Hoya started out in 1941 in Tokyo as a global med-tech and technology company and is presently the world’s largest supplier of optical glass, with approximately 50% of the market share for optical glass production. It should know a thing or two when it comes to creating quality filters for photography, then. I got hold of a Hoya R72 infrared filter, which is designed to block visible light and only allow a narrow band of infrared light into the camera, with wavelengths between 760 and 860nm.

The Hoya R72 can be used on standard cameras for an infrared long-exposure effect, where the light-blocking properties of the R72 lengthen the exposure time by up to several minutes, because the sensor already has an IR cut filter installed that makes it not very sensitive to IR wavelengths; however, the resulting red-tinged image has to be converted to black and white.

To properly test the Hoya R72, I got my hands on a Canon EOS R that had been converted to full-spectrum infrared photography by the experts at Advanced Camera Services, thus enabling me to shoot infrared images at much faster shutter speeds more akin to 'normal' photography.

Hoya R72 infrared filter: Specifications

Hoya R72 infrared filter: Price

I found that the list price and 'street' price of Hoya's infrared filters varied wildly. For example, in the UK, where I'm based, the 72mm version was available at the full price of £149 in one retailer I checked, but less than half that, at £72, at another online store. It clearly pays to shop around, but luckily, you won't have to, as our pricing widget below does all the price hunting for you!

Prices also varied dramatically depending on the filter thread size, with some of the larger thread sizes demanding eyewatering sums. But larger didn't necessarily always mean pricier; for example, the 55mm size actually cost less than the smaller 46mm filter, and in this instance, you might be better off buying the larger filter and using a cheap step-up ring to fit smaller lenses.

It's an equally confusing picture in the United States, where the smallest 46mm filter costs about $53, the 82mm option I tested costs $129, and the two largest options, 86mm and 95mm, jump to an eye-watering $268 and $303, respectively. That's a lot more money for only a little more glass.

So the answer to the question of whether these filters are good value for money is: it depends. The best prices I found ranged from $53 / £42 to $265 / £240. Generally, those measuring between 46mm and 77mm were not overly expensive (if you shop around), considering they come with Hoya branding and the quality I expect from the world’s largest manufacturer of optical glass. However, pricing gets a little more complicated when you go to 82mm and beyond.

Hoya R72 infrared filter: Design & Handling

The Hoya R72 looks like a fairly standard screw-in filter, aside from the fact that the optical glass is pretty much pitch black, only allowing a narrow band of infrared light between 760nm and 860nm to pass through. Hoya claims it has a light transmittance rate of 95%.

This means on standard cameras, it acts rather like a strong ND filter by blocking out light and recording long exposures, though you will have to convert to a black-and-white infrared image to avoid the unpleasant red color cast. On a modified full-spectrum camera that has had its IR cut filter removed, like the EOS R I used, you're still limited to shooting monochrome, but at much more usable 'standard' shutter speeds – fast enough to shoot handheld and without the need for a tripod.

The resulting images look more contrast-rich than standard black-and-white shots due to the way green foliage reflects IR light, giving vegetation bright white highlights, while blue skies absorb infrared and produce deep blacks.

The filter can be picked up in no less than 12 different filter thread options, so there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to get one in your lens’s native front filter thread without the need for a step-up ring.

Most standard screw-in filters typically protrude by about 3mm, but the Hoya R72 sticks out a fraction more at 4mm. This deeper build and the possibility of stacking filters together increase the chance of the black aluminum frame appearing in shot when using ultra-wide focal lengths, which could result in vignetting. However, when shooting at my Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens's widest 15mm focal length on full-frame, I couldn't see any signs of vignetting.

The Hoya R72 comes with a solid plastic hard case and has a piece of foam inside it to keep your filter protected. Hoya's hard case was one of the best I've tested, with a good balance between protection and keeping the size of the case down to make it easy to slip into your camera bag or a coat pocket. It also opens easily, which is useful when trying to fit your filter quickly before the light changes.

Hoya R72 infrared filter: Performance

The infrared-passing properties of the Hoya R72 come from the glass substrate itself, rather than relying on a coating. Speaking of coatings, the R72 is pretty scant in this department with just a single layer on each side to tame reflections. Unfortunately, the R72 doesn’t have any extra coatings for scratch resistance or to repel oil and water.

