Infrared photography is a fascinating discipline. Rather than recording the colors we see with the naked eye, it captures light in the infrared spectrum, where bright skies become jet black, and foliage takes on whitish hues, lending images an otherworldly feel.
Our eyes can see a range of colors occupying light wavelengths between about 380 and 700 nanometres (nm). Colors at the low end of that range appear to us as violet, while those at the high end have a deep red look. As such, light wavelengths below this visible spectrum are referred to as "ultraviolet", while those above it are called, yes, "infrared".
Infrared (or IR) photography enables us to capture details that aren't visible to the naked eye. The technique is mainly used for surreal landscapes. To capture infrared images, you will need a specialized infrared filter that blocks visible light and only allows light in the infrared spectrum to reach the camera's sensor.
However, most digital cameras have an 'IR cut' filter built onto the sensor, which prevents infrared light from fogging images in regular photography. To counter this, extremely lengthy exposures – often several minutes long – are required to enable enough light to pass through.
For the very best results, you can have your camera's IR cut filter removed. This modification turns it into a 'full-spectrum' camera, so-called because it is now sensitive to a wider spectrum that encompasses both visible and infrared light. By then attaching an infrared filter to cut out visible light, you can use much faster shutter speeds that are closer to regular photography. Not only that, but lower-strength IR filters can be used to allow some visible light to pass, enabling colorized IR images.
A full-spectrum conversion is a job best left to one of the many professional companies that perform this specialized service, and as this is a permanent modification that will adversely affect regular photography, this is usually done with older camera bodies to give them a second lease of life. To test the filters reviewed in this guide, I used a Canon EOS R converted to full-spectrum by the experts at Advanced Camera Services.
Infrared filters will appear almost black to our eyes, with maybe a slight reddish tint. Put one on your lens, and you likely won't be able to see a thing through the viewfinder (as visible light is blocked), so you'll need to compose first and use a slow shutter speed to give your camera enough time to gather the light required for the scene.
Dan is an intrepid photographer who loves shooting the great outdoors but knows that an array of filters is essential for capturing scenes at their best. He's personally tried and tested the infrared filters in this guide.
Best infrared filters for photography
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Best infrared filter overall
The Hoya R72 Infrared Filter is designed to block visible light and allow only the infrared spectrum (above 720nm) to pass through to the camera sensor. It is a good budget-friendly entry point for photographers interested in monochrome infrared photography without the immediate need for a costly camera conversion.
The filter is constructed from high-quality optical glass housed in a durable aluminum frame. While the glass appears pitch black to the naked eye, it boasts a 95% light transmittance rate for wavelengths between 760nm and 860nm. One trade-off for its affordability is a lack of advanced multi-coatings; it features only a single coating on each side to manage reflections. Additionally, the filter frame is slightly deeper than standard filters (4mm), which can lead to vignetting when used on ultra-wide lenses or when stacked.
In the resulting images, green foliage appears as a glowing, ethereal white, and blue skies turn into deep, dramatic blacks. The Hoya R72 is a solid and reliable choice with a robust build and offers excellent value, at least for the smaller thread sizes. While it isn't the most feature-rich filter on the market, it offers good value from a trusted name and is my top choice for those starting their journey into the surreal world of infrared photography.
See our full Hoya R72 Infrared Filter review
Best premium infrared filter
The Urth Infrared Filter Plus+ (also known as the I-Red 72) is a high-quality, eco-conscious lens filter designed for monochrome infrared photography. The filter is constructed from premium German Schott B270 glass and aerospace-grade aluminum. It features a sophisticated 20-layer "CoraNano" dual-side coating, making it highly resistant to water, oil, dust, and scratches. Urth offers the filter in a wide range of screw-in sizes (37mm to 95mm) and a magnetic version for quicker mounting.
While the filter itself operates flawlessly, I had a few issues with the metal storage case. While sleek and eco-friendly, the internal foam padding sheds fibers onto the glass, requiring the filter to be cleaned every time it is removed from the case.
The Urth Infrared Filter Plus+ is a solid and reliable choice for dedicated infrared enthusiasts, particularly those with converted cameras. While it is pricier than budget alternatives, its premium coatings and the company's commitment to sustainability (planting trees for every purchase) make it a compelling investment for high-contrast black-and-white photography.
See our full Urth Infrared Filter Plus+ review
Best budget infrared filter
The Ice HB760 is a low-cost filter that's ideal for experimenting with the IR look on a super-tight budget. It features an aluminum frame that is relatively slim at 5mm deep (3mm when mounted), which helps minimize vignetting on wide-angle lenses. Unlike premium competitors, the frame has smooth edges rather than knurling, which can make it slightly difficult to grip if it becomes stuck. The filter uses hardened optical glass for improved drop resistance, but it lacks advanced water or oil-resistant coatings. This means it is more susceptible to water spots and fingerprints, making it harder to clean in the field than more expensive options.
The "760" in its name refers to its 760nm cutoff point, which is slightly higher than standard 720nm filters. This makes it almost entirely opaque to the human eye and more effective at blocking visible light. The results are punchy, high-contrast black-and-white images with the signature bright, glowing white foliage and dark, dramatic skies. Used on an unconverted camera, it acts like a 10-stop ND filter because it blocks so much, requiring very long exposures (often several minutes) and the use of a tripod. A full-spectrum camera allows for faster shutter speeds, though it is strictly intended for monochrome work rather than false-color IR.
