
( Brand: Tiffen ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 138WBMP2 ), ( Part Type: Filter ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Filter Effects: Soft Focus ), ( Mount Fitting: Drop-in ), ( Filter Size: 138 Mm ), ( Country Of Origin: United States )
The Tiffen 138WBMP2 is a high-performance, unthreaded Pro-Mist lens filter designed for photographers seeking unparalleled versatility and optical clarity in their creative workflow. Crafted from premium optical glass, this 138mm filter combines the legendary quality of Tiffen s Pro-Mist series with the precision of their iconic 812 warming effect, delivering a seamless blend of diffusion and color grading to elevate your imagery. The Pro-Mist technology creates a subtle, high-quality softening effect without the harsh artifacts or color casts often associated with cheaper alternatives, making it ideal for portraiture, fashion, and cinematic lighting scenarios where a gentle, natural blur enhances mood and texture. The unthreaded design allows for effortless attachment to any lens via a filter holder, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of equipment while maintaining a slim, unobtrusive profile that doesn t interfere with your composition. The 812 warming filter, with its balanced amber hue, adds a subtle lift to skin tones, landscapes, and low-light scenes, enhancing the golden-hour aesthetic without overpowering the natural palette. Whether you re shooting in studio environments, outdoor landscapes, or dynamic urban settings, this filter provides a flexible tool for achieving professional-grade results with minimal effort. Built to withstand rigorous use, the Tiffen 138WBMP2 is constructed from durable, scratch-resistant glass and housed in a robust metal frame, ensuring longevity and consistent performance across diverse shooting conditions. Perfect for photographers who demand both artistic control and technical reliability, this filter seamlessly integrates into any creative process, offering a refined solution for those who refuse to compromise on quality.
### **Pros and Cons of the Tiffen 138WBMP2 138mm Unthreaded Pro-Mist Lens Filter (812 Warming)**
#### **Pros**
1. **High-Quality Construction** Tiffen is a well-respected brand known for durable, professional-grade filters. The Pro-Mist series is designed with a robust, unthreaded (screw-in) construction that ensures longevity and resistance to warping or cracking over time.
2. **Effective Warmth Correction** The 812 warming filter is specifically designed to neutralize cool tones in daylight or shade, making it useful for photographers who shoot in environments where white balance leans blue. It can help achieve more natural skin tones and accurate color rendering in outdoor or mixed lighting scenarios.
3. **Unthreaded (Screw-In) Design** Unlike some filters that require a holder, this unthreaded version screws directly onto lenses with a 138mm front element. This simplifies use, reduces bulk, and eliminates the need for additional accessories, making it convenient for travel or quick setups.
4. **Pro-Mist Coating** The Pro-Mist coating reduces flare and ghosting, which is beneficial in bright sunlight or when shooting near strong light sources. This helps maintain image clarity and contrast.
5. **Versatile Use Case** The warming effect is subtle but noticeable, making it suitable for portrait photographers, landscape shooters, or videographers who need to balance color temperature without overpowering the scene.
6. **Compatibility** With a 138mm size, it fits a wide range of professional and semi-professional lenses, though users will need to check their specific lens s front element diameter to ensure a proper fit.
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#### **Cons**
1. **Limited to 138mm Lenses** Since this is an unthreaded filter, it only works on lenses with a 138mm front element. Lenses with smaller or larger front elements (e.g., 58mm, 77mm, or 82mm) will require adapters or different-sized filters, which may not be included.
2. **Subtle Effect May Not Be Enough** The 812 warming filter provides a modest correction. If your lighting conditions are significantly off-balance (e.g., harsh blue tones in winter or under artificial light), you may need a stronger filter (e.g., a 85B or 85C) or post-processing adjustments.
3. **No Threaded Option for Multi-Filter Use** Because it s unthreaded, you cannot stack multiple filters on the same lens without using a holder. This limits flexibility if you need to combine effects (e.g., warming polarizer).
4. **Potential for Lens Flare** While the Pro-Mist coating reduces flare, no filter is completely immune to it. In high-contrast scenes (e.g., backlit subjects), you may still encounter some lens flare, though it should be less pronounced than with standard filters.
5. **Cost** Tiffen filters are premium-priced, and while this is a high-quality product, the expense may be a consideration for hobbyists or those on a tight budget. Cheaper alternatives (e.g., generic or lower-end brands) exist but may lack durability or optical quality.
6. **Cleaning and Handling** Unthreaded filters can be more prone to smudges or dust since they sit directly on the lens. Unlike threaded filters, they cannot be easily removed for cleaning without unscrewing the lens cap, which may not always be practical.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Tiffen 138WBMP2 138mm Unthreaded Pro-Mist 812 Warming Filter** is a solid choice for photographers who prioritize quality, durability, and subtle color correction. Its unthreaded design offers convenience for quick setups, and the Pro-Mist coating enhances optical performance by reducing flare. However, its effectiveness is limited to specific lighting scenarios, and its unthreaded nature restricts its use to lenses with a 138mm front element. Additionally, the lack of threaded compatibility means you cannot stack filters easily.
If you frequently shoot in cool-toned environments (e.g., winter landscapes, shaded portraits) and need a reliable, no-frills warming filter, this is a worthwhile investment. For those who require more flexibility (e.g., stacking filters or using different sizes), a threaded filter or a holder system might be more practical.
### **Recommendation**
**Buy this filter if:**- You shoot primarily with 138mm lenses and need a durable, high-quality warming filter.
- You prefer unthreaded filters for simplicity and portability.
- You want to reduce lens flare and maintain image clarity in bright conditions.
- You re willing to pay for a premium brand with a reputation for optical excellence.
**Consider alternatives if:**- You need stronger color correction (e.g., for artificial lighting) and may require a more intense filter (e.g., 85B).
- You frequently use lenses with non-138mm front elements and would benefit from a threaded filter or adapter.
- You plan to stack multiple filters and need a holder system for flexibility.
- You re on a budget and are open to exploring other brands (e.g., B W, Lee, or affordable generic options).
For most photographers who need a reliable warming filter and have compatible lenses, the **Tiffen 138WBMP2** is a strong recommendation due to its build quality and performance. However, weigh its limitations against your specific needs before purchasing.
Pro-Mist filters provide little loss of detail across the image compared to traditional diffusion and soft focus. Unlike a traditional diffusion or soft focus filter, Pro-Mist filters provide little loss of detail across the image. This filter is especially useful for smoothing out and softening facial wrinkles other blemishes. The Tiffen 138mm Warm Black Pro-Mist 1 Filter helps to reduce the value of highlights while slightly lowering overall contrast.
The 2 density provides a moderate amount of contrast and highlight reduction allows for soft, pastel-like quality light. Retails originally for $377/each. While designed for use with movies, this filter can also be used fashion and beauty applications. Warming filter helps to reduce bluish casts and provide more balanced skin tones.
138mm size unthreaded drop-in mounted for filter adapter ring or matte box. This warming effect also helps to reduce blue sensitivity and for cutting through overly cool tones within the scene.