Supernova II Filter: Adding Star Bursts to Photos
By REFLECTLENS® | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use the Supernova II motion filter to create stunning star bursts and light effects directly in camera with simple techniques.
Quick Answer
Use the Supernova II filter in front of your lens to capture star bursts and dynamic light trails directly in camera. Its layered optical structure adds ghosting and blur that turns ordinary lights into cinematic sparkles.
Why Supernova II Works for Star Bursts
Unlike a standard star filter that only adds spikes to bright points, Supernova II creates a layered effect of ghosting, blur, and duplication. This means moving lights — car headlights, street lamps, or handheld sparklers — stretch into streaks and bursts that feel alive.
The trade-off is that the effect is strongest when there is motion or shifting light. For static scenes with fixed bright points, a dedicated star filter may give cleaner spikes. Supernova II shines when you want energy and rhythm in the frame.
How to Add Star Bursts with Supernova II
- Attach the Filter: Screw the Supernova II onto your lens front thread. Make sure it is snug but not over-tightened to avoid vignetting on wide-angle lenses. Check for any dark corners in the viewfinder; if present, zoom in slightly or use a larger filter size with a step-up ring.
- Find a Light Source in Motion: Point your camera toward moving lights — traffic, a person with a flashlight, or even swaying string lights. The filter needs motion to produce the layered ghosting and star bursts. Stationary bright points will show duplication but not the dramatic streaks. Move your camera or wait for movement.
- Set a Slow Shutter Speed: Use shutter speeds between 1/15 and 1 second depending on the speed of the subject. Slower speeds stretch the light trails; faster speeds freeze the ghosting effect. Start at 1/30 sec and adjust. If the image is too bright, close the aperture or lower ISO — do not raise shutter speed above 1/60 or you may lose the burst effect.
- Focus Manually on the Scene: Autofocus can hunt through the filter. Switch to manual focus and lock onto a mid-distance object. Use live view and magnification for precision. If the filter introduces softness, it is part of the creative look. Do not try to sharpen in post — it will look unnatural.
- Experiment with Rotation: Rotate the filter ring while looking through the viewfinder. The angle of the optical structure changes the direction of the ghosting and bursts. Mark the top of the filter with a tiny dot of tape when you find a preferred orientation so you can repeat the look later.
Product Used
- Supernova II: Freeze time — with motion built in. Supernova II is a creative motion filter designed to add intensity, emotion, and rhythm to your visuals. Its unique optical structure creates a layered effect of ghosting, blur, and duplication — directly in-camera and in real time. You get star bursts and light trails without post-processing, saving time and keeping the look organic.
Supernova II
