Best Camera Lens Infrared Filters of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Camera lens infrared filters are an essential tool for photographers who want to capture stunning images in low light conditions. These filters work by blocking visible light and allowing only infrared light to pass through the lens. This results in stunning, high-contrast images with rich blacks and deep blues. Camera lens infrared filters come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit most camera models, and they are easy to attach and remove. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, a camera lens infrared filter is a must-have accessory for your photography kit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hoya 77mm R-72 Infrared Filter Cover #TOP 1
Hoya 77mm R-72 Infrared Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Hoya Infrared R72 Filter Cover #TOP 2
Hoya Infrared R72 Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter Cover #TOP 3
GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Camera Lens Infrared Filters

#TOP 1

Hoya 77mm R-72 Infrared Filter

Y1IR72077
Black
77mm
Hoya 77mm R-72 Infrared Filter Cover
Hoya 77mm R-72 Infrared Filter

The Hoya 77mm R-72 Infrared Filter only passes infrared rays above 720 nm, which is useful in nature, scenic, medical photography, crime detection, and detection of vegetation distribution. It's constructed with glass and has a front filter thread size and front lens cap size of 77 mm.

What We Like
Passes only infrared rays above 720 nm
Useful in nature, scenic, and medical photography, crime detection, and detection of vegetation distribution
Constructed with glass
#TOP 2

Hoya Infrared R72 Filter

Y1IR72067
Black
67mm
Hoya Infrared R72 Filter Cover
Hoya 67mm Infrared R72 Filter (Y1IR72067)

The Hoya R72 Filter is designed to block all visible light, allowing only infrared rays that are above 720nm to pass through. This feature lets you capture stunning images that reveal a unique perspective of your surroundings. You can also combine this filter with additional filters to enhance your creativity and achieve various effects in your photography. Whether you're a professional or an enthusiast, this filter offers an easy way to explore infrared photography, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary visuals.

What We Like
Filters out visible light
Allows infrared rays only
Creative filter combinations
Enhances photography creativity
#TOP 3

GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter

GREEN.L
IR720
720nm
37mm
GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter Cover
GREEN.L 37mm Infrared Filter, 37mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens

The GREEN.L Infrared Filter is a versatile tool for photographers looking to create unique effects or to control lighting. Made from high-quality optical glass, this filter offers impressive scratch resistance and durability, ensuring it lasts through many shoots. Its sturdy aviation aluminum frame adds to its longevity, making it a reliable choice for your camera gear. Additionally, it's easy to attach—simply screw it onto any lens with a 37mm thread. Just remember to adjust your camera settings to achieve the best results when using this filter.

What We Like
High-quality optical glass
Durable aluminum frame
Easy attachment
Ideal for special effects
#TOP 4

GREEN.L 49mm Infrared Filter

GREEN.L
720nm
49mm
GREEN.L 49mm Infrared Filter Cover
GREEN.L 49mm Infrared Filter, 49mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens

The GREEN.L Infrared Filter is a versatile camera lens filter designed for creating special effects, altering lighting conditions, and blocking UV and visible light. With its Multi-Resistant Nano Coating technology, the filter is not only durable but also resistant to scratches, water, oil, and dust. The well-built aviation aluminum frame ensures long-lasting performance. Easy to use, it screws onto any lens with a 49mm thread size. To achieve the best results, set a custom white balance on your camera and use manual mode with longer exposure times. The GREEN.L Infrared Filter is a must-have accessory for photographers and those in need of analytical solutions.

What We Like
Versatile
Durable
Easy to use
#TOP 5

Hoya R-72 Infrared Filter

Y1IR72052
Black
52mm
Hoya R-72 Infrared Filter Cover
Hoya 52mm R-72 Infrared Filter

The Hoya Infrared Filter is a versatile accessory for photographers looking to capture stunning infrared images. This filter is available in many popular sizes, ensuring compatibility with various camera lenses. It enhances your photography by blocking visible light while allowing infrared light to pass through, resulting in unique and dramatic effects. With this filter, you can explore creative possibilities in landscape and portrait photography, giving your images an ethereal quality. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this filter offers a convenient way to expand your photographic toolkit.

