Best Camera Lens Infrared Filters AI pick
Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.
AI pick: Hoya R72
The R72 is the standard 720nm infrared filter: it gives the classic white-foliage infrared look while still allowing some false-color work, in a wide range of thread sizes.
Not for: Owners of IR-converted cameras, who no longer need a lens filter, and anyone unwilling to shoot long exposures on a tripod.
AI picks by need
For deep infrared, black-and-white only
B+W 093 Infrared (line)
B+W 093 cuts below roughly 830nm for pure monochrome infrared with maximum foliage glow and dark skies.
Not for: False-color infrared shooters, since it passes almost no visible light.
For near-infrared with more color
B+W 092 Infrared (line)
B+W 092 is a slightly shallower dark-red/IR filter around 695nm that keeps more visible light for color-channel swapping.
Not for: Shooters wanting pure deep-IR monochrome.
What the AI looks for in Camera Lens Infrared Filters
- Cutoff wavelength
- Around 720nm for the classic look with some color; around 830nm or higher for pure black-and-white infrared; 590–665nm for strong false color. The cutoff decides whether you get color-swappable images or stark monochrome.
- Camera sensitivity
- Unconverted digital cameras have an IR-blocking filter over the sensor, so expect exposures of many seconds in bright sun. Many buyers expect hand-held results and are disappointed.
- Lens hotspots
- Check your lens against known IR hotspot reports before buying. Some lenses show a bright central spot in infrared that no filter can fix.
- Focus shift
- Infrared focuses at a slightly different point; use live view focusing or the IR index mark on the lens if it has one. Focusing without the filter and then attaching it can leave images soft.
Brands that matter
- Hoya: The R72 is the most widely used infrared filter.
- B+W: Offers 092 and 093 infrared filters in brass mounts.
- Heliopan: Premium infrared filters in several cutoff wavelengths.
What to avoid
- Unbranded IR filters with no stated cutoff wavelength.
- Deep 830nm-plus filters on an unconverted camera, which can push exposures to impractical lengths.
- Hand-holding attempts: plan on a tripod.
Questions
Should I convert my camera instead?
If you shoot infrared often, yes: a converted camera allows hand-held shutter speeds and normal composing, while a lens filter on a stock camera is fine for occasional experimenting.