Photography, for me, has always been about seeing the world a little differently, capturing what the naked eye might miss. There came a point where I felt my creative vision was limited by just visible light. I yearned to explore the surreal landscapes and ethereal effects that only infrared photography can provide. This desire for something beyond standard imagery pushed me to seek out specific gear that could help achieve that unique look. Not exploring this would mean missing out on a whole realm of photographic expression, leaving many creative ideas trapped in my head.
Before diving headfirst into the world of infrared (IR) photography, it’s crucial to understand what these specialized camera filters do and why you might need one. Infrared filters block most, if not all, visible light from reaching your camera sensor, allowing only infrared wavelengths to pass through. This opens up a fascinating realm where foliage glows white, water appears dark and glassy, and skies take on dramatic, often dark, tones, creating a surreal, dreamlike aesthetic.
The ideal customer for an infrared filter is a photographer looking to experiment with different lighting effects, capture unique analytical images (where blocking visible light is necessary), or simply explore a distinct creative style. If you’re purely a point-and-shoot photographer who prefers automatic settings or isn’t interested in post-processing, infrared photography might not be for you. It often requires manual camera control, custom white balance settings, and significant post-processing to achieve the desired look. Someone simply wanting to enhance colours or reduce reflections might be better served by polarizing or ND filters.
When considering an infrared filter, think about your camera’s capabilities (some are more IR sensitive than others, and some may require modification), the filter’s wavelength (720nm is a common starting point, blocking most visible light but letting some far-red through), the filter size needed for your lens (thread diameter is key), the material quality, and, of course, your budget.
- 【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.
Meet the GREEN.L 55mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter
So, let me tell you about the GREEN.L 55mm Infrared Filter, 55mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter. This is a specific type of camera lens filter designed to capture light beyond the visible spectrum, specifically at the 720nm wavelength and above. Its promise is straightforward: to enable photographers to delve into the spectral world of infrared, creating those signature ethereal images with white foliage and dark skies.
When you purchase this infrared camera filter, you receive the filter itself, typically in a protective case. It screws directly onto the front of any camera lens with a 55mm filter thread. While I don’t have specific details on how it compares to every high-end market leader or previous GREEN.L versions, my experience suggests it performs admirably for its price point, offering a solid entry into IR photography without a massive investment.
This specific GREEN.L IR filter is ideal for hobbyists and experimental photographers looking to try infrared without modifying a camera body. It’s less suited for someone needing professional-grade filters for critical analytical work or someone expecting instant, easy results without any post-processing.
Here’s a quick look at some pros and cons based on my long-term use:
Pros:
* Effective 720nm cut-off for classic IR look.
* Made with high-quality optical glass.
* Durable aviation aluminum frame.
* Easy screw-on installation.
* Excellent value for the price.
Cons:
* Requires long exposure times.
* Necessitates custom white balance and manual settings.
* Glass may be susceptible to shattering if dropped (as with most filters).
* Results require significant post-processing.
- 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 and Advantages
Using an infrared filter like the GREEN.L 55mm Infrared Filter fundamentally changes how you approach photography. It’s not just about screwing on a filter and shooting; it’s a learning process that reveals a hidden world. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate the nuances of working with this specific piece of gear.
The 720nm Wavelength Effect
The core feature of this filter is its 720nm wavelength cut-off. This is a popular choice for infrared photography because it blocks most visible light but still allows some of the far-red light spectrum to pass through, along with the pure infrared light. The benefit of this specific wavelength is that it tends to produce the classic “Wood Effect” where green foliage reflects a lot of infrared light, making it appear bright white in the resulting image, often after processing. Skies darken dramatically, and water tends to look very smooth or even black, depending on its depth and clarity.
My experience with the 720nm cut-off has been largely positive. It consistently delivers that characteristic infrared look that I was chasing. It’s a great starting point for anyone getting into digital IR because it provides a strong effect without being overly extreme (like a 950nm filter, which blocks even more light and requires even longer exposures). Understanding that this is the specific type of light you’re capturing is crucial for predicting how different scenes will translate into infrared.
Optical Glass Quality
The product description highlights the use of specialized, high-quality optical glass with a 9HD hardness rating. In practical terms, this means the glass is resistant to scratches, which is incredibly important for a filter that sits on the front of your lens, exposed to the elements and potential bumps. Over the time I’ve used this infrared filter, I’ve found its clarity to be excellent, and I haven’t encountered any issues with image degradation or softness directly attributable to the filter glass itself.
The durability and clarity of the optical glass are huge benefits. A scratched or hazy filter can ruin an image, introducing flares or reducing sharpness. Knowing that the glass is robust gives me confidence when using it outdoors, even in challenging environments. While one user review mentioned potential glass fragility regarding shattering if dropped, the scratch resistance seems solid based on the 9HD rating and my careful handling. Maintaining clear glass is paramount for sharp infrared images, which can be challenging enough to focus manually.
