
Tiffen
Tiffen W55DDFX2 55mm Digital Diffusion FX 2 Filter
★★★★★
Subtle portrait diffusion filter that softens skin and textures while preserving overall image sharpness.
$65.00*
View on Amazon
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
*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
Softens Skin Details
Invisible Appearance
Smoothes Textured Backgrounds
Helps to Maintain Sharp Focus
ColorCore Water White Glass
Specifications
Filter Size
55mm
Filter Type
Digital Diffusion FX 2
Glass
ColorCore Water White
Effect Strength
Grade 2 (Moderate)
Mount
Screw-in (55mm thread)
Model
W55DDFX2
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Softens skin details and blemishes without creating an obvious filtered look
- ColorCore construction with water white glass ensures durability and zero color cast
- Maintains sharp overall focus while reducing the appearance of textured backgrounds
- Standard 55mm thread size fits a wide range of lenses
- Made in the USA by Tiffen with established optical quality reputation
👎 Cons
- Grade 2 strength may be too subtle for some users or too strong for others, with no easy in-between
- Fixed diffusion effect cannot be adjusted or dialed back after purchase
- 55mm size is specific — requires step-up rings if your lenses use different filter threads
- Adds another glass element in the optical path, which can slightly reduce contrast in strong backlight
- Less effective on already-soft lenses where the diffusion may be imperceptible
Frequently Asked Questions
What strength of diffusion does the FX 2 provide?
The Digital Diffusion FX 2 is a moderate-strength diffusion filter. It provides noticeable softening of fine details like skin texture while keeping the overall image structure and focus intact — stronger than a grade 1 but still natural-looking.
Will this filter make my entire image look blurry or out of focus?
No. The Digital Diffusion FX series is designed to soften fine details such as skin pores and textured backgrounds without degrading overall sharpness or making the image appear unfocused.
What is ColorCore glass and why does it matter?
ColorCore is Tiffen's proprietary process where the diffusion effect is embedded between two layers of water white optical glass. This makes the filter more scratch-resistant and durable than surface-coated alternatives, and the water white glass ensures no color cast is introduced.
Can I stack this filter with other filters like a polarizer or UV?
Yes, the 55mm threading allows stacking, though adding multiple filters increases the risk of vignetting on wider focal lengths. Test at your widest angle before committing to a stacked setup.
Is this filter useful for video as well as still photography?
Yes. The Digital Diffusion FX 2 is popular in both video and stills for creating a flattering, broadcast-quality softness on skin tones without visible filter artifacts.