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Tiffen 58SFX2 58mm Soft/FX 2 Filter Portrait Lens — main product image
Tiffen

Tiffen 58SFX2 58mm Soft/FX 2 Filter Portrait Lens

★★★★★4.3 (21 reviews)

Subtle diffusion filter that softens skin imperfections while keeping eyes sharp and detailed in portraits.

$69.99*
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
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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 58SFX2 Soft/FX 2 filter is a specialized portrait tool built around a pattern of tiny lenslets embedded within the glass. These lenslets selectively diffuse fine details — wrinkles, pores, and minor skin blemishes — while leaving larger structures like eyes, lips, and hair comparatively sharp. The result is a flattering, natural softness that looks intentional rather than out of focus, making it a practical alternative to extensive retouching in post-production.

Built with Tiffen's ColorCore technology, the filter effect sits between two pieces of optical glass, which protects it from scratching and environmental damage while ensuring optical consistency across the surface. The precision-machined metal mounting ring threads smoothly onto any 58mm lens and resists cross-threading. Whether shooting headshots, engagement portraits, or fashion editorials, this filter provides a repeatable in-camera look that saves time in editing while delivering polished results straight from the sensor.

Key Features

The Ideal portrait filter.

Softens unwanted details.

Keeps eyes sharp and sparkling.

High quality metal mounting ring.

Specifications

Filter Type
Soft/FX Diffusion
Effect Strength
2 (Moderate)
Diameter
58mm
Construction
ColorCore Technology
Glass
Optical Glass
Mounting Ring
Precision Metal
Model Number
58SFX2

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Softens skin blemishes and wrinkles in-camera, reducing post-processing retouching time
  • Maintains sharpness in eyes and larger facial features for a natural-looking result
  • ColorCore construction sandwiches the effect between optical glass for consistent, durable performance
  • Metal mounting ring provides a secure, cross-threaded-resistant fit on 58mm lens threads

👎 Cons

  • Fixed 58mm diameter requires step-up or step-down rings for use on other lens sizes
  • The level 2 diffusion strength may be too subtle for some or too strong for others, with no adjustment possible
  • Diffusion effect is applied globally and cannot be selectively masked to specific areas of the frame
  • Not ideal for non-portrait work where full sharpness across the image is desired

Frequently Asked Questions

The number indicates the strength of the softening effect. A Soft/FX 2 provides a moderate level of diffusion — enough to visibly smooth fine details like wrinkles without creating an obviously blurred or dreamy look.
No. The Soft/FX 2 uses tiny lenslets that selectively soften fine details such as skin texture and blemishes while preserving sharpness in larger features like eyes, hair, and clothing.
The Soft/FX series has minimal impact on exposure, so you generally will not need to compensate with adjusted settings when using this filter.
ColorCore is Tiffen's proprietary manufacturing process where the filter effect is sandwiched between two layers of optical glass, providing consistent results and long-term durability.

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