For better coatings, you could consider Hoya's sister brand Cokin, with its more premium Nuances Infrared 720, which boasts some of the best oil, water, and scratch-resistant coatings from all of the infrared filters I have tried.

The Hoya R72 only allows in a thin band of light between 760nm and 860nm, ruling out the possibility of color infrared photography, which requires a lower cut around 590nm. However, it produces exceptionally good black-and-white infrared photos. On an IR-converted camera, which has had its IR cut filter removed, you can shoot black-and-white infrared images at shutter speeds close to standard, though there is still a reduction of about two stops, turning a 1/640 sec exposure without the filter into a 1/160 sec one with it in place.

You can also use the filter on normal non-converted cameras, though this requires a much longer exposure time, so you'll be limited to exposures several minutes long because the sensor is so insensitive to IR light. I found it lengthened a standard shutter speed of 1/10 sec to 6 secs, essentially acting like a 6-stop ND filter.

As you can see from these test shots, the Hoya R72 does a great job of limiting wavelengths of light to the infrared spectrum, which provides the classic B&W infrared look, with green foliage turning white and blue skies turning a deep black.

Fine details did look a little soft with the R72 attached, though you really have to zoom in to around 200% to notice the difference. Sharpness is a little tricky to judge when it comes to infrared photography, as the contrast changes so dramatically with and without the filter attached.

Hoya R72 infrared filter: Verdict

Hoya's R72 is a decent choice for black-and-white infrared photography. Those with non-converted cameras will be restricted to long exposures, which can look quite striking and dramatic. Those with a full-spectrum converted camera will be able to shoot handheld, with shutter speeds much closer to standard.

The Hoya R72 is available in a wide range of sizes between 46mm and 95mm, though the options between 46mm and 77mm offer the best value. The cost of filter sizes of 82mm and above can be quite considerable.

While the smaller filter sizes are reasonably priced – or at least can be if you find them discounted – they don't have the strongest feature set, lacking oil and water-resistant coatings. Their rims are also quite deep at 4mm, although I didn't experience any vignetting issues.

Overall, if you can pick them up at the right price, the Hoya R72 is a solid option that offers good-quality glass and a trusted name, but lacks the advanced coatings of more expensive rivals.

Alternatives

Light pollution is caused by the bright glow of artificial lights from towns and cities. It can be a problem for photographers taking pictures at night, adding a yellow color cast, haze, and reducing sharpness and contrast in your low-light shots, whether it's cityscapes, landscapes, or astro work.

The best light pollution filters, such as Hoya’s Starscape light pollution filter, are designed to cut out specific wavelengths of light caused by artificial sodium and mercury-vapor lights – common in cities – with Hoya claiming the filter improves contrast and colors in night sky shots. I took it out after dark to test drive it and see how it performs.

Hoya Starscape Light Pollution Cut filter: Specifications

Hoya Starscape Light Pollution Cut filter: Price

The Hoya Starscape is available in a wide range of filter thread sizes. There are with nine options in all, starting at 49mm and reaching up to 82mm. At the smaller end, the 49mm option costs around $50 / £30, so it’s quite a good budget option for kit lenses or 50mm f/1.8 ‘nifty-fifties’, which also usually have a smaller filter thread.

However, the price goes up dramatically, with the 82mm version I used on my Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM costing $170 / £120. By comparison, the K&F Concept Natural Light filter costs $80 / £66 for the 82mm version, and has better features, too.

The Hoya Starscape is a little scant on features, and this is reflected in the low price point of its entry-level, smaller-thread options. It is pretty much an outlier as the only light pollution filter I have tested not to have any special coatings for water, oil, and scratch-resistance (competing filters from Rollei, K&F, Cokin, and Irix all do).

The Hoya Starscape has a fairly subtle light pollution effect. It may, therefore, be a good choice for those who aren’t quite as confident when it comes to editing, as the color cast created by the filter is really quite minimal and easy to fix.

