
( Brand: Tiffen ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: S985C ), ( Part Type: Filter ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Mount Fitting: Drop-in ), ( Filter Effects: Color Conversion ), ( Filter Size: Series 9 ), ( Country Of Origin: United States ), ( To Fit: Camcorder, Camera ), ( UPC: 049383073829 )
The Tiffen S985C 85C Conversion Lens Filter is a high-performance, professional-grade optical solution designed to seamlessly integrate with your camera s lens, offering precise color temperature adjustments for cinematic and photographic applications. Engineered with Tiffen s signature 85C glass a premium, ultra-clear optical material this filter delivers exceptional clarity, minimal color cast, and superior light transmission, ensuring your footage or images retain their natural integrity while achieving the desired color grading. The S985C is specifically tailored for warming shots, shifting the color temperature from a cool 5500K to a cozy 3800K, ideal for creating warm, inviting tones in film, television, or still photography. Whether you re shooting in daylight with a blue cast or working with artificial lighting that leans too cool, this filter provides a consistent and reliable way to balance the color temperature without sacrificing image quality. Its robust, screw-in design ensures a secure fit on most standard lens mounts, making it a versatile tool for both handheld and mounted camera setups. Perfect for filmmakers, photographers, and videographers who demand precision and professional results, the Tiffen S985C 85C Conversion Lens Filter is a must-have for achieving that perfect warm hue in any lighting scenario.
### Pros and Cons of the Tiffen S985C 85C Conversion Lens Filter (5500K 3800K Warming)
#### **Pros:**1. **Versatile Color Temperature Adjustment** The S985C allows for a wide range of warming adjustments (from 5500K to 3800K), making it useful for correcting cool lighting conditions (e.g., fluorescent, daylight, or overcast scenes) to achieve warmer, cinematic tones. This flexibility is ideal for filmmakers, photographers, and videographers who frequently shoot in varying lighting environments.
2. **High-Quality Optical Performance** Tiffen is a well-respected brand known for producing high-quality optical glass. The S985C is designed to minimize color fringing and maintain sharpness, which is crucial for both still photography and video where clarity is essential.
3. **Durable and Weather-Sealed Construction** The filter is built with a robust metal frame and is often weather-sealed, making it suitable for outdoor use in harsh conditions. This durability ensures longevity, especially for professionals who shoot in diverse environments.
4. **Compatibility with a Wide Range of Equipment** The S985C is a circular polarizer (CPL) filter, meaning it can be used with most lenses that have a filter thread size of 85mm (or with an adapter ring for other sizes). This makes it a versatile addition to any lens kit.
5. **Useful for Creative Effects** Beyond color correction, the warming effect can be intentionally applied for artistic purposes, such as achieving a vintage or cinematic look in film or photography.
6. **Easy to Use** The filter is straightforward to attach and remove, and its design allows for quick adjustments in the field. It can be used in conjunction with other filters (e.g., ND or UV) if needed.
7. **Cost-Effective for Professional Use** While not the cheapest option, the S985C offers professional-grade performance that justifies its price for serious users who prioritize quality over budget.
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#### **Cons:**1. **Limited to Specific Use Cases** The S985C is primarily designed for warming adjustments and may not be as useful for other color corrections (e.g., cooling or tint adjustments). If you need a broader range of color grading, you might require additional filters.
2. **Potential for Light Loss** Like all filters, the S985C can reduce the amount of light entering the lens by 1 2 stops, which may require adjusting your camera settings (e.g., increasing ISO or aperture) to maintain proper exposure. This can be inconvenient in low-light situations.
3. **Weight and Bulk** The filter adds weight to your lens, which may not be ideal for long shoots or travel where minimizing gear is a priority. However, this is a minor consideration for most professionals.
4. **Cost** High-quality filters like the S985C are not cheap. For casual photographers or videographers who don t frequently need warming adjustments, the expense may not be justified.
5. **Compatibility Issues with Some Lenses** While the 85mm size is common, some lenses (especially older or specialty lenses) may not have a matching filter thread. Adapter rings can solve this, but they add to the cost and bulk.
6. **Potential for Color Casts if Overused** If the warming effect is applied too aggressively or inappropriately, it can create unnatural color casts in your images or footage. This requires careful calibration and testing.
7. **Alternative Solutions Exist** For some use cases, post-processing color correction (e.g., in Lightroom, DaVinci Resolve, or camera profiles) may be a more flexible and cost-effective alternative. However, in-camera adjustments (especially for video) can be more efficient.
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### **Conclusion:**The Tiffen S985C 85C conversion lens filter is a high-quality, versatile tool for warming color temperature in photography and videography. It excels in professional settings where consistent and accurate color correction is required, particularly in environments with cool lighting. Its durability, optical clarity, and wide adjustment range make it a strong choice for filmmakers, cinematographers, and photographers who prioritize in-camera control over post-processing.
However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Casual users or those who primarily shoot in warm lighting conditions may find it unnecessary. Additionally, the cost and potential light loss are factors to consider. If your workflow involves frequent corrections for cool tones or if you value in-camera adjustments, the S985C is a worthwhile investment. For others, exploring alternatives like post-processing or lower-cost filters may be more practical.
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### **Recommendation:** **Buy the Tiffen S985C if:**- You frequently shoot in cool lighting conditions (e.g., daylight, fluorescent, or overcast environments) and need consistent warming adjustments.
- You prioritize in-camera color correction over post-processing, especially for video or cinematic work.
- You already own an 85mm lens or are willing to invest in an adapter ring for compatibility.
- You value the durability and optical quality of Tiffen filters for professional use.
**Avoid the Tiffen S985C if:**- You rarely need warming adjustments and prefer to correct colors in post-processing.
- You shoot primarily in warm lighting conditions (e.g., golden hour, indoor lighting with warm tones).
- You are on a tight budget and can achieve similar results with cheaper or alternative filters.
- You work with lenses that require frequent filter changes, as the S985C adds weight and may not be as convenient.
**Alternatives to Consider:**- **Cheaper Warming Filters:** Brands like K&F Concept or B W offer more affordable warming filters that may suffice for basic needs.
- **Variable ND Filters with Warming Effects:** Some variable ND filters (e.g., Lee Filters) combine ND and warming effects in one unit, which can be useful for dynamic lighting conditions.
- **Post-Processing Workflow:** If your editing software (e.g., Lightroom, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve) can reliably correct color temperature, you may not need a physical filter.
- **Camera White Balance Presets:** Modern cameras offer custom white balance settings that can mimic the effect of a warming filter, though this is less precise than a physical filter.
Color conversion filter decreases color temperature and provides a warming effect. The warming effect of this filter requires a 0.3-stop increase in exposure for normal results. Original retail for $179. This filter is made using Color Core technology, a process that involves laminating the substrate between 2 pieces of optical glass, grinding flat to tolerance 1/10,000th an inch, and then mounting precision metal rings.
The Tiffen Series 9 85C Color Conversion Filter helps to decrease the color temperature from 5500 3800K, allowing use of tungsten-balanced film in daylight conditions.