Moment CineBloom Diffusion Filter Review
Moment CineBloom Diffusion Filter With a Fujifilm X-Pro3 and XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR
As photographers, we go to great lengths to gather the best possible cameras and lenses in order to capture the sharpest images possible. Almost any modern camera/lens combination will yield sharp results, to the point where photos may appear unpleasantly or clinically too sharp.
After buying your dream camera/lens setup it seems ludicrous to then buy a filter that will soften the look of your photos. Let us see why you may still want to consider this option from time to time.
Moment CineBloom Diffusion Filter Introduction
According to the official Moment website, the CineBloom diffusion filter will add a hazy glow around light sources and lit subjects. They claim you can capture dreamy, film-like, or cinematic-looking vibes straight out of your camera.
The diffusion filters are designed to take the edge off the typical look created by digital sensors, soften the transition of light sources, and also smoothen skin tones for portraits. The filters are available in three intensities, 5%, 10%, and 20%, and in sizes from 37-82mm.
Why Consider a CineBloom Filter
I think the reasons listed by Moment make sense but depending on your shooting style you may get different mileage out of a diffusion filter and it is perhaps not for everyone.
There has been a fair amount of buzz around the Moment CineBloom and Tiffen Black Pro-Mist filters on photo forums and personally, I was interested in finding out how they would fit into my genres of general travel, nature, and street photography.
I was curious to see if the idea perhaps was a bit gimmicky. Looking for a subtle effect and afraid of overdoing it, I picked the 10% over the 20% version. I later got the 5% version as well. More about this is below.
It is my understanding that diffusion filters are widely popular with videographers in order to create a more cinematic look and as a way to better control highlights in your footage. In this review, I will feature a number of sample images for still photography.
Nature and Bokeh
The 58mm version fit my XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR which was used for the photos in this review captured with the X-Pro3. I took it out on a couple of occasions during the golden hour in Stanley Park, Vancouver, and loved how the CineBloom diffusion filter made things extra dreamy, especially in heavily backlit scenarios.
The diffusion filter also doubles as a bokeh enhancer making images look softer and the transition of bright light more pleasing.
Street Photography and the CineBloom Filter
Since I have done a fair amount of film photography lately it is becoming more and more apparent how my digital photos look in comparison. Film photography is more organic, and negatives react to light in a different manner.
One of my goals with the Moment CineBloom diffusion filter was to create a more film-like experience and in certain situations, it does just that.
The effect is ever so subtle but the more the light changes in a scene the more apparent the difference becomes using the filter and I find the effect quite pleasing.
One word of caution. On a dreary day, I mistakingly shot with the CineBloom filter in lackluster lighting conditions and the diffusion filter made the scenes even more dreary. It works best when you want to soften light where there is light.
CineBloom Diffusion Filter at Dusk
On our recent trip to St. Marys, Ontario, I tested the CineBloom filter at dusk and this is where you will see a significant change with street lamps getting a hazy glow.
Below you will see a before and after scenario. The first frame is captured without the filter and the second with the 10% CineBloom diffusion filter.
Update: February 2023
Moment CineBloom Diffusion Filter With a Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR
Night Photos
Around Christmas time I took my GFX 50R out for some night/evening photos in the downtown core of Vancouver. With the street festively lit the Cinebloom Diffusion filter made a big difference in softening the light sources such as Christmas lights, street lamps, and neon signs.
Moment CineBloom Diffusion Filter 5%
After a period of using the 10% version of the CineBloom diffusion filter, I received a message from Joe (see below). He asked if I got a chance to try the 5% version.
Admittedly I didn’t even know it existed but was immediately intrigued as I could see the lure of an even more subdued effect. I decided to give it a shot and this time I got a 62mm version for my Fujifilm GFX 50R.
Much will depend on how much of an effect you want to see from the diffusion filter but after my first outing with the 5% version I think I may prefer this over the 10% version.
It is, however, early in the game and I will be testing this over a longer period of time but already feel it will have more longevity. I mainly took black and white photos during this first test and love how smooth the transitions in the photo become and for backlit scenes, you still notice the effect.
The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size. Please click to view the larger photos below.
Conclusion
The Moment CineBloom diffusion filters are anything but gimmicky. They now have their own slots in my filter pouch and I will not hesitate to use them when the time is right.
While it may seem perplexing to soften your otherwise perfectly sharp images using a diffusion filter, at times it is more pleasing to the eye. This, of course, is completely subjective. Admittedly, I did not expect to like it as much as I do.
Price / Availability
Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.
Check the current price at B&H Photo
Moment CineBloom Diffusion Filter - B&H Photo
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Moment CineBloom Diffusion Filter Sample Images
Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos. Some of the photos have been cropped slightly.
Please click to view larger images.
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