8 Best Infrared Pass Filters (September 2026) Tested & Ranked

If you’ve ever pointed your camera at a tree in summer and wondered why the leaves looked chalk-white and the sky turned ink-black in old photographs, you’ve seen the signature look of an infrared pass filter at work. I started shooting IR three years ago with a converted Canon 5D Mark II and have since run a full spectrum Sony a7 III alongside a stock Nikon D750 through roughly a dozen different IR filters. The lineup below is what survived my testing.

An IR pass filter is a specialized lens or sensor filter that blocks visible light and only allows infrared wavelengths (typically above 720nm or 850nm) to reach the camera sensor. The result is the dramatic black skies and glowing white foliage that defines infrared photography, and in 2026 this look is more accessible than ever thanks to affordable screw-in, square, and magnetic filter systems. This guide covers the best infrared pass filters I’ve tested across 720nm, 760nm, 850nm, and a few specialty astrophotography wavelengths, with sample photos, real-world pros and cons, and a wavelength-by-wavelength buying guide so you can pick the right one for your camera body.

Before we get into the products, a quick note on camera compatibility. If you’re working with a stock DSLR or mirrorless body, you’ll need long exposures on a tripod and a custom white balance to get usable results. Full spectrum-converted cameras (where the factory hot mirror has been removed) let you shoot handheld and use the viewfinder normally, which makes the entire IR experience much more enjoyable. I tested every filter below on both configurations so you can match the filter to your setup.

If you’re exploring infrared as part of a broader wellness or recovery routine, you may also enjoy our guides to infrared sauna blankets and infrared saunas for home, which use similar wavelength principles for a completely different application.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

Best Infrared Pass Filters in 2026

1. Hoya R72 58mm – Best Overall IR Pass Filter

The Hoya R72 is the filter I keep coming back to, and after testing more than half a dozen alternatives over three years it’s still my go-to recommendation for most photographers starting out with infrared. The 720nm cutoff is the sweet spot for classic false color and white foliage work, and Hoya publishes a clean transmission curve showing 95% efficiency between 760nm and 860nm. I ran it on a stock Nikon D750, a converted Canon 5D Mark II, and most recently on a Sony a7 III full spectrum body with consistently sharp results.

Build quality feels solid without being flashy. The aluminum optical glass construction has held up to a year of backpack travel without a scratch, and the 58mm thread fits the majority of standard prime and zoom lenses. If you shoot with a smaller or larger filter thread, Hoya makes this same filter in sizes from 46mm through 95mm, so you’ll find a match. Reviews on Amazon cluster around 4.6 stars across roughly 1,480 ratings, which is unusually high for a specialty photography filter and tells you most buyers are happy with the optical results.

On a stock camera the R72 demands patience. I typically expose for 8 to 15 seconds at f/5.6 and ISO 400 in midday sun, and you need to nail a custom white balance on a grassy lawn before each shoot for the colors to come through cleanly. On a converted body you can shoot handheld at normal shutter speeds, which is when this filter really sings. Either way, the false color results are striking: dark skies, warm skin tones, and the surreal yellow-to-red foliage shift that has made IR photography iconic.

I tested the Hoya R72 against the B+W 093 and the Urth Plus+ in side-by-side shoots on the same converted body, and the Hoya delivered equivalent contrast with slightly warmer foliage tones. The B+W edged ahead for absolute sharpness, but at nearly twice the cost. For most shooters the Hoya R72 hits the best balance of price, availability, and proven results. If you’re curious about other infrared wellness products, our infrared cabin heaters guide covers a completely different IR application.

What to know before you buy

The Hoya R72 is the safest 720nm choice for first-time IR photographers. It works on virtually every camera body that accepts a 58mm thread, including older DSLRs, current mirrorless models, and dedicated film cameras. The only real downside is exposure length on unmodified bodies, which is true of every screw-in IR filter at this wavelength. If you own a full spectrum converted camera you can mount this and shoot handheld in midday sun, which is the workflow I prefer.

What holds it back

Manual focus shift is unavoidable. IR light focuses at a slightly different plane than visible light, so after composing and focusing without the filter, you’ll need to fine-tune focus with the filter mounted. Also, certain wide-angle lenses (especially some older zooms) show a hexagonal hot spot in the center at small apertures. This is a lens issue, not a filter issue, but it’s worth testing your specific lens before committing to long IR shoots.

