Photography can sometimes feel stagnant, especially when facing uninspiring conditions like flat light or persistent atmospheric haze. I’ve often found myself wishing for a way to cut through that dullness, to inject some mood or drama directly in-camera rather than relying solely on post-processing. Without the right tools to tackle these challenges, images can lack impact, failing to capture the feeling I envisioned, which ultimately limits creative expression and the ability to tell a compelling visual story. Finding a physical filter that could genuinely alter the scene in unique ways, like the Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue), is something that would have significantly helped my early explorations.
When thinking about adding a camera filter to your kit, you’re usually addressing specific photographic challenges related to light and colour. Filters help control the light entering your lens, allowing you to achieve effects that are difficult or impossible to replicate in software, such as reducing reflections, balancing exposure between sky and land, or, in the case of colour filters, altering the tonal relationships of a scene. Someone who might seek out a filter is typically a photographer looking for greater creative control or a way to solve a particular technical issue in-camera. This often includes landscape photographers dealing with bright skies, portrait photographers needing soft light, or, as we’ll see, artistic photographers wanting dramatic colour shifts.
The ideal customer for a creative colour filter like the #47 blue is someone who understands its specific effect and intends to use it for artistic purposes or to achieve a technical result in a niche like full-spectrum photography. They aren’t afraid of unconventional results and are comfortable with how colours will be rendered differently. On the other hand, if you primarily shoot standard portraits and value accurate skin tones or require filters for basic exposure control (like ND filters) or protection (UV filters), a specialized colour filter like this might not be the right fit for your initial purchase. For standard use, you might look into UV, CPL, or ND filters instead. Before buying any filter, you need to consider what problem you’re trying to solve, the filter thread size of your lenses, the quality of the glass, and how the filter’s specific effect aligns with your photographic goals.
- Dark blue filter that accentuates haze and fog.
- Used for dye transfer and contrast effects.
- High quality optical glass.
Introducing the Tiffen #47 Blue Filter
The Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) is a specialized camera filter designed to dramatically alter the colour rendition of your photographs. It’s a dark blue filter, specifically designated as a #47, built with high-quality optical glass and set within a durable metal mounting ring sized for lenses with an 82mm filter thread. Its promise is to provide creative control over contrast and atmosphere, particularly accentuating haze and fog, and enabling effects traditionally used in dye transfer printing or for specific black and white conversion techniques (though it excels in colour too, as we’ll explore). Compared to more common filters that manage light levels or reduce reflections, this is a creative effect filter aimed at shaping the look of your final image in a very direct way. While Tiffen offers a wide range of filters, the #47 blue is quite specific in its application.
This Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) is clearly for photographers seeking a unique, in-camera effect – landscape shooters wanting moody atmospheric results, experimental photographers, or those working in areas like full-spectrum modified photography. It is emphatically *not* for photographers needing neutral colour rendition, such as portrait photographers where accurate skin tones are paramount, or photojournalists needing realistic colours.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Creates a dramatic, unique blue colour shift effect.
* Excellent for accentuating haze and fog.
* Useful for specific contrast control and creative effects in colour or black and white.
* High-quality optical glass ensures good image sharpness.
* Durable metal mounting ring.
* Affordable compared to digital editing complexity or other high-end filters.
* Specifically excellent for full-spectrum photography.
Cons:
* Strong colour cast makes it unsuitable for general photography or portraits.
* Doesn’t have protective coatings (like anti-reflection or water-repellent).
* Not water resistant.
* Some reports of minor quality control issues (dust, smudges upon arrival).
* May diminish saturation if stacked with certain other filters like CPLs.
- Includes #6, #13, & #25 Contrast Filters
- 【58mm Color Filter Kit】 This kit includes 9 pieces 58mm color filters (red, orange, blue, yellow, green, brown, purple, pink, and gray filter), 2 filter pouches, and a cleaning cloth
Exploring the Capabilities and Advantages
Stepping into the world of creative filters like the Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) is a departure from the standard UV or CPL filters many photographers start with. This particular filter, with its deep blue hue, fundamentally changes the colour balance and tonal relationships of a scene, offering unique creative possibilities that are difficult to replicate precisely through software alone.
