look that reduces the need for extensive skin retouching in post-production. At grade 1, it provides the most subtle effect in the Soft/FX range, making it ideal for photographers who want enhancement without an obviously filtered appearance.

Built with Tiffen's ColorCore technology, the filter effect is sandwiched between two layers of optical glass, protecting it from scratches, moisture, and environmental wear. The high-quality metal mounting ring threads securely onto any 58mm lens and resists cross-threading, ensuring reliable attachment during shoots. Backed by a 10-year warranty, this filter is designed to be a long-lasting tool in any portrait or wedding photographer's kit, equally effective for still photography and video work where a gentle, cinematic softness is desired.

Key Features

The Ideal portrait filter.

Softens unwanted details.

Keeps eyes sharp and sparkling.

10 Year warranty.

High quality metal mounting ring.

Specifications

Brand
Tiffen
Model
58SFX1
Filter Size
58mm
Filter Type
Soft/FX 1
Technology
ColorCore
Mounting Ring
High-Quality Metal
Warranty
10 Years

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Subtle grade 1 diffusion flatters skin without making images look obviously filtered.
  • ColorCore construction protects the filter layer between glass for long-term durability.
  • High-quality metal mounting ring ensures secure, cross-thread-resistant attachment to lenses.
  • 10-year warranty provides confidence in long-term reliability.
  • Works with both photo and video, adding a cinematic softness to footage.

👎 Cons

  • Only fits 58mm thread lenses, requiring step-up rings for use on other sizes.
  • Grade 1 effect may be too subtle for photographers wanting a more pronounced soft-focus look.
  • Adds an extra glass element that can increase the chance of lens flare in backlit situations.
  • No carrying case included, requiring separate storage to protect the glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Soft/FX 1 uses Tiffen's unique pattern to soften fine details like wrinkles and blemishes while preserving sharpness in larger features such as eyes and hair, rather than applying uniform blur across the entire image.
The grade 1 strength provides a subtle effect. It softens fine skin texture without noticeably degrading sharpness in the primary subject, making it suitable for portraits where you still want clear, defined eyes.
ColorCore is Tiffen's process of laminating the filter effect between two pieces of optical glass, which protects the filter material from scratching, moisture, and degradation over time.
Yes, it threads directly onto any lens with a 58mm filter thread. You can also stack it with other 58mm filters if needed.