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Lens Hotspot Database

March 2, 2015
The world’s most extensive collection of lenses and their hotspot performance.

Table of Contents

Cameras and lenses generally weren’t designed for infrared use. Unfortunately, as a result, many lenses suffer from an infrared hotspot. We have compiled the world’s most extensive collection of lenses and their hotspot performance. The lists below are based on our internal tests and what others have reported. Lenses noted with an asterisk (*) have had mixed reports or only have a hotspot in limited situations. Please note: even poor performers can sometimes be used. Most hotspots only occur at smaller apertures and specific shooting angles.

Luckily, we offer AR-coated conversion filters that reduce hotspots, improving the performance of the lenses on this list. You can generally expect that with the AR coating, you will get several additional hotspot-free apertures, making some of the poor performers usable.

Please note: This list has errors, or you may find lenses listed as “poor” that you use well. That is because this is a compilation from various sources, and people have different judgements for what is acceptable. For example, a lens with a moderate hotspot at f/10some people may use it primarily at f/6 and below and think it is a fantastic lens. In contrast, someone who uses the lens around f/11 will think it is terrible, while yet another person may use it at f/11 and think the hotspot is mild and can be worked around and still think it’s a good lens. Additionally, hotspots tend to be worse with deeper IR filters, like 850nm, than the color IR filters, like 590nm. Ideally, every lens should specify the aperture range that causes hotspots, but until we get there, please take this list with a grain of salt, and if you find any errors, please let us know and we will fix them!

After you know what lens is good, order one on Amazon or eBay.

Canon EF-mount Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM (good at all apertures and very sharp)
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 USM
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 II *
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 II L USM (bad after f/16 wide, bad at f/8 zoomed)
Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye *
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 L IS USM
Canon EF 20-35mm f/2.8 L
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L
Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8 L
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L USM *
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 L
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (f/16+)
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II *
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS *
Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Canon EF Zeiss Otus 28mm f/1.4 (hotspot with 720nm and 850nm)
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II * (no hotspot but flares easily)
Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8 L USM
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM I
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM *
Canon EF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 USM
Canon EF 22-55mm f/4-5.6 USM
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 *
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM *
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM (mostly f/16 and above, better zoomed)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM *
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM II
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS
Canon EF 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 II
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM *
Canon EF 28-80mm USM
Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM *
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM *
Canon EF 35mm f/2
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1 L USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Canon EF 50-200mm f/3.5-4.5 L USM
Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8 L
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 II L *
Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8
Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro (f/16+)
Canon EF 100-300mm f/5.6 L
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM
Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 SF
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L Macro USM
Canon EF 200mm f/2 L IS USM *
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L USM *
Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM
Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM
Rokinon 24mm f/3.5 Tilt-Shift
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM (hotspot starting at f/8 at 55mm and f/16 at 250mm)
Canon EF-L 8-15mm Fisheye
Canon EF 11-24mm f/4 L
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L II
Canon TS-E 50mm f/2.8 L Macro
Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 55mm f/1.4 ZE
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 L IS
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 L II
Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS USM
Good Performers
Poor Performers
Canon RF 16mm f/2.8
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (hotspot starts at f/8-11, worst at 24mm)
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM (hotspot starts at f/8-11, worst at 70mm)
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM (hotspot starts at f/4-5.6)
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 (hotspot starting at f/8-f/11 at 70mm)
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8
Canon RF 100mm Macro f/2.8 (slight hotspot starting at f/13)

Canon EOS M-mount Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (good at f/10 or wider) *
Rokinon 8mm f/2.8 UMC Fisheye II (hotspot starting at f/5.6)
Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM (good at f/16 or wider) *
Rokinon 12mm f/2 NCS CS (hotspot starting at f/5.6)
Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 (hotspot starting at f/11 at 22mm)
Rokinon 21mm f/1.4 UMC CS (hotspot starting at f/4)
Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 (hotspot starting at f/11 at 15mm and f/22 at 45mm)
Rokinon 35mm f/1.2 UMC CS (hotpot starting at f/4)
Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro (hotspot starting at f/11)
Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3