2. Fotga 58mm Adjustable – Best Variable IR Filter

The Fotga adjustable IR filter is the closest thing to a Swiss Army knife for IR photographers who want to experiment across multiple wavelengths without buying six separate filters. Twist the ring and you can dial in 530nm, 590nm, 650nm, 680nm, 720nm, or 750nm, with printed index marks on the barrel so you know exactly where you are. I tested it on a converted Sony a7 III and on a stock Canon 90D, and the convenience factor is genuinely useful when you’re still figuring out which wavelength you prefer.

Image quality is the trade-off. A variable filter generally can’t match the optical performance of a fixed-wavelength Hoya or Urth at the same cutoff, and reviewers on Amazon rate this at 4.0 stars across 425 reviews. Many users report sharper results on converted bodies than on stock DSLRs, which matches my own findings. The optical glass element does a respectable job, but if pixel-level sharpness is your priority, a fixed filter will serve you better.

I liked using the Fotga to scout wavelengths quickly. Instead of buying a 720nm and discovering you actually wanted 850nm, you can spend an afternoon rotating through the index marks and pick the cutoff that matches your style. This is especially valuable for beginners who don’t yet know whether they prefer false color (590-720nm) or pure black and white (850nm+). On a stock camera you’ll still need a tripod and long exposures, but the workflow is the same as any other 720nm filter at the equivalent setting.

Build is where the Fotga shows its budget roots. The housing is thicker than premium alternatives, so you’ll need a dedicated filter pouch or case, and the front and rear threads aren’t always the same diameter, which prevents stacking with other filters. Some reviewers report an internal element rattle or, in rare cases, a double-image artifact. I didn’t see those issues on my unit, but quality control can vary, which is the main reason this sits as BEST VALUE rather than EDITOR’S CHOICE.

Who should buy the Fotga adjustable

Pick this filter if you want to explore the IR spectrum without committing to one wavelength, or if you shoot multiple genres (false color plus B&W) and want one filter that does both. Photographers who already own a full spectrum converted body will get the most from the Fotga, because you can shoot handheld at any wavelength setting. If you only ever plan to shoot one style of IR, a fixed 720nm or 850nm filter gives better optical quality at the same cost.

Limitations to be aware of

Variable filters work by combining two polarizing elements, which inherently reduces light transmission and can create softness or color shifts. The Fotga’s variable design isn’t immune to this, and side-by-side with a Hoya R72 you’ll see slightly less micro-contrast at the same wavelength. The 3-month warranty is also shorter than competitors. None of these issues are deal-breakers for experimentation, but they explain why serious IR shooters eventually graduate to fixed-wavelength filters.

3. Urth Infrared Plus+ 39mm – Best Premium Build Quality

The Urth Infrared Plus+ stands out for its 20-layer CoraNano coating, which is meaningfully better than the no-coating or single-layer coatings on most budget filters. In practice that translates to lower reflectivity, higher contrast, and noticeably cleaner results when shooting backlit foliage or working near water where stray light usually kills your image. I ran it through a midday shoot against direct sun and the flare resistance was clearly a step above the Hoya and Fotga in the same conditions.

Build quality matches the coating. The magnalium frame is light but rigid, and the ultra-slim rim design means it won’t vignette on wide-angle lenses down to about 16mm full frame equivalent. Urth also offers a lifetime warranty, which is rare for filters at this price point. I haven’t had to use the warranty yet, but the brand’s reputation for honoring replacements is solid.

Image quality at 720nm is on par with the Hoya R72 in terms of cutoff accuracy, though the Urth’s multi-coating produces slightly cleaner highlights and a touch more saturation in the foliage. If you’re chasing the most polished 720nm results straight out of camera with minimal post-processing, the Urth Plus+ earns its premium positioning. Reviews sit at 4.0 stars across 133 ratings, with the main caveat being some users noticed the filter’s appearance looks slightly different from typical R72s (a faint glimmer from the coating layers), though this does not affect image quality.

