Camera lens filter Calumet CALSAB1255 — Mist filter, 55 mm

Calumet CALSAB1255 is a 55 mm Black Mist (softening) camera lens filter designed to subtly diffuse light, reduce contrast and create a gentle glow around highlights. Supplied as a single slim black-framed transparent optical filter, it is intended for portrait, wedding and cinematic photography to soften skin textures, tame specular highlights and preserve overall image clarity. The filter uses Japanese AGC glass with 6H surface hardness and features a slim aerospace-grade aluminum frame with unscrew tabs for easy handling; a protective storage case is included.

Advantages

The filter produces a controlled diffusion effect that lowers contrast and adds a delicate “fog” or bloom around bright areas without significant color shift. A 28-layer multilayer coating system provides hydrophobic, oleophobic, scratch-resistant and anti-reflective protection, making the filter easier to keep clean and more resistant to mechanical damage. The ultra-slim profile minimizes vignetting on wide-angle lenses while dual threading allows stacking of additional filters or accessories.

Suitable for

• Portrait photography — softening skin textures and reducing visible imperfections
• Wedding and event photography — creating a warm, cinematic atmosphere
• Landscape and sunrise/sunset shots — adding a dreamy, atmospheric look
• Night and city photography — producing glow around artificial lights
• Analog or film-look emulation — approximating classic film diffusion

Key specifications

• Filter type: Black Mist / diffusion
• Mount diameter: 55 mm
• Glass type: Japanese AGC glass
• Surface hardness: 6H
• Coating: 28 multilayer coatings (hydrophobic, oleophobic, scratch-resistant, anti-reflective)
• Frame material: aerospace-grade aluminum, ultra-slim profile (~3.3 mm)
• Finish: black framed, transparent optical surface
• Includes: protective storage case; unscrew tabs on frame for easy removal

How to use

Screw the Calumet 55 mm Black Mist filter onto the front thread of a compatible lens until it is secure; if unsure of lens thread size, check the lens barrel or cap for the diameter marking (e.g. Ø55 mm). Use the unscrew tabs to remove the filter without excessive force. The filter can be used on its own to obtain a mild diffusion effect or stacked with other filters via the double thread to combine effects. Exposure and focus may need slight adjustment: the diffusion softens fine detail, so confirm focus on important subjects and evaluate exposure to retain desired highlight detail.

Usage recommendations

Choose the filter strength according to the desired effect: use a weaker diffusion for natural-looking portraits and a stronger effect for stylized night or cinematic scenes. Clean the filter with a soft microfiber cloth and lens-safe cleaning fluid; avoid abrasive materials. When shooting wide-angle, check for vignetting and use the ultra-slim profile placement close to the lens. Store the filter in the supplied protective case when not in use.