Understanding the Impact of the #47 Blue Effect
The #47 blue filter works by significantly reducing the transmission of red and green light, allowing primarily blue light to pass through to the sensor. This has several distinct effects. Most noticeably, it casts a strong blue tint over the entire image. However, its real power lies in how it affects different colours and atmospheric conditions.
One of the primary benefits highlighted is its ability to accentuate haze and fog. Haze and fog are largely composed of water droplets or particles that scatter light, particularly blue light more than red. A standard lens sees through some of this, resulting in a washed-out, low-contrast scene. By using a dark blue filter, you are essentially enhancing the presence of blue light while suppressing other colours. This might seem counterintuitive for ‘cutting’ through haze, but in colour photography, it darkens elements that are *not* blue relative to those that are, increasing contrast in a specific way. Reds, yellows, and greens are dramatically darkened, while blues are relatively brightened. This selective darkening can make hazy scenes appear moodier and more dramatic. Instead of looking like a washed-out grey mess, distant elements might gain a subtle contrast against the enhanced blue atmosphere. This effect isn’t about eliminating the haze, but rather about interpreting it in a specific, often artistic, manner. For landscapes with distant mountains or forests shrouded in mist, this filter can transform a mundane view into something ethereal and striking.
Beyond atmospheric effects, the Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) is historically linked to dye transfer printing, a complex analog process where colour separations were made using filters. While few practice traditional dye transfer today, the filter’s effect on colour separations remains relevant for digital manipulation or simply understanding its fundamental impact. In black and white photography, blue filters darken reds and oranges significantly while lightening blues and greens. This can be used for dramatic sky effects (making them brighter, less contrasty with clouds, compared to a red filter) or for specific tonal rendering of landscapes or objects. In colour photography, the strong blue cast and the darkening of non-blue tones create a surreal, often cool-toned, look that is far removed from natural colours.
Exceptional Results in Full Spectrum Photography
One area where the Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) truly shines, based on user experience, is when paired with a full-spectrum modified camera. A full-spectrum camera has had its internal filter removed, allowing it to capture not just visible light but also ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light. Different filters are then used on the lens to isolate specific parts of this expanded spectrum or combine them in unique ways.
When the #47 blue filter is used on a full-spectrum camera, the interaction of the filter’s blue passband with the UV and IR sensitivity of the sensor creates truly remarkable and often unexpected colour shifts. As described by users, foliage, which strongly reflects infrared light, appears a vibrant gold or yellow instead of its usual green. This ‘false colour’ effect turns ordinary trees and bushes into something alien and beautiful, reminiscent of gold leaf or autumn foliage in an unnatural setting. Simultaneously, the sky, which is naturally blue due to Rayleigh scattering and often also interacts with UV, is rendered in an incredibly saturated, deep blue – often far more vibrant than captured in visible light alone. This combination of golden foliage against a intensely blue sky creates a visually stunning dichotomy that is highly sought after in artistic full-spectrum photography.
The specific tonal separation achieved with this filter on a modified camera is a significant creative advantage. The strong difference between the golden yellows and deep blues provides excellent contrast and allows for striking compositions centered around these altered colours. It essentially unlocks a hidden world of colour within the full-spectrum capabilities, moving beyond standard IR white or false colour palettes. This niche application alone makes the Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) an indispensable tool for enthusiasts in this specialized field, offering a distinct look that is instantly recognizable and highly artistic.
Quality Construction and Compatibility
Tiffen is a well-known name in the filter industry, and while they offer filters across different price points, their commitment to using high-quality optical glass is generally consistent. Optical glass is crucial for filters as it ensures minimal impact on image sharpness and clarity. Cheaper filters made from resin can sometimes introduce distortions or reduce sharpness, which is detrimental to image quality, especially on modern high-resolution sensors. The optical glass used in the Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) helps maintain the resolving power of your lens, which is essential if you’re investing in specific creative effects.
