There was a time when my landscape photography felt… incomplete. I was capturing the visible world beautifully, but I knew there was an unseen spectrum just waiting to be explored. The problem was that delving into infrared photography seemed daunting and potentially expensive, requiring specialized equipment or camera modifications. Without a solution, I felt stuck, limited to conventional imagery while the potential for otherworldly, unique shots remained just out of reach. It was a creative itch that desperately needed scratching.
- 【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 Keep in Mind Before Investing in an Infrared Filter
Infrared filters open up a fascinating realm of photography by blocking visible light and allowing only infrared radiation to reach the camera’s sensor. This capability is sought after by photographers looking to capture surreal landscapes where foliage glows brightly (the Wood Effect), skies turn dark and dramatic, and water takes on a milky appearance. It’s for the creative individual, the experimental artist, or even those in scientific fields requiring analysis outside the visible spectrum. However, it’s not for everyone. If you’re primarily a portrait or fast-action sports photographer, or if you’re not prepared to learn new shooting techniques (like manual white balance and long exposures) and engage in post-processing, an infrared filter might not be the right fit. For them, standard ND or polarizing filters might be more suitable tools. Before buying, consider your camera’s infrared sensitivity (some cameras are naturally more sensitive than others, and full-spectrum conversions exist), the filter size required for your lenses, the specific wavelength needed (720nm is a common starting point, but others offer different effects), and your willingness to dedicate time to mastering the unique challenges of IR photography.
- 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 58mm Infrared Filter, 58mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens
The GREEN.L 58mm Infrared Filter is a screw-on filter designed to block visible light up to 720nm, letting only infrared light pass through. It promises to unlock the potential for dramatic and creative infrared photography on compatible lenses with a 58mm filter thread. Made from optical glass and housed in an aviation aluminum frame, it screws directly onto the front of your lens. While I can’t compare it to previous versions or specific high-end market leaders like Hoya (though user reviews often do), it presents itself as an accessible entry point into IR shooting. This specific IR 720nm filter is ideal for photographers looking for that classic Wood Effect with a balance of visible and infrared light, working well in various outdoor conditions. It’s less suited for someone seeking ultra-deep IR effects (>850nm) or specific scientific applications requiring a sharper cutoff at a different wavelength.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent value for the price, making IR photography accessible.
* Well-constructed aviation aluminum frame.
* High-quality optical glass with 9HD hardness rating.
* Easy screw-on application on compatible lenses.
* Delivers noticeable and classic 720nm IR effects.
Cons:
* Glass may be more prone to shattering than some premium filters.
* Requires learning and applying specific IR shooting techniques (custom white balance, long exposure).
* No anti-reflective or special coatings (as per description), which could potentially impact flare resistance in certain conditions.
* Rim might feel slightly less substantial compared to higher-end options.
Diving Deep: Performance and Perks
After spending considerable time with the GREEN.L 58mm Infrared Filter, I can genuinely say it has transformed my photographic approach, allowing me to explore dimensions I previously only dreamed of. The experience of using this infrared filter is unlike shooting in visible light, and mastering it has been a rewarding process.
The core principle, of course, is its ability to block visible light up to 720nm. When you first look through the filter (or at the live view on a camera with it attached), everything appears a deep, opaque red. This is exactly what you want – it signifies that the filter is doing its job, cutting out most of the light our eyes perceive and letting the invisible (to us) infrared spectrum pass. For me, this filtering is its most important feature. It’s the gateway to the Wood Effect, where green foliage reflects infrared light intensely, appearing bright white in the final image, while the sky (lacking strong IR reflection) darkens dramatically. The contrast between the glowing vegetation and the dark sky or water creates a unique, almost surreal look that is instantly recognizable as infrared photography. This visual effect is the primary benefit, opening up vast creative possibilities for landscapes, architecture, and even abstract nature shots.
The filter is made of optical glass. While I can’t scientifically verify the 9HD hardness rating, the glass on my unit has held up well against minor bumps and cleaning. It doesn’t appear to have accumulated scratches that would degrade image quality over time, which is crucial for a filter you screw onto the front element of your lens. The clarity of the glass itself, allowing the infrared light through without distortion, is paramount. Any imperfections here would directly impact image sharpness. In my experience, images captured with this filter, when properly focused and exposed, are just as sharp as those taken without it, which speaks to the quality of the optical element. The benefit here is maintaining the detail and resolution that my lens and camera sensor are capable of, even when shooting in an entirely different light spectrum.
The frame construction, made from aviation aluminum, feels sturdy enough for regular use. It screws onto my 58mm lenses smoothly, and I haven’t encountered any issues with cross-threading or filters getting stuck. The slim profile is also appreciated, reducing the risk of vignetting, especially on wider 58mm lenses where adding filters can sometimes cause this issue. While one might prefer a “chunkier” feel, the functional aspect of the frame – securely holding the glass and attaching properly to the lens – is perfectly adequate. The durability of the frame is important because using an IR filter often involves shooting outdoors in various conditions, and a robust frame provides confidence that the filter can withstand regular handling.
