Like many photographers, I’ve often felt the pull towards something different, something beyond the visible spectrum. There were times I found myself staring at lush green foliage or stark landscapes, wondering how they might appear if light behaved differently. This curiosity wasn’t just an abstract thought; it was a tangible desire to unlock a new creative dimension in my work. Without the right tools, exploring this realm felt impossible, leaving me stuck in the familiar, wishing I could reveal the unseen.
Stepping into the world of infrared photography opens up fascinating possibilities, transforming familiar scenes into ethereal landscapes where green leaves glow white and skies turn dark. Why would someone seek out an item in this category? Simply put, it’s about capturing light that our eyes cannot see, allowing for truly unique artistic expressions and even practical applications like inspecting certain materials or reducing haze. The ideal customer for an infrared filter is someone eager to experiment, patient with technique, and willing to embrace a steep learning curve. They understand that this isn’t point-and-shoot photography; it requires manual settings, careful focusing, and often significant post-processing. Who shouldn’t buy one? Casual photographers looking for instant results might find themselves frustrated. If you’re not ready to delve into custom white balance, long exposures, and photo editing, an infrared filter might sit unused. Instead, you might explore creative effects through software filters or visible light lens filters like NDs or polarizers. Before investing in an infrared filter, consider the thread size of your lenses (critical for compatibility), the specific wavelength (e.g., 720nm, 850nm) and the effect it produces, the build quality of the filter ring, and your camera’s sensitivity to infrared light (some cameras are more naturally sensitive or can be converted for full spectrum).
- 【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.
Introducing the GREEN.L 77mm Infrared Filter
When I decided to finally explore digital infrared photography, the GREEN.L 77mm Infrared Filter, 77mm IR 850nm (R85) Filter for Camera Lens stood out as an accessible entry point. This filter is designed specifically to block visible light while allowing only infrared light above the 850nm wavelength to pass through. The promise is a unique monochromatic effect, ideal for creating those dramatic, high-contrast infrared images, particularly effective in bright conditions or for specific analytical needs. Upon purchase, you receive the filter itself, ready to screw onto any compatible lens. While there are higher-end filters from brands like Hoya, and certainly filters available in different wavelengths (like the R72 or R95), this GREEN.L 850nm filter positions itself as a solid, affordable option for those starting out or needing a specific wavelength without breaking the bank. It’s geared towards photographers who have lenses with a 77mm filter thread and are ready to dive into the less common 850nm wavelength for a particular look. It’s likely not the best fit for someone seeking the most common 720nm “Wood Effect” straight away or someone whose primary lens doesn’t have a 77mm thread without needing an adapter.
Pros:
* Affordable entry into 850nm IR photography.
* Well-built aviation aluminum frame.
* High-quality optical glass with 9HD hardness for scratch resistance.
* Easy screw-on application.
* Effective at blocking visible light at 850nm.
Cons:
* Glass can potentially be fragile if mishandled.
* Requires specific camera settings (manual mode, custom white balance) and post-processing.
* Exposure times can be very long.
* The 850nm wavelength creates a specific, often monochrome-leaning effect, different from shorter wavelengths.
* Filter rim isn’t particularly thick, which some might find less tactile.
- 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...
Key Aspects and Why They Matter
Getting into the specifics of the GREEN.L 77mm IR 850nm Filter reveals why it performs the way it does and the kind of results you can expect. Having used this filter over time, its features translate directly into the creative possibilities and practical considerations of infrared photography.
**Infrared Wavelength: The 850nm Difference**
The defining characteristic of this filter is its 850nm cut-off point. This means it blocks almost all visible light, allowing only infrared light with a wavelength of 850 nanometers and higher to pass through to the sensor. This is crucial because different infrared wavelengths produce distinct effects. A 720nm filter allows more visible light to creep in, resulting in a more pronounced “Wood Effect” where foliage glows a bright white, and skies are dramatically darkened, often with retained colour information that can be manipulated in post-processing. The 850nm filter, however, pushes further into the infrared spectrum. The result is typically a more monochromatic, high-contrast image straight out of the camera. Foliage might appear a less intense white than with 720nm, and the contrast between dark skies and bright clouds is often very strong. This wavelength is particularly effective in bright, sunny conditions where there is ample infrared radiation. It minimizes the colour bleed you might get with lower wavelengths, making conversion to black and white very effective, or allowing for stark false-colour images if you convert channels creatively. Understanding this specific wavelength is key to managing your expectations and artistic vision with this particular infrared filter.
**Optical Glass Material: Clarity and Durability**
The filter is constructed from high-quality optical glass, a standard for photographic filters to ensure minimal degradation of image quality. What sets this 77mm IR filter apart, according to the description, is its stated 9HD hardness rating. While marketing terms can vary, the implication is increased scratch resistance. In practice, this means I feel a bit more confident handling the filter and cleaning it compared to filters with softer glass. Filters are exposed to the elements – dust, fingerprints, even accidental brushes against surfaces. Knowing the glass is designed to be durable is a significant benefit for long-term use and maintaining clarity, which is paramount for sharp images, even in infrared.
