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Best Infrared Photography Effect Filters of 2026

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin

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Infrared photography effect filters are a popular accessory for photographers looking to add a unique touch to their images. These filters block visible light and allow only infrared light to pass through, resulting in a surreal and dreamlike effect. They can be used to capture stunning landscapes, portraits, and even architecture. The filters come in various strengths and can be attached to the lens of a camera, making them a convenient and affordable way to experiment with infrared photography. For those looking to add a creative twist to their photography, infrared effect filters are definitely worth considering.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter Cover #TOP 1

Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter

9.9
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MaD Camera - 72mm R85 IR Infrared Filter Cover #TOP 2

MaD Camera - 72mm R85 IR Infrared Filter

9.8
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MaD Camera - 77mm R72 IR Infrared Filter Cover #TOP 3

MaD Camera - 77mm R72 IR Infrared Filter

9.6
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Top 10 Infrared Photography Effect Filters

#TOP 1

Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter

  • Hoya
  • Y1IR72058
  • Black
  • 58 mm
Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter Cover

Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter

Features

  • Effect / Type: Infrared
  • Thread Size (mm): 58
  • Only Passes Light At 720nm (high-Red) And Above. Gives More Predictable Results Than Filter That Only Pass Infrared Light Above 850 Or 900nm
9.9
FTB Score
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#TOP 2

MaD Camera - 72mm R85 IR Infrared Filter

  • MaD Cameras
  • IR850_72
  • 72mm
MaD Camera - 72mm R85 IR Infrared Filter Cover

MaD Camera - 72mm R85 IR Infrared Filter - 850nm Premium DSLR Lens Filter for High-Contrast Black & White Photography - Ideal for Landscape & Still Life

Features

  • Unique Light And Shadow: MaD Camera's Special Effects Camera Lens Filters Are Ideal For Artistic Photography, Transforming Foliage Into Bright White (Wood Effect) And Deepening Skies Into Dramatic Black Tones.
  • Artistic Infrared Effects Filter For Camera Lens: Blocks Visible Light To Capture Infrared Wavelengths, Creating Surreal, High-Contrast Black-And-White Images. A Highly Specialized Camera Accessory.
  • Required Setup: For Best Results, Use A Tripod And Long Exposure Due To The High-Density Nature Of The Filter. RAW/NEF Processing Is Recommended.
9.8
FTB Score
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#TOP 3

MaD Camera - 77mm R72 IR Infrared Filter

  • MaD Cameras
  • 77mm
MaD Camera - 77mm R72 IR Infrared Filter Cover

MaD Camera - 77mm R72 IR Infrared Filter - 720nm Premium DSLR Lens Filter for High-Contrast Black & White Photography - Ideal for Landscape & Still Life

Features

  • Unique Light And Shadow: MaD Camera's Special Effects Camera Lens Filters Are Ideal For Artistic Photography, Transforming Foliage Into Bright White (Wood Effect) And Deepening Skies Into Dramatic Black Tones.
  • Artistic Infrared Effects Filter For Camera Lens: Blocks Visible Light To Capture Infrared Wavelengths, Creating Surreal, High-Contrast Black-And-White Images. A Highly Specialized Camera Accessory.
  • Required Setup: For Best Results, Use A Tripod And Long Exposure Due To The High-Density Nature Of The Filter. RAW/NEF Processing Is Recommended.
9.6
FTB Score
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#TOP 4 Best Hoya Photography Effect Filter

Hoya 82 mm R72 Infrared Photography Filter

  • Hoya
  • FBA_Y1IR72082
  • Black
  • 82 mm
Hoya 82 mm R72 Infrared Photography Filter Cover

Hoya 82 mm Infrared Filter R72 for Lens

The Hoya R72 Infrared Filter is designed for photography using infrared films. It only allows infrared rays above 720nm to pass through, enabling you to capture stunning images with unique effects. This filter is particularly useful in various fields, including crime detection and medical photography, where infrared imaging is essential. Additionally, it aids in detecting vegetation distribution, making it a valuable tool for environmental studies. With this filter, you can enhance your photography and explore new creative possibilities.

9.4
FTB Score
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What We Like

  • Useful for infrared photography
  • Enhances creativity in photography
  • Suitable for various professional uses
  • Detects vegetation distribution
#TOP 5

Fotga 72mm Optical Circular Adjustable Infrared Filter IR Pass Filter X-Ray Filter Variable From 530nm to 750nm Six-in-One Lens Filter

Fotga 72mm Optical Circular Adjustable Infrared Filter IR Pass Filter X-Ray Filter Variable From 530nm to 750nm Six-in-One Lens Filter Cover

Fotga 72mm Optical Circular Adjustable Infrared Filter IR Pass Filter X-Ray Filter Variable From 530nm to 750nm Six-in-One Lens Filter for Infrared Photography

Features

  • There Are Also Filters Which Are Used In Solid State (CCD Or CMOS) Video Cameras To Allow IR Due To The High Sensitivity Of Many Camera Sensors To Near-Infrared Light. These Filters Typically Have A Blue Hue To Them As They Also Sometimes Block Some Of The Light From The Shorter Visible Light And UV Wavelengths
  • Infrared Filters, Sometimes Called IR Filters Or Heat-Absorbing Filters, Are Designed To Allow IR Mid-Infrared Wavelengths While Block Visible Light. They Are Often Used In Devices With Bright Incandescent Light Bulbs (such As Slide And Overhead Projectors) To Prevent Unwanted Heating
  • You Don't Have To Carry A Bunch Of Filters For Shooting. Just One Filter, Gives You From The Range 530nm To 750nm Freely
9.4
FTB Score
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#TOP 6