Nikon Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye f/2.8 G ED AF DX
Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5 E ED IF AF-S Fisheye
Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 G ED AF-S DX
Nikon 12-24mm f/4 AF-S G IF-ED DX
Nikon 14mm f/2.8 AF-D ED
Nikon 20mm f/1.8 G ED (hotspot starting at f/8)
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S G IF-ED
Nikon 24mm f/1.4 G ED AF-S
Nikon 15mm f/5.6 QDC Pre-AI
Nikon 24mm f/2.8 AF-D
Nikon 16mm Fisheye f/2.8 AF-D
Nikon 24mm f/2.8 (Pre-AI, AI, AI-S)
Nikon 16mm Fisheye f/2.8 AI *
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 16-35mm f/4 G ED VR AF-S
Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR *
Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR AF-S
Nikon 25-50mm f/4 (AI, AI-S)
Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S
Nikon 35mm f/1.4 AI-S
Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 G ED-IF AF-S DX *
Nikon 35mm f/2.8 PC Pre-AI
Nikon 18mm f/3.5 AI-S
Nikon 40mm f/2.8 G AF-S DX Micro
Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D IF-ED *
Nikon 43-86mm f/3.5 AI
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G AF-S DX ED
Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI
Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 G IF ED AF-S DX *
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AI-S (severe hotspot starting at f/4)
Nikon 18-105mm f/2.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 G AF-S
Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED AF-S VR DX *
Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AI-S (hotspots at all apertures but wide open)
Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF SF-S DX
Nikon 60mm f/2.8 G AF-S ED Micro
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX
Nikon 60mm f/2.8 AF-D Micro
Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AI-S
Nikon 60mm f/2.8 AF Micro
Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF
Nikon 70-210mm f/4-5.6 AF-D (hotspot starting at f/8)
Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D
Nikon Nikkor-H 85mm f/1.8 (diffuse hotspot from f/4)
Nikon 20mm f/3.5 AI-S
Nikon 105mm f/2.8 AF Micro
Nikon 20mm f/4 * (pre-AI, AI)
Nikon 105mm f/2.8 AI-S Micro
Nikon 24mm f/2 AI-S *
Nikon 180mm f/2.8 ED AI-S
Nikon 24mm f/2.8 AF-D *
Nikon 200mm f/4 (AI, AI-S) (hotspot starting at f/8)
Nikon 24mm f/2.8 AI-S
Nikon 200mm f/4 ED AF
Nikon 24mm f/3.5 PC-E D ED
Nikon 400mm f/5.6 PC Pre-AI
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED-IF AF-S * (varies by model, bad after f/5.6)
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E
Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4 IF AF-D
Nikon 28mm f/3.5 Pre-AI
Nikon 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR AF-S
Nikon 28mm f/1.4 AF-D
Nikon 28mm f/1.8 AF-S (bad hotspot after f/5.6)
Nikon 28mm f/2 AI *
Nikon 28mm f/2.8 * (AI, AI-S)
Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AF-D *
Nikon 28mm f/3.5 (AI, AI-S)
Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-S D IF ED
NIkon 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 G
Nikon 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF ED
Nikon 35mm f/1.8 G AF-S DX * (hotspot at f/11 and above)
Nikon 35mm f/2 Pre-AI *
Nikon 35mm f/2 * (AI, AI-S)
Nikon 35mm f/2 AF-D
Nikon 35mm f/2.5 Series E AI-S
Nikon 35mm f/2.8 Pre-AI *
Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF
Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D
Nikon 35-70mm f/3.3-4.5 AF
Nikon 35-70mm f/3.5 AI
Nikon 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 S Zoom-Nikkor AI-S Macro (hotspot starting at f/11)
Nikon 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5 AF
Nikon 45mm f/2.8 GN Auto Nikkor
Nikon 45mm f/2.8 AI-P
Nikon 45mm f/2.8 D ED PC-E (very good from f/2.8 to f/11, mild hotspot starting at f/16)
Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI-S (hotspot at f/4, but at f/2.8 very good)
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF-D
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 G
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AI-S *
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF *
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-D (can start to hotspot around f/8-f/11)
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G AF-S *
Nikon 50mm f/2 (H-HC) Pre-AI *
Nikon 50mm f/2 (Pre-AI, AI) *
El Nikkor 50mm f/4 Enlarger Lens (very crisp with absolutely no flare)
Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Pre-AI *
Nikon 58mm f/1.2 Noct-Nikkor AI *
Nikon 70-80mm f/4.5-5.6 ED AF-D VR Micro
Nikon 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6 ED AF Micro
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VR AF-S
Nikon 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6 AF
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR
Nikon 80mm f/2.8 AF IF
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 D ED AF
Nikon 80-400mm f/ 4.5-5.6 G ED VR AF-S
Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S
Nikon 85mm f/1.4 IF AF-D
Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AF-D
Nikon 85mm f/2.8 PC Micro
Nikon 85mm f/2.8 PC-E Micro
Nikon 85mm f/2 (AI/AI-S)
Nikon 85mm f/2.8 (AF/AI-S)
Nikon 85mm f/2.8 D PC-E Micro
Nikon 86mm f/1.8 Pre-AI
Nikon 105mm f/1.8 AI-S
Nikon 105mm f/2 D AF DC (no hotspots to at least f/11, very sharp)
Nikon 105mm f/2.5 (Pre-AI, AI, AI-S)
Nikon 105mm f/2.5 Nikkor PC AI-S
Nikon 105mm f/2.8 G AF-S VR IF-ED
Nikon 105mm f/2.8 AF-D Micro (mild hotspot starting at f/16)
Nikon 105mm f/4 AI-S Micro
Nikon 105mm f/4.5 UV-Nikkor
Nikon 105mm f/4 Bellows
Nikon 135mm f/2 AI-S
Nikon 135mm f/2 AF DC
Nikon 135mm f/2.8 Pre-AI
Nikon 200mm f/2 ED IF (AI, AI-S)
Nikon 200mm f/2 G ED IF VR AF-S
Nikon 200mm f/4 AF-D IF ED Micro *
Nikon 200mm Nikkor Q f/4 (Pre-AI)
Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S (no hotspots but a little softer for IR)
Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ED IF AI-S
Nikon 400mm f/3.5 ED-IF (AI, AI-S)
Nikon 16-80mm f/2.8-4 DX VR
Nikon 24mm f/1.8 G ED
Nikon 70-200mm f/4 G ED
Nikon 105mm f/2.8 G IF-D VR Macro
Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 E ED VR
Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6 G AF-P DX VR
Nikon 135mm f/3.5 Pre-AI

