
Tiffen
Tiffen 72SFX1 72mm Soft/FX 1 Filter
★★★★★
A precision-crafted 72mm diffusion filter that softens skin imperfections while keeping eyes tack sharp.
$89.95*
Check availability
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.
Notice a mistake? Let Us Know
Overview
Key Features
The Ideal portrait filter.
Softens unwanted details.
Keeps eyes sharp and sparkling.
High quality metal mounting ring.
Specifications
Brand
Tiffen
Model
72SFX1
Filter Series
Soft/FX
Filter Size
72mm
Density
1 (lightest)
Construction
ColorCore laminated filter between optical glass
Mounting Ring
Metal
Effect
Softens fine details, reduces wrinkles and blemishes
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Subtle level-1 diffusion flatters portraits without producing an overtly soft or dreamy look
- ColorCore laminated construction ensures even diffusion across the entire filter surface
- High-quality metal mounting ring provides secure attachment and resists cross-threading
- Achieves an in-camera softening effect that is difficult to replicate precisely in post-processing
👎 Cons
- The fixed level-1 density cannot be adjusted, so stronger diffusion requires purchasing a separate higher-density filter
- The 72mm thread size fits only lenses with a 72mm filter thread — step-up rings are needed for smaller lenses
- Adds a slight layer to the front of the lens that can introduce flare in strong backlighting situations
- The softening effect is applied uniformly and cannot be selectively masked to specific areas of the frame
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "1" density rating mean on this Soft/FX filter?
The 1 density is the lightest in the Soft/FX range, providing a subtle softening effect. Higher numbers like 3 or 5 produce progressively stronger diffusion. The 1 is ideal when you want a gentle, natural-looking softness without an obviously filtered appearance.
Will this filter reduce the overall sharpness of my images?
The Soft/FX 1 selectively softens fine details like wrinkles and skin texture while preserving the sharpness of larger structures such as eyes, hair outlines, and facial features. It does not blur the entire image the way a fog or mist filter would.
What is Tiffen's ColorCore technology?
ColorCore is Tiffen's proprietary manufacturing process where the filter effect is embedded within laminated material sandwiched between two pieces of optical glass. This ensures consistent color accuracy and density across the entire filter surface.
Can I stack this 72mm Soft/FX filter with other filters?
Yes, the metal mounting ring allows stacking with other 72mm filters such as UV or polarizers, though stacking multiple filters may increase the risk of vignetting on wide-angle lenses.