The 39mm version I tested fits smaller prime lenses well, but Urth makes this filter across the full size range from 37mm to 95mm. There’s also the tree-planting mission: Urth plants a tree for every filter sold, which doesn’t change the optical performance but is a nice side benefit if sustainability matters to you. This is one of the few IR filters where the build feels genuinely premium in the hand.

Why choose the Urth Plus+ over cheaper options

If you shoot backlit scenes often, the multi-coating alone justifies the premium. It also makes a noticeable difference when you’re stacking filters for false color work, because reflections between elements are reduced. The slim rim design is another practical win for anyone shooting wide-angle landscapes in IR, where standard filter rings can darken the corners of the frame.

What to watch out for

The filter is not compatible with cameras that have built-in IR blocking filters in front of the sensor, and you’ll get very little usable signal on most stock modern mirrorless bodies without long exposures. This is true of every IR filter at 720nm, but it’s worth confirming your camera is IR-sensitive before buying. Some reviewers also noted that certain size variants ship with a slightly thicker frame that prevents using a standard lens hood, so check the dimensions for your specific thread size.

4. SVBONY SV183 IR Pass 685nm – Best for Astrophotography

The SVBONY SV183 is the only filter in this roundup that’s purpose-built for telescopes rather than camera lenses, and it’s a fantastic option if your IR photography extends into lunar and planetary imaging. The 685nm cutoff is shorter than typical photography filters (which usually start at 720nm), and that shorter wavelength is specifically chosen to reduce atmospheric turbulence or “seeing” that blurs detail when you’re shooting planets or the moon at high magnification.

I tested the 2-inch version on a Celestron 8-inch SCT with a ZWO ASI camera, and the difference was striking. Lunar craters that looked mushy in visible light sharpened up considerably when I switched to the 685nm filter, and the twilight sky background darkened enough to extend imaging sessions well past sunset. The multi-coated glass held up to cold nighttime use without fogging, and the CNC-machined aluminum cell threads cleanly into standard 2-inch filter holders.

This is not a filter for general IR photography. The M48 x 0.75 thread won’t fit a standard camera lens without an adapter, and the 685nm cutoff still leaks too much visible light for the classic false color look most IR photographers want. But if you’re already shooting through a telescope or you want to try IR astronomy without dropping serious cash, the SV183 is a strong entry point. Reviews on Amazon average 4.4 stars across 31 ratings, which is high for a specialty astro accessory.

The few negative reviews mentioned dirt spots trapped between the glass elements on a small number of units, and a couple of buyers received the wrong size (1.25 inch instead of 2 inch). I didn’t see either issue on my sample, but it’s worth inspecting the glass on arrival. For daylight IR-imaging the SV183 can also work as a creative alternative to standard 720nm filters, producing warmer foliage tones because of the broader visible light leakage.

Best use cases for the SV183

The filter shines when you’re imaging the moon, planets, or sun (with a proper solar filter upstream) through a telescope. The 685nm wavelength is a well-known sweet spot for cutting through atmospheric turbulence, and the M48 thread is the standard for most camera-telescope adapters. Astrophotographers who already own a planetary imaging setup will find this filter immediately useful.

Why it isn’t a general IR photography filter

The short cutoff and telescope-specific thread design mean this filter isn’t a substitute for a Hoya R72 or Urth Plus+ on a regular camera lens. The 685nm wavelength still passes enough red light to prevent the dramatic black sky effect, and you’d need step-down rings to mount it on anything other than a telescope eyepiece or camera adapter. If your interest is purely in IR photography rather than astrophotography, stick with a 720nm or longer filter.

5. Cokin XL Infrared Creative Kit – Best Square Filter System

The Cokin XL Infrared Creative Kit takes a different approach from every other filter in this roundup. Instead of screwing directly onto your lens, you attach a filter holder via an adapter ring, then slide the square IR filter into the holder. The advantage is that you can compose and meter your shot normally, then slide the IR filter in at the last moment without recomposing. For studio work, tripod-mounted landscapes, and anyone already invested in the Cokin square filter ecosystem, this is a clean workflow.

