B+W Black Mist MRC nano V-Pro Filter (58mm, 1/2 Grade)

The B+W Black Mist MRC nano V-Pro Filter is a specialized diffusion filter designed to create a soft, dreamy look in your images. This black mist filter has a softening effect on the image without excess image brightening. Black mist filters are able to maintain rich contrast and create halos around highlights for added depth and atmosphere. This effect will help elevate portrait and landscape photographs with an more film-like look.

B+W uses advanced multi-coating technology, called MRC nano, to minimize reflections and maximize light transmission. This coating is also water and dirt-repellent making for easy cleaning. Optical glass and a slim brass ring complete the filter's premium construction.

This filter is available here in a 58mm size and with a grade 1/2 strength.

What is a Diffusion Filter?

Diffusion filters, also known as mist, bloom, or soft filters, are used to soften details, lower contrast, and diffuse highlights. This look can be used to create a more dream-like or filmic image, especially when used on modern digital camera systems. A slight softening effect can be beneficial to portraiture as it can soften blemishes and work well in landscapes to emphasize an atmospheric effect.

How to Use a Diffusion Filter

To achieve the desired results, it is highly recommended that the scene contains backlighting, highlights, and/or specular highlights. The lens should be used at a relatively wide open position&emdash;when stopped down too far the "mist" structure can start to be reproduced on the image. Also, while diffusion filters do not impact overall exposure, often a slight exposure compensation of 1/3 to 1/2 stop may result in an improved look.

Mist filters are among the most popular diffusion options. These use tiny specks of white or black particles throughout the filter to achieve the softening effect. There are two main types of mist filters though many companies will also make varieties of more general "softening" filters with slightly different results.

• Black Mist: Black mist filters create blooming around highlights in the scene though retain more contrast and atmosphere in the image.
• White Mist: White mist filters have a dreamy look&emdash;reminiscent of soft-focus techniques. They have a more noticeable glow around highlights and will soften shadows and reduce contrast.
• Soft: More generalized "soft" or "glow" or "diffusion" filters use similar techniques or coatings as mist filters though can be tuned to provide a slightly different look or result depending on the brand or series.

Understanding Filter Strength (Grade)

Diffusion filters are often made available in different strengths, or grades. The greater the strength the more noticeable the diffusion effect will be on your final image. Filter grades are listed in fractions or whole numbers (1/4, 1/2, 1?) while more generalized strength measures can be stated in other relative figures, such as percentages. The larger the number the greater the diffusion.

Oftentimes this effect can be realized with only a minimal degree of diffusion. It is recommended to start with a more modest 1/4 grade or 5-10% strength for a more "standard" diffusion result. Choose lower strengths for more subtle effects and to retain more contrast or select a greater strength for a more aggressive style.

Selecting a Filter Size

Filters are available in two main shapes: circular (screw-on) or rectangular/square.

• Circular Filters: Round or circular filters will screw directly onto your lens. Users will need to select a filter size that corresponds with the filter thread of your lens. Alternatively, users can choose a filter size larger than or matching the largest filter thread of all their lenses and then use step-up rings to adapt that single filter to any of their lenses. Circular filters offer very secure attachment though they take time and care to attach and remove from the lens.

• Rectangular/Square Filters: Round or circular filters will screw directly onto your lens. Users will need to select a filter size that corresponds with the filter thread of your lens. Alternatively, users can choose a filter size larger than or matching the largest filter thread of all their lenses and then use step-up rings to adapt that single filter to any of their lenses. Circular filters offer very secure attachment though they take time and care to attach and remove from the lens.

Some filters may also be made available in unique variants that allow them to be mounted internally to specific camera models or work with select accessories.