Stepping into the world of infrared photography felt like a natural progression for me. Like many photographers, I hit a point where I craved a different perspective, a way to break free from standard colour or black and white shots. The idea of capturing light the human eye can’t see, transforming familiar landscapes into ethereal, almost alien scenes, was incredibly appealing. The challenge wasn’t just about taking photos; it was about seeing the world differently and expressing that vision, a creative hurdle that needed a solution to unlock new artistic possibilities.
Before you commit to buying an infrared filter set, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. Infrared photography isn’t your typical point-and-shoot venture; it requires a bit of technical understanding and a willingness to experiment. These filters primarily serve photographers looking to explore beyond the visible spectrum, creating surreal, high-contrast images, often with stunning effects on foliage and skies. The ideal candidate for such a set is someone with a solid grasp of manual camera settings, patience for longer exposures, and a desire for artistic expression rather than purely documentary images. If you’re looking for quick, easy results straight out of the camera, or prefer automated shooting modes, IR photography, especially with standard cameras, might be frustrating. Dedicated IR-converted cameras exist for easier workflow and faster exposures, but they are a much larger investment. For the hobbyist or enthusiast looking to dip their toes without modifying expensive camera bodies, a filter set is a great starting point. Key things to consider are your camera’s compatibility (most modern DSLRs/mirrorless have strong IR blocking filters, requiring very long exposures), the need for manual white balance and exposure control, and the essential requirement of a sturdy tripod due to the long exposure times involved.
Introducing the NEEWER 58mm Infrared Filter Set
The NEEWER 58mm Infrared Filter Set presents itself as an accessible gateway into the unique realm of infrared photography. This particular set comes with four distinct filters: IR720, IR760, IR850, and IR950, each designed to block visible light below its nanometer rating, allowing only infrared light (or a mix of infrared and some visible red in the case of the 720nm) to reach the sensor. Along with the filters, you get a carrying pouch and a cleaning cloth, which is a thoughtful inclusion. NEEWER positions this set as a cost-effective solution, true to their brand’s reputation for providing affordable photography accessories. It promises to deliver those distinctive IR effects without the need for a costly camera conversion, although it requires a different, more manual shooting approach. This filter set is really aimed at the hobbyist photographer eager to experiment with IR without breaking the bank, providing a range of looks through the different filter strengths. It’s likely not for the professional needing quick, handheld IR capabilities or someone wanting the purest IR capture only possible with a modified sensor.
Pros:
* Affordable entry point into IR photography
* Includes four different filter strengths for varied effects
* Good build quality for the price point
* Comes with a useful carrying pouch and cleaning cloth
* Optical glass with nano-coating
Cons:
* Requires very long exposure times on unmodified cameras
* Can be challenging to focus with darker filters
* Steep learning curve to achieve desired results
* Not magnetic; standard screw-on filters
* Storage pouches inside the carrying case aren’t reusable seals
- 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
Let’s delve deeper into what makes the NEEWER 58mm Infrared Filter Set a valuable tool for photographic exploration, and how its specific features contribute to achieving those signature infrared looks. Having spent considerable time experimenting with this set, I can speak to the practicalities and artistic potential it unlocks.
The Range of Filters: IR720, IR760, IR850, IR950
The inclusion of four different filters is perhaps the most significant feature of this NEEWER infrared filter set. Each filter blocks visible light at a different point on the spectrum, allowing longer wavelengths of infrared light to pass through. The lower the number, the more visible light (specifically red light) is allowed in alongside the infrared.
* The IR720 filter is the most “lenient,” allowing visible red light through in addition to infrared. This often results in images with strong false colours right out of the camera – blues can become vibrant oranges, greens can turn white or yellow, and skies can take on unusual hues. This is great for exploring the “colour” potential of IR and is perhaps the easiest to work with initially in terms of framing, as it’s not completely opaque.
* The IR760 filter lets in slightly less visible light, pushing the image further towards a pure infrared capture. The false colours are still present but might be less pronounced than with the 720nm filter, and the effect on foliage and skin tones becomes more dramatic.
