Choosing the right infrared (IR) or IR-cut filter can dramatically change your camera's performance—whether you're modifying action cams for infrared imaging, improving color fidelity on CCTV, or blocking unwanted IR for sharper daylight photos. These recommendations are based on extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert reviews to help hobbyists and pros pick the right filter for their needs.
Considerations and Methodology
How we evaluated filters
- Real-world usage: We tested filters on a range of devices—consumer DSLR/mirrorless lenses, CCTV/board cameras, action-cam mods, and some telescope setups—to judge practical fit and optical effects.
- Technical criteria: Peak/block wavelengths (nm), spectral slope, coatings (AR/IR), physical size/thread compatibility, and construction quality were all assessed.
- User feedback & expert opinion: We surveyed user reviews and specialist forums for long-term reliability, fit issues, and tweak tips.
- Price vs. performance: We weighed optical benefits against cost and ease of integration.
Why these factors matter
- Spectral behavior determines whether a filter blocks IR (to preserve color by day) or passes IR (for IR photography/night vision).
- Size and mounting decides whether a filter will fit your lens or sensor housing without adapters.
- Coatings and build affect ghosting, reflections, and durability in demanding setups.
This blend of hands-on testing, spectral checks, community insight, and value analysis produced the final rankings.
IR-Cut Dual Switcher
A very affordable pair of IR-cut switcher plates for DIY camera boards and CCTV. These dual switcher filters help restore daylight color while allowing night IR capture, and they're a practical, low-cost option for hobbyists modifying surveillance or board cameras.
The IR-Cut Dual Switcher is a no-frills, budget-friendly solution for day/night camera setups. It uses a mechanical/optical switcher arrangement to present an IR-blocking element during daytime and allow IR transmission at night—helpful for inexpensive CCTV boards and DIY mods. At this price you get basic color correction in daylight and improved night sensitivity when IR illumination is present. Limitations: sizes are small and intended for board-level mounts (not screw-in lens threads), and alignment can be fiddly. For anyone converting inexpensive modules or repairing dual-switch surveillance cameras, this is the most economical practical option.
Optolong UV/IR Cut
A high-quality UV/IR cut filter designed to block invisible wavelengths that blur images, improving sharpness and color fidelity for cameras without built-in IR protection. Well-built, optimized for imaging applications where visible-spectrum accuracy matters.
Optolong's UV/IR Cut filter is built for photographers and imagers who need accurate color and sharpness by removing the out-of-band UV and IR energy that most optics don't focus the same as visible light. The filter is carefully coated and designed to sit in front of sensors or telescopes, reducing chromatic aberration and softening caused by stray UV/IR. It's a larger, more robust (2") option that suits dedicated imaging rigs and telescopes as well as some specialty camera setups. Expect long exposure adjustments for IR-heavy scenes, and pay attention to thread/mount compatibility or use step-up rings. If image fidelity is your priority, this filter is a high-value pro-grade choice.
52mm IR 720nm
A screw-on 52mm IR720 (R72) filter that blocks visible light and passes near-infrared for classic IR photography. Well-constructed aluminum frame and optical glass make it a practical, versatile option for photographers on a budget who want true IR effects.
The 52mm IR 720nm filter provides an effective, screw-on solution for standard lenses with a 52mm thread. It blocks most visible wavelengths and passes near-IR around 720nm and above, allowing dramatic infrared landscape shots and unique tonal rendering. The aluminum frame and hardened glass help durability; however, shooting with it requires custom white balance and substantially longer exposures. Compared with small board filters, this is an easy-to-fit, reliable choice for DSLRs/mirrorless owners wanting authentic IR photography without expensive conversions. Great balance of price, build, and optical effect.
FOTGA Six-in-One IR
A creative variable IR filter that adjusts the passband from ~530nm to 750nm. It allows experimental control over how much visible light is blocked versus IR passed — attractive for creative photographers and experimenters wanting on-the-fly spectral shifts.
FOTGA's Six-in-One Adjustable IR filter is the most flexible item here, offering a compact variable filter that spans roughly 530–750nm. That lets you dial in different IR/visible balances without swapping glass—useful for creative infrared photography, testing filter effects, and on-the-spot experimentation. The index markings make repeatable settings easier. Downsides include reliance on careful exposure and white balance adjustments, and the variable design can introduce color casts or subtle vignetting on some lenses. For photographers who value experimentation and want a single versatile tool rather than multiple fixed filters, this earns our Editors' Choice for innovation and creative utility.
Comparison Overview
Quick differences and who each suits best:
- IR-Cut Dual Switcher (Best Budget Pick) — Best for DIY CCTV and board-camera mods. Extremely low cost; small board-level dimensions; good for day/night switching but not for standard lens threads.
- Optolong UV/IR Cut (Premium Choice) — Best overall for image fidelity. High-quality coatings, larger format (2") for imaging rigs and telescopes, ideal for photographers and astrophotographers wanting accurate visible-only imaging.
- 52mm IR 720nm (Best Value for Money) — Best balance for DSLR/mirrorless users. Screw-on convenience, true IR look, solid build at a modest price.
- FOTGA Six-in-One IR (Editors Choice) — Most versatile/creative tool. Variable passband for on-the-fly experimentation; great for photographers testing IR effects without multiple filters.
Best overall: If you want consistent, high-quality results for color accuracy and sharpness across cameras and optics, the Optolong UV/IR Cut is the top pick because of its coatings and construction.
Best alternatives for specific needs: For budget CCTV board mods pick the IR-Cut Dual Switcher; for dedicated IR creative photography choose the 52mm IR720 or the FOTGA variable filter depending on whether you prefer fixed fidelity or adjustable experimentation.
Final recommendation
Our review combined lab-style spectral consideration, hands-on shooting, and community feedback to surface four filters that serve different users:
- Choose Optolong UV/IR Cut if your priority is optical fidelity and you can accommodate its size and cost—it's the most reliable for preserving daylight color and sharpness.
- Choose the 52mm IR 720nm if you shoot with standard threaded lenses and want authentic infrared photography at a reasonable price.
- Choose the FOTGA Six-in-One if you enjoy experimenting and want a single, flexible filter to explore multiple IR effects.
- Choose the IR-Cut Dual Switcher if you’re on a tight budget and working with board-level cameras or dual-mode CCTV systems.
All recommendations are grounded in comparative testing, technical assessment, and user feedback—pick the one that matches your camera type and shooting goals, and expect to make exposure and white-balance adjustments when working outside the visible spectrum.