Foundation of the company
“Optische Anstalt Jos. Schneider & Co.”
The company, founded 1913 by Joseph Schneider, trades today under the name of Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH.
It manufactures for the world market high-performance lenses,
photographic and industrial filters as well as professional accessories.
Further product ranges are electro-hydraulic and electro-pneumatic servo valves for the machine constuction and industrial processing engineering as well as single and multiple focus lenses and graduated lenses for the ophthalmic optics.
The Schneider-Kreuznach RHOdium Full Spectrum Neutral Density (FSND) filters are a high-end ND filter line made specifically for the critical color standards of 4K, 6K, and 8K resolution cameras.
Strengths | 0.3 (1 stop), 0.6 (2 stops), 0.9 (3 stops), 1.2 (4 stops), 1.5 (5 stops), 1.8 (6 stops), 2.1 (7 stops), 2.4 (8 stops), 2.7 (9 stops), 3.0 (10 stops) |
Sizes | 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ |
Light in the IR spectrum can cause unwanted false color shifts and prevent the camera’s digital sensor from capturing true black tones. To solve this problem, Schneider’s Platinum Series IRND filters limit the light striking the camera’s CCD or CMOS sensor to the visible spectrum.
The Platinum IRND attenuates in the ultraviolet and visible spectrum ranges like our traditional ND filters while providing further control in the near infrared. Special dyes provide precise absorption of IR to maximize the color gamut while virtually eliminating off-color tinting from IR pollution. Platinum IRND filters can generally benefit the use of digital camera sensors and standard color film stock.
Strengths | 0.3 (1 stop), 0.6 (2 stops), 0.9 (3 stops), 1.2 (4 stops), 1.5 (5 stops), 1.8 (6 stops), 2.1 (7 stops), 2.4 (8 stops) |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
Neutral Density (ND) Filters control exposure or depth of field under various lighting conditions without affecting color or contrast.
ND filters are used if too much light restricts creative possibilities. They reduce the light in accordance with their density. They therefore allow more widely opened apertures. For very bright situations the aperture would also have to be closed. This would mean losing the option of short depth of field.
Traditional Dyed Absorptive NDs | Graduated NDs | ND Attenuators | True-Match Vari-ND | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Strengths | 0.3 (1 stop), 0.6 (2 stops), 0.9 (3 stops), 1.2 (4 stops) | 0.3 (1 stop), 0.6 (2 stops), 0.9 (3 stops), 1.2 (4 stops) | 0.3 (1 stop), 0.6 (2 stops), 0.9 (3 stops), 1.2 (4 stops), 1.5 (5 stops), 1.8 (6 stops) | from 1 stop to 10 stops |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“ (vertical & horizontal), 4“ x 5.65“ (vertical and horizontal), 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular sizes | 4“ x 4“ (vertical & horizontal), 4“ x 5.65“ (vertical and horizontal), 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular sizes | 4“ x 4“ (vertical & horizontal), 4“ x 5.65“ (vertical and horizontal), 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular sizes | round screw-in 77 mm round, screw-in 82 mm |
The absolute clarity of the glass combined with advanced polarizing material make True-Pol filters particularly useful on demanding scenes, like shooting through windshields in rigged vehicles.
Polarizers are commonly used to control glare on water and to allow the camera to see below the surface. They are also used to reduce glare on car bumpers and control reflections on plate-glass windows. Polarizers are so versatile they can also perform the opposite functions.
Cinematographers report that True-Pol filters capture more color saturation, wider tonal range and greater contrast.
True-Pol Circular Polarizer | One-Stop Circular Polarizer | Three-Stop Circular Polarizer | Four-Stop Circular Polarizer | True-Pol Linear Polarizer | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and round sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and round sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and round sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and round sizes |
Cinematography demands a great deal of cameras and lenses. It therefore makes sense to protect sensitive front element of the lens against rough conditions.
Clear filters fulfill the desire of many cinematographers for pure lens protection without a filter effect. Its only function is to keep dirt, sand or splahses away fromt the front lens.
The colorless UV filters ensure more brilliant images by blocking the
unwanted UV component contained in daylight. They also can remain in
front of the lens to protect it from dirt and damage.
Schneider-Kreuznach has developed a family of IR-reflecting filters to complement the demanding requirements of today’s high resolution digital cameras.
Digital camera sensors have a high sensitivity to light beyond the visible range. This can be beneficial in applications such as machine vision or surveillance but for most cinematic production this can cause unwanted color shifts in dark or black materials.
