Introducing The World’s Most Advanced Infrared Filters

Unlock the ethereal world outside of the visible spectrum with our all-new line of IR filters designed for full-spectrum and IR converted cameras. Featuring rugged, weather-sealed traction frames, MRC8 and nanotec® Nano Coatings, our IR filters are engineered for incredible optical performance and durability.

Choose from IR bandpass filters in wavelengths of 590, 665, 720, 830 and 900nm or the IR CPL which combines the same bandpass options with our circular polarizer. The IR CPL also features the world’s first frame with polarization indicators that allows precise and easy polarization control.

How it Works

The IR filters work by blocking light up to certain wavelengths and only passing light higher on the spectrum into infrared. The result is otherworldly landscapes and subjects that couldn’t normally be seen with the naked eye. Bright white foliage, a surreal glow and dark, dramatic skies are hallmarks of infrared photography that can be creatively explored with IR filters.

Alternate reality photographs. Real craftsmanship.

Featuring durable, weather-sealed traction frames, the IR and IR CPL have an ultra-slim, double threaded design that eliminates vignetting on wide-angle, full-frame setups down to 16mm. We use high purity H-K9L® glass made in Japan and our state-of-the-art MRC8 and nanotec® Nano Coatings protect the filters from the elements while improving optical performance. And like all of our filters, the IR filters are guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for 25 years.

Full-Spectrum and IR Conversions

The CCD and CMOS sensors used in digital cameras are sensitive to UV, visible and IR light. Since most photography uses only visible light to create images, camera manufacturers always use filter cover glass over the sensor to block IR and UV and pass only visible light. Without the filters, there would be strong color shifts and a hazy look when trying to take standard, visible light photographs.

While a few cameras are full-spectrum out-of-the-box, most cameras must be converted to shoot infrared. The process involves removing and replacing the original cover glass so IR light can reach the sensor. If you go this route, you have several options to choose from and the modification can be done with a wide variety of cameras.

One option is to make your camera full-spectrum by removing the sensor filter and passing UV, visible and IR light. A full-spectrum conversion is versatile since you can use a variety of filters to pass or cut wavelengths and shoot in visible, infrared or a combination of both.

With IR conversions, all or most of visible light is cut with the replacement cover glass. In the majority of cases, the original cover glass is swapped for an IR pass filter that blocks all UV and visible light up to 720 nm. The other available options change the pass wavelength either deeper into the IR spectrum or into the visible spectrum.

Looking for a full-spectrum or IR conversion?

We recommend using Life Pixel for all camera conversion services. They offer a variety of conversion options and some great information about infrared photography.

Performance Considerations

Both film and digital cameras can be used for infrared photography. In film photography, the sensitivity of the film itself is one of the most important factors in determining the effect. It is necessary to learn how the film and filters interact to alter the image. Digital cameras have numerous advantages such as increased IR sensitivity and less grain in the image.

Due to the extremely dark glass of IR filters, composition, metering and focus adjustments are difficult with the filter on. Polarization percentage is also impossible to distinguish - that's why we added polarization indicators on the frame to eliminate the guesswork. Also some cameras rely on visible light for auto-focus and exposure settings, so they can't be used with an IR filter that blocks the entire visible range. It is important to set your composition before you attach the filter and to use manual focus in these situations. You may also need to take multiple exposures of the same scene to produce the desired result.

As in standard, visible light photography, choosing the right lens for IR will go a long way in determining the quality of your images. There is a lot of variability in the way lenses capture infrared light so researching and experimenting with different options is crucial to avoid issues such as hot-spots in the center of frame and blurry corners.

Infrared Photography Guide

Photographer Lloyd Chambers has an excellent site for information about infrared photography. Check out his Digital Infrared Photography Guide for great tips for how to get started or perfect your craft.