Nikon Z-mount Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
14-30mm f/4 S (mild hotspot at f/11 and higher; excellent corner sharpness)
14-24mm f/2.8 S
20mm f/1.8 S (very good through f/8; mild hotspot at f/11 and above)
16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 (DX format)
24mm f/1.8 S
24-50mm f/4-6.3
24-70mm f/4 S (mild hotspot at f/11 and higher; more pronounced at 24mm)
24-70mm f/2.8 S
35mm f/1.8 S
24-200mm f/4-6.3
50mm f/1.8 S
50mm f/1.2 S
50mm MC f/2.8 Macro * (significant hotspot at f/8 and above)
70-200mm f/2.8 S
50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 (DX format) (good performance across the focal range through f/11)
85mm f/1.8 S
105mm MC f/2.8 VR S * (significant hotspot at f/8 and above)
24-120mm S
40mm f/2
28-75mm f/2.8
14-34mm
100-400mm

Sony E/FE-mount Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Sony E 16mm f/2.8 (hotspot starting at f/5.6) *
Sony 10-18mm f/4 OSS (mild hotspots starting at f/5.6)
Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS (good to f/16 at 35mm, goot to f/5.6 at 16mm)
Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (strong hotspot at f/8+) *
Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS (mild hotspot starting at f/5.6, works best with 590nm)
Sony G Master FE 24-70mm f/2.8
Sony E 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS (mild hotspot starting at f/7, mostly at 18mm) *
Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS
Sony E Zeiss T* 24mm f/1.8 ZA
Zeiss Batis FE 25mm f/2 (hotspots start around f/2-4)
Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS (mind hotspot starting at f/8)
Rokinon FE 35mm f/2.8
Sony FE 28mm f/2 (hotspot starts at f/8)
Sony FE 24-205mm f/4
Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6
Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G
Sigma E 30mm f/2.8 EX DN
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS
Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA (hotspot starts at f/8)
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster FE 50mm f/0.95
Sony 50mm ZA (hotspot starting at f/5.6
Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 G Master (hotspot starts at f/16)
Sony 100mm STF GM
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS (hotspot starting at f/6.3)
Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS (hotspot starting at f/12)
Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8 M Macro E-mount (good to f/8)
Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA
Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS (hotspot starting at f/13
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
Rokinon FE 135mm f/2 ED UMC
Sony 24mm GM
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II (hotspot starting at f/16)

Sony A-mount Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Sony 16-50m f/2.8 DT (hotspot starts at f/8)
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA SSM Vario-Sonnar T*
Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS (hotspot starts at f/8)
Sony Sonnar T* 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 ZA DT
Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM SAL
Sony 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 DT (mild hotspots)
Sony 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 DT *
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss T (mild hotspots but useable)
Sony 24mm f/2 Carl Zeiss T*
Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Lens (mild hotspot at f/2.8, bad after f/4)
Sony 35mm f/1.4 G
Sony 50mm f/1.4
Sony Sonnar T* 135mm f/1.8 ZA
Sony 85mm f/1.4 (mild hotspots)

Fujifilm X-mount Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Samyang 8mm f/2.8 Fisheye
Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS (hotspot at most apertures)
Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8 (mild hotspot starting at f/11) *
Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR (hotspot past f/2.8)
Fujifilm XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS (hotspot after f/8)
Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 (soft wide open, hotspot starting at f/8)
Fujifilm XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR (IR color vignetting)
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS (hotspot at most apertures)
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4
Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 (useable up to f/4)
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR
Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R (usable up to f/2.8 only)
Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 (mild hotspot starting at f/11)
Fujifilm XF 60mm f/2.4 Macro (useable up to f/5.6)
Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm
Fujifilm XF 50mm f/2 R WR
Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8 M Macro (good up to f/8)
Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR
Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS (small hotspot at f/11, bad at f/22)
Fujifilm 16-80mm

Fujifilm G-mount Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Fujifilm GF 30mm f/5.6 (hotspot starts at f/8)
Fujifilm GF 32mm f/4
Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8
Fujifilm GF 63mm f/2.8
Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 (mild hotspot starting at f/8, significant by f/16) *
Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7
Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2
Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4
Fujifilm 250mm f/4
Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6

Sigma Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Sigma 8mm f/4 EX DG Fisheye
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX HSM DC *
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD (flares, but okay with hotspots
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG II
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG I *
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM
Sigma 14mm f/2.8 EX HSM
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC *
Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG
Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM (problems when not at 18mm and 200mm)
Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG
Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro
Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG (only bad at 28-40mm)
Sigma 18mm f/3.5
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art (useable up to f/2.8)
Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Art
Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX DG
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro
Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX ASP DG Macro
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM *
Sigma AF 24mm f/2.8 Macro
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG (non-APO)
Sigma 24-50mm f/4-5.6 UC
Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 EX DG
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG *
Sigma OS 17-50mm f/2.8
Sigma 24-70mm f/3.5-5.6 UC
Sigma 24-35mm f/2 Art (hotspot starting at f/7.1)
Sigma 28mm f/2.8 EX
Sigma 28mm f/2.8 (manual focus)
Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN (E-mount)
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 (manual focus)
Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM
Sigma 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DC
Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG IF HSM
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG AF Macro *
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro (up to f/8)
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG APO HSM Macro
Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX HSM APO Macro (non DG)
Sigma 400mm f/5.6