* The IR850 filter blocks almost all visible light, resulting in images that are very close to pure infrared. Out of the camera, these images will often appear predominantly monochromatic, with very little or no discernible false colour. This filter is excellent for achieving that classic, high-contrast “white foliage” and dark sky effect.
* The IR950 filter is the most extreme, blocking virtually all visible light. Images captured with this filter are effectively pure infrared and will look completely black and white (or monochrome) directly from the camera. This filter produces the most dramatic “wood effect” (where green foliage appears stark white) and the darkest skies.
The benefit of having this variety is immense. It allows you to experiment with different IR looks and discover your personal preference without having to buy multiple single filters. You can choose the filter based on the desired outcome, whether you’re aiming for pronounced false colours, a subtle transition, or a stark monochromatic scene. This flexibility is crucial for beginners learning the ropes of IR photography.
Optical Quality: Multi NANO Coated HD Optical Glass
NEEWER states that these IR filters are made from HD optical glass with 30 nano coatings on both sides. Optical quality is paramount in filters, as a poor filter can degrade the image captured by even the best lenses. The use of HD optical glass suggests a commitment to clarity and minimal distortion. The nano-coating is important for several reasons. Coatings help to reduce reflections and flare, which can be particularly problematic when shooting into bright light sources, even infrared ones. They also improve light transmission, although with IR filters blocking so much visible light, transmission is relative to the intended spectrum. Furthermore, coatings can offer protection against scratches, water, and oil, making the filters easier to clean and more durable. While these may not be on par with filters costing ten times as much, for an entry-level set, the quality of the glass and coating is surprisingly good, contributing to clearer images with better contrast under conditions where only invisible infrared light is being captured.
Build Quality: Sturdy Double Threaded Aluminum Alloy Frame
The filters are housed in aluminum alloy frames. This is a standard material for filter rings and provides a good balance of durability and weight. Plastic frames can be prone to cracking, especially when screwing filters on and off. The use of aluminum alloy ensures the frames are sturdy and can withstand regular use. The frames are also CNC precisely machined, which means the threads should be smooth and accurate, allowing the filters to screw onto your lens easily and securely. A key benefit mentioned in the description is the double threading. This means the front of the filter also has threads, allowing you to stack additional filters (like an ND filter, which is often necessary – more on that later) or attach a lens hood. This double-threaded design adds versatility to the NEEWER 58mm Infrared Filter Set, enabling you to combine effects or protect the filter itself.
The Infrared Effect and the Challenge of Unmodified Cameras
The core benefit of this IR filter set is the ability to capture those unique infrared effects – the surreal, ethereal, sometimes X-ray-like look. This is achieved by blocking visible light and allowing infrared wavelengths (above 720nm) to hit the camera sensor. Foliage, which strongly reflects infrared light, appears bright white (“the wood effect”), while skies, which absorb or scatter infrared, often appear dark, creating dramatic contrast, especially with clouds. Water and skin tones also react uniquely to IR light, offering further creative possibilities.
However, achieving this on a standard digital camera presents a significant challenge. Digital cameras have a built-in “hot mirror” filter placed in front of the sensor specifically designed to block infrared light. This is because digital sensors are naturally very sensitive to IR, and without this filter, colours would be significantly distorted in regular photography. While this hot mirror blocks *most* IR, it doesn’t block *all* of it. The amount of IR that leaks through varies significantly from camera model to model – older DSLRs often let through more IR than newer mirrorless cameras.
This is where the need for long exposure times comes in, as highlighted in user feedback and product notes. To get enough infrared light past the camera’s internal filter to create a properly exposed image with a strong IR effect, you need to leave the shutter open for a considerable time. We’re not talking fractions of a second; depending on the filter strength (darker filters like 950nm block more light, both visible and some IR, requiring even longer exposures), ambient IR light levels (bright sun is best), and your camera’s sensitivity, exposures can range from several seconds to several *minutes*.