Hoya Starscape Light Pollution Cut filter: Design & Handling

The filter frame is made from aluminum, and the 82mm version weighs 32g. The outer edge of the filter rim is smooth, though the very front is knurled to provide a little grip when screwing it onto or removing it from a lens. It doesn’t offer as much grip as the knurled outer rim of the Irix Edge Light Pollution Edge filter.

Hoya claims it has a ‘low profile’ frame, though it sticks out by 4mm when attached to the front filter thread of a lens, which is more than the 3mm frames I have tested, and could cause more vignetting when stacked with other circular filters. On the plus side, this extra depth enables a lens cap to be clipped on more easily.

In addition to being available as a circular filter, it can also be purchased as a 100x100mm square filter for slot-in filter holders, allowing multiple filters to be stacked together with ease.

The glass is optically colored rather than dyed, which is a good thing, but there is only a single anti-reflective coating on each side of the filter. I’ve become accustomed to even budget filters having multiple coatings to help with things like oil, water, and scratch resistance, so I found it disappointing to see this filter offering so little on the coatings side.

A bit of a nitpick here, but the filter also produced an audible squeak when screwing it into my lens’s front filter thread, which wasn’t ideal when trying to keep a low profile shooting at night. It must be something to do with the metal or coating on the threads that Hoya uses, as it also happened with a Hoya R72 infrared filter I also tested. I've reviewed lots of filters and haven't experienced this with any other filters; perhaps this will lessen over time as the filter gets used more often.

Hoya Starscape Light Pollution Cut filter: Performance

Hoya claims that competing filters may attempt to reduce light pollution with coatings, which can produce a poor color shift, especially when used with wide-angle lenses. Hoya’s Starscape filters, by contrast, reduce light pollution by using the glass formula itself, and the company says that as a result, there is no color shift.

Indeed, the color shift was very minimal in my testing, which is partly due to the filter only having quite a subtle purple tint; other light pollution filters I have tested appear to have a much stronger effect. So, while the Starscape's effect was quite subtle, its colors were better than those of other filters straight out of the gate. It didn’t require as much processing to get the colors looking right when editing the Raw files, so this filter could be a good option for those less savvy with editing.

I also noticed that very fine details in my images were softer with the filter in place, though I really had to zoom in to see this difference.

Areas where the Hoya Starscape didn’t fare quite so well included its coatings, of which there is just one for anti-reflectance. There are no bells and whistles here, and the filter was a bit of an outlier as the only astro filter I have tested with no oil or water-resistant coatings, which made it more difficult to clean, and water didn’t fall off when shaken. But I suppose this reflects its budget-friendly price point.

Another minor issue is that the filter frame is quite thick, protruding by 4mm when mounted – compared to some other screw-in filters I have tried that only protrude by 3mm. This isn’t a huge problem, but it does mean you need to be a little more careful to avoid vignetting when shooting with ultra-wide-angle lenses or stacking filters.

Hoya Starscape Light Pollution Cut filter: Verdict

The Hoya Starscape is a bare-bones light pollution filter with few bells and whistles, no special oil, water, or scratch-resistant coatings, nor an ultra-thin frame, but it gets the job done, is budget-friendly, and comes in a wide range of filter thread options to suit most lenses that take a screw-in filter on the front.

Its light pollution cut isn’t as strong as the other filters I reviewed from the likes of Cokin, Rollei, K&F Concept, and Irix; however, it does a good job of combating the yellow glare from street lamps, and its files are easier to manage, with only a subtle purple color cast to deal with.

Alternatives

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.

Best infrared filters for photography

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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).

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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

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Hoya is the world’s largest manufacturer of optical glass and as well as providing glass to many lens manufacturers, it produces a huge range of filters. The Fusion One Next series was introduced in August 2021, building upon the popular Hoya Pro1D range which is designed for enthusiast and professional photographers. The new Fusion One Next series is aimed at enthusiast photographers and includes a Protector, UV and Circular Polariser, each being available in a wide range of sizes.

Hoya uses its professional-grade optical glass for the Fusion One Next CIR-PL  and applies an 18-layer coating to both side to reduce flare and ghosting while helping the filter to shed water droplets and making it easy to wipe off fingerprints. 

