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Tiffen 77SFX5 77mm Soft/FX 5 Diffusion Filter — main product image
Tiffen 77SFX5 77mm Soft/FX 5 Diffusion Filter
Tiffen 77SFX5 77mm Soft/FX 5 Diffusion Filter
Tiffen 77SFX5 77mm Soft/FX 5 Diffusion Filter
Tiffen

Tiffen 77SFX5 77mm Soft/FX 5 Diffusion Filter

★★★★★2.8 (5 reviews)

Moderate-strength diffusion filter that softens fine details for flattering portraits and a dreamy cinematic aesthetic.

$68.33*
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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 77SFX5 Soft/FX 5 is a 77mm diffusion filter designed to soften fine image details while preserving overall sharpness in key areas. It works by gently scattering light around small details — skin texture, wrinkles, pores, and minor blemishes — producing a smooth, flattering rendering that is especially popular for portrait photography, beauty work, and cinematic video production. Unlike a simple blur, the Soft/FX effect keeps larger structural elements like eyes, hair lines, and contours sharp, resulting in an image that looks naturally pleasing rather than out of focus.

The #5 designation indicates a moderate-to-strong diffusion level within the Soft/FX lineup, making it a good choice when a clearly visible softening effect is desired. It is constructed from high-quality optical glass with the diffusion pattern built into the glass itself, ensuring consistent performance and durability through extended professional use. The standard 77mm thread mounts directly to compatible lenses and allows for stacking with polarizers, UV filters, or other accessories. For photographers and filmmakers who prefer to achieve their look in-camera rather than relying entirely on post-production, the Soft/FX 5 offers a reliable, repeatable diffusion effect.

Key Features

ENHANCED IMAGE QUALITY - This Tiffen 77mm Soft/FX filter subtly softens harsh details and reduces contrast, creating a more pleasing and cinematic look in your photographs and videos.

VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY - Designed with a standard 77mm thread, this filter is compatible with a wide range of lenses, making it an essential addition to any photographer's gear collection.

INCREASED DURABILITY - Crafted from high-quality optical glass and built with Tiffen's renowned durability, this filter is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use, ensuring longevity.

EXCELLENT VALUE - Experience professional-grade image softening effects without breaking the bank; this filter offers exceptional performance and value for both amateur and seasoned photographers.

GENTLE FILTER EFFECT - Achieve a beautiful, dreamlike aesthetic with the Soft/FX #5 grade, which provides a moderate level of diffusion, ideal for portraits and softening landscapes subtly.

SIMPLE TO USE - Easily attach and detach the filter to your lens thanks to its precisely engineered threads, allowing for quick adjustments and seamless integration into your workflow.

No further features available.

No further features available.

No further features available.

Specifications

Brand
Tiffen
Model
77SFX5
Filter Size
77mm
Filter Type
Soft/FX 5 (Diffusion)
Material
Optical Glass
Mount Type
Screw-in (threaded)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Produces a flattering, natural-looking softness that minimizes skin imperfections without heavy post-processing.
  • 77mm thread size fits a wide range of popular lenses and can be adapted to smaller lenses with step-down rings.
  • Optical glass construction maintains image clarity and resists scratches better than resin alternatives.
  • Effect is baked into the capture, giving a consistent cinematic look that is difficult to replicate identically in software.

👎 Cons

  • The #5 grade is relatively strong and may be too heavy-handed for situations requiring only subtle softening.
  • The diffusion effect cannot be adjusted or removed after capture, limiting flexibility compared to digital softening in post.
  • No carrying case or protective pouch is included, requiring separate storage to protect the glass.
  • At 77mm, it will not directly thread onto lenses with smaller or larger filter diameters without adapter rings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The #5 grade provides a moderate-to-strong level of diffusion. It noticeably softens fine details like skin texture and wrinkles while still retaining sharpness in larger features such as eyes and overall composition. It is more pronounced than lower grades like #1 or #2.
It softens fine details and lowers micro-contrast, but it does not make the image appear out of focus. Key structural elements like edges and eyes remain defined, while smaller details are gently smoothed.
Yes, its standard 77mm threading allows stacking with other filters. However, stacking multiple filters on wide-angle lenses may introduce vignetting at the corners of the frame.
Absolutely. The Soft/FX series is widely used in both photography and video production to achieve a softer, more cinematic look without relying on post-processing.
It is made from optical glass with Tiffen's diffusion pattern embedded in the glass, providing a consistent effect that does not degrade over time.

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