**Aviation Aluminum Frame: Sturdy and Reliable**
The filter frame is made from “tough aviation aluminum.” This isn’t just about sounding fancy; the material choice impacts the filter’s durability and how smoothly it attaches to your lens. A well-machined aluminum frame screws on and off easily, without binding or feeling flimsy. The description notes its durability, and in my experience, the threads on this GREEN.L filter engage smoothly with the lens threads. A robust frame protects the glass element from impacts and ensures the filter maintains its shape over time. While the rim thickness was mentioned as a minor con by one user, the material itself is solid.
**Easy Screw-On Design: Simplicity in Use**
This 77mm infrared filter features a standard screw-on design. If your lens has a 77mm filter thread, it simply screws onto the front element, just like any other filter (UV, polarizer, ND, etc.). This ease of use is fundamental. There are no complicated mounting systems; it’s a straightforward process. However, it’s absolutely critical to verify your lens’s thread size. If you have lenses with different thread sizes, you’ll either need step-up/step-down rings or separate filters for each size. The simplicity of the screw-on design means it’s quick to attach and remove in the field, assuming you have the correct size for your lens. The convenience allows you to switch between infrared and visible light photography relatively quickly, provided you also adjust your camera settings.
**Specific Use Cases: More Than Just Art**
While most people buy an infrared filter for artistic photography, the description also mentions its use in “analytical situations.” Because infrared light interacts differently with various materials than visible light, these filters can reveal things invisible to the naked eye. For instance, they can be used in forensics, art restoration (to see under layers of paint), or even vegetation health studies. The 850nm wavelength might be particularly useful for certain applications where blocking out even near-infrared light is important. For the average photographer, however, the “special effects” are the primary draw. The dramatic contrast and tonal shifts possible with this IR 850nm filter offer a unique creative palette.
**The Learning Curve: Camera Settings and Post-Processing**
Using an infrared filter, especially one that blocks so much visible light like the 850nm, introduces a learning curve. As the product description notes, setting a custom white balance is essential. Without it, your images will likely be a deep, vibrant red. Custom white balance helps neutralize this, often resulting in a more neutral or false-colour base image that’s easier to work with. You’ll also need to use manual mode for exposure. Because so little light is passing through, exposure times are significantly longer than with visible light – potentially seconds or even minutes, depending on light conditions and your aperture/ISO. This often necessitates using a tripod. Focusing can also be tricky as infrared light focuses slightly differently; many photographers focus in visible light and then attach the filter, or use live view at high magnification to achieve sharp focus. Post-processing is almost always required to achieve the classic infrared look (monochrome or false colour) from the raw, typically red, image. These aren’t flaws of the filter itself, but inherent aspects of infrared photography that require patience and practice to master with this or any other IR filter.
**Potential Disadvantage: Glass Fragility**
While the glass is rated 9HD for scratch resistance, one user review mentioned the glass shattering easily. This highlights a potential vulnerability. Filters, by their nature, have exposed glass elements. While the aluminum frame offers some protection, a direct impact or drop could still lead to damage. Compared to a solid metal lens body, the filter glass is inherently more delicate. This isn’t unique to this specific filter, but it’s a reminder to handle it with care, just like any other piece of optical equipment. The thin profile, while convenient for stacking, might also contribute to this perceived fragility compared to filters with a thicker rim offering more protection around the edge of the glass.
What Others Are Saying
After scouring reviews online, it’s clear that many users have found positive results with this infrared filter. Photographers experimenting with digital infrared for the first time seem pleased, finding that the filter performs as expected for its price point. Several comments highlighted its effectiveness in blocking visible light beyond 720nm, confirming its function as an 850nm filter. Users appreciated the ease of screwing it onto their lenses and the quality of the aluminum frame. Some noted that the results, particularly with foliage, were impressive and offered a lot of creative potential in post-processing, reminding them favourably of old IR film results. The consensus appears to be that it’s a worthwhile and affordable tool for anyone wanting to explore the unique effects of infrared photography, particularly at the 850nm wavelength, provided they are willing to learn the necessary techniques for shooting and editing.
Wrapping Things Up
The desire to capture the unseen world through infrared light is a compelling reason to explore this niche of photography. The GREEN.L 77mm Infrared Filter, 77mm IR 850nm (R85) Filter for Camera Lens offers a solid, affordable gateway into this creative space. It effectively blocks visible light, allowing you to capture the unique effects of the infrared spectrum, particularly the monochromatic, high-contrast look associated with the 850nm wavelength. Despite the need for manual camera control and post-processing – inherent challenges of IR photography, not specific flaws of the filter – it delivers on its promise. If you’re ready to expand your photographic horizons and reveal the hidden light around you, this filter is a great tool to add to your kit. To check it out and start your infrared journey, Click here to learn more.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API