Meanwhile, the low-profile filter frame is made from aluminium and features a front thread to enable other filters to be attached on top.

Hoya supplies the filter in a slim plastic case. This is fairly basic but it’s useful for keeping the filter safe from scratches when it’s a in a bag with other photographic gear.

Specifications

Sizes available: 37mm, 40.5mm, 43mm, 46mm, 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, or 82mm

Mount: screw-in

Construction: aluminum and glass

Build and handling

While it doesn’t have quite the same luxurious feel as the Lee Filters Lee Elements CPL filter, the Fusion One Next Cir-PL still feels well-made, with a reassuring weight yet without being a burden. It’s worth pointing out at this point that the Hoya filter is significantly more affordable than the Lee Elements filter.

The rear mounting ring is very slightly larger than the broader adjustment ring, which makes it easy to thread the filter onto a lens, but you need to be careful to grasp the correct area when you want to remove the filter from the lens and be sure to not over-tighten. Both rings have the same ridged surface.

There’s a little less resistance in the adjustment ring’s movement than with the Lee Elements filter, and it doesn’t feel quite so smooth, but it’s unlikely to shift accidentally and does the job.

Being a screw-in filter, using the Fusion One Next Cir-PL avoids having to use a filter holder, and you can stack it with other filters, but of course a holder for rectangular filters is the only real option if you want to use graduated filters.

Performance

I tested the 82mm Fusion One Next Cir-PL which meant that I could mount it with or without step-up rings to on lenses with filter sizes up to 82mm. Mounted directly on to a lens with an 82mm thread, I was unable to spot an increase in vignetting at 24mm.

As with other polarizers, it can sometimes be hard to find the point of maximum polarization, but the Fusion One Next Cir-PL does a great job of enhancing a blue sky and bringing out clouds when the lens is pointed at around 90° to the sun. It’s also good at reducing reflection and boosting color saturation.

When I tested the Fusion One Next Cir-PL on the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S mounted on the 45.7Mp Nikon Z7 II, I was unable to see any change in image quality beyond the increase in saturation and warming of the colors.

I found the Fusion One Next Cir-PL cuts out up to around 1.3EV of light so the camera settings need to be adjusted accordingly.

Verdict

Hoya’s Fusion One Next Cir-PL is light, easy to use and available in a wide range of sizes. As usual, the cost increases with the size of the filter but they’re reasonably priced. This makes buying the largest available (82mm) and using step-up rings on smaller lenses an attractive option. 

The slim profile helps to keep vignetting at bay but it also means the mounting ring is thin you need to take care to grasp the right part when removing the filter.

Read more: 

• Best filter holders
• Best ND grad filters
• Best polarizing filters
• Best neutral density (ND) filters
• Best variable ND filters
• Best lens protection filters
• Best light pollution filters
• Best close up filters
• Camera filters explained 

Hoya is a legendary name in filters, but has always focused on the circular screw-in style. This is good for UV and protection filters that you might leave attached to your lens most or all of the time, and works well for circular polarizers, but it isn’t so convenient for shooting with high-power ND filters.

The problem is that when shooting with a DSLR, six-stop and ten-stop filters give you
a very dark or almost black viewfinder image, so you’re shooting blind. It’s therefore easiest to frame the shot, set the focus distance and work out the exposure, before simply slotting a square filter into the holder and taking your shot. Repeatedly screwing in and unscrewing a filter is more time-consuming. For lenses
in which the front element rotates during focusing, you also risk changing the focus distance while screwing the filter into place.

That said, it’s perfectly possible to shoot with high-power ND filters in place on mirrorless cameras or when using Live View, and also to adjust focusing, where the brightness of the preview image is automatically boosted.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with the quality of these Hoya ProND filters, which are available separately or as a three-piece kit with ND8, ND64 and ND1000 filters. The optical glass filter material has a metallic coating on the front and back, which aims for an even reduction throughout the entire light spectrum and into the infrared region.

The ProND filter kit can be found in these thread sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, or 82mm.

‘ACCU-ND’ coating technology seeks to deliver a completely neutral color balance. The circular frames are made from matte black anodized aluminum, which is both sturdy and avoids any unwanted reflections.