Olympus 4/3-mount Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Olympus 7-14mm f/4 ED
Olympus 7-14 f/2.8 Pro
Olympus 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye ED
Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 ED
Olympus 11-22mm f/2.8-3.5
Olympus 12-60mm f/2.8-40 ED
Olympus 12-100 f/4 Pro
Olympus OM 28mm f/3.5
Olympus Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED
Olympus OM 50mm f/1.4
Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 ED *
Olympus 50mm f/2 ED Macro
Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 ED II *
Olympus OM 24mm f/2.8
Olympus OM 35mm f/2.8
Olympus 35mm f/3.5 Macro
Olympus 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 II
Olympus 50mm f/1.4 OM F.Zuiko
Olympus 50mm f/1.8 OM F.Zuiko
Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD
Olympus OM 55mm f/1.2
Olympus Zuiko 70-300mm f/4-5.6 ED
Olympus OM 135mm f/2.8

Panasonic Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Panasonic Leica D Summilux 25mm f/1.4 (four-thirds)
Panasonic 15-50mm f/2.8-3.5 D OIS
Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH

Micro Four-Thirds Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Olympus M ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 (hotspot after f/11) *
Olympus M. Zuiko 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 ED (hotspot starting at f/9) *
Olympus 12mm f/2
Panasonic 14-140mm f/4-5.8 (hotspots from 14-25mm) *
Olympus 12-35mm f/2.8
Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95
Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 H-H014
Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4
Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R
Olympus M. Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 (slight hotspots) *
Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED Micro
Panasonic 45-200mm f/4-5.6 G Vario MEGA O.I.S. (low contrast in IR)
Panasonic G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 H-FS014042
Olympus M. Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 ED Lens
Panasonic 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6
Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH
Olympus M. Zuiko 17mm f/2.8 (hotspot starting at f/12) *
Olympus 10-150mm f/4-5.6 ED MSC
Panasonic Leica Macro 45mm f/2.8

Pentax Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Pentax SMC-DA 14mm f/2.8 ED IF
Pentax DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL IF
Pentax SMC-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited
Pentax SMC-DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL
Pentax SMC-DA 17-70mm f/4
Pentax SMC-DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD AL IF DC WR
Pentax SMC P-FAJ 18-35mm AL (hotspots start at f/11)
Pentax FA-J 28-105mm
Pentax SMC-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Pentax SMCP-D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro
Pentax SMC-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro
Pentax SMC-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 WR
Pentax SMC-DA 50-135mm f/2.8 ED IF *
Pentax SMC-DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3
Pentax SMC-DA 55mm f/1.4 SDM *
Pentax M 20mm f/4
Pentax FA 55mm f/2.8 SDM
Pentax SMC-FA 20-35mm f/4 AL
Pentax SMC-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Pentax SMC-FA 28mm f/2.8 AL
Pentax 35mm f/3.5
Pentax SMC-FA 28-70mm f/4
Pentax 200mm f/4
Pentax SMC-FA 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6
Pentax SMC-FA 31mm f/1.8 Limited
Pentax A 35mm f/2 AL
Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited
Pentax SMC-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited
Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4
Pentax A 50mm f/1.4 MF
Pentax SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.7
Pentax A 50mm f/1.7
Pentax SMCP-A 50mm f/2
Pentax SMC-DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED
Pentax SMC-DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED WR
Pentax 55mm f/1.8 MF
Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED
Pentax SMCP-DAL 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED
Pentax SMC DA 60-250mm f/4 ED IF *
Pentax SMC P DA 70mm f/2.4
Pentax SMC-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited
Pentax FA 85mm f/1.4 *
Pentax SMC-FA 135mm f/2.8 IF
Pentax SMC-DA* 300mm f/4
Pentax SMC-FA* 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
Pentax SMC Takumar 28mm f/3.5
Pentax Super Takumar 35mm f/3.5
Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f/2
Pentax Super Takumar 35mm f/2
Pentax 50mm f/1.4 7 Element

Minolta A-mount Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Minolta 20mm f/2.8
Minolta AF DT 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 D
Minolta 24mm f/2.8 RS
Minolta AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 D
Minolta AF 24-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D
Minolta 35mm f/2 (mild hotspots)
Minolta 28mm f/2
Minolta AF 100mm f/2
Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
Minolta 35mm f/1.8 Rokkor-X
Minolta AF 28-135mm f/4-4.5 (soft at telephoto end)
Minolta 135mm f/2.8 Rokkor-X
Minolta A 35mm f/2
Minolta Rokkor MC 35mm f/2.8
Minolta AF 35-70mm f/4
Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7
Minolta AF 50 f/2.8 Macro
Minolta Maxxum AF 70-210mm f/4
Minolta 57mm f/1.4

