Before I got into specialized filters, I often found myself staring at landscapes or interesting scenes, feeling like something was missing. The standard visible light images just didn’t capture the otherworldly quality I sometimes felt was present, especially around foliage or water. This feeling that I was missing a hidden layer of reality, a way to transform the mundane into something ethereal, is what eventually pushed me to explore the realm of infrared photography. Not addressing this felt like leaving creative potential on the table, resulting in photos that, while perhaps technically sound, lacked that truly unique spark I craved.
- 【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.
Key Considerations Before Diving into Infrared Photography
Stepping into infrared photography opens up a fascinating new world, but it requires a bit more thought than just screwing on a filter. The problems this product category solves revolve around capturing light outside the visible spectrum, transforming landscapes into surreal, often high-contrast scenes with bright, glowing foliage (known as the “Wood Effect”) and dark, dramatic skies. One would seek to buy an item like an infrared filter to achieve these unique artistic effects or for specific technical applications where blocking visible light is necessary.
The ideal customer for an infrared filter is a photographer who is comfortable working in manual mode, understands exposure basics, and is willing to experiment with camera settings and post-processing. It’s for someone who wants to push the boundaries of conventional photography and explore different creative palettes. Who should *not* buy this kind of filter? Beginners who are still mastering basic exposure and composition might find it frustrating, as infrared photography presents unique challenges with focusing, exposure time, and white balance. Someone simply looking for a quick “Instagram filter” effect would likely be disappointed. They should probably start with standard neutral density filters or explore software-based effects first. Before buying an infrared filter, you need to consider your camera’s infrared sensitivity (some cameras require modification), the filter wavelength (720nm is a common starting point for visible IR), your lens thread size (crucial for physical compatibility), and your willingness to delve into post-processing, as raw IR images often require significant adjustments.
- 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 37mm IR 720nm Filter
So, what exactly is the GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter, 37mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens? Simply put, it’s a specialized filter designed to block visible light below 720nm while allowing infrared light above that wavelength to pass through to your camera’s sensor. The promise it makes is to unlock the world of infrared photography for photographers, enabling those distinctive, high-contrast images. When you purchase it, you get the filter itself, typically in a protective case. Compared to high-end market leaders like Hoya, the GREEN.L 720nm IR filter positions itself as a much more affordable entry point. While it might not boast multi-resistant coatings common on premium filters, its core function of filtering light at 720nm is intended to be effective.
This specific infrared filter is ideal for photographers with lenses that have a 37mm thread size who are curious about exploring infrared effects without making a significant financial investment in a premium filter or a camera modification. It’s not for someone expecting perfect edge-to-edge sharpness on high-resolution sensors without careful technique, nor is it for photographers who prefer automatic shooting modes or dislike post-processing.
Pros:
* Very affordable entry point into infrared photography.
* Effectively blocks visible light below 720nm for classic IR effects.
* Made with optical glass and aviation aluminum frame for decent build.
* Easy screw-on installation on compatible lenses.
* Allows experimentation with unique creative styles.
Cons:
* Requires long exposure times, necessitating a tripod.
* Glass can be prone to shattering if mishandled.
* No coating, which can potentially lead to flares or internal reflections in certain lighting conditions.
* Achieving good results requires manual camera settings (white balance, focus, exposure).
Detailed Look at the GREEN.L IR Filter’s Performance and Advantages
Having spent a good amount of time using the GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter, I can delve deeper into how its features translate into real-world photographic benefits. It’s not just about screwing on a piece of glass; it’s about understanding how this specific filter interacts with light and your camera to create unique imagery.
The 720nm Wavelength Effect
The core of this IR filter is its 720nm cut-off. This means it blocks most of the visible light spectrum (roughly 400-700nm) and starts letting light through primarily from 720nm and beyond into the near-infrared spectrum. Why is this important? This specific wavelength allows for capturing what’s often considered the classic infrared look. Foliage (leaves, grass) reflects infrared light very strongly, causing it to appear bright white or light grey in black and white conversions. Skies, on the other hand, tend to absorb or scatter infrared light less than visible light, making them appear very dark, often with dramatic clouds.
