The dual-purpose filter for astrophotography and portrait photography – the STC Star Mist filter, officially debuts in 2024!

In the era of digital photography, even when the night sky is filled with sparkling stars, digital cameras often capture them too sharply, making them less noticeable compared to the naked eye. Therefore, STC has developed a filter that incorporates "sub-micron transparent microcrystals" used in liquid crystal processes to create a specialized mist effect. This enhances highlights (making bright stars more prominent) and enlarges the halo effect, without excessively impacting the landscape or degrading image quality. This allows the stars to be more pronounced and the bright stars to appear larger and brighter, presenting a more beautiful starry sky.

Through testing, this characteristic also proves to be well-suited for portrait photography. Unlike Cine Mist (black soft) filters, the Star Mist filter provides a bright tone, softening overly sharp lines and reducing excessive contrast. When light is properly diffused, it can also enhance the halo effect, adding an airy ambiance, making it an excellent choice for the new generation of portrait photography filters!

Want to be ready for any lighting condition without bulking up your kit? Our clip filter is a natural fit. STC has engineered a clip filter that fits perfectly in the Sony A74, ZV-E1, A7CII.

Our patented inlay design has been upgraded so that you can quickly swap out the right filter as your shooting conditions change. 

Compatible with:

• A7IV, ZV-E1, A7CII, A7CR

For other Sony cameras:

• A1, A1II, A7SIII, A7R4, A7R5, A9II, and FX3, A9III , FX2 , A7V and A7C, A7, A7II, A7III, A7R, A7RII, A7RIII, A7S, A7SII, A9

Features

• Star Mist strength grade: 1(Stronger), 2.
• Patented glass inlay design means the filter will not become distorted under stress or expand or contract due to temperature changes.
• Frames are specifically designed to for each camera manufacturer. Easy to mount and swap out. 
• Double-sided anti-smudge nano-coating protects your filter and your sensor.
• Antistatic coating keeps dust and fibers away.
• CNC machined aluminum alloy which is non-magnetic and durable.
• Covered by the world’s first global warranty and repair service for filters.
• The product is only sold after being thoroughly tested by collaborating photographers in Taiwan, Japan, and Iceland, ensuring it meets professional standards.

Installation Instructions

Due to inconsistent QC standards across camera production lines, even within the same brand and model, slight molding residues and dimensional tolerances may occur — particularly with the A74 model, which has greater internal tolerance variations.

Starting immediately, we will provide an extra set of adhesive shims in 0.5mm and 1.3mm thickness. If you experience a loose fit, please first try applying the 0.5mm shim to the original mounting position. If the fit is still loose, remove both shims and replace them with a single 1.3mm shim.

If the product cannot be installed without changing the shim thickness, please contact STC customer service or our headquarters to confirm whether the purchased model is correct. Do not force installation or use.

Disclaimer 

STC’s Clip-in filters are innovative and rely on the camera’s internal structure for stability. Minor marks from installation may occur but do not affect camera functionality or warranty. STC will not cover these marks or offer compensation. Please consider this before purchasing if reselling your camera is a concern.

Notes Please purchase a Adhesive gaskets  if you plan to use the same clip filter on the A1, A7SIII, A7R4, A7R5, A9II, FX3, A9III, FX2 and A7C, A7, A7II, A7III, A7R, A7RII, A7RIII, A7S, A7SII, A9. Please check Filter Type dropdowns. When installed on A7C, A7, A7II, A7III, A7R, A7RII, A7RIII, A7S, A7SII, A9, A7CII, A7CR, due to their camera body cabinet both sided open design, this clip filter cannot use as a sensor protector. The star enlargement effect varies depending on the brightness of the environment (stars) and different lenses, and not all stars can be enlarged. Levels 1 and 2 are STC production specifications, not official standards, and cannot be quantified or compared with the soft mist effect of other brands. The Star Mist effect of Level 1 is stronger than that of Level 2. For astrophotography, it is recommended to purchase Level 1, while for portrait photography, choose according to your needs and preferences. As each manufacturer’s lens design is different, blurring around the edges may occur with some fisheye or super wide-angle lenses. This is normal. After you mount the clip filter, autofocus for your camera will automatically adjust to the change in optical axis. Please check the “Supported Camera & Len List” before purchase.