The Gold Shimmer Diffusion 1 Filter is a member of K&F Concept’s pro quality Nano-Xcel filter series. The lenses in the series boast a 0.2% ultra-low reflectivity 28 layer nanometer coating and aviation grade aluminum construction. The “1” in the designation means that this particular filter offers the strongest diffusion (i.e. 1/1) relative to other diffusion filters in the same series. Although K&F Concept includes "Shimmer" in the name, there is no shimmer effect; it is just there to aid key word searches.

Diffusion filters come in different strengths. The “1” in the designation means that this particular filter offers the strongest diffusion (i.e. 1/1) as compared to other diffusion filters in the same series.

Diffusion filters are also known as mist filters. They are predominantly used by filmmakers and photographers to achieve a soft, dreamy look. Old school portrait photographers will recall using nylon stockings to reduce contrast and hide skin imperfections. The advantage of using the gold diffusion filter over the nylon stocking trick is that now you are also adding a very subtle golden cast to the scene.

In my tests, the filter worked very well in softening skin texture. I also like the misty glow imparted to night scenes where there are strong specular highlights.

Knowing when and how to use the filter effectively does require experimentation. For example, bloom is not evident in my backlit scene test. Taking the same shot at a different time of day or at a different angle may produce different results.

In summary, I can recommend the K&F Concept’s Shimmer Diffusion 1 Filter as another useful tool for photographers who want to create rather than just take photographs.