The Difference Between Flat and Prismatic Filters

Photography is the art of telling stories with light. The right filter can transform an ordinary shot into a frame that captures attention and emotion. At REFLECTLENS, we divide our products into two main categories: Classic Filters (flat filters) and Prismatic Filters. Both open very different doors to creativity.

Classic Filters – Subtle Elegance

Flat filters are built with a simple, thin glass surface. Their role is not to dramatically distort reality but to enhance atmosphere and mood. They add cinematic character, control light and contrast, and remain easy to use.

REFLECTLENS - Star Dust

Within our Classic Filters, you’ll find:

• Cinematic Series – timeless cinematic look, light and contrast control (RFL Mist, VND, CPL, Star Dust),

• Aurora Series – colorful, multidirectional flares that energize the frame,

• Stars Series – transforms every point of light into a starburst,

• Anamorphic Series – stretched cinematic flares inspired by Hollywood,

• Burst Series – radiant, dynamic light bursts,

• Classic Series – UV and Macro filters for everyday protection and essential effects.

[Image suggestion: example photo with Aurora or Stars filter in action – bright city lights or night portrait]

Who are they for?
For creators who want a cinematic, timeless atmosphere with subtle enhancements and minimal post-production.

Prismatic Filters – Bold Creativity

Prismatic filters feature more complex, often convex or crystal-like glass structures. They bend and fracture light in unexpected ways, producing effects impossible to replicate in editing software. This is where experimental and surreal visions come alive.

REFLECTLENS - SUPERNOVA II

Within our Prismatic Filters, you’ll find:

• Supernova Series – ghosting effects and luminous motion trails,

• Swirls Series – hypnotic spirals and vortex-like distortions (Black Hole, Lunar Swirls),

• SplitVision Series – divides the frame into two planes of focus, a cinematic duality,

• Parallel Series – multiple parallel images for surreal visual storytelling (Nova Glow, Light Years),

• Fractal Series – geometric repetitions and reflections (Equinox, Moon Crater),

• Kaleidoscope Series – fragmented, kaleidoscopic visions (Lunar Eclipse, Star Cluster).

Cosmic Blur and Chris Brown /Pic: John Henry

Who are they for?
For photographers and filmmakers who want to push boundaries, experiment, and create “wow” effects straight out of camera.

Classic vs. Prismatic – At a Glance

[Image suggestion: comparison graphic showing Classic vs. Prismatic filter types side by side]

Which Should You Choose?

• For subtle cinematic elegance, choose Classic Filters.

• For artistic experiments and striking visual effects, go with Prismatic Filters.

• For the ultimate freedom, combine both: a Mist 1/4 from the Cinematic Series paired with a Supernova II from the Prismatic range can create a one-of-a-kind image that no software could reproduce.

Conclusion

Classic and Prismatic Filters represent two different worlds of creativity. One brings refined cinematic subtlety, the other unlocks avant-garde artistic expression. REFLECTLENS offers both – so that your vision can be captured exactly as you imagine it, straight out of camera.