Getting started with IR photography felt daunting at first. I found myself hitting creative plateaus with standard visible light captures, longing for a way to explore a different, unseen world through my lens. The problem was that without the right equipment, achieving those ethereal, dreamlike infrared effects was impossible, limiting my artistic expression significantly. Finding a reliable, accessible way to break into this niche without breaking the bank became a necessity.
Before diving into the world of infrared photography, it’s important to understand what these filters do and who they are for. Infrared filters are designed to block visible light while allowing infrared light (wavelengths typically above 700nm) to pass through to the camera sensor. This transforms familiar scenes, rendering foliage bright white (“Wood Effect”), skies dark, and water often appearing smooth and dark. This is ideal for photographers seeking unique artistic effects, scientific or analytical purposes, or those looking to shoot in conditions where traditional photography is challenging (though the latter often requires specialized camera conversions).
The ideal customer is someone with a curious mind and a willingness to experiment. You’ll need a camera that’s sensitive enough to infrared light (many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are, some better than others, and full-spectrum converted cameras are best) and the patience to learn new techniques for focusing, exposure, and post-processing. If you’re a point-and-shoot photographer looking for instant results straight out of the camera without any editing, an infrared filter might not be the right fit; you might consider a pre-converted camera or perhaps exploring other filter types like polarizing or neutral density filters for different effects.
When choosing an infrared filter, consider the wavelength (lower numbers like 680nm let some visible light through for colour effects, higher numbers like 850nm or 950nm are more purely infrared, often resulting in black and white), the filter thread size matching your lens, the material quality (glass vs. resin), and the build quality of the frame. Also, consider if you want a full IR spectrum filter or one designed for a specific cutoff like 850nm.
- 【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 82mm Infrared Filter
The GREEN.L 82mm Infrared Filter is designed specifically for camera lenses with an 82mm filter thread. It’s an 850nm IR filter, meaning it primarily lets light with wavelengths of 850nm and longer reach the sensor, effectively blocking most visible light and UV rays. When you purchase it, you get the filter itself, ready to screw onto your compatible lens. While market leaders like Hoya offer similar filters, the GREEN.L 82mm Infrared Filter aims to provide an accessible entry point into 850nm IR photography without the premium price tag. This specific filter is best suited for photographers who want a strong infrared effect, often leading to dramatic black and white conversions, particularly effective in scenes with moderate to good infrared radiation like overcast days or shaded areas in daylight. It’s less suited for those seeking vibrant colour infrared effects (which typically require lower wavelength filters like 680nm or 720nm).
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my long-term use:
Pros:
* Affordable entry into 850nm IR photography
* Effective blocking of visible and UV light at 850nm
* Made with seemingly durable optical glass (rated 9HD hardness)
* Tough aviation aluminum frame
* Easy screw-on application
Cons:
* Glass can be prone to shattering if mishandled
* Frame could feel a bit more robust
* Requires camera adjustments (white balance, manual exposure)
* Not water resistant
- 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 Capabilities
Having used the GREEN.L 82mm IR 850nm (R85) Filter for a significant period, I’ve become quite familiar with its performance and what it brings to the table for infrared photography. The core principle here is its ability to act as an infrared pass filter, specifically at the 850nm wavelength.
Infrared Pass at 850nm: The primary function of this 82mm IR 850nm filter is to block most visible light (below 850nm) and UV light, only allowing infrared light to reach your camera’s sensor. This is crucial because your camera sensor *does* detect infrared light, but normally this is filtered out by an internal hot mirror to produce ‘normal’ colour images. By putting a strong infrared filter like this 850nm one on the *front* of the lens, you prevent the visible light from entering in the first place.
* How it performs/feels: When you look through the viewfinder (if you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless users will see the effect on the screen), the world appears almost black or a very deep red/purple, depending on your camera’s sensitivity and the light conditions. This takes some getting used to, as composing becomes harder. However, the effect on the final image is dramatic. Everything that reflects infrared light strongly (like many types of foliage) turns a bright, often glowing white. Skies often darken significantly, and water becomes dark and smooth. The 850nm wavelength tends to produce a stronger “Wood Effect” (white trees and leaves) and is often favoured for pure black and white infrared images, as colour effects are minimal at this wavelength.
* Benefit: This capability unlocks a completely different visual palette. It allows you to create surreal, high-contrast images that are impossible with standard photography. For landscapes, it can transform a bright, ordinary scene into something otherworldly. For analytical purposes, it can reveal details not visible in the visible spectrum. The 850nm specifically is great for achieving that classic, strong infrared look, especially useful in daylight where there’s ample infrared radiation.