Tokina Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Tokina 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 Fisheye Zoom
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro IF SD DX (can have some mild hotspots) *
Tokina 17mm f/3.5 RMC
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro IF SD DX II (hotspot starts at f/5.6) *
Tokina 20-35mm f/3.5 *
Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro DX
Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X
Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro DX II
Tokina AF 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro SV *
Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8
Tokina AF 28-70mm f/2.8-5.6 AT-X Pro II
Tokina 28-200mm f/3.5-6.3 SZ-X *
Tokina 14-20mm f/2

Tamron Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II *
Tamron 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD *
Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 SP AF DI LD IF
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 DI III RXD
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 SP AF XR DI-II LD IF
Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DI II LD AF
Tamron 18-50mm f/2.8
Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 DI II VC HLD (EOS M)
Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 AF XR DI II Macro
Tamron 24mm f/2.5
Tamron 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5
Tamron 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6
Tamron SP 20-40mm f/2.7-3.5 (mild hotspot)
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 DI LD IF Macro
Tamron Adaptall-2 24mm f/2.5
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 AF 72E *
Tamron SP AF 24-135 f/3.5-5.6 AD Macro
Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 SP AF DI LD IF
Tamron 28-75mm XR DI LD *
Tamron 500mm f/8 SP Macro
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 AF XR DI LD
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 DX (hotspot starting at f/11 at 17mm, no hotspots at any aperture at 50mm)
Tamron 28-105mm f/2.8 AF LD
Tamron 28-75mm DI III
Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 AF XR DI LD Macro *
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 AF LD Macro
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 AF DI LD Macro
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro (hotspot starts at f/8)
Tamron 15-30mm

Zeiss Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8
Zeiss 18mm f/3.5 ZE Distagon T*
Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZF *
Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE
Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Distagon ZF-IR
Zeiss 35mm f/2 Distagon ZE
Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 (Contax)
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar T* (Contax)
Zeiss Jena 35mm f/2.4 Flektogon
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T*
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 IR
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* ZE
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar ZF-IR
Zeiss 85mm f/2.8 (Contax)
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 T* Planar (Contax)
Zeiss 100mm f/2 ZK
Zeiss 50mm f/1.7 Planar T* (Context)
Zeiss 50mm f/2 Planar ZM T
Zeiss 50mm f/2 Makro-Planar ZE
Zeiss 100mm f/2 Mikro-Planar
Loxia Zeiss 25mm f/2.4 (mild hotspot starting at f/16)

Samsung Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Samsung NX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Samsung NX 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6

Other Lens IR Hotspot Performance

Good Performers
Poor Performers
Meike 25mm f/1.8
Voigtlander 10mm f/5.6
Asahi 35mm f/3.5 Super-Takumar
Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 (bad at all apertures and not sharp)
Asahi 55mm f/1.8 Super-Takumar SMC
Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 Heliar III
Costal Optics 60mm UV-VIS-IR APO
Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5 APO-Lanthar
Costal Optics 105mm UV-VIS-IR APO
Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 (bad at all apertures)
Contax 28mm f/2.8 Biogon
Soligor 200mm f/2.8 (mild hotspot starting around f/4)
Contax 35mm f/2 Planar
Konica 50mm f/1.4 (hotspot starting at f/4)
Contax 45mm f/2 Planar
Samyang 12mm f/2 NCS CS
Helios-40-2 85mm f/1.5
Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 SCC (hotspot starting at f/8)
Konica 40mm f/1.8
Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 (hotspot starting at f/5.6)
Konica 57mm f/1.4
Hanimar 35mm f/2.8
Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmar-R f/4 (good to f/11 at 70mm, good to f/8 at 35mm)
Pentacon 50mm f/1.8
Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux M (good to f/4)
Miranda 50mm f/1.8
Voigtlander 90mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar
Fujinon 55mm f/1.8
Leica 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M (good to f/8)
Leica APO-Telyt-M 135mm f/3.4
Leica Elmar 135mm f/4
Leica Elmarit-R 180mm f/2.8
Lensbaby II
Lensbaby 50mm f/2.8
Lensbaby 0.6X Wide Angle/Macro Conversion Lens
MTO 500mm f/8
Peleng 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye
Quantaray 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OS DI
Rokinon (Samyang, Bower, ProOptic) 35mm f/1.4
Rokinon 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC
Samyang/Rokinon 8mm f/2.8 Fisheye
Samyang 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye
Samyang 12mm f/2 (Good until f/8 with lens profile applied in Adobe CC)
Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC *
Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift
Samyang/Sirius/Cambron 18-28mm f/4-4.5
Samyang/Vivitar/Rokinon 85mm f/1.4
Soligor 21mm f/3.8
Vivitar 24mm f/2.8 MF
Voigtlander Ultra Wide-Heliar 12mm f/5.6
Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2
Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 (Good until f/8, mild to noticeable hotspot from f/8-16)
Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2
Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 II
Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5 Color Skopar
Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4
Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SL II
Voigtlander Heliar 75mm f/1.8
Zenitar MC 16mm f/2.8 Fisheye
Hasselblad HC 50-110mm f/3.5-4.5
Meike 12mm f/2.8
Meike 35mm f/1.4
Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5 MC LM (hotspot starting at f/8)
Voigtlander 35mm APO Lanthar f/2
Voigtlander 50mm APO Lanthar f/2
Voigtlander 65mm APO Lanthar (hotspot starting at f/16)
Voigtlander 110mm Macro APO Lanthar f/2.5 (hotspot starting at f/16)
Konica 28mm f/3.5 Hexanon
Konica AR 35mm f/2.8
Konica AR 135mm f/3.2 Hexanon
Konica 200mm f/3.5
Konica 200mm f/4
Vivitar 19mm f/3.5
Vivitar 200mm f/3.5 m42
Canon FD 24mm f/2.8
Canon FD 35mm f/2.8
Canon FL 85mm f/1.8
Minox Color-Minotar 35mm f/2.8
Topcor 58mm f/1.8 (hotspot starting at f/11)
YUS (Yashica) 28mm f/2.8 C/Y
YUS (Yashica) 135mm f/2.8 C/Y
Yashica 50mm f/1.8 ML C/Y (hotspot starting at f/11)

