As a photographer, I’ve often found myself staring at a scene, imagining how it might look transformed, pushed beyond the boundaries of visible light. There were times when I longed to capture that ethereal, almost otherworldly look you see in infrared photography, where green leaves turn brilliant white and skies become dramatically dark. Without the right tools, achieving this effect seemed complicated, potentially requiring expensive camera modifications. The thought of missing out on these unique creative possibilities was frustrating, knowing that a simple shift in perspective could yield truly stunning results.
Infrared photography opens up a fascinating realm of visual creativity, solving the problem of how to capture light beyond the human eye’s perception. It’s for photographers who crave a unique aesthetic, moving beyond standard colour or black and white. The ideal customer is someone who enjoys experimenting, has a keen eye for light, and is patient, as infrared filters often require longer exposure times and manual camera settings. If you’re looking for instant results straight out of the camera without any post-processing or don’t have access to a tripod, infrared photography with filters might not be for you; you’d likely be better off exploring in-camera filters or post-processing techniques that simulate the effect. Before purchasing, consider your camera’s infrared sensitivity (some block IR light more effectively than others), the filter size needed for your lenses, and your willingness to learn new techniques like custom white balance and manual exposure. A sturdy tripod is also an essential piece of equipment.
- 【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
- 【Incredible Infrared Effects】 IR720 IR760 IR850 IR950 filters respectively block infrared rays above 720nm/760nm/850nm/ 950nm and capture part of images beyond the human visible spectrum,...
- 【Multi NANO Coated HD Optical Glass】 Made of HD optical glass with 30 NANO coatings on both sides, these IR filters deliver super clear images with enhanced contrast under invisible infrared light
Introducing the NEEWER 72mm Infrared Filter Kit
The NEEWER 72mm Infrared Filter Set is designed to provide photographers with an accessible entry point into the captivating world of infrared imaging. This kit promises to allow you to capture surreal, ethereal images by blocking visible light and letting invisible infrared rays pass through. When you purchase the set, you receive four distinct infrared filters (IR720, IR760, IR850, and IR950), a protective carrying pouch, and a cleaning cloth. Compared to dedicated infrared-converted cameras or higher-end filter brands, this set positions itself as a cost-effective option for experimentation. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners or enthusiasts who want to explore the possibilities without a significant financial commitment. It might not be the top choice for seasoned professionals demanding absolute peak performance or those with cameras heavily modified for infrared, but for dipping your toes into this unique niche, it’s a strong contender.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Affordable way to start with infrared photography.
* Includes a range of filter strengths for varied effects.
* Filters are made from multi-coated optical glass.
* Comes with a convenient carrying pouch and cleaning cloth.
* Sturdy aluminum frames with double threading.
Cons:
* Requires significant experimentation and learning curve.
* Results often require long exposure times.
* Best results may necessitate a camera with high IR sensitivity or modification.
* Carrying pouch is basic and requires care to prevent filters from slipping out.
- 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...
Exploring the Features and Benefits
Having spent time using this NEEWER infrared filter kit, I can delve into how its components perform and the advantages they offer to someone venturing into infrared photography.
The Different Wavelengths (IR720, IR760, IR850, IR950)
The core of this set of infrared filters is the inclusion of four different filters, each blocking light below a specific wavelength: 720nm, 760nm, 850nm, and 950nm. This is crucial because infrared light exists on a spectrum, and different wavelengths produce distinct visual effects. The IR720 filter allows the most visible light to pass among the four, alongside the infrared. This often results in images with a mix of colours (though heavily shifted) and the characteristic bright foliage effect. As you move up in numbers to the IR950, less and less visible light is transmitted, leading to increasingly dramatic, monochrome-like results where the infrared effect is more pronounced.
This range is a significant benefit for experimentation. You aren’t locked into one look. The IR720 is great for discovering what colour effects are possible before conversion, while the IR850 and IR950 push you closer to that classic, stark black-and-white infrared look. Trying out different filters on the same scene reveals just how varied the results can be. It encourages you to understand how different materials reflect or absorb infrared light at these specific wavelengths, adding an educational layer to the creative process. For instance, green leaves reflect a lot of infrared light, appearing bright white with filters like the 720nm or 760nm, while the sky often absorbs it, appearing dark with clouds popping out. The higher the filter number (like 850nm or 950nm), the stronger the contrast between objects reflecting infrared and those absorbing it. Having this variety in the NEEWER set allows for a wide creative palette.