Durable Frame Construction
Equally important as the glass is the filter frame. The GREEN.L filter features a frame made of tough aviation aluminum. This provides durability and ensures the filter maintains its shape, allowing it to screw onto the lens thread easily and consistently. A poorly made frame can bind on the lens or even strip threads, which is a frustrating and potentially costly problem.
The robust aluminum frame has been reliable. It screws smoothly onto my compatible 55mm lenses. This might seem like a minor detail, but anyone who has struggled with a cheap filter that refuses to thread correctly understands the value of a well-built frame. A secure fit is also essential to prevent light leaks, which could ruin an infrared image. The relatively thin profile of the frame also helps to minimize vignetting, although with wide-angle lenses and multiple filters stacked, it’s still something to be aware of.
Ease of Use (Thread Size & Installation)
The primary method of using this filter is simply screwing it onto the front of any lens with a 55mm filter thread. This is straightforward and convenient. Verifying your lens’s thread size (usually indicated by a Ø symbol on the lens barrel or cap) is the only prerequisite. The standard screw-on design is a significant benefit for versatility, allowing you to use the same filter on multiple lenses if they share the same thread size or with step-up/step-down rings.
The “easy to use” aspect, however, extends beyond just screwing it on. As mentioned in the product details, successful infrared filter photography requires specific camera settings. You *must* set a custom white balance. Standard auto white balance or even presets will result in a wildly red or magenta image that doesn’t represent the infrared effect accurately before post-processing. Setting a custom white balance (usually by pointing your camera at green foliage or grass while the filter is attached) neutralizes this colour cast, giving you a more manageable starting point, often with vibrant false colours that you can then manipulate in editing software.
Furthermore, infrared light requires significantly longer exposure times than visible light. This means you’ll almost always need to shoot in manual mode (or aperture priority with heavy exposure compensation) and likely use a tripod to avoid camera shake. Experimenting to find the correct exposure is crucial, as the light levels can be very different from what your meter expects when blocked visible light. This learning curve is part of the process but does mean it’s not as simple as point-and-shoot. The benefit of taking the time to learn these techniques is gaining complete control over your exposure and white balance, essential for crafting compelling infrared images.
Challenges and Learning Curve
While the filter itself is easy to attach and well-made, mastering infrared photography with it involves overcoming a few challenges. The long exposure times mean you’re often dealing with potential camera shake, necessitating a sturdy tripod. Focusing can also be tricky; infrared light focuses slightly differently from visible light, so relying solely on your camera’s autofocus might not yield sharp results. Using live view on your camera and manually focusing is often the best approach, experimenting to find the point of sharpest focus.
The resulting images out of the camera will look very different from the final result. They are heavily dominated by red or magenta tones due to the custom white balance process. Post-processing is not optional; it’s integral to transforming these raw files into the classic black and white, false colour (like blue skies and white foliage), or other desired infrared looks. This involves techniques like channel swapping (mixing the red and blue channels) and extensive colour and contrast adjustments.
Despite these challenges, the benefit is the creative control you gain. Learning to manage exposure, focus, white balance, and post-processing for infrared photography is rewarding. It pushes you to think differently about light and composition. The GREEN.L 55mm IR 720nm filter serves as an excellent tool to learn these skills without breaking the bank.
What Others Are Saying
Searching online forums and retail sites, it’s clear many photographers have found positive results using the GREEN.L 55mm Infrared Filter. Users frequently mention being pleasantly surprised by its performance given the affordable price. Many appreciate how well it screws onto their lenses and that it seems to effectively block visible light at the intended 720nm cut-off. Several reviewers, including those with experience using traditional IR film or more expensive filters, note its capability to produce classic infrared effects, particularly the characteristic glowing foliage. It’s often seen as a great starting point for those new to digital infrared or a budget-friendly option for testing lenses or exploring the genre without committing to a full-spectrum camera conversion. While one reviewer felt it was more of a deep red filter than true IR, the majority of feedback points towards successful use for traditional infrared imagery, especially with proper technique and post-processing.
Concluding Thoughts
If you’re feeling creatively constrained by standard photography and curious about exploring the surreal world of infrared, the GREEN.L 55mm Infrared Filter, 55mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter offers an accessible entry point. The complication of not exploring this niche is missing out on capturing truly unique images that stand out. This filter is a great fit because it provides a solid 720nm cut-off for classic IR effects, is built with quality materials like optical glass and an aluminum frame, and offers excellent value. While it requires learning new techniques like custom white balance and long exposures, the rewards in terms of creative expression are immense. Ready to see the world in a different light? Click here to check out the GREEN.L 55mm Infrared Filter and start your infrared photography journey.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API