202 Responses

  1. Now that Kolari Vision is offering AR coating for the sensors the Hoot Spot list will most likely need to be revised for people who get the AR coating.

  2. Konica 50mm f1.4 — terrible hot spot all the way down to f4
    Konica 57mm ƒ1.4 — no hot spot at all

    I test by using a tree in my alley and centering the lens int he open sky just above the bright trees. My camera is 720nm A7II. No AR coating.

    1. i bought and tried the Konica 57mm f1.4. correct, absolutely no hot spots any any setting. i also needed some wide angle so i also used my zeiss zf-ir 24mm f/2.8 lens and wow, there’s a big noticeable difference in contrast and sharpness without having to pixel peep. not bad, but i want something a little better so you’ll see one for sale on ebay soon.

  3. Samyang T-S 24mm f3.5 ED AS UMC on converted to full spectrum Canon 50D.
    Outstanding resolution, no hot spot on every aperture.
    Perfect for visible and IR spectrum.
    Tested on visible light, 690nm and 720nm.

  4. On a Canon 40D with 590nM conversion, I can confirm the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX HSM DC* hotspots that start to appear at f/13 and is visible at f/22. I’d say it’s mild from examples I’ve seen posted by others from other lenses.

  5. ZEISS 50mm f/2 Planar ZM T* : No problem at all
    Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5 Color Skopar Leica M mount : No problem at all
    Just to be more precise about the FUJI XF 27mm f/2.8, it’s usable at f/4 no hot spot visible,it begins to be very faint and wide at f/5.6, very bright small hot spot at f/16.
    All the tests were done on FUJI X-Pro1 camera.

  6. I just got testing a Sigma 35mm Art lens on my Kolarivision converted 60D and experience a hot spot at all apertures smaller than F2.8. The intensity increases as the aperture size decreases and is really intolerable at F6.7 or smaller. At apertures wider than F2.8 you really have to look for it.

  7. I’ve got the Fuji 16 F 1.4 – very bad at all apertures past F2.8 and not so good at 2.8 and lower. The only good thing to say about the otherwise wonderful lens is that the hot spot does not have a hard, harsh border, and is very wide – hiding the effect a bit.

  8. I would like to see the newer Fuji lenses tested. In my limited trials, I find the Fuji 35mm F2.0 to be an excellent performer, but the autofocus tends to hunt. The 16mm 1.4 is terrible. Autofocus doesn’t work at all. The 90mm is good from 2.0 to 5.6.

  9. So I have gone crazy with testing Standard/Normal old glass over the past three months. I shoot a pair of oak trees in front of my apartment building late in the afternoon. Testing season will be done soon 🙁

    Konica AR 57mm ƒ1.4 – fantastic lens both color and IR.
    Konica AR 50mm ƒ1.4 – well defined hot spot from ƒ4
    Konica AR 50mm ƒ1.7 – clean lens, great performer
    Konica AR 50mm ƒ1.8 – hot spot looks like smudges in the imager after ƒ11, also Ninja Star
    Mamiya Sekor 55mm ƒ1.8 SX – clean lens that has smudge Hot Spot after ƒ11
    Mamiya Sekor 55mm ƒ1.8 – clean great performer
    Olympus 50mm ƒ1.4 Zuiko – Ninja Star, and bad hot spot, really bad
    Olympus 50mm ƒ3.5 Macro Zuiko – lovely performer, sharp and no hot spot
    Canon FD 50 ƒ1.8 – clean great performer
    Canon FD 50mm ƒ1.4 – one of the worst from ƒ4 on
    Minolta MD 50mm ƒ2 – visible hot spot starting at ƒ8
    Minolta 50mm ƒ1.7 Rokkor – clean nice lens
    Minolta MD 50mm ƒ1.7 Rokkor-X – clean great performer
    Minolta MD 50mm ƒ1.4 Rokkor-PG – terrible hot spot one of the worst starting at ƒ5.6
    Minolta 50mm ƒ1.7 AF – clean but the lack of live preview of aperture is a no-go
    Yashica 50mm ƒ1.5 Yashinon DS-M – Bad, really bad, one of the worst
    Nikon 50mm ƒ2 Nikkor pre-AI – clean sharp and no hot spot
    Nikon 50mm ƒ1.4 Nikkor pre-AI – not terrible just unusable after ƒ8
    Nikon GN 45mm ƒ2.8 Nikkor – crazy sharp and no hot spot.
    Fuji 55mm ƒ1.8 Fujinon – Ninja Star, nice lens otherwise with slight smudging at tine apertures
    Pentax 50mm ƒ1.8 Takumar – No hot spot, but not as sharp or interesting as the Konica/Mamiya/Minolta lenses.