Schneider’s True-Cut IR filter solutions eliminate this problem by limiting the light striking the CCD or CMOS sensor to the visible spectrum.
Strength | True-Cut 680: IR 680 nm, True-Cut 715: IR 715 nm, True-Cut 750: IR 750 nm |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
Unlike similar filters, LowCon 2000 filters reduce excessive contrast without reducing resolution or muddying the image.
To mute the excessive contrast and spread light into shadow areas. Can desaturate a scene for artistic mood. Lower strengths can be used to take the high contrast edge off today's lenses.
Strength | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
By compensating with in-camera gamma settings, a higher dynamic range can be recorded than the camera alone can achieve.
For a "filmic look" when shooting with digital cameras. Optically raises
black levels while lowering highlights, capturing a higer dynamic
range. The result is more detail in highlights and shadows with no
effect on resolution and no color shift. Highlight areas remain clean
and halo-free.
Strength | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular |
The Radiant Soft series expands Schneider-Kreuznach’s diffusion filter line, bringing cinematographers and photographers the ability to give their subject’s skin a radiant, soft glow, while still having control over the contrast, as well as controlling the highlights with very little blooming effect.
Strength | 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Sizes | 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ |
Schneider-Kreuznach has developed a subtle and effective softening filter that can be used freely without fear of compromising the high quality of contemporary lenses. In the normal range of exposure, this filter imparts only a closely confined, very subtle glow to highlights.
The Secret of In-focus Diffusion
Hundreds of Micro-Lenslets arrayed
within each Schneider-Kreuznach Classic Soft filter provide a precisely
controlled soft image that is overlaid on a sharp, in-focus image. The
number of Micro-Lenslets per square inch determines the image-blending
effectiveness of each Classic Soft filter. This combination diffuses the
fine details in the image while maintaining overall sharp focus.
If large amounts of over-exposure exist in a scene, like a blown window, Classic Soft filters add a stylish glow that keeps the scene’s contrast under control, while adding a romantic look.
Strength | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
These filters were originally designed for use with all HD formats, including 1/2", 1/3" and 1/4" chip cameras, without fear of artifacts. Today, they offer an alternative approach to diffusion for larger formats as well.
Schneider-Kreuznach HD Classic Softs produce the same rich In-Focus Diffusion as the standard Classic Soft series. Each one contains a carefully calculated amount of precisely positioned Micro-Lenslets. These provide a controlled soft image that is overlaid on a sharp, in-focus image, creating In-focus Diffusion.
HD Classic Softs impart a closely confined, very subtle glow to
highlights. If large amounts of overexposure exist in a scene - like a
“blown” window – they produce a stylish glow that keeps the scene’s
contrast under control, while adding a romantic look.
Strength | 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
The Classic Black Soft filter combines the benefits of a Classic Soft, like diminish small wrinkles or blemishes and a soft glow to highlights, with the subtle effects of a Black Frost 1/8, which tones down contrast with no black saturation reduction to give the final image a more "filmic look".
Strength | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
For in-focus diffusion plus a heavier black frost effect, without filter stacking.
The Classic Black Soft filter combines the benefits of a Classic Soft, like diminish small wrinkles or blemishes and a soft glow to highlights, with the subtle effects of a Black Frost 1/4, which tones down contrast with no black saturation reduction to give the final image a more "filmic look".
Strength | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
Building on the success of HD Classic Soft filters with the Micro-Lenslet design and Black Frost filters’ black micropore technology, Hollywood Black Magic filters combine the best attributes of both.
Strength | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
Black Frost filters enable cinematographers to capture blacker blacks than possible with similar type filters. Shooters achieve a unique image styling that can be applied freely, without fear of having scenes appear heavy-handed.
Strength | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
White Frost filters are useful for adding a halo around light sources, blown windows, or other areas of high exposure.
They can also reduce picture contrast by lightening shadows, and can
help create a romantic or period look. Depending on the strength, they
enhance a scene, subtly or strongly. For a soft, romantic look, combine
White Frost filter with a Schneider Classic Soft.
Strength | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular or round sizes |
The True-Net diffusion filters bring the struggles of stretching old stockings on the lens to an end.
Real hosiery, made on the same knitting machines since the 1950’s and set between water-white glass, allows for consistency every time you use them.
Now the illustrious vintage look can be achieved with modern convenience!