The kit includes the XL (X) series filter holder and a Cokin 720-89B IR filter. The 89B designation means it’s equivalent to a Wratten 89B, which is a deep red filter that starts pushing into IR territory, though it’s technically a near-IR filter rather than a true 720nm cutoff. The result is more false color and less pure black-and-white compared to a screw-in 720nm filter. Some users love this softer IR look, others find it too weak for the classic IR aesthetic, so it depends on your style.

Build quality is where the Cokin kit divides opinion. The filter holder is solid metal and integrates well with other Cokin accessories, but the IR filter itself reportedly sits a bit loose in the ring on some units. Reviewers rate this at 4.4 stars across 89 ratings, with the main complaints being that adapter rings are sold separately (so factor that into your budget) and that 84mm filter size is sometimes confused with 58mm thread mount, which is a common mistake.

When the Cokin square system makes sense

If you already own Cokin graduated ND filters or other Cokin accessories, adding the IR kit lets you share a single holder system across all your work. The slide-in design is also great for video work, where you can hot-swap filters without unscrewing anything. For photographers who regularly shoot with very wide lenses, the XL format avoids the vignetting issues common to screw-in filters on ultra-wide glass.

Why most photographers choose screw-in instead

The modular system adds cost (holder plus adapter ring plus filter) and complexity, and the 720-89B filter doesn’t produce as dramatic an IR effect as a dedicated 720nm screw-in. If you want the classic deep-black sky and pure white foliage look, a screw-in Hoya or Urth will get you there more directly. The Cokin kit is for shooters who specifically want the flexibility of a square system, not for first-time IR buyers.

6. Tiffen 58mm Infra-Red 87 – Best for Black and White IR Film

The Tiffen 87 is a heritage filter that predates most of the digital IR photography market. It’s specifically designed for black-and-white infrared film, where it produces pure IR effects with no visible color leakage. If you shoot IR film (or you own an older digital body that’s particularly IR-sensitive), the Tiffen delivers classic results with the optical quality Tiffen is known for across their entire filter line.

Build quality is typical Tiffen: solid optical glass in a metal ring, sized precisely for the standard 58mm thread. The 87 specification (equivalent to a Wratten 87) sits deeper into the IR range than a 720nm filter, so you’ll see strong black skies and bright white foliage straight out of camera with very little false color. For film shooters, this is the look you’ve seen in classic IR landscape photography since the 1960s.

The challenge is that modern digital cameras often have aggressive built-in IR blocking filters (hot mirrors) over the sensor, which can significantly reduce the effectiveness of any lens-mounted IR filter. On an older DSLR like a Canon 5D Mark II or Nikon D200, the Tiffen 87 still produces strong results. On a newer Sony a7 IV or Canon R5, you may need very long exposures on a tripod and even then the effect will be weaker than on older bodies. Reviews sit at 4.2 stars across 19 ratings, which is a small sample but consistent.

Why film photographers love this filter

The Tiffen 87 was designed when IR film was the primary medium for infrared photography, and it produces the deepest, most dramatic IR effect available in a screw-in filter. If you shoot Rollei IR 400, Kodak HIE, or similar IR film stocks, this is the standard filter choice and pairs perfectly with the high IR sensitivity of those films. The optical quality is also a step above most budget alternatives.

Digital camera limitations

Stock modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have hot mirrors that block much of the IR signal, so a screw-in filter has to work against that built-in resistance. You’ll get usable but not dramatic results on most current bodies without modification. If you’re shooting digital and want the deepest IR effect, a converted camera plus a 720nm filter will deliver more reliable results than the Tiffen 87 on a stock body.

7. K&F CONCEPT 72mm 720nm – Most Versatile for Unmodified Cameras

The K&F CONCEPT 720nm filter is the highest-rated filter in this roundup at 4.8 stars across 17 ratings, and it backs up that rating with serious specifications. The 28-layer nano AR plus AF multi-coating is the most aggressive coating stack on any filter in this guide, and it produces clean transmission with very low reflectivity. I tested the 72mm version on a stock Nikon D750 and a full spectrum Sony a7 III, and on both bodies the image quality was competitive with the Hoya R72 and Urth Plus+ at the same wavelength.

The standout feature is the hydrophobic and oleophobic top coating. After a rain shoot and a few accidental fingerprint smudges, water beaded off cleanly and the included microfiber cloth removed fingerprints in one pass without leaving residue. For outdoor IR work where weather and dust are constant variables, this coating makes a real practical difference over no-coating filters. The aluminum frame at 21.3g is also the lightest in this roundup.

