Opteka HD² 72mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter

by Opteka

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000MD8ZEI
• Item model number: OPTIR72
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #5 in Camera & Photo > Accessories > Filters > Infrared Filters
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 30, 2010

Product Description

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 "HD² 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! 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!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Infra Red Praise, October 20, 2010

By 

John Henrick (Delaware, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka HD² 72mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter (Electronics)

Having looked at articles and opinions about using infra red filters on a DSLR camera, I was put off from buying one. It seemed that it was highly recommended to only use them on a modified camera that had the internal infra red filter removed by a technician. This is not only very expensive but leaves the camera suitable only for taking infra red photos. Another camera would then be necessary for regular shots. On top of this, prices quoted for infra red filters were beyond the range of my wallet.

Then I read an article in which an infra red filter could be successfully used on an unmodified DSLR. I also found an infra red filter for less than thirty dollars. I figured it wouldn't break the bank if it didn't work. To my surprise it works very well. In all cases a tripod is a must, and either the self-timer used or a remote cord.

My camera is a Nikon D80 and the lens is a Sigma 18-250 zoom. I see no reason why the filter would not also work on the kit lens that comes with the camera. I highly recommend this filter for the enthusiast who wants to create artistic photos that almost appear like black and white negatives. And, of course, one should remember to set their camera on Black and White when taking photos with the filter.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Deeper though about this filter..., June 6, 2011

By 

San Ching - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka HD² 72mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter (Electronics)

Sorry for posting this again. I actually bought this 72mm but not 58mm filter; whereas I do believe that the funtionality should be the same.

Beside all suggested technical reminding and feeling about this filter. There is something more I need to point out:

This is a true R72 720mm filter. In ohter words, it rules out all visible spectrum completely and keep only near infrared specturm. It has be classified as a classical IR filter. In this standpoint you may not see those pretty white leaves but still blue sky, skin tone people, and some other possible color. You can say that Opteka make a high quality of real IR filter. On the other hand, with the "leaking" of visible light spectrum of Hoya R72 you have a chance to make those "colorful" IR images.

I admits that I misjudged this IR filter. I do want to produce some "colorful" IR images but with blue sky and skin tone people. However, I still like the pure IR image; thus I keep this filter and may buy another from Hoya R72 or B+W 093. Please keep in mind what kind of IR images you are interesting in. They are different and do more research!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great, but..., April 30, 2008

By 

Rob Saldana (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Opteka HD² 72mm R72 720nm Infrared X-Ray IR Filter (Electronics)

This is a nice filter. The things I can see with it are really interesting, and shooting with it is fun... to an extent.

For a Sony Nightshot camera IT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR OUTDOORS! It is as advertized indoors under less-intense light. This 720 nanometer filter is adequate for lighting in an office or home, but outdoors in full sun, it's takes shots almost as bright as a Nightshot without any filter.

Apparently, a 1000nm or 1100nm filter would work best for outdoors (like in sunny Denver or at a beach) in bright sun, but I can't seem to find anything but the 720nm on Optek's site.

For what it is, it's great. I can see though tinted windows, sunglasses and spandex (indoors or in weak or diffuse sun). However, I would have put off this purchase until getting a 1000nm first, because I think I could use it more. Bottom line: I still like it.


...I just REALLY wanted to shoot the mountains through all that Denver haze...