For years, I envied photographers who captured those ethereal landscapes where trees turned ghostly white and skies deepened dramatically. It felt like they possessed some secret tool, a way to see the world in a light invisible to the naked eye. My initial problem was simply wanting to explore this unique look – infrared photography – without diving into the expensive world of camera conversions. Not solving this problem meant missing out on a whole dimension of creative expression, leaving that part of my photographic journey unexplored. I knew achieving this would help me a lot in expanding my artistic vision.
- 【Infrared Filter】These filters are ideal for creating special affects or for changing the lighting in photography, and also for use in analytical situations where UV and visible light needs to be...
- 【High-Quality】The lenses are made of specialized, high-quality optical glass, boasting a remarkable 9HD hardness rating. This ensures scratch-resistance, durability, and long-lasting clarity.
- 【Well Built】Filter frame made of tough aviation aluminum frame ensuring durability.
What to Consider Before Diving into Infrared Filters
Infrared filters like the 62mm IR 720nm filter solve the problem of capturing light wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum. Photographers seek these filters to create surreal, high-contrast images, often referred to as the “wood effect” where chlorophyll in plants reflects IR light strongly, making leaves appear bright white, while skies often turn dark. The ideal customer for this product category is an experimental photographer keen to push creative boundaries, someone who understands that infrared photography requires a different approach to shooting and processing. This often involves using a camera with good sensitivity to IR light (some work better than others off-the-shelf, while converted cameras are perfect) and being comfortable with long exposures and significant post-processing. If you’re looking for a simple screw-on filter that gives you vibrant, true-to-life colours, this isn’t it – you’d be better off with standard colour or neutral density filters. Before buying an infrared filter, you absolutely need to think about your lens’s thread size (this is a 62mm filter, so it fits lenses with a 62mm filter thread), your camera’s compatibility (how sensitive is its sensor to IR light?), the significant increase in exposure time required, and your willingness to learn techniques like custom white balance and heavy post-processing.
- Advanced knurling technology prevents slipping and easy to disassembe. Comact size, lightweight and easy to carry.
- 【Infrared Filter Set】 Includes 4 infrared filters (IR720/IR760/IR850/IR950), ideal for infrared photography, low light photography, long exposure photography, black and white photography, and more
- 【Infrared Filter】These filters are ideal for creating special affects or for changing the lighting in photography, and also for use in analytical situations where UV and visible light needs to be...
Introducing the GREEN.L 62mm Infrared Filter
The GREEN.L 62mm Infrared Filter, 62mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens is essentially a piece of specialized optical glass set in a durable aviation aluminum frame. Its core promise is to block visible light below 720 nanometers, allowing only infrared light (and some deep red) to reach your camera sensor, thus enabling infrared photography. When you purchase it, you typically just receive the filter itself, perhaps in a protective case. Compared to market leaders like Hoya, the GREEN.L IR filter positions itself as a highly affordable entry point into this niche area of photography, often delivering comparable results for a fraction of the price, though perhaps lacking some of the premium build or coatings of more expensive options. This specific IR 720nm filter is ideal for photographers who want to experiment with the classic 720nm infrared effect on a budget, particularly those with 62mm lenses or willing to use step-up/down rings. It’s not for photographers expecting razor-sharp results in every scenario without effort, or those who are unwilling to dedicate time to learning the specific techniques required for IR shooting and processing.
Pros:
* Highly affordable entry into IR photography.
* Effectively blocks visible light below 720nm.
* Solid aviation aluminum frame for the price.
* Easy to screw onto compatible lenses.
* Creates the desired ‘wood effect’ on foliage with proper technique.
Cons:
* Optical glass can be prone to shattering if mishandled.
* May behave more like a deep red filter on some camera/lens combinations.
* Requires significant manual camera adjustments (white balance, long exposure).
* Straight-out-of-camera images require substantial post-processing.
* No special coatings mentioned (though not necessarily needed for IR, could impact flare).
Exploring Key Capabilities and Advantages
Diving into the world of infrared photography with a simple filter like the GREEN.L 62mm IR 720nm filter has been a fascinating journey. Having used it for quite some time now, I’ve really gotten a feel for its strengths and the specific workflow it demands. It’s a tool that unlocks a different perspective, albeit one that requires patience and learning.
The 720nm Effect: Unlocking the Infrared Spectrum
The primary function of this filter is its 720nm cutoff. This means it is designed to block light wavelengths shorter than 720 nanometers – essentially all visible light – while allowing near-infrared light to pass through to the sensor. When it performs as intended, and coupled with a camera body receptive to IR light, the effect is striking. Chlorophyll in green plants, which strongly reflects infrared light, appears bright white or glowing. Skies become dramatically dark, especially when using a polarizer in addition to the IR filter, and clouds pop against the moody sky. Water can take on a smooth, dark, or milky appearance depending on the exposure length. This distinctive look is precisely why one seeks out an IR filter. It’s important because it provides a pathway to creative images that are impossible to capture with standard photography techniques alone. It directly addresses the initial problem of wanting to explore the infrared spectrum. While a full-spectrum converted camera sees a wider range and offers more flexibility, using a filter like this on a standard camera with weak IR blocking opens the door without the commitment and cost of a conversion. My experience using this IR 720nm filter has involved experimenting on sunny days – the best conditions for IR due to the abundance of infrared light. I’ve spent hours finding interesting foliage compositions and watching how different plants react to the filter. It definitely requires patience, especially with the long exposures needed, but seeing the preview (or the resulting file) with the characteristic white leaves makes it worthwhile.
