Hoya Sq100 Clear Mist 1/4

OVERVIEW

The HOYA CRAFT Sq100 Clear Mist is an effect filter that diffuses light while keeping the original color balance and contrast. This creates a cinematic look that makes the filter perfect for both photo- and videography. The Sq100 Clear Mist is available in two densities – 1/4 and 1/8 – allowing the artist to choose freely the desired strength for each individual situation.

CINEMATIC EFFECT FOR PHOTO- AND VIDEOGRAPHY

The HOYA Sq100 Clear Mist creates a gentle soft effect through diffusing light around light sources. This reduces the overall sharpness and the image gets an artistic cinematic look, allowing the photographer to create an atmosphere that has touch of "dreamy", "calming" or "peaceful". In comparison to Black Mist filters, the Clear Mist filter does not have an impact on the contrast and therefore does not create a vintage effect.

Photographer: Christophe Anagnostopoulos

In portrait shots, the Clear Mist smoothens the skin texture of the model through its diffusing effect, which can make the person look more attractive or friendly.

Photographer: Christophe Anagnostopoulos

CHOOSE BETWEEN 1/4 AND 1/8 FOR THE OPTIMAL DENSITY

The Sq100 Clear Mist is available as 1/4 and 1/8, with the 1/4 having the overall stronger softening effect. Tendentially, in situations with strong light sources close to the camera or strong backlighting, the 1/8 is preferrable in order to avoid an overly strong effect. In low light situations, nightscape with light sources far away or settings with weak backlighting, the 1/8 might turn out too subtle, making the 1/4 the preferred choice for a clearer visible effect.

However, in the end it comes down to the artist's preferences and intentions as both densities can work fantastically in all kinds of settings!

With HOYA CRAFT Sq100 Clear Mist 1.4 filter | Photographer: Christophe Anagnostopoulos

Without filter | Photographer: Christophe Anagnostopoulos

With HOYA CRAFT Sq100 Clear Mist 1.8 filter | Photographer: Christophe Anagnostopoulos

With HOYA CRAFT Sq100 Clear Mist 1.4 filter | Photographer: Christophe Anagnostopoulos

Without filter | Photographer: Christophe Anagnostopoulos

 

COMPARISON BETWEEN SQ100 BLACK MIST AND SQ100 CLEAR MIST

Note: The graphs are impressions and only tendencies that should help visualizing the differences. The final effect depends, among others, on the selected density of the filter, camera settings and location.
Low Contrast: High value indicates that contrast is lowered a lot.
Light bloom: High value indicates that there is a strong glow around light sources.
Color balance: High value indicates that there is a strong change in color balance.
Diffusion: High value indicates that there is a strong light diffusing effect.
Definition: High value indicates a strong sharpness of objects.

With HOYA CRAFT Sq100 Black Mist 1.8 filter | Photographer: Christophe Anagnostopoulos

With HOYA CRAFT Sq100 Clear Mist 1.8 filter | Photographer: Christophe Anagnostopoulos

ABOUT SOFT AND DIFFUSION FILTERS IN PHOTO- AND VIDEOGRAPHY

Soft and diffusion filters are a tool especially used by filmmakers who want to have greater image control. This kind of "on-camera" diffusion is usually used to remove the "digital" look of modern-day cameras. In photo- and videography, it is a great way to reduce that "over sharpness" and "TV look" that is the trend of recent cameras and lenses that come in 8k and above. Instead, through using diffusion filters the photographer can give the image a more artistic look similar to that of cinema cameras even when shooting with DSLR/mirrorless.