There was a time when my photography felt a bit… stagnant. I was capturing beautiful scenes, sure, but I longed to explore something truly unique, something beyond the everyday visible light spectrum. This yearning for a different perspective is what ultimately led me down the path of infrared photography, and finding the right tools, like a dedicated infrared filter, became essential. Without exploring these options, my creative vision felt limited, stuck within the confines of conventional light.
- 【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.
Considerations Before Diving into Infrared Photography
Before you jump into the world of infrared, especially with a specific camera lens filter like an IR, it’s wise to take a step back and think about what you want to achieve. Infrared filters are sought after because they unlock a hidden spectrum of light, allowing you to capture landscapes and scenes with ethereal, often dreamlike qualities – bright, glowing foliage, dark, moody skies, and sometimes translucent water effects.
The ideal candidate for exploring this area of photography is someone curious, patient, and willing to experiment. You’ll likely need a tripod due to longer exposure times, and a willingness to delve into post-processing to achieve the final look you desire. If you’re someone who wants instant, perfectly coloured results straight out of the camera without any extra steps, or you just need a filter for basic lens protection or glare reduction, an infrared filter is probably not for you. Standard UV or polarizing filters would be a better fit in that case.
When considering an infrared filter, several factors come into play. The most critical is the filter thread size – it *must* match your lens or require an adapter. The wavelength is also key (720nm in this case), as different wavelengths yield slightly different results. Material quality, build of the frame, and of course, the price are all important points to ponder before making a purchase. Compatibility with your specific camera model, especially its sensitivity to IR light, is also a significant factor.
- 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 72mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter
So, after much deliberation and research, I decided to give the GREEN.L 72mm Infrared Filter, 72mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens a try. This filter is a straightforward screw-on attachment designed to block visible light below 720 nanometers, effectively allowing only infrared light (and a little bit of deep red) to reach your camera’s sensor. It promises to open up the fascinating world of infrared photography without requiring expensive camera modifications.
Compared to some high-end IR filters on the market, this GREEN.L filter sits squarely in the budget-friendly category, making it an accessible entry point for enthusiasts. It’s designed for anyone with a 72mm thread on their lens who wants to experiment with the classic 720nm infrared look. It’s perhaps less suited for professional applications demanding absolute optical perfection or extreme durability, but for the creative photographer exploring new avenues, it’s a solid option.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons based on my time using it:
Pros:
* Affordable price point for entry into IR photography.
* Solid build quality for the cost, with a sturdy aluminum frame.
* Uses high-quality optical glass for clarity.
* Effectively blocks visible light below 720nm, delivering the expected IR effect.
* Easy screw-on design makes it simple to attach and remove.
* A great way to experiment with infrared without modifying your camera (though modifications help!).
Cons:
* Requires significant technique (custom white balance, manual mode, long exposures).
* Post-processing is essential to get the best results.
* The glass, while optically good, *might* be less resilient to impact than more expensive filters (based on some user feedback I’ve seen, though I haven’t personally shattered mine).
* Lacks advanced coatings like anti-reflective or water-repellent layers.
* It’s a 720nm filter; if you need a different wavelength (680nm, 850nm, 950nm), this specific model won’t suffice.
Diving Into Its Capabilities
Spending a good amount of time with the GREEN.L 72mm Infrared Filter has given me a real feel for its capabilities and nuances. It’s not a ‘magic bullet’ for stunning photos; rather, it’s a tool that, when understood and used correctly, opens up a fascinating new way of seeing and capturing the world.
The 720nm Wavelength: Unlocking the Ethereal Look
The core feature of this filter is its 720nm cutoff. What this means in practice is that it’s designed to block most visible light while allowing infrared light above 720nm to pass through to the sensor. When you look through the filter, it appears almost opaque red/black. This isn’t just a deep red filter; it’s specifically engineered to transmit light in the near-infrared spectrum. The 720nm wavelength is often considered a standard starting point for infrared photography because it provides a classic look where green foliage turns bright white (“wood effect”), skies darken dramatically, and water can take on a milky, smooth appearance, especially with longer exposures.
From my experience, the filter does a good job of achieving this cutoff. Pointing my camera (a standard, non-converted DSLR) at a scene with vibrant green trees resulted in images with that characteristic glowing foliage effect once processed. The sky darkened significantly, adding drama to landscape shots. This capability is the primary benefit – it provides access to a unique aesthetic that is impossible to replicate with standard filters or editing techniques alone. It pushes you creatively and makes you look at familiar scenes in a completely new light (or lack thereof, from a visible perspective!).
Now, there has been some discussion online about whether this filter provides “true” infrared or is just a deep red. From my usage and the results I’ve gotten, it absolutely transmits light in the near-infrared spectrum. The degree of the “classic” IR effect (the intensity of the white foliage, the darkness of the sky) can depend heavily on your camera’s sensor sensitivity to IR (some cameras are naturally more sensitive than others, and full-spectrum converted cameras are ideal), the amount of IR light present (sunny days are best!), and crucially, your post-processing technique. Getting the white balance right and doing channel swaps in editing software are key steps to achieving that iconic look. So, while it requires effort beyond just screwing on the filter, the filter itself does its job of blocking the lower wavelengths effectively.
Optical Glass Quality: Clarity and Durability
The product description highlights the use of specialized, high-quality optical glass with a 9HD hardness rating. While I don’t have the tools to test the hardness scientifically, the glass certainly appears clear and free from distortion. In my photos, I haven’t noticed any significant loss of sharpness or introduction of aberrations that I could attribute directly to the filter glass itself. This is crucial because even the most creative effect is ruined by poor image quality.
