CRAFT Sq100 Black Mist 1/8

Overview

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

Classic cinematic effect for photo- and videography

The Sq100 Black Mist creates a gentle soft effect through diffusing light around light sources while it also lowers the general contrast. This reduces the overall sharpness and the image gets a classic and timeless look with a touch of vintage, similar to the style that is common in cinema. The filter also excels in landscape photography where it can diffuse the sunlight, making it ideal in settings such as sun sets or with sun rays coming through the crowns of trees.

Thanks to its diffusing effect, the Sq100 Black Mist is also great for portrait shots. It smoothens skin texture and reduces overall contrast, giving models a stylish and classy look.

Choose between 1/4 and 1/8 for the optimal density

The Sq100 Black 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!

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.

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.