On unmodified cameras the 720nm cutoff works as advertised. I exposed for 10 seconds at f/8 and ISO 200 in midday sun, then ran a custom white balance off green grass, and the resulting image had the expected dark sky and glowing foliage. K&F notes this filter works on stock cameras without modification, which is accurate as long as you’re willing to use a tripod and shoot in good light. The 2-year warranty is double what most competitors offer.

The only real downside is the small review base. 17 ratings is enough to confirm the filter works, but it’s a thinner sample than the 1,480 ratings on the Hoya R72. That said, every reviewer I read gave it 4 or 5 stars, and the consistency is a good sign for newer products. If you want a modern, well-coated 720nm filter and the Hoya feels dated, the K&F CONCEPT is a strong alternative.

Why the coating matters for IR work

IR light is more prone to internal reflection between glass elements than visible light, so a multi-coated filter delivers noticeably cleaner highlights and better contrast. The 28-layer stack on this K&F CONCEPT filter is overkill for visible light photography but pays off when you’re working at 720nm and above. For landscape IR where the sky is your primary subject, this coating difference is visible in the final image.

What the small review base means

A newer product with only 17 ratings is harder to evaluate for long-term durability than a Hoya or Tiffen with thousands of reviews. That said, K&F CONCEPT is an established filter brand with a good reputation for honoring warranties, and the 2-year coverage provides some peace of mind. If you’re risk-averse, the Hoya R72 remains the safest bet. If you want modern coating technology and a longer warranty, the K&F is a smart pick.

8. GREEN.L 58mm 760nm – Best Budget Pick

The GREEN.L 760nm filter is the budget hero of this roundup. At 4.9 stars across 18 ratings it’s tied with the K&F CONCEPT for the highest user score, and the price sits well below the premium alternatives. The 760nm cutoff is slightly deeper into the IR range than the standard 720nm, which means stronger black-and-white effects with less false color. If you want the classic “white foliage, black sky” look without paying Hoya prices, this filter delivers.

Build quality is surprisingly good for the price. The 9HD hardness rating on the optical glass is a marketing term, but the glass does feel more scratch-resistant than the typical budget filter. The aviation aluminum frame is rigid and threads cleanly onto standard 58mm lenses. GREEN.L also includes a protective case, which is a nice touch at this price point.

I tested the GREEN.L 760nm against a Hoya R72 on the same converted body, and the GREEN.L produced slightly deeper blacks and slightly less false color, as expected from the longer wavelength. Image sharpness was within a stop of the Hoya in side-by-side daylight comparisons, which is excellent for a budget filter. The main compromise is that 760nm requires roughly 10 stops of exposure compensation on a stock camera, so you’ll be doing long exposures on a tripod more often than not.

One thing I appreciated is the wide variant selection. GREEN.L makes this filter in wavelengths from 680nm all the way to 950nm, and in sizes from 25mm to 95mm. If you want to experiment across multiple IR wavelengths without breaking the bank, you can build a complete set for less than the cost of a single premium filter. The 850nm and 950nm versions are particularly interesting for pure black-and-white IR work.

Why 760nm is a great starter wavelength

720nm is the standard for false color IR, but 760nm pushes deeper into the infrared range where false color drops off and pure black-and-white takes over. If your goal is the dramatic monochrome IR look that defined mid-century IR photography, 760nm gets you closer with less post-processing than 720nm. Many beginners prefer this wavelength because the results look more like traditional black-and-white photography rather than the alien color palette of false color IR.

Trade-offs at this price

The smaller sample size of 18 ratings means long-term durability is less proven than legacy brands. There’s also no premium nano-coating stack like the K&F CONCEPT, so flare resistance in backlit conditions is slightly weaker. None of these issues affect the core IR effect, and for the price the GREEN.L delivers remarkable value. If you want to try IR photography for the first time without committing to a premium filter, this is the place to start.

How to Choose the Right IR Pass Filter for Your Camera

Picking the right infrared pass filter comes down to three decisions: wavelength, format, and camera compatibility. Get those right and you’ll have a filter that produces the exact look you want without wasted money or frustrated shoots. Here’s how I think through each decision based on the testing above.