One of the aspects noted in the product description is that these are “Easy to Use” filters that screw onto the front of the lens. While physically attaching the 58mm filter is indeed simple, the *process* of shooting with it requires specific techniques. The product notes correctly highlight this, mentioning setting a custom white balance and experimenting with manual exposure. This is not a “set it and forget it” filter like a simple UV protector.
Setting a custom white balance is perhaps the most critical step after attaching the filter. Because the camera sensor is receiving light primarily in the infrared spectrum, automatic white balance or standard presets will produce images with a severe red or magenta cast. By telling the camera what “white” looks like under infrared light (usually by pointing at green grass or foliage through the filter), you can capture images that are much easier to process later. The benefit of doing this in-camera is getting a better preview image and a RAW file that requires less drastic initial colour correction. While you *can* correct the colour entirely in post-processing, nailing the white balance in-camera makes the workflow smoother.
Manual exposure is also essential. Infrared light levels don’t correspond directly to visible light meter readings. Using the camera’s light meter will almost always result in severe underexposure. With a 720nm filter, you’re blocking most visible light, which means much less light overall is reaching the sensor. This necessitates significantly longer exposure times, often several seconds or even minutes, depending on the light conditions and ISO. This is where a sturdy tripod becomes indispensable. The benefit of manual exposure is having complete control over the light gathering, allowing you to capture enough IR radiation to form a properly exposed image. Experimentation is key here; starting with a baseline (like 15-30 seconds in bright sun at ISO 100 or 200) and adjusting based on the histogram is the typical approach. This learning curve, while initially challenging, is also part of the reward of IR photography.
Focusing can also be tricky with IR filters. Infrared light focuses slightly differently than visible light. Many older manual lenses have a small red ‘R’ mark on the distance scale to indicate the infrared focus point, but modern autofocus lenses lack this. Using live view at high magnification to manually focus is often the most reliable method. Pointing at a high-contrast area you want sharp and zooming in on the live view screen allows you to fine-tune focus accurately. The benefit here is achieving sharp images, which is critical given the typically long exposure times where any slight focus error is magnified.
The specific 720nm wavelength of this GREEN.L filter is a popular choice for beginners and experienced IR photographers alike. It allows *some* visible light to pass through, along with a significant amount of infrared. This results in the classic, dramatic infrared look with stark contrasts between dark skies and glowing foliage, but it can sometimes retain a hint of colour (often a sepia or red tone) that can be leveraged creatively or removed in post-processing. For me, this wavelength provides a good balance, offering strong IR effects without requiring a fully dedicated IR-converted camera (though a converted camera certainly helps with exposure times). The benefit is getting a versatile IR effect that works well for many common scenes, like landscapes with trees and clouds. While other wavelengths (like 850nm or 950nm) block even more visible light for a purer, often monochromatic IR effect with less post-processing variation in colour, the 720nm offers a blend that I find artistically flexible.
One minor disadvantage I’ve encountered is the potential fragility of the glass mentioned in some feedback. While my filter hasn’t shattered, I do treat it with extra care compared to some of my other, more robust filters. Keeping it in a padded case when not in use is advisable. Also, as a filter without special coatings, it might be slightly more susceptible to flare when shooting directly into or near bright light sources, though this can sometimes add to the artistic effect in IR photography. These are minor points, but worth noting for potential buyers.
Overall, my long-term use of the GREEN.L 58mm Infrared Filter has been overwhelmingly positive, especially considering its affordable price point. It has consistently delivered the expected 720nm infrared effect, allowing me to capture images that stand out and satisfy that initial creative urge to explore the unseen spectrum. The process of learning to use it effectively has expanded my photographic skills, pushing me to think differently about light, composition, and post-processing. It’s become a valuable tool in my kit for those days when I want to create something truly unique.
What Others Are Saying: Community Feedback
Browsing through feedback from other users of this specific infrared filter reveals a generally positive sentiment. Many are delighted with the results achieved, confirming that the filter delivers the classic 720nm infrared effects they were seeking, particularly the vibrant glowing foliage. Users often praise its affordability, noting that it performs surprisingly well compared to significantly more expensive alternatives. While some mention the learning curve involved with IR photography techniques like custom white balance and long exposures, they see this as an inherent part of the process, not a flaw of the filter itself. A few comments echo concerns about the glass’s durability or the feel of the filter rim compared to premium brands, but these are usually weighed against the excellent value and performance it provides. Overall, the consensus is that it’s a great entry-level or backup filter that punches above its weight class.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
If you’ve felt that creative constraint, the sense that you’re missing out on a whole world of visual possibility by only shooting in visible light, then exploring infrared photography is a must. That unresolved desire to capture the world in a surreal, almost magical way can leave your photographic journey feeling incomplete. The GREEN.L 58mm Infrared Filter, 58mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens is an excellent tool to bridge that gap and unlock those creative avenues. It’s a great fit for solving this problem for a few key reasons: it’s highly accessible financially, the 720nm wavelength offers a classic and versatile effect suitable for many subjects, and its solid construction ensures it’s a reliable piece of equipment as you learn the ropes. To start your journey into the fascinating world of infrared photography and see how this filter can transform your images, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API