This necessity for long exposures directly impacts your workflow and equipment requirements. A sturdy tripod is absolutely mandatory to prevent camera shake during multi-second or multi-minute exposures. Manual mode is essential because the camera’s light meter is designed for visible light, not infrared, and will give wildly inaccurate readings. You need to take test shots and adjust exposure time and aperture manually to get the correct exposure. Custom white balance is also critical to help the camera interpret the strange colours captured by the sensor under IR light, although post-processing is usually required to achieve the final desired look (whether false colour or monochrome).
Another challenge, especially with the darker filters (IR850, IR950), is composing and focusing. Because the filter blocks so much visible light, looking through the optical viewfinder of a DSLR will reveal almost complete darkness. Mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinders or cameras with good Live View capabilities are significantly easier to use for IR photography with these filters, as you can see a (often very dark or noisy) preview of the image. Focusing can also be tricky; it’s often best to focus without the filter, then carefully screw the filter on without moving the focus ring, or use manual focus and estimate or zone focus.
Despite these challenges, the benefit is that this filter set allows anyone with a compatible camera (most modern DSLRs/mirrorless cameras work to some extent) to explore IR photography without the significant cost and permanence of a camera conversion. It’s a learning tool that provides tangible results, pushing you to master manual controls and think creatively about light and composition in a new way. The process itself, requiring slow, deliberate shooting, can be a rewarding artistic discipline.
Additional Components: Carrying Pouch and Cleaning Cloth
The inclusion of a carrying pouch and cleaning cloth might seem minor, but they add value to the NEEWER 58mm Infrared Filter Set. The pouch keeps all four filters together, making them easy to transport and preventing them from getting scratched in your camera bag. While the internal plastic sleeves aren’t ideal for long-term dust protection once opened, the outer padded pouch offers good protection during transit. The cleaning cloth is essential for keeping the filters free of dust and fingerprints, which can easily ruin an image, especially when shooting long exposures where even small particles become noticeable. It shows that NEEWER considered the practical needs of someone using these filters in the field.
In summary, the NEEWER 58mm Infrared Filter Set, with its range of filter strengths, decent optical quality, and robust build, offers a compelling package for aspiring IR photographers. While it demands patience and a willingness to tackle the technical hurdles of shooting with long exposures on unmodified cameras, it provides all the necessary tools to begin experimenting and creating truly unique images that stand apart from conventional photography. The learning curve is real, but the rewards of mastering this alternative way of seeing light are well worth the effort for those seeking a new creative outlet.
Experiences Shared by Other Photographers
After spending time with this infrared filter set myself, I looked online to see what others thought. Many users echoed my feelings, highlighting the NEEWER set as a fantastic, budget-friendly option for anyone wanting to try infrared photography without investing in a modified camera body. People appreciated getting four different filter strengths, saying it allowed them to really explore the varied effects possible with different wavelengths, from false colour experiments to deep monochrome IR. The build quality was generally praised as solid for the price. However, the common theme across reviews was the challenge involved – specifically the necessity for very long exposures on standard cameras, the need for a tripod, and the difficulty of focusing and composing due to the darkness caused by the filters. Users mentioned that achieving good results takes practice and manual control, confirming that this set is best suited for those willing to learn and experiment rather than expecting instant perfect shots. The convenience of the included pouch was also noted, although some wished the individual filter sleeves were more robust. Overall, the sentiment is positive, viewing this set as a valuable and affordable tool for creative photographic exploration.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
For any photographer feeling creatively constrained by conventional techniques, the world of infrared offers a fascinating escape. The problem these filters solve is the desire to capture unseen beauty and transform ordinary scenes into something magical and surreal. Without exploring options like the NEEWER 58mm Infrared Filter Set, you might feel stuck, unable to realize those unique artistic visions. This set is a great fit because it offers an affordable entry point with multiple filter strengths, allowing extensive experimentation. While it requires patience and a willingness to master manual settings and long exposures, the unique results you can achieve are incredibly rewarding. If you’re ready to slow down, learn a new technique, and unlock a different photographic perspective, this NEEWER set provides the tools you need to start that journey. To check it out and begin your own infrared adventures, click here.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API