infrared lens advice

alisonclair · #1 (**permalink**) 23-11-2010, 08:45 AM

Okay, forgive me, I am not knowledgeable at all about photography - I know how to press the button but that is about it!!

Anyway. my partner has a Nikon D70 camera. Am trying to think of a xmas pressie for him. Was thinking of an infrared lens and I think it is the Wratten 89b or Hoya R72 recommended for this camera.

Now I am probably going to embarass myself, but are there different sizes, and if so which one would I need?!!

I am sorry to be such a dork, but need some advice!!

Ta

Alison

Andy Warne · #2 (**permalink**) 23-11-2010, 09:31 AM

Hi,
Yes, there are different sizes. What you are talking about is a filter rather than a lens.

You need to look at the lens your partner would use the filter on and find out what filter size it takes.
This will be written on the lens somewhere and take the form of a number marked with a symbol of a circle with a line through it.
The number is the diameter, measured in millimetres, of the front of the lens where the filter will screw into and will most likely be within the range of 52 - 72.

If that's not clear or you can't find the number let us know.

Andy

MJM · #3 (**permalink**) 23-11-2010, 11:14 AM

An infrared filter is a great idea for a present and using one can produce some striking images. You are lucky your partner has a D70 because infrared filters work with that camera but they don't work with all cameras. I get good results with my D70 but nothing at all with my D300S which has a more efficient infrared blocking filter built in.
Exposures with an infrared filter can be very long, so using a tripod is essential. If your partner hasn't got a tripod, maybe you have to buy him something extra!

eeyore · #4 (**permalink**) 23-11-2010, 11:26 AM

only thing is, is your partner interested in doing infrared photograpjhy - its fairly specialist and he might not be. Also if he is he might want something specific.

I'd tend to suggest taking him shopping for his xmas pressie - (thats what i'd prefer if my partner was buying photography kit for me) - that way you stand a far higher chance of both getting something he wants, and getting the right bit of kit for his camera/lenses

alisonclair · #5 (**permalink**) 23-11-2010, 01:59 PM

Thanks for all your replies. It really has been a help. My partner likes photography, and I think he will really like to try this. He has a tripod already, so its just something else for him to experiment with. He isn't out all day every day with his camera, but he does like to try and get different shots.

Anyway, managed to get one now. Just struggling to know what else to get him!

Thanks again

Alison