Mei Lewis Posted December 16, 2019 Share Posted December 16, 2019 I'd like to get a round, 82mm diffusion filter, something like Tiffen black promist. Each of those is about £150 / $200 and I'd need more than one. Anyone know a cheap alternative? I mean a proper filter I can buy, not smearing vaseline on the lens or similar. Amazon and ebay don't seem to have anything, but there _are_ cheap versions of other filters, like variable ND and polarizing filters. Are there no cheap diffusion filters because there's little demand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member David Mullen ASC Posted December 16, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted December 16, 2019 There are some cheaper consumer diffusion filters but they are too heavy generally, too dreamy-looking. You could make your own net filters for cheap though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Connolly Posted December 16, 2019 Share Posted December 16, 2019 Lee softs are cheaper: https://www.leefilters.com/index.php/camera-directory/camera-dir-list/category/soft-set Although looking at the examples they are bit stronger what you might use on glass filters I've not personally used them on the front of the lens, but have cut them down and put on the back of the lens for a 2/3" multi-cam shoot and they worked well enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mei Lewis Posted December 18, 2019 Author Share Posted December 18, 2019 Great, thanks David and Phil. I've ordered a couple of cheap UV filters of the correct size I'm going to try making something out of those and some tights/hosiery, and see if I can get hold of one of the lee filters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Frank Wylie Posted December 19, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted December 19, 2019 (edited) A very tricky way to make a diffusion filter is to lightly mist Acetone on an optical acrylic flat. It's hard to get the mist just right and even; you only get one chance! Very tricky, but with this method, you avoid the potential to get a "starburst" pattern on specular highlights that the weave pattern of hosiery can produce. Edited December 19, 2019 by Frank Wylie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Connolly Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Also at the ultra budget end is appling diffusion in post. It can look pretty good and you have more control of the strength and dial it in shot by shot if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel D. Teoli Jr. Posted December 30, 2019 Share Posted December 30, 2019 (edited) OP, you can make diffusion filters very easy with clear coat spray. All you need is a UV or skylight filter and a can of spray. Here are some examples. https://danieldteolijrarchivalcollection.wordpress.com/2019/12/30/creating-your-own-diffusion-filter/ Good luck! Edited December 30, 2019 by Daniel D. Teoli Jr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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