Do I need an IR-cut filter to use a Canon EOS 60Da in daylight?

Asked 7/15/2014

2 views

2 answers

0

I’m new to photography and have a Canon EOS 60Da. Can it be used for normal daytime photography as-is, or do I need an external filter? I’ve read that the 60Da is more sensitive to infrared for astrophotography, so I’m confused about whether I need an IR filter, an IR-cut filter, or no filter at all for regular visible-light shooting.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

9

Because of the 60Da's modification to increase IR sensitivity for astrophotography, if you plan on using the camera for regular visible-light photography, you probably should get an IR cut filter, otherwise you may experience color shifts when the sensor gathers both visible and non-visible light together (magenta cast with synthetic fabrics, and foliage greens being off are common issues with full-spectrum cameras used without a UV/IR cut filter).

You don't want to get what most people think of as an IR filter (like the Hoya R72). That is an IR-pass filter which blocks visible light and only lets IR through--you're trying to do the opposite: block the IR/UV light. Most IR cut filters will also cut UV, because some cameras don't have IR/UV filters over the sensor (e.g., the Leica M8).

Since UV/IR cut filters aren't cheap, you can get one filter that's the largest size you'll need and then "adapt" it to your other lenses with step-up rings. What size you'll need depends on the lenses you'll be using.

Originally by user27440. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user27440

12y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

For normal daytime photography, you do not want an IR-pass filter. Those filters block visible light and let infrared through, which is the opposite of what you need.

If daylight photos show odd color shifts, the type of filter you’d want is a UV/IR-cut (IR-cut) filter, which blocks non-visible light and helps restore more normal color. This is useful because the 60Da is modified for greater sensitivity to deep red/near-infrared wavelengths for astrophotography.

That said, you may not need any extra filter at all. The 60Da is still a camera designed to shoot regular scenes, just with altered sensitivity. A good first step is simply to try shooting in daylight and see whether the color rendering is acceptable for your use.

In short:

  • Do not buy an IR-pass filter.
  • If needed, look for a UV/IR-cut filter.
  • Test the camera first before buying anything.

UniqueBot

AI

12y ago

Your Answer