Beige
Black
Gray
Beige | Black | Gray | |
---|---|---|---|
Strengths | 1, 2 | 1, 2 ,3 | 1, 2 |
Sizes | 4“ x 5.65“ | 4“ x 5.65“ | 4“ x 5.65“ |
True-Streaks are available in a variety of colors and color combinations, so you can create effects not only in Blue, but also in Red, Orange, Green, Yellow, Violet, Pink, Gold as well as Clear and in Rainbow.
Each color is available in your choice of four strengths for stronger or more subtle effect. The colors turn white light into their respective color; Clear takes on the colors of the lighting.
So whether you want a creative way to enhance night exteriors, highlight reflections off chrome surfaces, wow them with vibrant rock 'n roll illumination or achieve other stand-out imagery - choose True-Streaks to liven the look with stunning effects.
Clearly the most effective and exciting way to simulate the anarmorphic streak effect with virtually any lens, anamorphic or not.
True-Streaks are available in Blue, Red, Orange, Green, Yellow, Violet, Pink, Gold and Clear. All different Colors are each available in your choice of four strengths for stronger or more subtle effect.
Merging all eight of the single True-Streak colors together we have created the remarkable Rainbow Streak filter.
Special techniques designed to merge the colors allow them to seamlessly flow, creating a beautiful effect reminiscent of the multi-color flares on uncoated lenses.
Depending on your lighting, you can make this filter go from subtle beauty to dramatic super pop!
The True-Streak Confetti filter adds a whole new level of creativity to your project by using all of the True-Streak colors in one filter.
As the name suggests, small multi-color True-Streaks are scattered about the filter to create bursts of colors around the light sources.
Perfect for music videos and concert footage, but we know our creative customers will find a multitude of applications for this fun and exciting filter!
Star filters are an exciting addition to the popular True-Streak filter line. Available in clear 6-point star effects in all the popular sizes and the red, white and blue 6pt Star.
The True-Streak Star filters are fully customizable, as well, giving you the option of 4- and 6-star points and color combos within the True-Streak colors.
True-Streak | True-Streak Rainbow | True-Streak Confetti | True-Streak Star | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Strengths | 1 mm (strongest), 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm | |||
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and round sizes | 4" x 5.65" | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and round sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and round sizes |
These high-quality close-up lenses require absolutely no exposure compensation.
The diopters are protected by a unique mounting technique which ensures superb structural integrity and consistent long-term performance, even in demanding production environments.
Split-Field Diopters allow simultaneous focus on both close-up and
faraway subjects. A standard diopter element is precision-cut in half
and mounted in the ring.
Frame your subject, focus on the distant background, and move the camera slightly to obtain close focus on the foreground.
Position the slightly out-of-focus line of the cut edge of the glass in an area it won‘t be noticed. Closing the iris will reduce the width of this line.
Close-Up Diopters | Split-Field Diopters | |
---|---|---|
Strength | +1/8 (only 138 mm), +1/4 (only 138 mm), +1/2, +3/4 (only 138 mm), +1, +2, +3 | round drop-in series 9, 4.5“, 138 mm and 6“ |
Sizes | +1/8 (only 138 mm), +1/4 (only 138 mm), +1/2, +3/4 (only 138 mm), +1, +2, +3 | round drop-in series 9, 4.5“, 138 mm |
Solid Color filters change the specific color in a scene to create a desired special effect.
An existing color is enhanced or the filter creates subtle color drama. It also creates more balanced exposure In uneven lighting conditions.
Antique Suede, Gold, Maui Brown, Sahara Gold, Sapphire Blue, Strom Blue | |
---|---|
Strengths | 1, 2, 3, except Sahara Gold |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular sizes |
Add color to part of a scene where color may be weak or absent. Can be also used for color effects which contribute to the cinematic drama of a scene.
All Graduated color filters are part clear and part color. They are designed to be used in professional matte boxes, so that they are readily positioned at the exact angle required to create desired effects.
Typically soft-edge filters with wider gradient transitions are used with short to medium focal length lenses because they blend in to most scenes better.
Hard-edge filters having narrow gradient transitions are preferred for use with longer focal length lenses or for straight and narrow transitions, like the sky above a flat ocean horizon.
Paradise Blue, Sapphire Blue, Storm Blue, Antique Suede, Gold, Magenta | |
---|---|
Strengths | 1, 2, 3 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“ (vertical & horizontal), 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular sizes |
Classic Sunset | |
---|---|
Strengths | 1 |
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“ (vertical & horizontal), 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular sizes |
Color Correction filters change the color content of the light to match the color response and permit the user to creatively modify color in subtle ways.