MaD Camera - 55mm R85 IR Infrared Filter

  • MaD Cameras
  • IR850_55
  • 55mm
MaD Camera - 55mm R85 IR Infrared Filter Cover

MaD Camera - 55mm R85 IR Infrared Filter - 850nm Premium DSLR Lens Filter for High-Contrast Black & White Photography - Ideal for Landscape & Still Life

Features

  • Unique Light And Shadow: MaD Camera's Special Effects Camera Lens Filters Are Ideal For Artistic Photography, Transforming Foliage Into Bright White (Wood Effect) And Deepening Skies Into Dramatic Black Tones.
  • Artistic Infrared Effects Filter For Camera Lens: Blocks Visible Light To Capture Infrared Wavelengths, Creating Surreal, High-Contrast Black-And-White Images. A Highly Specialized Camera Accessory.
  • Required Setup: For Best Results, Use A Tripod And Long Exposure Due To The High-Density Nature Of The Filter. RAW/NEF Processing Is Recommended.
9.3
FTB Score
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#TOP 7

Fotga filter Optical Circular Adjustable IR Pass X-Ray Variable 530nm to 750nm Six-in-One Lens Filter for Infrared Photography

  • FOTGA
  • AA1411
  • 77 mm
  • 77mm
Fotga filter Optical Circular Adjustable IR Pass X-Ray Variable 530nm to 750nm Six-in-One Lens Filter for Infrared Photography Cover

Fotga filter Optical Circular Adjustable IR Pass X-Ray Variable 530nm to 750nm Six-in-One Lens Filter for Infrared Photography

Features

  • There Are Also Filters That Are Used In Fixed Condition (CCD Or CMOS) Video Cameras Due To The High Sensitivity Of The Camera, Many Sensors Near Infrared Light Are Possible To IR These Filters Typically Have A Blue Colour As They Sometimes Block Some Of The Light From The Shorter Visible Light And UV Wavelengths.
  • Infrared Filters, Sometimes As IR Filters Or Heat Protection Filters Are Designed To Allow IR Medium Infrared Wavelengths While Blocking Visible Light. They Are Often Used In Devices With Bright Bulbs (such As Slide And Overhead Projectors) To Prevent Unexpected Heating.
  • You Don't Have To Carry Out A Range Of Filters For Shooting. Just One Filter, Releases You From The Range Of 530nm To 750nm.
9.3
FTB Score
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#TOP 8

Hoya 49mm Infrared R72 Filter

  • Hoya
  • Y1IR72049
  • Black
  • 49 mm
Hoya 49mm Infrared R72 Filter Cover

Hoya 49mm Infrared R72 Filter

Features

  • Available In Most Popular Sizes.
9.3
FTB Score
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#TOP 9

Hoya 46mm Infrared R72 Screw-in Filter

  • Hoya
  • Y1IR72046
  • Black
  • 46 mm
Hoya 46mm Infrared R72 Screw-in Filter Cover

Hoya 46mm Infrared R72 Screw-in Filter

Features

  • Allows Only Infrared Rays Above 720nm To Pass Through
  • Filters Out The Visible Spectrum
  • Can Be Combined With Additional Filters For Creative Effects
9.1
FTB Score
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#TOP 10

Fotga 52mm Circular Infrared Filter

Fotga 52mm Circular Infrared Filter Cover

Fotga 52mm Circular Infrared Filter - IR Pass, Variable 530-750nm, Six-in-One Lens Filter for Infrared Photography

Features

  • There Are Also Filters Which Are Used In Solid State (CCD Or CMOS) Video Cameras To Allow IR Due To The High Sensitivity Of Many Camera Sensors To Near-Infrared Light. These Filters Typically Have A Blue Hue To Them As They Also Sometimes Block Some Of The Light From The Shorter Visible Light And UV Wavelengths
  • Infrared Filters, Sometimes Called IR Filters Or Heat-Absorbing Filters, Are Designed To Allow IR Mid-Infrared Wavelengths While Block Visible Light. They Are Often Used In Devices With Bright Incandescent Light Bulbs (such As Slide And Overhead Projectors) To Prevent Unwanted Heating
  • You Don't Have To Carry A Bunch Of Filters For Shooting. Just One Filter, Gives You From The Range 530nm To 750nm Freely
9.0
FTB Score
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do infrared camera filters work?

The effect works particularly well on bright, sunny days in summer, when there are plenty of photosynthesizing leaves on the trees. Most digital cameras (opens in new tab) have an infrared blocker that's great for regular photography, but obviously not for infrared work.

2. What is an IR filter in photography?

An IR filter � or IR cut filter - is a color filter blocking the infrared light. There are several good reasons for using an IR-cut filter. Using a color camera to achieve realistic colors in white light requires an IR-cut filter.

3. Are infrared filters any good?

Hoya R72 Infrared Filter This is a fairly well-regarded filter and lens company. The R72 purportedly cuts off light wavelengths shorter than 720 nanometers (actually meaning less than 50% transmittance of visible light below 720nm). It has good mechanical and optical quality.

4. How do you use infrared photo filters?

Put your camera on your tripod, and compose your image. Place the infrared filter on your camera, and use your autofocus as usual. Yes, it works just fine for infrared photos! Your light meter will work too but be sure to bracket on either end to make sure you have at least one usable exposure.

Editor's Notes

During our infrared photography effect filter research, we found 55 infrared photography effect filter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,766 customer reviews through our big data system to write the infrared photography effect filters list. We found that most customers choose infrared photography effect filters with an average price of £20.00.

The infrared photography effect filters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of infrared photography effect filters, including Hoya, MaD Cameras, FOTGA.

Written by

Kenneth Collin Avatar

Kenneth Collin

Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.