The Ice HB760 is a barebones, no-frills product that gets the job done. While it lacks the refined coatings and handling features of big-name brands, its low price makes it an ideal trial filter for anyone curious about the surreal world of infrared photography.
See our full Ice HB760 review
Best square infrared filter
The Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B) is a premium filter aimed at professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who prioritize build quality and modularity. Unlike the screw-in filters, this filter is designed specifically for slot-in systems, making it the obvious choice for those already using filter holders.
The filter is crafted from high-phosphate laser neodymium mineral glass, known for its optical clarity. It features Cokin's advanced Nuances coatings, providing exceptional resistance to water, oil, and scratches. In testing, water beads off effortlessly, and the glass proved durable enough to withstand a 1.5-meter drop when protected by its metal frame.
Crucially, this is a square/slot-in filter. There are no direct screw-in versions; you must use a Cokin filter holder (like the Z-Pro or NX). While this adds bulk and cost, it allows photographers to stack the IR filter with others, such as graduated ND filters, without the vignetting often caused by stacking screw-in rings.
While it is significantly more expensive than budget alternatives, its best-in-class coatings, tough and reliable build, and compatibility with professional slot-in systems make it the premier choice for serious IR work.
See our full Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B) review
Best magnetic infrared filter
The Kase Revolution Magnetic Infrared (IR720) filter features Kase's second-generation magnetic attachment system. Unlike traditional screw-in filters that can be fiddly and prone to cross-threading, this filter snaps onto a magnetic adapter ring instantly. This design significantly speeds up field workflow, especially when swapping between standard and infrared setups. The 'Revolution' update includes a larger gap between the adapter and the filter, making it much easier to pry apart than the previous version.
Built for professional abuse, the filter is made from exceptionally tough, 3mm-thick optical glass. In stress tests, it survived a 1.5-meter drop onto concrete and resisted scratches even when a metal nail was forcibly dragged across its surface. It also features top-tier 'Wolverine' coatings that are highly repellent to water and oil, making the glass easy to clean.
The IR720 blocks visible light below 720nm, appearing pitch black to the naked eye. On full-spectrum cameras, it produces sharp, punchy monochrome images with classic glowing white foliage and deep black skies. Light loss is minimal (about 2 stops), allowing for handheld shooting. But on standard Cameras, it functions similarly to a strong ND filter, requiring long exposures (often 30 seconds or more) and a tripod to achieve the infrared effect.
While its high price and lack of smaller sizes (only 67mm to 82mm) may deter hobbyists, the ruggedness and magnetic convenience of the Kase Revolution IR720 make it a top choice for those who need to work fast in the field without compromising on image quality.
See our full Kase Revolution Magnetic Infrared (IR720) filter review
Best variable infrared filter
The Fotga 530nm–750nm Adjustable Infrared Filter is a budget-oriented filter for those wishing to explore both color and monochrome infrared photography. Its primary appeal is its versatility, allowing users to shift through various parts of the infrared spectrum by simply rotating the outer ring.
It operates similarly to a variable neutral density (VND) filter. By rotating the frame, you can adjust the cutoff between 530nm (best for vibrant 'false color' IR with orange and blue hues) and 750nm (ideal for deep, high-contrast black-and-white shots).
While the metal-and-glass construction feels decent for the price, the markings on the frame are not precisely calibrated, making it fiddly to dial in exact wavelengths for consistent results. Additionally, the filter is notably thick, which can lead to vignetting on ultra-wide lenses. It also lacks the advanced multi-coatings found on premium fixed-wavelength filters.
On a full-spectrum converted camera, the filter is a fun and creative way to achieve a wide range of IR looks in a single piece of glass. However, there's little point in using it on unmodified bodies; as standard sensors block most infrared light, this filter essentially acts like a heavy ND filter combined with a red tint, resulting in extremely long exposure times and poor IR effects.
The Fotga Adjustable IR filter is a cheap and cheerful entry point for infrared enthusiasts on a tight budget. While it cannot match the optical precision or durability of professional brands like Hoya or Kase, its ability to replace a wallet full of fixed filters makes it an excellent value for those just starting to experiment with the surreal aesthetics of the infrared world.
How to choose the best infrared filter
Just like most photographic filters, such as the best ND filters or the best polarizers, infrared filters come in circular or square formats. Circular filters need to be screwed onto your lens, which is more fiddly, but also more light-tight. Square filters, on the other hand, require a dedicated holder. This makes them easier to slot on and off, but adds to the expense.
A circular filter needs to be of the correct thread size for the lens you intend to use it with. Square filters are more flexible, as they can be used with different-sized lenses, just so long as you have a suitable adaptor ring (most square filters come complete with a variety of adaptor rings).
How we test infrared filters
We look at a number of different factors when testing an infrared filter's suitability for our buying guides. We check the spectrum of visible light that the filters blocks, measured in nanometres (nm), as this will tell us how strong the infrared effect is going to be. We also look at how versatile the filter is – how many thread sizes it comes in, which in layman's terms means how many lenses it's going to fit. We look at what coatings have been added to help light transmission, and also assess the quality of the filter's construction to see how well it will stand up to long-term use.
Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World
