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IR filter question

M

Mike N

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Hello,

I want to buy an IR filter for my RED. I've read all the stikies concerning the filter issues and prices a long time ago. Could you please give me a fast update on which one was the best with no visible color shifts at the edges or when using wide lenses.

Can I find such a filter in 4x4 size ? I'm having a hard time finding one.

thanks,
Mike
 
Mike -

we've used the Tiffen Hot Mirror without any dramas for a while now - an absolute essential if you're going to Nd.

We have a the PV size, though. The tiffen site is probably your best bet for finding a 4x4 size.

Best of luck.
 
The Tiffen Hot Mirrors and the Formatts are roughly equal in our tests, with my personal preference going to the Formatts. Abel carries both (as well as Schneider and Rosco) and we have some nice bundled prices on filter sets on our website's RED Store.
 
Thanks guys. I'll look into it but please tell me if you know where I can find a 4x4 size also.
I heard that IR Mirrors sometimes tend to cause unwanted reflections and flares ? Are they better than the non mirror ones ?
I also remember reading than when you put the stronger an ND you have the more change you get of having IR contamination . Why is this ?

thanks,
Mike
 
Mike N said:
I also remember reading than when you put the stronger an ND you have the more change you get of having IR contamination . Why is this ?
Click to expand...

Traditional NDs don't block very much infrared, so when you use heavier NDs/polas you effectively increase the proportion of IR to visible light.

I bought the Rosco TrueIR from Mitch (above). I think they have 4x4's as well. It is a non-mirrored type, so it doesn't increase reflections between filters.
 
Read more about IR filtration and some other questions popped up.

What is the difference between a Hot mirror filter and a standard IR one ?
Are the Hot mirrors actually dichroic filters ?

I was looking at the Pancro filters. Are theirs really hot mirror filters or do they just have a special coating process for making NDs which also happens to filter out IR light ? Does this mean I can use more than one in a mattebox without fearing from reflections?

If I have a set of IR Hot mirrors + ND is it safe to put more than one in a mattebox or should I use the IRND in the first outermost tray and if I need additional ND's just use normal ones ?

Do all the IR filters with the designation Hot Mirror look like...well mirrors when you look at them ? In the product photos they look like regular transparent filters, that's why i'm asking.

Do they have both sides mirrored thus meaning they reflect light also onto the lens and not just the enviroment ?


thanks,
Mike

PS. Does Pancro have an email adress on which I can contact them ? I couldn't find any on their site .
 
Mike N said:
Read more about IR filtration and some other questions popped up.

What is the difference between a Hot mirror filter and a standard IR one ?
Are the Hot mirrors actually dichroic filters ?

I was looking at the Pancro filters. Are theirs really hot mirror filters or do they just have a special coating process for making NDs which also happens to filter out IR light ? Does this mean I can use more than one in a mattebox without fearing from reflections?

If I have a set of IR Hot mirrors + ND is it safe to put more than one in a mattebox or should I use the IRND in the first outermost tray and if I need additional ND's just use normal ones ?

Do all the IR filters with the designation Hot Mirror look like...well mirrors when you look at them ? In the product photos they look like regular transparent filters, that's why i'm asking.

Do they have both sides mirrored thus meaning they reflect light also onto the lens and not just the enviroment ?


thanks,
Mike

PS. Does Pancro have an email adress on which I can contact them ? I couldn't find any on their site .
Click to expand...

Just some advice from the field. The pancro's "non-mirrored" side is highly reflective. I have had issues with bright areas of the frame ghosting when just using a pola and a pancro. Yep - took all of the precautions - mattes, mirrored furthest out, etc, etc. I used to swear by pancros. Not any more.

I'd recommend getting an IR filter that is dedicated to that task only. Avoid the mirrored ND combos. They can be trouble.
 
Formatt filters are excellent, made in Wales here in the UK and they are a nice bunch of people to deal with...we've been using them for some time now.

I guess the strong dollar also makes them competitively priced for those of you "over the pond". :wink:

Scott
 
@ Dylan :

I understand . thanks for the advice. So I won't have these problems with a Hot Mirror , or at least not on this scale ?

Are there any manufacturers which make only absorbing IR as opposed to hot mirrors ?

thanks
 
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