Ever since I started using the Canon R5C’s 45MP sensor with the excellent RF 24-70mm f/2.8 IS L lens, I noticed how detailed and sharp the files could be. Maybe too sharp. Especially when mixing film and digital work, the digital images could sometimes feel a little too clean, too clinical.

For a while, I used an additional Glow Mist filter inside my Freewell K1 system to combine a light mist effect with a CPL when shooting photos. The PolarPro Shortstache Everyday Filter does that in one piece.

Made in collaboration between PolarPro and photographer Garrett King, the Shortstache Everyday Filter combines two practical filters for daily use: a circular polarizer and a Black Mist diffusion filter. The CPL helps control reflections and deepen colour, while the mist softens highlight roll-off and takes the edge off modern digital sharpness.

The Good:

• Helps reduce the sterile sharpness of modern digital cameras.

• Combines CPL and diffusion in a simple everyday filter.

• Excellent build quality, as usual from PolarPro.

• Available in two diffusion strengths.

• Available as a standard threaded filter or in the Helix magnetic system.

The Bad:

• Decently priced as a threaded filter, but very expensive in the Helix version.

• Can be hard to find outside the U.S., like a lot of PolarPro gear.

• Get it if your digital photos feel too clinical.

• Get it if you already enjoy the look and usefulness of a CPL.

• Get it if you want a simple everyday filter that adds a bit of character without stacking multiple filters.

• Pass if you need a completely neutral image.

• Pass if you prefer to do all diffusion in post, though it will not look quite the same as an optical filter.