Using the GREEN.L 720nm filter, I’ve been able to capture scenes where green leaves look like they’re covered in snow, and blue skies turn almost black. This stark contrast is the hallmark of 720nm infrared photography and is fantastic for artistic interpretations of landscapes, architecture, and portraits (though skin tones can look unusual). The benefit here is the ability to transform ordinary scenes into something visually striking and unusual, revealing a hidden aspect of the world that’s invisible to the naked eye. It provides a powerful tool for creative expression, moving beyond realistic representation to something more interpretive.
Optical Glass Quality and Durability
The product description mentions the lens is made of high-quality optical glass with a 9HD hardness rating. While I haven’t tested the hardness scientifically, the glass surface has held up well to regular cleaning without noticeable scratches developing. This is important because any imperfections on the filter surface will directly impact image quality. The fact that it’s optical glass is reassuring for image clarity, especially given the filter’s purpose in capturing specific light wavelengths accurately.
However, as one user review pointed out, the glass can shatter if dropped. This is a potential disadvantage compared to filters with more robust edge protection or materials. While careful handling is always recommended for camera gear, knowing the glass might be somewhat brittle means extra caution is needed when attaching or removing the filter. Despite this, for its price point, the use of optical glass is a benefit, aiming to provide better light transmission and clarity than cheaper alternatives made from resin or lower-grade materials.
Well-Built Aviation Aluminum Frame
The filter frame is made of aviation aluminum. This provides a lightweight yet seemingly durable structure for the filter. The frame is thin, which is a plus for minimizing vignetting, especially on wider-angle lenses. The threads on the filter are well-cut, allowing for smooth attachment and detachment from the lens. This might seem like a minor point, but poorly machined threads on cheap filters can be incredibly frustrating and potentially damage your lens. The benefit of a well-built frame is reliability and ease of use – you want the filter to screw on securely and correctly every time without binding or feeling loose. While maybe not as premium feeling as some higher-end filters, the build quality of the frame is certainly adequate and functional.
Ease of Use (Requires Practice!)
The product description states the filter is “Easy to Use” as it simply screws onto the front of your lens (provided it has a 37mm thread). While physically attaching it is straightforward, using *any* infrared filter effectively requires more than just screwing it on. Infrared light focuses differently than visible light, and finding sharp focus with this filter attached can be challenging, especially if your camera doesn’t have good Live View capabilities or is not full-spectrum converted. You often need to focus *before* attaching the filter, or use Live View and zoom in significantly to nail focus.
Furthermore, exposure times become significantly longer because so much light is being blocked. This is where the need for a tripod comes in – handheld shots with a 720nm filter are usually impossible due to the required shutter speeds, which can range from seconds to even minutes depending on light conditions and your camera’s sensitivity. This long exposure requirement is an inherent aspect of passive infrared filters like this one, not a fault of the filter itself, but it’s a factor that makes usage less “easy” than just snapping a regular photo. The “easy” part is the physical mounting; the *effective* usage requires practice and specific techniques. The benefit here is that once you learn these techniques, the physical act of using the filter is simple.
Manual Mode and White Balance Necessity
The product description correctly notes two crucial points: setting a custom white balance and using manual mode for exposure. These are not optional steps but fundamental requirements for getting usable images with a 720nm IR filter. Straight out of the camera, images shot with this filter will typically have a strong red or magenta cast. Setting a custom white balance *after* attaching the filter (often using green grass as a reference point) helps normalize colours, though the resulting image will still look unusual, often with blues and oranges dominating before post-processing.
