The Hoya R72 infrared filter is for photographers who want a simple way to block visible light and work in infrared.
If you are building a dedicated IR setup, this Hoya R72 review covers where it fits and where it is less flexible than broader creative filters.
Hoya R72 Review Summary
The Hoya R72 is best for buyers who already know they want infrared capture rather than an all-purpose filter.
It suits photographers looking for infrared-specific effects, strong contrast, and creative false-color or black-and-white outcomes without needing complex accessories.
The listing makes the core promise clear: it passes infrared light above 720nm, with stated transmission between 760nm and 860nm, and it is designed for film, modified digital SLRs, and mirrorless cameras.
That makes it a focused tool, not a general daylight accessory.
If your camera setup is already IR-ready, this is a straightforward way to expand what the system can do.
Review Scorecard
| Category | Score | Buyer assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared specificity | 10/10 | Purpose-built for IR capture above 720nm, which is exactly what the listing emphasizes. |
| Creative potential | 9/10 | Strong fit for false color and black-and-white infrared looks with the right setup. |
| System compatibility | 8/10 | Works with film and modified digital cameras; 58mm sizing narrows fit to compatible lenses. |
| Ease of use | 7/10 | Simple in concept, but infrared shooting still needs a camera and workflow that support it. |
| Image control | 8/10 | The advertised transmission range suggests predictable infrared behavior for creative work. |
| Value for niche buyers | 8/10 | Good for photographers who need a dedicated infrared filter instead of a general-purpose option. |
Key Features and Specifications of Hoya R72
The main spec is the infrared cutoff behavior: this filter is described as allowing only infrared rays above 720nm to pass.
The listing also states a 95% light transmission rate between 760nm and 860nm, which points to a filter aimed at serious infrared work rather than a mild creative effect.
The reviewed product is the 58mm version, so fit depends on a lens with a 58mm filter thread.
That matters more here than with many standard filters because infrared photography is usually a deliberate setup choice.
The filter is presented as compatible with mirrorless cameras, modified digital SLRs, and infrared film cameras.
The product page also frames the filter as useful for both false color and high-contrast black-and-white results.
It is not positioned as a general landscape or protection filter.
In other words, the appeal is in what it removes, not what it adds.
| Spec | What it means for buyers |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hoya |
| Model | R72 infrared filter |
| Size | 58mm |
| Pass band | Infrared light above 720nm |
| Listed transmission | 95% between 760nm and 860nm |
| Intended use | Infrared film and modified digital cameras |
| Creative use | False color and black-and-white infrared effects |
Pros and Cons of Hoya R72
Pros
- Focused infrared performance. The filter is clearly aimed at IR shooting rather than general purpose use.
- Simple buying decision. If you need a 58mm IR filter, the purpose is obvious from the listing.
- Useful for different IR styles. The page highlights both false color and black-and-white output.
- Compatible with multiple camera types. Film, modified digital SLRs, and mirrorless cameras are all called out.
Cons
- Niche use case. Most buyers will not need a dedicated infrared filter at all.
- Size-limited fit. Only lenses with a 58mm thread can use it directly.
- Workflow dependent. Infrared photography usually depends on the rest of the camera setup, not just the filter.
- Not a versatility pick. If you want one filter for many shooting situations, this is too specialized.
Who Should Buy Hoya R72?
This is a smart purchase for photographers who already know they want infrared images and have a compatible camera or lens setup.
If you shoot modified digital infrared, infrared film, or a dedicated creative project, the Hoya R72 is a practical specialist tool.
It is also a sensible choice for people who want to experiment with false color infrared looks without jumping to a more complex filter system.
The listing’s emphasis on strong infrared transmission suggests a filter made to create a noticeable effect, not a subtle one.
You should probably skip it if you are still building a standard photography kit and want accessories that work in everyday shooting.
It also is not the right choice if your lens does not use a 58mm filter thread or if you do not plan to shoot infrared often enough to justify a dedicated filter.
Infrared Shooting Factors for Hoya R72
False Color Potential
The listing specifically calls out false color effects.
That matters because infrared photography is often judged by how controllable the color shift is after capture.
A filter designed to pass only the infrared band gives you a more intentional starting point than a generic creative filter.
Black-and-White Contrast
The product copy also points to rich black-and-white contrast.
That is the classic reason many photographers buy an infrared filter in the first place.
If your goal is strong tonal separation in foliage, skies, and other scenes, the Hoya R72 is built for that kind of look.
Camera Setup Dependence
This filter is not a magic upgrade for every camera.
The listing is explicit that it is for infrared film and modified digital cameras, which means the rest of your workflow matters.
Buyers should treat it as one part of an IR system, not a standalone image-making solution.
58mm Fit Considerations
Because this is the 58mm version, lens compatibility is a real buying filter.
That makes the decision easy for the right owner and frustrating for everyone else.
Before buying, check the exact front-thread size of the lens you intend to use.
Alternatives to Hoya R72
If you want a similar infrared option, look at other IR filters and filter lines that are commonly used for dedicated creative shooting.
Good starting points include B+W infrared filters, Tiffen infrared filters, and Hoya color or contrast filter lines.
If your goal is not infrared specifically but creative lens filtration in general, you may also compare K&F Concept lens filters or Heliopan filters.
Those are broader alternatives when you want more everyday flexibility instead of a dedicated IR effect.
Is Hoya R72 Worth It?
Yes, if you are buying for a real infrared workflow and your lens uses 58mm threads. The Hoya R72 is worth it for photographers who want a dedicated IR pass filter with a clearly defined effect and a straightforward use case.
No, if you are looking for a general photography filter or you are unsure whether infrared shooting is your thing. In that case, the Hoya R72 is too specialized and the right move is to choose a more flexible accessory first.