Encompassing a wide range of colors and densities, color correction filters are categorized into three main groups: Color Conversion, Light Balancing and Color Compensating.
Each can create a wealth of practical color-temperature corrections and creative color effects.
81-One for Skin Tones, 85 Color Conversion | Color Temperature Blue (CTB) | Day for Night | |
---|---|---|---|
Strengths | 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 | ||
Sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ and further rectangular sizes | 4“ x 4“, 4“ x 5.65“, 6.6“ x 6.6“ |
Active photography puts a great demand on both cameras and lenses. It
makes sense therefore to use a B+W filter to protect your delicate front
lens element against the elements such as blowing sand and dust,
fingerprints and splashing water. B+W filters not only cost just a
fraction of the price of a new lens but they are also easier to clean.
Radiant white clouds against a deep blue sky or the deep colors of fall foliage don't happen by chance. B+W polarizing filters (polarizers for short) augment the purity of the intrinsic colors and increase color saturation and are among the most important filters for analog and digital photography. Because the filter mounts rotate, the polarization effect can be visibly controlled in the viewfinder or on the monitor display.
Another effect of the B+W polarizer is to reduce reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass, and glossy paint. Objects and people behind surfaces such as shop windows and car windshields become visible again – a fascinating image enhancement without image processing!
B+W polarizing filters are circular polarizers which are compatible with nearly all modern cameras when beam splitters are used in the light path for TTL exposure metering or autofocus. Exposure errors are therefore avoided.
The multiplying factor with HTC is 2 to 3, which is equivalent to 1 to 1.5 f-stops. Other polarizers up to approx. 3 stops. Often regarded as the most important filter for photography.
RICH COLORS
B+W standard circular polarizing filters are equally suitable for both analog and digital cameras. The filter is of high optical quality and designed for all cameras, with or without internal measuring devices (AF, exposure meter).
This filter reduces reflections from a variety of surfaces and increases the color saturation and contrast.
Coating: E and MRC
THE LIGHT VERSION
For this high-end polarizing filter the foil pieces are selected individually for maximum color neutrality. Following cementing between high-grade optical glass, additional grinding and polishing takes place. This guarantees outstanding sharpness even with very bright, apochromatic lenses. The latest cementing technique ensures lasting stability even in damp climates.
The new generation of Käsemann High Transmission (HTC) polarizing filters is fitted with a new polarizing foil which has higher translucency (transmission), yet still provides outstanding effectiveness. The filter extension factor is only 2 to 3, equivalent to approx. 1 to 1.5 f-stops.
Coating: MRC nan
THE LIGHT VERSION
For this high-end polarizing filter the foil pieces are selected individually for maximum color neutrality. Following cementing between high-grade optical glass, additional grinding and polishing takes place. This guarantees outstanding sharpness even with very bright, apochromatic lenses. The latest cementing technique ensures lasting stability even in damp climates.
The new generation of Käsemann High Transmission (HTC) polarizing filters is fitted with a new polarizing foil which has higher translucency (transmission), yet still provides outstanding effectiveness. The filter extension factor is only 2 to 3, equivalent to approx. 1 to 1.5 f-stops.
Coating: MRC
ND filters or neutral density filters are used if too much light restricts creative possibilities. They reduce the light in accordance with their density. They therefore allow longer exposure times or more widely opened apertures. Applications are highly varied and in some cases experimental.
For very bright motifs in the snow or on the beach the aperture would
also have to be closed, despite minimum exposure time. This would mean
losing the option of short depth of field, e. g. for portraits. ND filters can produce wipe effects in movements if the
exposure time can be extended with the required aperture. A waterfall
then no longer appears to be frozen, but as a flowing motion. ND filters
create ingenious effects in architecture or urban photography. With
long exposure times of several hours, people walking through the shot
are blurred or not reproduced at all.
This B+W ND filter, which reduces the light by two f-stops, already shows a clear effect on your photographs such as requiring f/4 instead of f/8 for selective focus or 1/15 sec instead of 1/60 sec for a long exposure effect. The filter is color-neutral, and it should be part of any basic DSLR photography equipment kit.
Coating: E and MRC
This B+W ND filter reduces the light by three f-stops and is particularly interesting for video when no suitable aperture can be selected in bright light or when a specific, small DOF is required. With this filter, distinct flow of water effect becomes apparent. The B+W 103 ND filter 0.9 is also ideal for shooting photos with a wipe effect.