Although they’re relatively fiddly to use, the image quality delivered by these Hoya filters is excellent, the ND1000 give less color cast than filters we have tested from LEE, Cokin and SRB.

Read more:

• 10 things you need to know about camera filters
• The best neutral density filters
• The best ND grad filters
• The best polarizing filters
• The best variable ND filters
• The best protection filters for lenses
• The 50 best camera accessories

Update:
Ricoh USA has issued a statement saying that the changes announced by its global President apply to Japan along, and not to the North American market. The statement in full reads: 

The announcement made by Ricoh Imaging Co., Ltd. on January 20, 2022 regarding a revamped approach to Ricoh’s digital camera manufacturing and distribution was specific to the local market in Japan only. “Ricoh/Pentax will not change its distribution structure in North America, and the company has significant plans and goals for the North America market this year that will utilize mass production of its products,” said Kazumichi Eguchi, President, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “Customers in North America can continue to purchase Ricoh and Pentax cameras through our authorized dealers and directly via our website.”

Ricoh Europe has not as yet issued a statement on its position following the President's announcement.

Original story:
Pentax and Ricoh has announced in Japan that its cameras will move from being mass-produced models to being artisan products that will only be available online, through its own website or through "directly managed malls" at major online retailers.

In an official statement from Noboru Akahane, President and CEO of Ricoh Imaging, it is reported that Ricoh will adopt a full digital sales system for the Pentax and the Ricoh GR brands from April 1 2022 by using digital methods only and promoting the attractiveness of both brands through "workshop-like" manufacturing, in essence getting rid of the traditional mass production and mass sales structures that Ricoh is currently operating. 

As well as producing its own-branded digital cameras, Ricoh has been producing Pentax cameras since it bought the brand from Hoya back in 2011.

To achieve these changes, Ricoh will work on strengthening its online and offline contact between its customers and build a co-creation community and offering better options to its loyal fan base to try out Pentax and Ricoh products and building on a community lead front.

This will be achieved by shifting from its current sales distribution network via retail stores and move to internet only operation through Ricoh's own sales site. However, while they will give up on existing retailers, so you won't be able to buy a Pentax or Ricoh camera from cameras stores anymore, they will expand in major malls to offer demo events so the brand can expand on its customer relations on a more 1-to-1 basis than it has in the past.

Ricoh expects this move to online only to help them grasp the demand within the marketplace in a more detailed and customer lead approach, thus being able to implement customer feedback more regularly within their manufacturing process.

Ricoh also plans on expanding the Pentax and GR line-ups, with the Pentax models it plans to extend models through various customizations of its single-lens reflex variants, to reflect the needs of its customers and will plan to build a system that enables collaboration through online fan meetings.

The GR models will continue offering compact cameras and make a clear distinction in specs compared to its competitors by focusing on cameras that have high image quality, operability, and portability. To drum up more support for the GR models or encourage existing users to keep using GR models, Ricoh will revitalize the fan community through social media and interacting through offline events to strengthen the two-way relationship between the brand and its customers.

It is an interesting time for Ricoh Imaging, who have already announced further custom variants to its Pentax DSLR camera models, potentially offering sensors suited for black and white and astro-photography. 

This could be a last attempt at a business move to try and salvage what was once very popular Pentax brand and to rejuvenate an often overlooked, but perfectly brilliant Ricoh compact camera system in the GR brand. 

Ricoh's Theta family of 360 cameras is not mentioned in this announcement, nor is the Ricoh WG and G ranges of waterproof cameras.

Only time will tell, but a brand trying to connect more to its users or potential ones is always a good thing for the industry as a whole, whether it's successful for Ricoh Imaging, time will tell…

Read more:

Best Pentax cameras
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Ricoh GR III review
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Best lenses for astrophotography

Graduated filters are popular with landscape photographers for reducing the brightness of skies so that they are not overexposed and blown out. 

The new Hoya filters are unusual, however, because they fit straight to the camera lens without the vertical adjustments offered by regular square grads in filter holders.

