Infrared - DPChallenge Forums

07/14/2005 08:09:29 PM · #1

Ok..just got a Hoya R72 infrared filter. ANY help or advice for using this thing? I have no experience with this type of photography.

Thanks!

kirbic

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

07/14/2005 08:16:33 PM · #2

A couple things...
- Tripod, remote release. Be prepared for long exposures (multiple seconds)
- Remember that IR light focuses at a slightly different point. If you focus using visible light, the focus point for IR will be slightly different.

cools98

Canon RF 24-105mm F/4L IS USM

07/14/2005 08:19:01 PM · #3

Originally posted by kirbic:

Remember that IR light focuses at a slightly different point. If you focus using visible light, the focus point for IR will be slightly different.

So where do you change the focus to according to the visible light? And if you have your focus basically at infinity, will there really be much of a change?

What type of post processing is needed for digital IR photography?

kirbic

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

07/14/2005 08:32:25 PM · #4

Originally posted by traquino98:

Originally posted by kirbic:
Remember that IR light focuses at a slightly different point. If you focus using visible light, the focus point for IR will be slightly different.

So where do you change the focus to according to the visible light? And if you have your focus basically at infinity, will there really be much of a change?

What type of post processing is needed for digital IR photography?

You need to focus slightly closer for infrared versus visible, the difference depends on the lens. Some old lenses actually have an infrared focusing mark. You focus visually, then move the focus ring until the distance that was opposite the regular focus mark is opposite the IR focus mark.
If you focus visually to infinity, in IR you will be focussed well "beyond infinity." You'll lose DoF. Experiment focussing just short of infinity.
As far as post, I'll defer to others, I've done really none of it myself in digital.

sheapod

Canon EOS-20D

07/14/2005 10:31:13 PM · #5

There are lots of different ways to post process. Surprisingly, one of the best things to do is Auto levels and auto contrast. Play with curves as well.
Open up a new channel mixer layer and swap the red and blue channels --- doesn't always work but the results are impressive when it does.
One last thing, check out marbo's portfolio. He takes some amazing infrared photos.
Good luck.
- Laura

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

07/14/2005 10:41:27 PM · #6

Thanks for all the advice so far! This is the newest thing for me..so I want to get a jump start with good advice.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

07/14/2005 11:12:39 PM · #7

Here's a great site that explains IR really well.
www.wrotniak.com
Mr. Wrotniak basically shoots Olympus cameras, but I think the information he supplies can be easily adapted to all camera makes.
He recommends auto focus and converting the image to grayscale/monochrome prior to post processing.

I'm in the market for an IR filter, but the Hoya R72 is expensive glass and I've just found that Cokin makes an 89b...I think the same as the Hoya, but it's plastic. Anyone have any experience with the Cokin, and do you get similar image quality to the glass of Hoya?

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

07/15/2005 10:55:51 PM · #8

I got my Hoya R72 for $31.15 on Ebay...cost another $6 for shipping. Alot cheaper than anything I've seen online anyplace else.

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

07/15/2005 11:07:58 PM · #9

I was under the impression from previous posts and threads here that for some reason the 20D cannot take good IR photographs. Is this wrong? I had an opportuinity to get an Hoya IR filter cheap and passed it by based on what I read here.

07/15/2005 11:10:02 PM · #10

I haven't had a good chance to check it out yet..been raining here past couple of days. I took a few, the focus is off pretty bad, but they look ok. Long exposure though...15-25 sec. from what I have been able to do so far. I'm going to work on some this weekend if I get a chance.

Message edited by author 2005-07-15 23:10:46.

07/15/2005 11:14:45 PM · #11

I read a LOT on this as I am dying to get into IR. For the 20D, it depends upon the lens. Some are good, some are not - depends upon the coating. It is possible without the major surgery of removing the internal IR pass filter. There is a list of lenses here:

//photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18698

I bought a 67mm R72 and a stepdown ring to use it on my 77mm (eBay also). Don't have it yet, so I am anxious to hear of your results Truegsht.

I have a 49mm Hoya R72 for sale. I tried it on my DiMAGE A2 - doesn't work :)

07/15/2005 11:15:43 PM · #12

Originally posted by Truegsht:

What lens are you using it on?

07/15/2005 11:22:55 PM · #13

So far..just the kit lens Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6. No hotspot like I have been told either. I'm a little curious as to why it has not shown up yet. I was told this lens was really bad for infrared, but for now I'm stuck as it is my only 58mm.

Olympus 35mm f/3.5 Macro ED Zuiko Digital

07/16/2005 12:28:04 PM · #14

Originally posted by Truegsht:

Hey, if it works, cool! I'll be trying mine on the 17-85 f4-5.6. It's not on the list, but the 24-70 2.8L is, so I got the stepdown ring today for that one. Still waiting for the R72.

Post some of your shots. I'd love to learn from your trials & errors LOL

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200 f/2.8L

07/16/2005 12:32:09 PM · #15

If you use the Hyperfocal length, and a narrow aperture I'm sure you can get the focus right for almost any landscape. I don't have expirience with it, but that's what i would do starting out.

TheStick

Olympus E-500 EVOLT

07/16/2005 01:03:54 PM · #16

I've PM'd aboutimage and some of you about getting an Infrared mentor group together. Thoughts? Ideas?

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

07/17/2005 08:25:52 AM · #17

Sounds good to me. I think it would be interesting to take on something that is not so common place around here, or at least not talked about that much.

sheapod

Canon EOS-20D

07/17/2005 12:00:00 PM · #18

I would love to take part in an IR mentorship. I take IR with a Nikon Coolpix 950, but would love to learn how to take one with my 20D, for the extra mp's if nothing else. Like Alienyst said, I've read on here that it won't work on the 20D and so I've never picked up a larger IR filter. I had no idea it depended on the lens. That's great information.
I've put this thread on my 'watch' list. I hope to learn a lot.
:-D
-Laura

07/17/2005 12:16:47 PM · #19

I'm game too! I need the Dummies version - like how to even set up an IR shot since I can't see through the viewfinder.

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

07/17/2005 12:26:21 PM · #20

Originally posted by sheapod:

Laura - the problem with the 20D, if not all recent models of all cameras, is that they have a low pass filter in it. That just means that either A. you perform surgery to remove it or B. your IR shots will involve long exposures. With a tripod and remote cable, it's no big deal, though being able to take IR handheld would be a treat LOL Seems the only way to do that is to get an old camera.

I'm just learning here and hope to be able to absorb the wisdom of someone with field experience :)

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

07/17/2005 12:38:30 PM · #21

An IR mentorship group sounds great to me...would love to be in one.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/17/2005 12:41:35 PM · #22

Include me for this as well. I've only tried look alikes in PS but would love to be able to do it in camera.

cools98