What We Like
Compatible with various sizes
Enhances infrared photography
Creates unique visual effects
Versatile for different photographers
#TOP 6

Hoya 72mm RM-72 Infrared Filter

Y1IR72072
Black
72mm
Hoya 72mm RM-72 Infrared Filter Cover
Hoya 72mm RM-72 Infrared Filter

The Hoya 72mm RM-72 Infrared Filter is designed to only pass infrared rays above 720nm, making it ideal for crime detection, medical photography, and detecting the distribution of vegetation. This filter is categorized as a camera lens infrared filter and is available in a 72mm size.

What We Like
Passes only infrared rays above 720nm
Ideal for crime detection, medical photography, and detecting the distribution of vegetation
Designed for use with camera lenses
#TOP 7

GREEN.L 30mm Infrared Filter

GREEN.L
IR720
720nm
30mm
GREEN.L 30mm Infrared Filter Cover
GREEN.L 30mm Infrared Filter, 30mm IR 720nm(R72) Filter for Camera Lens

The GREEN.L Infrared Filter is designed to enhance your photography by allowing you to create unique effects and modify lighting conditions. Its high-quality optical glass ensures scratch resistance and durability, allowing for clear images over time. The sturdy aviation aluminum frame adds to its longevity, making it a reliable choice for photographers. Additionally, it easily screws onto any lens with a 30mm thread, ensuring a hassle-free setup. Just remember to adjust your camera settings for optimal results, especially when using this filter in manual mode.

What We Like
High-quality optical glass
Durable aluminum frame
Easy installation
Ideal for special effects
#TOP 8

GREEN.L Infrared Filter

GREEN.L
720nm
52mm
GREEN.L Infrared Filter Cover
GREEN.L 52mm Infrared Filter, 52mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens

The Green-L Infrared Filter is a high-quality camera lens filter designed for creating special effects and altering lighting in photography. It is also ideal for analytical situations where UV and visible light need to be blocked. Made of professional optical glass with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating technology, this filter is anti-scratch, water repellent, and dust resistant. The tough aviation aluminum frame ensures durability, making it perfect for outdoor use. With its easy-to-use screw-on design, it can be attached to any lens with a 52mm thread size. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to set a custom white balance and use manual mode on your camera. The Green-L Infrared Filter is a versatile accessory that can enhance your photography experience.

What We Like
Special effects
Anti-scratch coating
Easy to use
#TOP 9

Urth Infrared (R72) Lens Filter

UIRPL49
49mm
Urth Infrared (R72) Lens Filter Cover
Urth 49mm Infrared (R72) Lens Filter (Plus+) — 720nm Spectrum IR Photography for Digital DSLR & SLR Camera Lens

The Urth Infrared Filter allows you to take stunning infrared photos by blocking all visible light and only letting infrared light above 720nm reach your camera sensor. This feature helps you capture high-contrast details that are usually invisible to the naked eye, enhancing your photography. The filter is made from high-quality, 20-layer nano-coated glass, ensuring excellent light transmission and clarity in your images. Additionally, its ultra-slim design prevents vignetting, offering you optimal optics for your shots. With its durable construction from tough magnalium, this filter is built to last, making it a reliable choice for any photographer.

What We Like
High-contrast infrared imaging
Exceptional image clarity
Ultra-slim design
Durable construction
#TOP 10

GREEN.L 40.5mm Infrared Filter

GREEN.L
IR720
720nm
40.5mm
GREEN.L 40.5mm Infrared Filter Cover
GREEN.L 40.5mm Infrared Filter, 40.5mm IR 720nm (R72) Filter for Camera Lens

The GREEN.L IR Filter is designed to enhance your photography by blocking UV and visible light, allowing you to create unique special effects. Made from high-quality optical glass, this filter offers impressive scratch resistance and durability, ensuring your images remain clear over time. The tough aviation aluminum frame adds to its sturdiness, making it a reliable choice for photographers. Additionally, the filter easily screws onto any camera lens with a 40.5mm thread, making it user-friendly and convenient for anyone looking to experiment with infrared photography.

