Infrared – the world of invisible light
The wavelengths of the visible light spectrum, i.e., what we can see with our naked eye, range from 380nm to somewhere around 740nm, and what comes directly before is ultraviolet light and directly after is infrared light, which we both cannot see.
However, not being able to see this light with our eyes doesn't mean that it does not exist. With the HOYA R72 INFRARED filter, the photographer can make it possible to see things through the infrared spectrum, providing a whole new range of options to play around with colors leading to very interesting, sometimes stunning, and definitely truly creative results.
How the R72 INFRARED filter works
The R72 INFRARED filter does not let any wavelengths before 740nm pass through, allowing only light in the high red area and infrared spectrum to enter the lens. From 760nm to 860nm, the light transmission rate is 95%.
As infrared light is exclusively in the red color spectrum, all areas in images also appear in various red tones. In order to achieve the black and white style unique to infrared photography, setting the correct white balance is vital before shifting the image to B&W in post-processing. A major difference here is that the black and white contrast differs from the typical B&W settings in the camera or through post-processing when shooting without a filter.
Advanced photographers go one step further and work with a color post-processing technique called "false colors" to achieve very unique results which are only possible with an infrared filter.
Tips for shooting
- Works well with digital cameras, especially mirrorless cameras or DSLRS with no IR blocking filter in front of the sensor. (Please check your camera's manual).
- Due to the nature of infrared light, filter factor and exposure compensation vary widely from visible light and the result depends largely on lighting conditions.
- Can be paired with colored black and white contrast filters such as the R1 Pro (Red), Y2 Pro (Yellow), YA3 Pro (Orange) or other color filters to change the color rendition or contrast effects.
- Our guide is highly recommended for information about shooting with the HOYA R72 INFRARED filter.