I just picked up the Shortstache Filter (a polarizer and 1/2 black mist filter) by PolarPro to use at this summer’s Concours d’Elegance in Cincinnati (a vintage and exotic car show), but I was curious to see how it might perform for macro photography, too.

Since I haven’t seen many articles or videos about using the Shortstache filter for macro, I thought I’d share a few sample photos in case you’re considering filters like this for your own close-up work.

This filter is a unique hybrid…it combines a polarizer with a black mist effect. A polarizing filter can help reduce reflections, deepen colors, and bring out fine surface details. The black mist element does the opposite in a way…it can soften contrast, blur highlights, and create a subtle, cinematic glow in brighter areas.

I stacked the Shortstache filter with a Leica Elpro 52 close-up lens (a +2 diopter close-up lens that boosts my Leica Q3 43mm to around 1:2 magnification). Technically, true “macro” means a 1:1 magnification ratio, but for me, I refer to any close-up work like this as macro photography.

Anyway…the images have a soft, dreamlike quality, but still seem to hold onto the fine details I love in macro work. And I’m really happy with the results!

Some quick notes about polarizing filters …

  • All CPLs (circular polarizing filters) require manual rotation to control how strong the effect is and which reflections are reduced.
  • The strength of the polarization effect depends on the angle of the light, especially your position in relation to the sun or light source.
  • Rotating the filter adjusts how the internal polarizing layer interacts with the light, allowing you to either reduce glare or deepen contrast in the sky or objects.