Tiffen 44STR42 4x4 Star 4PT 2mm Filter

Tiffen 44STR42 4x4 Star 4PT 2mm Filter | Give bright points a four-point sparkle

The defining choice here is the four-point star pattern: it turns bright points in the frame into a deliberate graphic effect, rather than leaving them as plain highlights. The Tiffen 44STR42 is a 4x4 Star 4PT filter, 2mm thick, for photographers who want that look to become part of the image as they shoot. It’s best suited to scenes with small, bright highlights—think decorative lights, reflections or strong glints in a composition—where the star shape can read clearly. You can use it to add sparkle to a carefully arranged still life, or bring a more stylised look to a night scene. The effect depends on what’s in the frame, so it’s worth composing around bright points rather than expecting the filter to add detail everywhere. This is a creative-effect filter, not a neutral everyday choice; use it when you want the highlights to draw attention.

Getting the most from the effect

Look for small, bright highlights and place them where their rays will support the composition. A few distinct points of light usually make the effect easier to read than a frame filled with competing highlights. For a still life, try positioning a reflective detail or a small light source against a quieter background. In a night scene, keep the brightest lamps or reflections in view, then adjust your framing until their star shapes feel intentional. The filter’s character comes from those highlights, so the scene itself does much of the creative work.

Technical Specifications

• Filter format: 4x4
• Effect: Star 4PT
• Thickness: 2mm