    So what can we learn from all of this.

    1. The Konica 57mm ƒ1.4 is the only ƒ1.4 that I have tested that has no hot spot at all. Combine that with it’s color performance and despite my best efforts to replace it, I still find it to be a winner.

    2. The color and bokeh of the ƒ1.4 lenses all made me happy with the exception of the Ninja Star issue on the Oly. If I was not shooting IR there is not a loser among the rest.

    3. I have not tested any m39, M, Pentax 50mm ƒ1.4, Leica R or Contax lenses.

    4. Simpler design seems to make for less hot spots. Though that is not always the case. The ƒ1.8-ƒ2 lenses seem at worst to have more of a smudging issue or than the cheap Minolta 50mm ƒ2.

    5. I own too many of these lenses and need to sell off most of them.

    1. Since these test I have tested a few more.

      Pentax 50/1.4 7 element — Only the 2nd 1.4 that I have ever tested that matches the Konica 57mm. I have also tested two different versions of the Konica and both have same great results.
      Pentax 35/2 Super-Takumar — big heavy lens that delivers fantastic results.
      Konica AR 135/3.2 Hexanon – my favorite 135 of all time. This lens is light weight, compact, crazy sharp, and clean hotspot results. Crazy short focus distance, if you love shooting flowers this is an amazing lens. I also bought it for $5 out of a bargain bin!
      Konica AR 35mm ƒ2.8 – older Hexanon version and excellent results.
      Konica 28/3.5 Hexanon – Great results some hint of smudging past f11.
      Konica 200/4 — great results. I love this lens.
      Konica 200/3.5 — great results
      Vivitar 200/3.5 m42 — Fantastic lens, great Hot Spot results.
      Vivitar 19mm/3.5 — Not the sharpest lens in my kit, but clean IR results
      Canon FL 85/1.8 – a lot to love about this lens other than weight — classic all metal construction, sharp and clean IR results.
      Canon FD 24/2.8 — some smudging at ƒ11
      Canon FD 35/2.8 – very clean results
      Nikkor 35/2 Pre-Ai, really nice lens with clean results.
      Nikkor 135/3.5 Pre-Ai, clean lens, just not as sharp as some of my other 135s
      Voigtlander 35mm ƒ2.5 MC LM — hot spots at ƒ8
      Minox Color-Minotar 35mm ƒ2.8 — this is m39 converted from the legendary Minox cameras and it gives great results. Downsides are 4 sided bokeh, and fidgety to use thanks to a tiny aperture ring.
      Topcor 58mm ƒ1.8 — I have two of these and was not impressed with either. Hotspots start at around ƒ11.
      YUS (Yashica) 28/2.8 C/Y — this is simply an amazing lens — my hands down favorite 28 for any purpose.
      YUS (Yashica) 135/2.8 C/Y — next to the Konica 135/3.2 this is the best 135 I have ever tested, sharp, contrasty, and no Hot Spot issues.
      Yashica 50/1.8 ML C/Y — stay below ƒ11 and watch how you shoot with it.

      There are other lenses I have tested and to be frank was not impressed. Hot spot issues were not terrible, just not what I was looking for in terms of other results:
      Hanimar 35/2.8, Pentacon 50/1.8, Fujinon 55/1.9, Miranda 50/1.9, Pentax 35/3.5, Pentax 200/4, Minolta 35/1.8 Rokkor-X, Minolta 135/2.8 Rokkor-X, Olympus 28/3.5, Nikkor 28mm ƒ3.5 Pre-Ai.

    2. I heard nothing but good things about the Minolta 57mm f/1.4 so i got one.
      it’s true. no hot spots and nice color, but it was not sharp at all. it’s cheaper and easier to just get a point and shoot modified camera if you want this kind of softness.

    3. I can add a lens to your list. The Minola MC ROKKOR-PF 58mm f1.4. I just compared it side by side to the Konica 57 f1.4. THEY ARE BOTH COMPARABLY SUPERB. If I had to choose, I’d go with the Minolta. But they’re both very close to perfect.

  10. fujifilm 23mm f2 has NO hotspots using R72 filters at any aperture

    new lens to add, been using same a LOT

    “angry photographer” on youtube channel , thats me

    1. Find a tree with full canopy of leaves. Set camera up on tripod and aim center at a sky just above the foliage. I have an Oak that has a nice V shaped area I aim at. You want a cloudless sky – make sure the sun is not in or near the image area. Shade it out if needed. I start at minimum f16-f22 and then work back in full stops while looking through the lens. If you are going to have an issue it will be obvious at smaller apertures. Most lenses with issues lose their spot at around f4-8. If you read my earlier note I have done way to much testing.