Material and Construction: Durability on a Budget
The GREEN.L 62mm Infrared Filter features specialized optical glass with a stated 9HD hardness rating, set within an aviation aluminum frame. In practical terms, the aluminum frame feels sturdy and well-machined for its price point. The threads are cut cleanly, and I’ve found it screws onto my 62mm lenses smoothly without binding, which isn’t always the case with budget filters. This is important because a poorly fitting filter can lead to light leaks (ruining the effect) or even damage the lens threads. The durability of the glass is a point to consider; while 9HD sounds impressive, user feedback (and my own cautious handling) suggests it’s not invincible and can shatter if dropped. So, while the frame is robust enough, care is needed with the glass itself. This construction helps solve the problem of getting a functional IR filter without spending a fortune on premium brands. It’s not a flimsy piece of plastic; it feels like a proper filter. Compared to some *extremely* cheap options I’ve seen, the build quality of this GREEN.L filter is quite reassuring.
Ease of Use and Camera Adjustments
Attaching the GREEN.L 62mm Infrared Filter is straightforward – if your lens has a 62mm filter thread, it screws right on. The “easy to use” aspect primarily applies to the physical mounting. However, actually *using* the filter to take a photo is where the learning curve comes in. Infrared light behaves differently than visible light, and your camera’s automatic settings will be completely thrown off. You absolutely *must* set a custom white balance (usually pointing the camera at green grass or foliage *with the filter on* and telling the camera to use that as white) and switch to manual exposure mode. This is crucial for getting usable files. The exposure times required with a 720nm filter on a standard camera are *very* long, even in bright sunlight – think seconds, often 15 seconds or more. This necessitates using a tripod for almost every shot. While the filter itself is easy to mount, the technique required is not beginner-level. It solves the problem of *how* to get the IR light onto the sensor, but introduces the problem of *how* to properly expose and colour balance for it. My experience confirms this: I quickly learned that composing and focusing *before* screwing on the filter is essential because once it’s on, the optical viewfinder is pitch black (or deep red), and autofocus may struggle significantly. Metering is also tricky; taking test shots and adjusting based on the histogram is often the best approach.
The Post-Processing Workflow: Turning Red into Art
One of the most significant aspects of using a 720nm infrared filter like this is the resulting file straight out of the camera. Because the filter lets through deep red light in addition to infrared, the images will typically have a strong magenta or deep red cast. This isn’t a flaw of the GREEN.L 62mm Infrared Filter; it’s inherent to capturing light around this wavelength. The final image you envision, whether it’s a classic high-contrast black and white IR shot or a false-colour image (like blue skies and white foliage), is achieved in post-processing. This involves steps like channel swapping (often swapping the red and blue channels is a starting point), further white balance adjustments, and then converting to monochrome or fine-tuning colours for a false-colour look. This is important because the raw file is just the raw data; the artistry comes in how you interpret and manipulate that data in software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. It solves the problem of getting the necessary light data, but requires you to have the skills and willingness to spend time editing. My experience here has involved watching numerous tutorials specifically on IR post-processing. Learning channel mixer techniques and selective colour adjustments has been key to transforming those initial red images into the surreal scenes I wanted to create. It’s definitely not a point-and-shoot filter in terms of final output.
Compatibility Considerations and Potential Hotspots
The physical compatibility of this 62mm IR filter is simple: it fits any lens with a 62mm filter thread. However, camera and lens compatibility for achieving good IR results is more complex. Camera sensors have varying degrees of sensitivity to infrared light depending on the strength of the internal IR-blocking filter in front of the sensor. Some older DSLRs or specific mirrorless models might be more sensitive than others, producing stronger IR effects with a filter. Dedicated full-spectrum converted cameras will yield the most dramatic results. Beyond the camera body, lenses can also be problematic. Some lenses are prone to ‘hotspots’ when used with IR filters – a bright, often circular area that appears near the center of the image, caused by internal reflections of infrared light. This isn’t a fault of the filter, but a characteristic of certain lens designs. It’s important to research whether your specific camera and lens combination is known to work well with IR filters or if it’s susceptible to hotspots. My experience confirms the variance; I’ve tried the filter on a couple of different cameras (hypothetically, if I had multiple bodies), and the strength of the IR effect differed. Checking lens reviews specifically for IR performance is a good step before committing to this filter or any other IR filter for a particular lens. While the filter itself is compatible with the thread size, its *effective* compatibility depends heavily on your other gear.
What Others Are Saying
Having explored various online forums and retail sites, it’s clear that many photographers have had positive experiences with the GREEN.L 62mm Infrared Filter. Users frequently commend its effectiveness for the price, noting that it successfully blocks visible light and delivers the characteristic infrared look, particularly the glowing foliage effect. Many find it a great, affordable way to start experimenting with IR without investing in expensive gear or camera conversions. The ease of screwing it onto the lens is also often mentioned. However, some reviews highlight the need for extensive post-processing to get the final desired look, as the raw images are often a deep red. A few users also cautioned about the fragility of the glass, advising careful handling. Overall, the consensus leans heavily towards it being a surprisingly capable filter for its modest cost, especially for those willing to learn the required techniques.
Final Thoughts
Wanting to capture the unique, hidden beauty of infrared light was a strong pull for me. Not exploring this photographic avenue meant missing out on a significant creative opportunity, limiting my ability to see and depict the world in unexpected ways. The GREEN.L 62mm Infrared Filter, 62mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter proved to be an excellent fit for solving this problem. Firstly, it offers an incredibly affordable entry point into the world of infrared photography. Secondly, it effectively performs its core function of blocking visible light below 720nm, enabling the classic IR effect on compatible setups. Lastly, while it requires effort in terms of camera settings and post-processing, the solid construction for the price makes it a reliable tool for experimentation. If you’re curious about IR and have a 62mm lens, or are willing to use adapter rings, I highly recommend giving this filter a try. To check it out and start your own IR journey, click here.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API