Using manual mode allows you to control the long exposure times needed. Your camera’s light meter won’t be accurate because it’s designed for visible light. You’ll need to take test shots, review the histogram, and adjust shutter speed and aperture until you achieve a proper exposure. This manual control requirement is both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s a challenge because it forces you to actively think about exposure in a non-standard way. It’s an opportunity because it gives you complete creative control over the final image’s look, allowing you to decide how much or how little light hits the sensor during the long exposure. The benefit is that mastering these manual controls unlocks the filter’s full potential, allowing for correctly exposed and properly white-balanced starting points for post-processing.
Potential for Hotspots
One aspect not always mentioned in basic product descriptions but common with IR filters, especially on unmodified digital cameras, is the potential for “hotspots.” This is a bright, often circular area in the center of the image, caused by internal reflections within the lens or sensor stack that become visible in infrared light. Not all lenses produce hotspots, and some cameras are more prone to them than others. While the filter itself doesn’t *cause* the hotspot, it reveals it. This is a potential disadvantage when using the GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter – you might discover your favourite lens is unsuitable for IR because it produces a strong hotspot. Experimentation with different lenses is often necessary.
Post-Processing is Key
The journey with the GREEN.L 720nm filter doesn’t end when you take the shot. The raw images, while showing the infrared effect, require significant post-processing to achieve the dramatic looks often associated with IR photography. This typically involves adjusting white balance further, channel swapping (e.g., swapping red and blue channels) to get the classic blue sky/white foliage look, contrast adjustments, and converting to black and white. The filter provides the raw infrared data; your post-processing skills refine it into the final image. The benefit here is the flexibility it offers in post-production – you can create various looks from the same infrared capture, from surreal colour images to stark black and white conversions. This filter serves as the essential first step in that creative workflow.
Overall, the GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter is a functional and accessible tool for anyone wanting to explore infrared photography. While it demands technical effort regarding camera settings and post-processing, and has minor drawbacks like potential glass fragility and lack of coatings compared to expensive options, its core function of filtering light effectively at 720nm is delivered. It provides the necessary foundation for capturing those distinct infrared images, allowing photographers to experiment and develop their IR technique without a huge upfront investment.
Experiences Shared by Other Users
Venturing online, I looked at what other photographers were saying about this filter, and the sentiment seems largely positive, especially considering its budget-friendly price. Many users expressed satisfaction with the distinct infrared effects they were able to capture, noting the classic white foliage and dark skies that the 720nm wavelength facilitates. People mentioned pairing it successfully with full-spectrum converted cameras or even unconverted digital cameras (though the latter often require much longer exposures).
Several reviews highlighted the value for money, stating that the filter performs its primary function effectively, allowing them to explore infrared photography without investing in significantly more expensive alternatives. The ease of screwing it onto compatible lenses was also noted as a practical benefit. While some users mentioned the need for learning specific techniques like custom white balance and manual exposure – which is standard for IR – they viewed this as part of the creative process rather than a fault of the filter itself. A few comments acknowledged that while not matching the build quality or features of premium filters, it delivers on its promise for experimentation and achieving interesting results, proving to be a useful addition to their gear.
Final Thoughts on Embracing Infrared
Returning to that initial feeling of missing something in my photography, the GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter, 37mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens proved to be an excellent gateway into uncovering that hidden world. The problem this filter solves is providing an accessible entry point into capturing light beyond the visible spectrum, transforming scenes in dramatically artistic ways. For a photographer feeling their creativity is limited by standard techniques, or who is simply curious about infrared effects, this filter offers a solution. Not exploring this can mean leaving significant creative avenues unexplored, resulting in a portfolio that might feel less distinct.
This infrared filter is a great fit for several reasons: firstly, its affordability makes it low-risk for experimentation; secondly, the 720nm wavelength is ideal for the widely recognized “Wood Effect” and dramatic sky rendering; and thirdly, it provides a functional tool that, when combined with the right technique and post-processing, yields genuinely unique and compelling images. If you’re ready to step into a different kind of photography and see the world in a new light (or infrared!), Click here to check the GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter out and start your infrared journey.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API