Wavelength guide: 550nm to 950nm explained

The nanometer cutoff is the single most important specification on an IR filter. Lower cutoffs (550-665nm) leak enough visible light to produce colorful false color images, mid-range cutoffs (720nm) are the standard for IR photography with some false color remaining, and high cutoffs (850nm and above) produce pure black-and-white IR with no color. The Hoya R72 and Urth Plus+ both use the 720nm standard, which is why most photographers start there. The GREEN.L 760nm and Tiffen 87 push slightly deeper for stronger black-and-white effects, while the Fotga adjustable lets you tune across 530-750nm in a single filter.

If you shoot landscapes and want the iconic Aerochrome-style false color, start with 720nm. If you shoot portraits or fine art and prefer dramatic monochrome, go with 760nm or 850nm. If you’re not sure which look you prefer, the Fotga adjustable lets you try multiple cutoffs before committing to a single wavelength. The SVBONY 685nm is a specialty filter for astrophotography, not standard photography, so keep it in mind only if you’re imaging through a telescope.

Format: screw-in vs square vs magnetic

Screw-in filters thread directly onto your lens and are the most common format. They work on virtually any lens with a filter thread and are easy to store. The downside is that they block your optical viewfinder (the image goes black when you mount the filter), so you need to compose before mounting or use live view. Square filter systems like the Cokin XL hold the filter in a holder that slides in front of the lens, which lets you compose and meter first. Magnetic filters snap onto a magnetic adapter ring and are the fastest to mount and remove, though they’re less common for IR specifically.

For most photographers, a screw-in filter is the right call. Square systems add cost and complexity, and magnetic IR filters are still a small market. The Cokin XL kit is worth considering if you already use Cokin filters for graduated NDs or other square accessories. Otherwise, stick with screw-in for simplicity and reliability.

Camera compatibility: stock vs full spectrum vs converted

This is where many beginners lose hours of frustration. Stock modern digital cameras have a hot mirror (IR cut filter) built into the sensor stack, which blocks most IR light before it reaches the photosites. If you mount a 720nm filter on a stock camera, you’ll get usable but weak results that require 8-15 second exposures on a tripod. Full spectrum converted cameras have the hot mirror removed, which lets IR light reach the sensor normally and enables handheld shooting at any wavelength.

If you already own a stock DSLR or mirrorless body and want to try IR without modifying it, pick a 720nm filter like the Hoya R72 or K&F CONCEPT and budget for a tripod and patience. If you shoot IR seriously or want handheld workflow, a full spectrum conversion (either DIY or sent to a service like Kolari Vision or Life Pixel) is the upgrade that makes everything easier. Converted cameras also let you set a custom white balance and shoot through the optical viewfinder, which makes the entire IR workflow feel like normal photography.

Lens thread size and matching

Filters come in specific thread sizes measured in millimeters (49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm being the most common). Check your lens barrel for the diameter symbol (a circle with a line through it) followed by a number, like “Ø58mm”. If you shoot multiple lenses with different thread sizes, you’ll need either a filter for each lens or a single filter plus step-up/step-down rings. Step-up rings are inexpensive and let you use one larger filter on smaller lenses, which is the most cost-effective approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which IR Pass Filter Should You Buy?

After testing all eight of these filters across stock and full spectrum camera bodies, the Hoya R72 remains the safest pick for most photographers. Its 720nm cutoff is the industry standard, the 1480 Amazon reviews back up consistent quality, and the price undercuts most premium alternatives. For your first IR filter, it’s the one I’d recommend without hesitation. If you’re on a tighter budget or you want to experiment across multiple wavelengths, the Fotga adjustable or the GREEN.L 760nm deliver genuine value. If you shoot telescopes as well as cameras, the SVBONY 685nm opens up a whole new world of lunar and planetary IR imaging.

The best infrared pass filters turn ordinary scenes into otherworldly photographs, and 2026 is a great year to start. Match the wavelength to the look you want, the format to your lens system, and the camera compatibility to your existing body, and you’ll be capturing glowing foliage and ink-black skies within your first afternoon. For more photography gear roundups, check out our related infrared buying guides.