Yes. A hazy look is often created in-camera rather than with paid actions. One common method is to place a bright light source just outside the frame so stray light enters the lens, producing flare and a veiled, low-contrast haze. Shooting toward bright light can also create this effect, especially with older lenses.

You can also get a similar look with very soft optics, including specialty options like a zone plate, or any lens that produces lower contrast and more flare.

In post, you can approximate haze by reducing contrast and adding a soft, washed-out glow. The exact steps depend on your editor, but you do not need expensive action packs to do it.

So the cheapest approach is usually:

1. Shoot with backlight or a bright light just off-frame.
2. Experiment with lenses that flare more easily.
3. If needed, finish the look in post by softening contrast and adding glow.