The filter features a metal mounting ring, which is another mark of quality construction. Metal rings are more durable than plastic ones and are less prone to flexing or cross-threading onto your lens. A well-machined metal ring screws onto the lens smoothly and securely, reducing the risk of it getting stuck (a common frustration with lower-quality filters) or causing damage to your lens’s filter threads. The 82mm thread size is a common, though larger, size used on many professional and enthusiast-level lenses, making this Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) compatible with a significant range of optics, particularly wider-angle lenses that often feature larger filter threads.
However, it is worth noting the construction aspects the product description mentions are absent. The filter has no coating description, which means it lacks the multi-layer coatings found on more premium filters designed to reduce reflections, minimize ghosting and flare, or provide water and oil resistance. This means you need to be more careful about shooting into bright light sources, as flare might be more pronounced. Similarly, the lack of water resistance means water droplets will likely bead up and obscure the image, requiring careful cleaning if used in damp conditions. While these aren’t dealbreakers for a filter used for specific artistic effects, they are points to be aware of regarding its practical use in varied environments.
Understanding Versatility and Limitations
While the Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) is a powerful creative tool, its strong effect means it’s not a general-purpose filter. Its versatility lies within its specific applications: enhancing atmospheric conditions like haze and fog, providing unique contrast effects, and especially in the realm of full-spectrum photography. For these uses, it’s highly effective and provides results that are difficult to achieve otherwise.
However, its limitations are significant. As mentioned, its strong blue cast makes it entirely unsuitable for photography where natural colours are important, such as standard portraits or product photography. Skin tones will appear unnaturally yellow or greenish depending on white balance adjustments, and overall colour balance will be heavily skewed. Another limitation noted by users is regarding filter stacking. While stacking filters is common practice (e.g., a CPL on an ND filter), the dense colour of the #47 blue filter can sometimes negatively interact with others. Specifically, stacking it with a circular polarizer (CPL) might significantly reduce the vibrancy of the blue sky effect achieved in full spectrum or even standard photography. Each filter you add can reduce light transmission and potentially introduce unwanted optical effects, and with a strong colour filter, these interactions can be less predictable. Therefore, for the best results with this filter, it’s often advisable to use it alone or be very deliberate about filter combinations. Understanding these specific use cases and limitations is key to getting the most out of this specialized Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue).
What Other Users Are Saying
Having looked around at feedback from others who have used this filter, the sentiment is largely positive, particularly from those using it for its intended, specific purposes. Many users appreciate that the Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) performs exactly as its description suggests, effectively cutting off colours to produce the desired effect. Users often report satisfaction with the dramatic blue skies and vibrant, altered foliage colours achieved, especially when using modified full-spectrum cameras. While there are mentions of the filter not being suitable for all types of photography, particularly portraits due to unflattering skin tones, this is generally accepted by buyers who understand its specialized nature. A few comments touched upon initial packaging concerns, like cracked cases or minor dust on the filter upon arrival, suggesting that Tiffen’s quality control on presentation could be improved, but the performance of the filter itself once cleaned seems to meet expectations for its specific applications.
Putting it All Together: Why This Filter Might Be For You
Facing photographic scenarios where you want to add drama, enhance atmosphere, or explore the boundaries of colour and light requires specific tools. The problem of flat, uninspired images, especially in hazy conditions or when seeking truly unique artistic styles, needs a creative solution to avoid the complication of images blending into the ordinary. The Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) offers just such a solution for certain photographers.
It’s a great fit for tackling that problem because it provides a distinct, physical effect that alters the scene in-camera, reducing reliance on heavy post-processing for its core look. Its specific #47 blue transmission is uniquely effective for enhancing haze and fog, adding a moody, ethereal quality to landscapes. Furthermore, for the growing community of full-spectrum photographers, this filter is a revelation, unlocking incredibly vibrant false colours unlike any other filter. Its construction from optical glass and a metal ring provides decent quality at an accessible price point. If you’re a photographer looking to break away from conventional colour, experiment with atmospheric effects, or dive deep into full-spectrum false colour, this Tiffen 8247 82mm 47 Filter (Blue) is a powerful and relatively affordable tool to add to your creative arsenal. To find out more and potentially add this unique filter to your kit, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API