Besides the difference in aesthetics between our infrared filters, there can be a variance in the amount of light reaching the sensor. This can result in needing to dial in your exposure compensation.
Below, you will find the differences in exposure of each filter compared to that of a normal photo taken on an unconverted camera. These differences are measured in “stops,” meaning the light is either doubled or cut in half per stop.
Filter | Exposure Difference | ND / Filter Factor |
|---|---|---|
No Filter (normal photo) | 0 stops | 1 |
Full Spectrum | ~ 2 stop GAIN | ~ -4 |
550nm | ~ 1 ½ stop GAIN | ~ -3.4 |
590nm | ~ 1 â…“ stop GAIN | ~ -3.3 |
665nm | ~ â…” stop GAIN | ~ -1.5 |
720nm | ~ 0 stops | ~ 1 |
780nm | ~ 1 â…“ stop LOSS | ~ 2.5 |
850nm | ~ 1-3 stop LOSS | ~ 2-8 |
930nm | ~ 4+ stop LOSS | ~ 16+ |
1000nm | ~ 6+ stop LOSS | ~ 64+ |
The 720nm filter has about as much infrared light available as an unconverted camera has visible light, making it the easiest to expose for. Other IR filters have more or less light available.
The compensation highly depends on the specific lighting conditions used and the available IR and visible light. They can also be somewhat lens dependent, with some lenses not transmitting as much infrared as visible light (particularly in the 850nm range).
This light sensitivity is the same whether the filter is installed as a dedicated infrared conversion or used as a lens filter over a full spectrum conversion.
Light loss when using an infrared filter on an unconverted camera
The only options for infrared photography when using a normal camera are the 720nm and 850nm filters. The 590nm and 665nm let in some visible light, so when used on a stock camera, you will only pick up the visible portion of that filter, not the IR portion. The 720nm filter can have a 10-stop or more loss of light and will often require long exposures and a tripod. The 850nm filter is even darker, resulting in a 15 or more stop difference.
Infrared Filter Light Loss FAQs
How Do Infrared Filters Affect Exposure?
Infrared filters can change how much light reaches the sensor, so exposure compensation may be needed. The article explains that these differences are measured in stops, where each stop either doubles or halves the amount of light.
Which Infrared Filter Is Easiest To Expose For?
The 720nm infrared filter is the easiest to expose for because it has about as much infrared light available as an unconverted camera has visible light. The article lists the 720nm filter at about 0 stops exposure difference.
Which Infrared Filters Give A Light Gain?
The article lists Full Spectrum at about a 2-stop gain, 550nm at about a 1.5-stop gain, 590nm at about a 1â…“-stop gain, and 665nm at about a â…”-stop gain compared with a normal unconverted-camera photo.
Which Infrared Filters Cause The Most Light Loss?
Longer wavelength filters generally lose more light. The article lists 780nm at about 1⅓-stop loss, 850nm at about 1–3 stops loss, 930nm at about 4+ stops loss, and 1000nm at about 6+ stops loss.
How Much Light Loss Happens With An Infrared Filter On An Unconverted Camera?
On a normal unconverted camera, the article says a 720nm filter can cause 10 stops or more of light loss and often requires long exposures and a tripod. An 850nm filter is even darker, with 15 or more stops of difference.
