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05/22/2008 10:22:03 AM · #1 |
So lets say I want to buy a HOYA IR filter.
Should I go w/ my 18-135 67mm lens, or w/ my 50mm lens to get it for? I'm thinking my kit lens would make more sense as the range of focal lengths... plus it won't be a fast exposure anyway w/ the filter on it.... anyone else have this dilemma? I guess the only reason to go w/ the 50mm one would be for shallow DOF, but I don't know if I've seen much IR photography that has very shallow DOF. |
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05/22/2008 10:23:53 AM · #2 |
| Buy the larger size and a step ring, that way you can use it with both. |
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05/22/2008 11:50:17 AM · #3 |
| What kirbic says, but be aware the unmodified nikon D80 is a poor camera for infrared :( |
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05/22/2008 12:14:12 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by marbo:
What kirbic says, but be aware the unmodified nikon D80 is a poor camera for infrared :( |
why is that?
I don't have the budget to convert, and I just wanted to experiment using a filter--is it not worth the investment even? |
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05/22/2008 12:47:22 PM · #5 |
Almost all digital cameras have a filter in front of the sensor that blocks IR. How strong it is or needs to be depends on a plethora of technical items and SWAGs.
If you want to see if your camera will do IR, try the remote test. Setup your camera on a tripod indoors and set the timer. Point your TV remote (or any IR remote) at the lens and press a button. Hold the button until the picture is done. Look at the picture. Can you see the light from your remote? |
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05/22/2008 01:04:51 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by tpbremer:
Originally posted by marbo:
What kirbic says, but be aware the unmodified nikon D80 is a poor camera for infrared :( |
why is that?
I don't have the budget to convert, and I just wanted to experiment using a filter--is it not worth the investment even? |
The D80 has a very strong ir blocking filter. Exposures will be at least 15 seconds on a very bright day, more likely 20-30. A nikon D50 will do the same in less than 1/2 second.
I have seen one or two good ir shots with a D80 but very few compared to the much better D40/D50/D70.
You would be better off getting your canon G6 converted for $300 here.
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05/22/2008 02:10:24 PM · #7 |
| I physically tore apart my D1 and took out the filter. It was a long process (didn't help that I put it back together wrong once... OOPS), but it was really easy. Plus, I believe LifePixel has tutorials for most cameras. But then you risk your own camera. I bought that D1 for $150, so I wasn't concerned, but your main camera would be a bad idea. |
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05/22/2008 02:49:14 PM · #8 |
It will require longer shutter speeds to allow enough light to get through the IR blocking filter. IR can degrade digital images so newer digital SLRs (and other digicams) have been using stronger and stronger IR blocking filters over the sensor. Some lenses (mostly those with better quality coatings) can cause "hot spots" on the image- this is mostly light reflecting off it inside the camera.
I say go ahead and get the filter for your 18- 135mm lens and go experiment. It will give you the most options for focal length. Just use a tripod with it. You will want to use a custom white balance (usually off something green like grass).
For a less expensive alternative to having your DSLR converted, I had a point and shoot converted (a six mp Fuji- proof that you can take great shots with fine detail in under ten mps). It cost less, is small and is easily carried along with my D80 so I can shoot both IR and color without carrying two bodies. You can also try to do that yourself- there are many tutorials available on the internet. This allows me to shoot IR at more normal shutter speeds and capture animals and people. But I would say for you to try the filter and decide if you want to explore IR photography further. Some get tired of IR images but I am enjoying trying to explore what you can do with it- beyond the basic tree landscapes. I have an IR gallery if you are interested: //www.pbase.com/jeffryz/infrared_gallery
Any colors beyond basic reddish and grey (maybe slight blue) tones are done in post- processing. You will not get blue skies out of the camera.
Two sites in the US that do conversions are //www.lifepixel.com or //www.maxmax.com . Maxmax did mine.
Message edited by author 2008-05-22 14:50:25. |
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05/22/2008 03:07:13 PM · #9 |
 Judi has a great tutorial on Infrared photograhy here. Has a little bit about gear but more on the how-to shoot it, how-to process it stuff.
Just thought I would throw that little plug out there as its one of the best tutorials I've seen on any site.
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05/23/2008 10:32:30 AM · #10 |
lots of info, thanks for the replies... I think I'll get the filter at some point to go out experimenting. Can't take over the G6 yet as that has become my wife's camera now. Maybe some day i'll get a more compact for her. I figured on long shutter speeds so that didn't bother me too much, but with these nature shots it seems like IR w/ a filter will only work w/ little to no wind.
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05/23/2008 04:09:22 PM · #11 |
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05/23/2008 07:37:40 PM · #12 |
| I've used a Hoya IR filter on my 50mm 1.8 lens and had good results. Some lenses will have a "hot spot" in the center, but the 50mm does well and there is no hot spot. Just my 2 cents.... |
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