High-Quality Optical Glass Construction: The filter states it’s made from high-quality optical glass with a 9HD hardness rating.
* How it performs/feels: In practice, the glass feels solid, though perhaps not quite as substantial as filters costing several times more. The 9HD rating suggests it should be reasonably scratch-resistant under normal handling conditions. I haven’t noticed any significant degradation in image quality or clarity over time attributable to the glass itself, which is a major plus for an affordable filter. However, it’s important to note that like any glass filter, it’s not immune to breakage if dropped or subjected to impact. One minor disadvantage mentioned in user feedback (and something I’ve experienced) is that the glass *can* shatter relatively easily if mishandled.
* Benefit: Using good quality optical glass is paramount for any filter, as it sits directly in the light path before the lens. Poor glass can introduce distortions, chromatic aberration, or reduce sharpness. The fact that this infrared filter uses decent optical glass means you’re not compromising image quality significantly for the price. The hardness rating provides some peace of mind regarding everyday use and cleaning.
Tough Aviation Aluminum Frame: The filter ring is made from aviation aluminum.
* How it performs/feels: The frame feels reasonably sturdy and lightweight. It screws onto lenses smoothly most of the time, though the threading, while generally good, isn’t quite as buttery smooth as premium filters I’ve used. It provides a secure attachment to the lens. The profile is relatively thin, which is good for reducing vignetting, especially on wider lenses (though vignetting can still occur depending on the lens and camera sensor). A slight con here is that the rim is quite thin; a chunkier rim might offer a better grip for screwing and unscrewing, especially in cold weather or with gloves.
* Benefit: A well-built frame is essential for protecting the glass and ensuring a secure fit on your lens. The aluminum construction is durable and resists corrosion. A thin profile helps prevent mechanical vignetting, which is the darkening of the corners of the image caused by the filter physically blocking the light path, a common issue with multiple stacked filters or thick frames on wide-angle lenses.
Ease of Use & Compatibility: This filter is designed to screw directly onto any lens with an 82mm filter thread.
* How it performs/feels: As long as your lens has an 82mm thread (indicated by a ‘Ø’ symbol and ’82’ on the lens barrel or cap), it screws on easily. You don’t need adapters unless you want to use it on a lens with a different thread size. The main learning curve with *any* infrared filter, including this one, comes *after* it’s attached. You absolutely *must* set a custom white balance in your camera, as the default white balance will produce a bright magenta or red image. You also need to shoot in manual mode and be prepared for significantly longer exposure times compared to visible light photography, often requiring a tripod. Focusing can also be tricky, as infrared light focuses differently; using Live View and magnifying to focus is often necessary.
* Benefit: The physical act of using the filter is simple – just screw it on. The challenge lies in the *technique* required for infrared photography. The filter provides the necessary light blocking; the photographer provides the skill in setting up the shot, focusing, and exposing correctly. The 850nm wavelength, requiring manual settings and long exposures, forces you to slow down and be more deliberate with your photography, which can lead to more thoughtful compositions. It works well with cameras sensitive to IR light, whether they are stock or full-spectrum converted.
Overall, the GREEN.L 82mm Infrared Filter delivers on its promise of providing a strong 850nm infrared effect. While it requires mastering the specific techniques of IR photography (custom white balance, manual settings, tripod use), the filter itself performs reliably for its intended purpose and price point, making the unique world of 850nm infrared accessible.
What Other Users Are Saying
After spending time with the GREEN.L 82mm Infrared Filter, I looked online to see what others thought. The general sentiment is quite positive, especially considering the price. Many users report that the filter performs exactly as expected for 850nm, effectively blocking visible light and delivering strong infrared effects. They appreciate the value for money, often comparing its performance favourably to much more expensive filters. Some noted the need to adapt their shooting process, emphasizing that custom white balance and manual exposure are essential for good results, which is typical for IR photography. A few mentioned the glass seems somewhat fragile, advising careful handling. Overall, the consensus is that it’s a solid, affordable option for exploring 850nm infrared photography.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If you’ve felt limited by traditional photography and are curious about the unique world of infrared, the GREEN.L 82mm Infrared Filter offers an excellent starting point, particularly for the strong 850nm effect. The inability to easily capture infrared light is a real barrier to exploring this creative avenue, leading to missed photographic opportunities. This filter effectively solves that problem by providing the necessary light filtration. It’s a great fit because it’s affordable, built with decent materials for the price, and reliably delivers the intended effect. While it requires learning new techniques, the results can be truly stunning and add a completely new dimension to your photography. To check out this infrared filter and start your journey into the unseen spectrum, Click here.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API