Instead, the new Hoya ProND Grad filters have a fixed zone of transition in the center of the filter which is also softer than regular grads and will give a more progressive darkening effect which Hoya calls a ‘blender’ style. They won’t offer the positioning precision of a regular square grad but should reduce the sky exposure for better digital manipulation later.

Why make a circular grad?

Hoya is keen to push other advantages of its round grads compared to conventional square filters, such as the fact no bulky filter holders are needed and the filters are made of extremely high-quality, color-neutral optical glass.

The filters are mounted in a slim aluminium frame and can be rotated to allow for sloping or uneven horizons. A marker on the filter ring shows the point of deepest density to aid visual alignment and there is a filter thread on the front of the ring for attaching further filters or a lens cap.

The Hoya ProND Grad filters will come in 77mm and 82mm diameters, and in ND16 and ND32 densities. They will cost from £110 to £160 in the UK (US prices to follow) and will be available in July 2020.

Read more:

• Filters and why you need them
• Best graduated filters
• Best filter holders

Astro photography is increasingly popular, with even camera phone manufacturers adding long exposure astro modes to phones like the Google Pixel 4 and OnePlus 7T Pro.

But achieving the kind of sharp, star-studded skyscapes that pro astro photographers capture with an interchangeable lens camera is more difficult. The mission can be even harder when you factor in the undesirable optical effects and colour casts caused by ambient light pollution from street lamps, but now Hoya has a solution.

Like Cokin's Clearksy filters, Hoya Starscape Light-Pollution filters selectively filter out the greeny-yellow hues of light pollution to give more natural-looking nighttime and astro shots, and with the added benefit of improved image contrast. Using a filter to alter the actual exposure saves significant time trying to correct a colour cast in Photoshop, especially when working with multiple images taken to form a timelapse sequence.

Hoya Starscape filters are made in Japan from what Hoya claims is the highest quality optical glass. These round, screw-in filters attach straight to your lens’s filter thread, so no adaptor or holder required. Filter diameters range from 49mm up to 82mm, and each is mounted in a low-profile frame that should guard against possible vignetting when used on an ultra-wide lens.

What’s more, you can even stack a Starscape filter with one of Hoya’s Softon filters to increase the clarity of stars in the night sky. Softon filters accentuate the glow given off by points of light, adding even more visual impact to starry sky images.

There's just one possible fly in this pollution-cleansing ointment. Many astrophotographers like to use fast, ultra-wide lenses (check out our best lenses for astrophotography) which tend to have bulbous front lens elements that prevent the use of screw-in filters like these. But if you're using less bloated glass, Starscape filters look set to be a must-have astrophotography accessory.

Read more:

The best lenses for astrophotography

The best CCD cameras for astrophotography

The best camera, lenses and gear for shooting the night sky

10 quick tips on how to get started with astrophotography

Best head torch

Some good news on the accessory front – Hoya’s Fusion One range of filters are now available in the UK, courtesy of distributor Intro2020.

The filters have gathered some buzz among photographers as a result of winning the TIPA 2019 World Award for best accessory earlier in the year. Built from Hoya's own high-grade optical glass, they also make use of 18 layers of Super HMC multicoating for high light-transmission and resistance to flare. They’re designed to complement the high optical quality of contemporary camera lenses, ensuring sharp image transmission and excellent colour rendition across the frame.

Three types of Fusion One filter are available – a UV filter, a protector and a circular polariser. They’re stain-resistant to protect from dirt, smudges and fingerprints, and they’re also water-repellent, meaning they’re easy to clean. All this technology makes them hardy and well-suited for outdoor work – if you’re a landscape photographer who doesn’t mind a bit of rough weather, these filters are a good choice of shooting companion.

As is a Hoya trademark, they also have a low-profile filter ring, which makes them useful even for wide-angle shooting, where filters can sometimes cause vignetting issues. There’s also a front screw thread for attaching additional filters, making it easy to use multiple Fusion Ones in tandem. They’re available in various filter thread sizes, from 37mm to 82mm. 

The Hoya Fusion One filters are available now from a variety of stockists, with prices ranging from £20 to £100.

Read more:

Best protection filters for lenses

The best neutral density filters

Use a polarizing filter to cut through reflections

Infrared photography using a filter: tips and techniques