  11. Fuji 35/2 very good at all apertures. Database re: Fujifilm lenses agrees w/ my Pro & Con experience. Thanks for publishing the database

  12. Your database shows that the OLYMPUS 12-50 has poor performance after f/9.
    The fact is : ALL 4/3 and micro 4/3 lens start to perform badly after f/8, from Diffraction Limit. No exception.

    I use 12-50 for over 1,000 images. None has hot spot.

    1. Note : Personal Opinion.

      Almost all MF lenses of film era have IR marking.
      Does that mean it have to be able to handle IR beautifully?

      If the MF is not tested on modified IR mirrorless camera, I believe that all MF lens will perform poorly because the IR ray __is designed__ to be focused at the different plane from visible light.

  13. Hello, I’d keen about what’s wrong with the Canon TS-E 24mm f3.5 L II, listed in bad performers: “Canon TS-E 24 mm f3.5 L II* (see comments for details)”. Cannot find anything in the comments here. Many thanks for your help!

  14. No dis-respect, but take this list with the proverbial grain of salt. Listed above as a “Poor performer” is the Nikkor 24mm F2.8. However, I get excellent results from my Nikkor 24mm, F2.8 on my converted D7000. Now I have the narrow filter, and shoot only in the deep 850 nm range.

    However, the Nikkor-NC Auto, 24mm F2.8 lens, all versions, is not a great lens. IR or everyday shooting. If you use that lens on any full frame camera, and compare shots side by side, you’ll see the difference in sharpness on any photograph.

    So I suspect the poor rep is based on the N or the NC version. This manual focus lens is still made new today. if any of you still want to dump one off cheap, just let me know. 🙂

    1. yes, the problem too is that i doubt people are testing every focal length on zooms and every aperture and every type of IR filter (590,665,720,850nm). so you’ll only get a general idea from this list but it’s the biggest list i’ve seen. hot spots are the most frustrating part of IR phtography.

  15. I find that Nikkor 17-55 has hot spots over f/5.6 or on times over 20 sec.
    The same with Nikkor 18-55 VR II but definitely less visible hot spots on this lens.

  16. i’d like to add to the list:
    olympus 12-100 f/4 (very bad hot spots)
    leica 8-18 f/2.8-4 (no hot spots)
    leica 12mm f/1.4 (no hot spots)

    1. I went ahead and purchased this for $125 and it performs like a champ on my 850nm converted 5D Mark III. I sold my Sigma Art 50mm for a couple reasons and one of them was the terrible hot spot.

  17. Olympus OM 21mm f/3.5 Auto-W performs well from 660nm and longer wavelengths at f11 or lower without hotspots and very little chromatic fringing at corners at f8 or higher.

        1. Well, I had one, so believe me it’s not good, this article it’s only about hotspot, probably is hotspot free, but it’s terrible otherwise…

  18. a few other aditional lensdata not in list, I take ir /uv photo’s since 2008 (modded Nikon D200): Good performers: Tokina ATX Macro 90mm f2.5 ; Tokina 17mm SL f3.5 ; Sigma EX 50mm DG; Sigma EX APo 100-300 f4 ; Sigma 180mm f3,5 APO Macro HSM; Sigma EX 15mm fisheye. Nikkor AIS 105mm f2.5 ; AIS 80-200 f4. E serie 35mm f2.5 also suberb in UV! AI Micro 55mm f3.5. Sigma EX 10-20 f3.5 does well. Samyang 14mm f2.8 UMC, IRIX 15mm f2.4 . Voiglander 40mm Ultron f2 (nikonversion) . BAd performers: Nikkor AIS 28mm f2.8 (with CRC) , Tokina ATX 12-24 f4 dx ,

    1. The 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 fisheye works well enough in the infrared, with slight corner softness and slight color fringing in high contrast. I used f/5.6

  19. Two more lenses for the list:

    Rokinon 24mm tilt-shift with full-frame Sony e-mount. No hotspots observed at all.
    Sony 70-300 G in full-frame Sony e-mount. Nasty hotspots at wide end, OK at 300 with widest aperture.

    1. Hi again, So I have just tested out my Hoyar72 77mm filter on the Tamron 24-70 g2 lens, (I taped it onto the 82mm lens and blocked the edges as best as possible.)
      Pleased to report no visible HotSpots till f22, then of course it’s quite small by then.

      Here is a link to some test files…. kolarivision.com//kolarivision.com//we.tl/t-E7UEqpiBtO

      Just ordered a 82mm R72.

      Other data (camera exp, f, iso etc in the metadata of the files).

  20. Hello friends,

    How do they behave in Infrared Photography, the next lenses: the Canon 16-35 f/2.8 III and the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II?

    Thanks for your help.

    Regards,

  21. Fujinon XF 10-24 f/4 – hot spot in the center. Rather bad…
    Fujinon XC 16-50 f3.5-5.6 – mild hot spot.

    Both tested on X Pro 1 converted to full spectrum.

  22. i get some hot pink in the center when doing faux color at f/11 with a Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar.
    i don’t notice it when doing mono IR though. that is probably why it’s in the left/good column.