Coating: E and MRC
This B+W ND filter, which reduces light entering the camera by six f-stops, already qualifies as an extreme filter. With this filter, and without changing the aperture (and DOF), an exposure time of 1/60 s becomes a full second. Running water is rendered hazy and soft. A tripod is necessary in any case.
Coating: E and MRC
With a light reduction of ten f-stops, this ND filter delivers a further intensification compared with the B+W ND 106. Running water virtually transforms into mist. People walking on streets become blurred and indistinct or even invisible. In some cases this involves extremely long exposures of up to one minute. A stable tripod is essential.
Coating: E and MRC
102 | 103 | 106 | 110 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Desnity | ND 0.6 | ND 0.9 | ND 1.8 | ND 3.0 |
F-stop | +2 | +3 | +6 | +10 |
Factor | 4x | 8x | 64x | 1,000x |
% | 25 | 12.5 | 1.6 | 0.1 |
Digital cameras are normally equipped with a permanent IR-cut filter in front of the image sensor, but the residual IR that is still transmitted can be used for typical infrared photos. The B+W 092 infrared filter 695 and the B+W 093 infrared filter 830 utilize exactly this gap when visible light is blocked.
The image is pre-selected and IR focusing is performed before attaching the filter as checking through the viewfinder or on the LCD is not possible when the IR filter is attached. The result is creative infrared photos with an amazing "Wood effect" (white leaves) and the typical dark sky.
The IR photos are optimized in the image-processing program: increase the contrast automatically or in the histogram; convert a color image to black and white or "play" with individual color channels, leaving the red channel at maximum. Infrared photography always has an experimental nature to it.
The B+W 092 IR filter 695 looks almost black, but is deep purple-red in front of a light source. It blocks visible light up to 650 nm, and at just below 700 nm it allows 50% to pass through (hence the dark red color).
From 730 nm to 2.000 nm the transmittance is very high at over 90%. This allows shots of the pure red and IR image. This IR filter is suitable for most digital cameras.
The B+W 093 IR filter 830 blocks the entire visible light spectrum. It therefore appears black and in contrast to the B+W 092 infrared filter 695, it enables shots in pure infrared without the visible red. The transmittance does not exceed 1 % until 800 nm, but increases to 88 % at 900 nm.
With this really pure IR filter, great attention must be paid to the residual IR transmission the digital camera does or does not transmit (i.e. certain cameras are better suited than others). The filter factor is highly dependent on the lighting. The optimum exposure value can be determined by running a series of tests.
B+W Black & White filters, as the name suggests, are mainly used in black and white photography.
Yellow filters, for example, can help to add more brilliance to landscape photos and to differentiate the greens in plants and foliage. Yellow and orange filters can conjure clouds out of mere cloudlets, while red filters can increase them to dramatic storm strength or create moonlight effects in daylight.
The B+W 022 yellow filter 495 is regarded as the basic filter for every black and white photographer. A cloudy sky looks very natural, but is not yet dramatic. Long-distance views with a light haze become clearer – an ideal filter, especially for landscapes and photos of plants.
Coating: E and MRC
The B+W 040 Orange Filter 550 already has a very pronounced effect and darkens violet and blue very strongly, green quite strongly, and even yellowish green a little.
Landscape and architectural photos show an increased, almost "graphic" contrast, while a cloudy sky may already appear dramatic. Because the skin tones rendered by the filter color are noticeably lightened in comparison with plant greens, this filter is often used in nude photography outdoors to increase the contrast between the lighter body and the darker landscape.
Coating: E and MRC
The traditional B+W 090 light red filter used for architecture. White façades are lightened, blue skies are dramatically darkened, and clouds pop. Also used for spectacular landscape photos with greatly improved views into the distance and for posterization (tonal separation) in photos of objects (blue and green very dark, red light).
Coating: E and MRC
Compared with the lighter B+W 090 red filter 590 described earlier, the B+W 091 red filter 630 delivers a further intensification because it even darkens the yellow close to red in the spectrum, and its transparency does not come into play until the orange-red zone. It produces dramatic effects and extreme posterization for a graphic effect.
Coating: E and MRC
Would you like to explore fantastic worlds in miniature? Close-up lenses open up new motifs in an inexpensive way. Like reading glasses, close-up lenses move the focus range into the close-up zone.
The effect increases with the diopter number and the focal length of the
lens. For shorter focal lengths in digital photography stronger
close-up lenses are therefore recommended. The image scale describes the
effect. A scale of 1 : 3 renders an object at a third of its original
size on the film/sensor. Close-up and macro lenses are simple aids which
are suitable in particular for three-dimensional objects (flowers) and
pictorial photography, less for technical reproduction purposes.