What We Like
High-quality optical glass
Durable aluminum frame
Easy to install
Creates unique effects
Buying Guide Image

Why We Recommend Camera Lens Infrared Filters

Infrared light is invisible to the human eye, but can be captured by certain cameras with the use of an infrared filter. Choosing the right infrared filter for your camera lens can be a daunting task, but fear not! With a little knowledge and understanding, you can easily select the perfect filter to capture stunning, otherworldly images.

Understanding Infrared Light

First and foremost, it's important to understand what infrared light is and how it behaves. Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a longer wavelength than visible light. It's commonly associated with heat, as our skin emits infrared radiation, which is why we can feel the warmth of the sun on our faces.

In photography, infrared light can produce some truly unique and striking images. It can make plant leaves appear bright white, and can create a ghostly, ethereal effect on human subjects. However, not all cameras are capable of capturing infrared light, and those that are require the use of an infrared filter.

Choosing the Right Infrared Filter

When choosing an infrared filter, it's important to understand the difference between "hot" and "cold" filters. Hot filters are designed to block all visible light, allowing only infrared light to pass through to the camera's sensor. This can produce some stunning, otherworldly images, but it can also make it difficult to focus and compose your shots accurately.

On the other hand, cold filters allow some visible light to pass through, making it easier to focus and compose your shots. They also produce more subtle infrared effects, but are still capable of producing some truly unique images.

In general, hot filters are better suited for experienced photographers who are familiar with shooting in infrared. Cold filters, on the other hand, are a better choice for beginners or those who want more control over their shots.

Selecting the Right Filter Size

Once you've decided on a hot or cold filter, the next step is to choose the right size for your camera lens. Infrared filters are available in a range of sizes, and it's important to choose one that fits your lens properly.

To find the right size filter, you'll need to know the diameter of your lens. This is typically marked on the front of the lens, and is expressed in millimeters. Once you have this measurement, you can select a filter with the same diameter.

Conclusion

Choosing the right infrared filter for your camera can be a bit daunting, but with a little knowledge and understanding, you can easily select the perfect filter to capture stunning, otherworldly images. Remember to consider the type of filter, as well as the size, to ensure the best possible results. Happy shooting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do infrared lens filters work?

Yes, infrared (IR) lens filters are effective in reducing exposure. The amount of reduction can vary depending on the camera model, but generally, you can expect a significant drop in exposure, ranging from 6 to 10 stops.

2. Do cameras have IR filters?

Yes, digital cameras typically come with built-in IR-blocking filters to produce more natural-looking images. However, in infrared photography, photographers often use IR-transmitting filters or remove the factory IR-blocking filters to allow infrared light to pass while blocking visible and ultraviolet light.

3. What filter is used for IR photography?

The most common choice for IR photography is a 720nm filter. This filter blocks almost all visible light, allowing only a hint of the red spectrum to pass through, resulting in striking infrared images.

4. What is the difference between ND filter and infrared filter?

The main difference between a neutral density (ND) filter and an infrared (IR) filter is their impact on infrared light. Traditional ND filters do not block much IR, so they do not affect IR photography. On the other hand, IRND filters block most, if not all, IR light, making them unsuitable for capturing infrared exposures.

5. Do phone cameras have IR filters?

Many smartphones today have IR filters installed on their rear cameras to improve image quality. However, some phones may have little to no IR filtering on the front-facing camera, which can be advantageous for certain applications of infrared photography.

6. Do iPhone cameras have IR filters?

Most iPhone models have IR filters on their cameras. However, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers the option to attach an IR filter using Apple's iPhone silicone case and a 52mm, 720nm infrared filter from Spencer's Camera. This feature is exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro Max and not available on other iPhone models.

Editor's Notes

During our camera lens infrared filter research, we found 16 camera lens infrared filter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 27,353 customer reviews through our big data system to write the camera lens infrared filters list. We found that most customers choose camera lens infrared filters with an average price of $37.54.

The camera lens infrared filters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of camera lens infrared filters, including Hoya, GREEN.L, Urth.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.