Tiffen

Tiffen 72SFX1 72mm Soft/FX 1 Filter

3.8 (13 reviews)

A precision-crafted 72mm diffusion filter that softens skin imperfections while keeping eyes tack sharp.

$89.95*
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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 72SFX1 72mm Soft/FX 1 Filter is designed to give photographers a controlled, subtle diffusion effect that enhances portrait work without sacrificing the crisp detail that modern lenses deliver. Using Tiffen's proprietary ColorCore technology, the filter material is laminated between two pieces of optical glass, ensuring that the softening effect is distributed evenly across the frame with accurate color reproduction. The result is a gentle smoothing of fine image elements — skin texture, minor blemishes, and wrinkles are reduced — while the eyes, lips, and other prominent features remain sharp and defined.

As the lightest option in the Soft/FX line, the density 1 version is suited for photographers who want a touch of diffusion that remains natural and unobtrusive. It is particularly effective for portraiture, headshots, and wedding photography where flattering skin rendering matters but an overtly filtered look would be undesirable. The high-quality metal mounting ring threads securely onto any 72mm lens and stands up to regular use in the field. Because the softening happens optically at capture, it produces a different quality of diffusion than post-processing blur tools, with highlights gently blooming in a way that is difficult to replicate digitally.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.