The benefit of this glass is that it promises durability and scratch-resistance. While I treat all my gear carefully, knowing the filter can withstand minor bumps and cleaning without immediately showing signs of wear is reassuring. It protects the creative output from being marred by defects in the glass itself.
Durable Aviation Aluminum Frame: A Solid Build
The frame of the GREEN.L filter is made from tough aviation aluminum. Picking it up, it feels solid and well-constructed, not flimsy. The threads are cleanly cut and engage smoothly with the thread on my 72mm lens. There’s no sticking or wobbling when screwing it on, which is a small but important detail that speaks to the quality of the manufacturing at this price point.
The benefit of a durable frame is longevity. This isn’t a filter you’ll likely need to replace due to the frame bending or the threads stripping under normal use. It provides a secure attachment to your lens, minimizing the risk of it falling off or allowing light leaks around the edges, which would ruin an IR exposure.
The Easy Screw-On Design: Simplicity in Attachment
As mentioned, this is a simple screw-on filter. You just align it with your lens’s filter threads (making sure it’s a 72mm lens!) and twist it on. There are no complex mounting systems or adapter rings required *if* your lens has the correct thread size. This simplicity is a major benefit, especially when you’re out in the field and want to quickly attach or remove the filter.
However, this also highlights a potential disadvantage or limitation: it *only* fits 72mm lenses directly. If you want to use it on a lens with a different filter size (say, 67mm or 77mm), you will absolutely need to purchase a step-up or step-down ring separately. This isn’t a fault of the filter itself, but a characteristic of any size-specific filter. Always double-check your lens’s filter diameter (usually marked with a Ø symbol) before buying! My experience confirms it screws smoothly onto my 72mm lens, as expected.
Mastering Manual Mode and White Balance: The Essential Technique
Using this infrared filter requires a shift in how you approach photography. You absolutely need to set your camera to manual mode (M) and, crucially, set a custom white balance. Infrared light registers very differently on a standard sensor than visible light, resulting in a heavily red or magenta cast if you don’t. Setting a custom white balance – typically by pointing your camera at green grass or a white surface *with the filter on* and telling the camera to set WB – is the first critical step. This tells the camera what “white” should look like under IR light.
This requirement means there’s a learning curve. You can’t just slap the filter on and expect pleasing JPEG results. You’ll likely need to shoot in RAW format to allow for maximum flexibility in post-processing. Experimenting with exposure time is also necessary, as IR light often requires significantly longer exposures than visible light, even in bright sun. I’ve often found myself shooting exposures of several seconds or even tens of seconds, necessitating the use of a tripod.
The benefit of mastering these techniques is that it unlocks the true potential of IR photography. It forces you to slow down, think about your settings, and engage more deeply with the photographic process. While it might seem like a disadvantage requiring more effort, for many, this is part of the appeal – it’s a specialized technique that yields specialized results. The challenges of long exposures (dealing with motion blur, finding stable ground for a tripod) become part of the creative puzzle.
The Absence of Coating: A Budget Compromise
One feature that is explicitly missing is coatings. This filter has “No Coating” listed. While this might contribute to the lower price point, it is a disadvantage compared to multi-coated filters. Coatings typically help reduce reflections and flare, and can sometimes offer water or oil repellency.
In practice, this means you need to be more mindful of shooting into or near bright light sources, as internal reflections between the filter and your lens elements are more likely to occur and can manifest as flare or ghosting in your images. It also means the filter surface doesn’t shed water as easily, so shooting in rain or damp conditions requires more careful handling and cleaning. This isn’t a dealbreaker for creative IR work, but it’s a practical limitation to be aware of, especially if you’re used to high-end, multi-coated filters.
Overall, using the GREEN.L 72mm Infrared Filter has been a rewarding learning experience. It performs as expected for a 720nm filter at this price range, delivering the characteristic IR effects when paired with the right technique and post-processing. It feels sturdy enough for regular use, and the glass quality appears good. While it lacks coatings and demands manual control, these are acceptable compromises for the price point and the unique photographic opportunities it provides.
Hearing From Other Users
I often look to the experiences of others when evaluating gear, and feedback on the GREEN.L 72mm Infrared Filter generally seems quite positive. Many users, particularly those with full-spectrum modified cameras or those just starting out in digital infrared, report that the filter works exactly as intended and provides excellent value for the cost. People are pleased with the classic infrared “wood effect” on foliage and find it a useful tool for creative expression. Some note that while the build is good, it might not feel as premium as filters costing significantly more, and one person mentioned concern about the glass’s fragility, although this wasn’t a widespread complaint. The consensus appears to be that it’s a great, affordable way to get into IR photography and performs well for its price.
Concluding Thoughts
If you’ve been feeling limited by conventional photography and are eager to explore a unique creative realm, the GREEN.L 72mm Infrared Filter, 72mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens offers an accessible gateway. It effectively solves the problem of needing specialized, expensive equipment to capture infrared images with that distinctive ethereal look. Ignoring this creative possibility means missing out on capturing scenes in a way few others do. This filter is a great fit because it’s budget-friendly, built reasonably well for the price, and genuinely delivers the classic 720nm infrared effect when paired with the necessary manual control and post-processing. It’s an excellent starting point for any photographer curious about venturing into the invisible spectrum. To learn more and potentially add this creative tool to your kit, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API