Opteka HD 67mm R72 720nm Infrared X Ray IR Filter
Opteka specializes in manufacturing special optical devices for the past several years, would like to take this opportunity to introduce a newly developed product called the “HD? Infrared X-Ray Effect See-Through Multi-Coated Filter”. This filter makes it possible for you to see images that are normally invisible to the human eye. It sounds like science-fiction but it isn’t; this fantastic new product has been developed using the most highly advanced optical technologies available. This filter will filter out 99% of light seen by the naked eye only allowing infrared light through so that technically the naked eye can see 100% black when the filter is in place. Multi-coating prevents light reflection, ghost light…etc, making images clearer and sharper. On your digital camcorder, turn the “Nightshot” function on – the naked eye cannot pick up the high contrast black, so with the infrared filter and Nightshot combination, for example, it will help you see in the images provided, that we ‘accidentally’ spilt some permanent ink on this document and the text is now impossible to read. However, when we attached the filter to our Sony ‘TR250PK’ camcorder, the writing is clearly legible through the ink – thus the x-ray effect! The Opteka IR Filter is also able to see through some types of clothes, for example, thin clothes, tight clothes, sundresses, swimsuits, sunglasses, and so forth. Be aware that this means that you can see a person’s body or underwear through the external garment. In other words, this filter allows you to “see through” someone’s clothes. You will be amazed with the power if you take the time to experiment and experience its capabilities for yourself. If you already have a digital camcorder with the Nightshot feature and are interested in experimenting with the X-Ray effect, this is by far the least expensive method, giving you the results you are looking for. Just screw on the filter, switch on the ‘Night’ feature, and you are ready to go!
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Opened up a new genre of photography for me
I have had this product for a few weeks now, and I am liking it more and more as I become better at infrared photography, and this has opened up a new genre of photography for me that I never really considered before.
I am no expert in this category, but I did try to do a lot of research before I purchased this lens. I mainly wanted one due to the really creative and beautiful black & white photos that I have seen taken with an infrared filter. I have purchased other Opteka filters that I liked for the quality and materials used, although they are on the pricey side.
I used this filter with a Canon Digital Rebel XTi, with a 17-85mm IS USM Canon lens, and it fit snugly. Some other filters I have tried sometimes fit very loosely, and always scares me to use them, so this was a relief for me. This filter also seems to be made of good construction quality.
Some of the research I did talked about higher-end digital cameras tend to filter out a lot of infrared light, and some people modify their cameras to remove this internal filter just for infrared photography only. I was a little worried my camera might limit the abilities of the filter, and there was little or no research I could find for my specific camera model, but the Rebel XTi seems to take really good infrared photos as far as I can tell. I usually use exposures of 30 seconds for daylight photos, and several minutes for night photos. I learned you could boost the ISO setting to shorten the exposure time (I wasn’t sure if this would work with an infrared filter). I didn’t notice any noise from reasonable settings, but I usually tried to keep the ISO setting as low as possible and increased the exposure time if shooting a still scene.
There are a few drawbacks to this filter (and possibly all infrared filters). It is sometimes hard to focus through the filter, especially at night, and even for setting up the scene it is impossible to see with the filter on, so I have had to remove the filter several times to set up the scene and lock the focus, then re-attach the filter to take the shot. Another drawback is that it is sometimes very hard (at least for me) to predict how a photo might look with IR. Some objects, such as foliage, leaves, the sky, etc, produce very lovely shots. People sometimes look bizarre though, especially their eyes and skin (sometimes you can see skin spots not normally visible and through makeup), but other times they turn out pretty well. A lot of times I find myself gambling to see how a scene might appear with the IR filter, but I am getting better at guessing as I practice more.
Overall I really love this filter. It has allowed me to be more creative, and to see the world differently.
4 Stars more fun foryour camera !
just a warning: this product does not work on all cameras.
usually newer cameras have strong filters to block out IR light.
this filter works great on my Nikon d50. but will not work on the Nikon d80 or other newer cameras.
I recommend you do your research on infrared photography before buying this filter.
The Opteka HD? 67mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter is a lot of fun.
it blocks out most visible light, making it difficult to compose you photo.
If you want something new to do with photography and photo-shop processing, then I highly recommend this filter.