Best Infrared Photography Effect Filters of 2026

Name: Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter
Brand: Hoya

Kenneth Collin

Last Updated: 5 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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

#TOP 1

Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter

9.9

Buy on Amazon Read Review

Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter

#TOP1

9.9

Read Review

#TOP 2

MaD Camera - 72mm R85 IR Infrared Filter

9.8

Buy on Amazon Read Review

MaD Camera - 72mm R85 IR Infrared Filter

#TOP2

9.8

Read Review

#TOP 3

MaD Camera - 77mm R72 IR Infrared Filter

9.6

Buy on Amazon Read Review

MaD Camera - 77mm R72 IR Infrared Filter

#TOP3

9.6

Read Review

Top 10 Infrared Photography Effect Filters

#TOP 1

Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter

Hoya

Y1IR72058

Black

58 mm

Hoya 58mm Infrared R72 Filter

9.9

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

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

Multi-Coating: Standard

Read more Read less

#TOP 2

MaD Camera - 72mm R85 IR Infrared Filter

MaD Cameras

IR850_72

72mm

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

9.8

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

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.

Precision Optical Resin: High-Quality IR Filter Material Ensures Clear Capture Of Invisible Light, Offering A Unique Avenue For Creative Photography.

For Converted & Unconverted DSLR Lens Filters: Compatible With Standard DSLR And SLR Cameras (results Vary By Sensor); An Excellent Artistic Addition To Your Collection Of Camera Filters.

Compatible Camera Lenses: This 72 Mm Filter Size Fits Many Popular DSLR Camera Brands And Lenses e.g. Compatible With Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G, Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L II, Sony FE 24–105mm f/4 G OSS, Sigma 24–70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, & Canon EF 28–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM

Read more Read less

#TOP 3

MaD Camera - 77mm R72 IR Infrared Filter

MaD Cameras

77mm

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

9.6

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

Features

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.

Precision Optical Resin: High-Quality IR Filter Material Ensures Clear Capture Of Invisible Light, Offering A Unique Avenue For Creative Photography.

For Converted & Unconverted DSLR Lens Filters: Compatible With Standard DSLR And SLR Cameras (results Vary By Sensor); An Excellent Artistic Addition To Your Collection Of Camera Filters.

Compatible Camera Lenses: This 77 Mm Filter Size Fits Many Popular DSLR Camera Brands And Lenses e.g. Compatible With Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS, Canon EF 17–40mm f/4L USM, Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S, Sigma 18–50mm f/2.8 DC DN, Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II, & Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM

Read more Read less

#TOP 4 Best Hoya Photography Effect Filter

Hoya 82 mm R72 Infrared Photography Filter

Hoya

FBA_Y1IR72082

Black

82 mm

Hoya 82 mm Infrared Filter R72 for Lens

9.4

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

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.

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

AA1410

72 mm

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

9.4

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

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

The Creative Adjustable IR Filter Is A Compact All-In-One Variable Wavelengths Filter That Adjusts The Amount Of Wavelengths With Just The Twist Of Your Wrist. The Index Marks On The Filter Let You Know Exactly The Amount Of Wavelengths At A Glance. Giving You Clear And Precise Shots At Whichever Wavelengths You Are Using. It Offers You The Freedom To Create Different Wavelengths Freely

Digital Cameras Are Usually Equipped With IR-Blocking Filters To Prevent Unnatural-Looking Images. IR-Transmitting (passing) Filters, Or Removal Of Factory IR-Blocking Filters, Are Commonly Used In Infrared Photography To Pass Infrared Light And Block Visible And Ultraviolet Light. Such Filters Appear Black To The Eye, But Are Transparent When Viewed With An IR Sensitive Device

Read more Read less

#TOP 6

MaD Camera - 55mm R85 IR Infrared Filter

MaD Cameras

IR850_55

55mm

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

9.3

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

Features

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.

Precision Optical Resin: High-Quality IR Filter Material Ensures Clear Capture Of Invisible Light, Offering A Unique Avenue For Creative Photography.

For Converted & Unconverted DSLR Lens Filters: Compatible With Standard DSLR And SLR Cameras (results Vary By Sensor); An Excellent Artistic Addition To Your Collection Of Camera Filters.

Read more Read less

#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

9.3

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

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.

The Creative Adjustable IR Filter Is A Compact All-In-One Variable Wavelength Filter That Adjusts The Amount Of Wavelengths, With Exactly The Torsion Of Your Wrist. The Index Markings On The Filter Allow You To Know Exactly The Amount Of Wavelengths At A Glance. Give Clear And Precise Shoes At Each Wavelength You Use. It Offers You The Freedom To Create Different Wavelengths Freely.

Digital Cameras Are Usually Equipped With IR Cut Filters To Prevent Unnatural Looking Images. IR Transmitting (passing) Filters, Or Removal Of The Factory IR Blocking Filters, Are Commonly Used In Infrared Photography To Pass Through Infrared Light And Block Visible And Ultraviolet Light. These Filters Appear Black Around The Eye, But Are Transparent When Viewed With An IR Sensitive Device.

Read more Read less

#TOP 8

Hoya 49mm Infrared R72 Filter

Hoya

Y1IR72049

Black

49 mm

Hoya 49mm Infrared R72 Filter

9.3

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

Features

Available In Most Popular Sizes.

#TOP 9

Hoya 46mm Infrared R72 Screw-in Filter

Hoya

Y1IR72046

Black

46 mm

Hoya 46mm Infrared R72 Screw-in Filter

9.1

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

Features

Allows Only Infrared Rays Above 720nm To Pass Through

Filters Out The Visible Spectrum

Can Be Combined With Additional Filters For Creative Effects

#TOP 10

Fotga 52mm Circular Infrared Filter

FOTGA

AA1404

49 mm

Fotga 52mm Circular Infrared Filter Cover

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

9.0

FTB Score

Buy on Amazon

Find on eBay

Features

You Don't Have To Carry A Bunch Of Filters For Shooting. Just One Filter, Gives You From The Range 530nm To 750nm Freely

Read more Read less

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

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.