Construction and Quality: Optical Glass and Aluminum Frame
The quality of the materials used in a filter directly impacts image clarity and durability. These NEEWER filters are made from HD optical glass, which is important for maintaining sharpness and minimizing aberrations. The description mentions 30 Nano coatings on both sides. Nano coatings serve multiple purposes: they reduce reflections and glare, improve light transmission (which is essential for cutting specific wavelengths while allowing others through efficiently), and offer protection against water, oil, and dust, making the filters easier to clean. In practice, I found the glass to be clear and free from obvious defects, which is vital when you’re working with often challenging lighting conditions and manual focus.
The frames are constructed from aluminum alloy. This material is lightweight yet sturdy, providing good protection for the glass element. The frames are also double-threaded, meaning you can stack other filters on top (like an ND filter to further increase exposure time on bright days) or attach a lens hood. This double threading is a practical feature that adds versatility to the NEEWER infrared filters, especially given the need for extended exposures where controlling stray light can be important. The build quality feels solid enough for regular use, certainly matching expectations for a product in this price range.
The Ethereal Effect and Photography Techniques
The primary benefit of using these NEEWER infrared filters is the ability to capture the signature look of infrared photography – that surreal, ethereal atmosphere with transformed colours and dramatic contrasts. This distinctive look is achieved by capturing light beyond the visible spectrum. However, getting this look requires specific techniques and patience.
The product notes correctly highlight the need for custom white balance and manual mode. Because the filters block visible light, your camera’s automatic white balance will be completely confused. Setting a custom white balance using something that should appear neutral under infrared light (like green grass or foliage) is usually the first step. This sets a baseline, but post-processing is almost always necessary to refine the colours or convert to black and white. Working in manual mode is also essential because the exposure times are significantly longer than standard photography, often ranging from several seconds to several minutes, even in bright sunlight. This is one of the main disadvantages: these filters require long exposures because standard cameras’ internal IR-blocking filters aren’t completely removed, only partially bypassed. While a dedicated IR-converted camera allows for faster exposures, using filters on a standard camera requires patience and a very stable tripod to prevent camera shake.
Experimentation with exposure time, aperture, and ISO is key. Taking multiple test shots is crucial to finding the right balance for each scene and filter. The resulting images, once processed (often involving channel swapping in editing software to create false colours or converting to high-contrast black and white), can be truly striking. The ability to turn a bright, sunny day scene into something resembling a snowy landscape or a stark, moody vista is incredibly rewarding and offers a unique creative outlet.
Included Accessories: Pouch and Cleaning Cloth
While perhaps not the headline features, the included carrying pouch and cleaning cloth add practical value to the NEEWER 72mm Infrared Filter Set. The pouch provides a simple way to keep the four filters together and protected when not in use. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space in a camera bag. The included cleaning cloth is a standard microfibre cloth, useful for keeping the filters free from dust and fingerprints, which is important given that filters sit directly in front of your lens. While the pouch is functional, it is fairly basic, with simple slots for each filter. Care must be taken when opening and handling it to ensure the filters don’t accidentally slide out, as they are held in place by gravity more than secure pockets. This is a minor drawback, but worth noting for keeping your valuable filters safe.
Overall, working with this infrared filter set has been a journey of discovery and experimentation. It requires stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the technical challenges, but the creative possibilities it unlocks are well worth the effort for anyone looking to add a unique dimension to their photography.
Feedback from Users Online
I’ve checked out what other photographers are saying about this NEEWER set, and the feedback is generally positive, especially considering the price point. Many users echo the sentiment that this kit offers a great way to get started with infrared photography without needing a costly camera conversion. They appreciate the variety of filters provided, allowing for different effects, and note that the build quality of the filters themselves is decent for the cost. However, a common theme is the acknowledged difficulty and learning curve involved. Users mention the necessity of long exposure times, the crucial need for a sturdy tripod, and the requirement for careful manual camera settings and post-processing to achieve desirable results. Some note that cameras with live view make focusing and composition easier when using such dark filters. Despite the challenges, most agree that the NEEWER 72mm Infrared Filter Set provides a good value for those interested in experimenting with this unique photographic style.
Concluding Thoughts
Capturing the unseen world through infrared photography offers a truly unique perspective, transforming familiar scenes into otherworldly landscapes. Without the right tools, achieving this effect can seem daunting, potentially limiting your creative expression. The NEEWER 72mm Infrared Filter Set provides an excellent way to step into this fascinating niche. It’s a great fit because it offers a range of filter strengths to experiment with, is built with quality optical glass and sturdy frames, and presents a relatively affordable option compared to dedicated infrared cameras. While it requires patience and a willingness to learn new techniques, the creative potential unlocked by this NEEWER infrared filter set makes the effort worthwhile. If you’re ready to explore photography beyond the visible spectrum, click here to check out the NEEWER 72mm Infrared Filter Set.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API