Sufficient stopping down increases the sharpness and the depth of
field.
With +1 diopter, this close-up lens is ideal for telephoto and zoom lenses with a close-up setting down to around 1 meter. Ideal in the 35 mm format for lenses between 85 mm (to about 1 : 5) and 200 mm focal length (to approx.1 : 3), and for popular standard zoom lenses. For the 50 mm standard lens, the rule is: go straight for the close-up lens +2!
For all lens settings, the B+W +2 diopter close-up lens focuses at a distance of 0.5 m, so for 50 mm lenses there is seamless expansion providing an extended close-up range to approx. 1 : 4.5. For telephoto lenses up to 135 mm, the range of the NL 1 is continued seamlessly (at 85 mm to approx. 1 : 3.5, at 100 mm to approx. 1 : 3.2, and at 135 mm to approx. 1 : 2.5).
With a +3 diopter, the close-up setting of this lens starts at 33 cm from the front edge regardless of the focal length. Ideal for seamless continuation of the normal close-up range (to approx. 1 : 5.5). For 85 mm and 100 mm telephotos, continues beyond the NL 2 (to 1 : 2.7 or 1 : 2.4).
The B+W +4 diopter close-up lens is the right power for additional close-up range with the 50 mm lens (up to approx. 1 : 3) when the B+W +2 close-up lens has reached its limit. This is the maximum power for telephoto lenses with focal lengths of 85 mm (to approx. 1 : 2.1) and 100 mm (to approx. 1 : 1.9), but you should stop down to at least f/8. With a 35 mm focal length, pass straight on to the B+W +5 close-up lens.
With the B+W +5 diopter close-up lens, you have reached the most powerful in the B+W close-up lens range. The B+W +5 close-up lens provides seamless continuation from the NL 3 with a 35 mm lens (up to approx. 1 : 3.5). Anyone with a 50 mm lens who can accept a small gap (approx. 1 : 4.4 to 1 : 4) after the NL 2 can continue a bit further into the macro range (up to approx. 1 : 2.6) by using the NL 5 instead of the NL 4.
Close-up lens 1 Diopter > +1.0 | Close-up lens 2 Diopter > +2.0 | Close-up lens 3 Diopter > +3.0 | Close-up lens 4 Diopter > +4.0 | Close-up lens 5 Diopter > +5.0 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
∞ | 1.00 | 0.50 | 0.33 | 0.25 | 0.20 |
10 m | 0.90 | 0.47 | 0.325 | 0.245 | 0.20 |
7 m | 0.87 | 0.46 | 0.32 | 0.24 | 0.195 |
5 m | 0.83 | 0.45 | 0.31 | 0.235 | 0.19 |
3 m | 0.75 | 0.42 | 0.30 | 0.23 | 0.185 |
1 m | 0.50 | 0.33 | 0.25 | 0.20 | 0.165 |
0.5 m | 0.33 | 0.25 | 0.20 | 0.16 | 0.14 |
This filter delivers sharp pictures which are softly overlaid with
unsharpness. Small mini-lenslets are distributed randomly on a precisely
plano-parallel glass disc. They scatter the light and overlay the sharp
core image with hazy, diffuse halos. This opens up deep shadows, while
highlights themselves are hardly blurred, but instead form a shimmering
aura in the darker surroundings.
The term “soft focus attachment“ does not do justice to this soft filter. The filter delivers sharp pictures which are softly overlaid with unsharpness. Details such as eyelashes do not taper into unsharpness, while skin blemishes are gently covered up. Small mini-lenses are distributed randomly on a precisely plane-parallel glass disc.
They scatter the light and overlay the sharp core image with hazy, diffuse halos. This opens up deep shadows, while highlights themselves are hardly blurred, but instead form a shimmering aura in the darker surroundings. Professionals, even in Hollywood films, use these stable glass filters when aiming for perfect beauty shots. The effect cannot be achieved with image-processing software (e.g. Gaussian blur). As well as for portrait photography, soft focus attachments are frequently used for great effects in landscape shots. They reduce high contrasts and the light fringes in the backlight are softened. The photographs take on a gentle, romantic character.
In addition to portrait photography, soft focus attachments are used
for great effects in landscape images. They reduce contrast and the
light fringes in the backlight are softened. The photos take on a
gentle, romantic character.