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Tiffen

Tiffen 4987 49mm Infrared IR 87 Filter

★★★★★4.3 (18 reviews)

Tiffen 49mm Infrared IR 87 filter blocks all visible light for striking black-and-white infrared photography effects.

$99.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Tiffen 49mm Infra-Red 87 Filter is a purpose-built accessory for black-and-white infrared film photography. By absorbing the entire visible light spectrum and transmitting only infrared wavelengths, it enables the distinctive high-contrast, ethereal effects that define infrared imagery — bright foliage, dark skies, and an otherworldly tonal range that standard filters cannot replicate. The filter threads directly onto any lens with a 49mm front diameter, making it a simple addition to an existing kit.

Working with the IR 87 demands a deliberate shooting process. Since the filter permits no visible light transmission, the viewfinder goes completely dark once it is mounted, so photographers must frame and focus before attaching it. Metering also needs to be performed without the filter in place, followed by manual exposure compensation to account for the heavy filtration. Despite this slower workflow, the IR 87 remains a go-to choice for photographers who want reliable, repeatable infrared results on black-and-white film without introducing unwanted visible-light contamination.

Key Features

For black-and-white infrared film only

No visible transmission

49 millimeters in diameter

Total visible light absorption

Specifications

Brand
Tiffen
Model
4987
Filter Size
49mm
Filter Type
Infra-Red 87
Visible Light Transmission
None (total absorption)
Intended Use
Black-and-white infrared film
Mount Type
Screw-in (front thread)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Complete visible light absorption produces clean, dedicated infrared-only exposures
  • Standard 49mm screw-in thread fits a wide range of lenses without adapters
  • Tiffen's optical glass construction maintains consistent infrared transmission quality
  • Compact and lightweight, adding virtually no bulk to your lens setup

👎 Cons

  • Completely opaque to the eye, requiring all composition and focusing to be done before the filter is mounted
  • Only designed for black-and-white infrared film, limiting its usefulness for general photography
  • Requires significant exposure compensation that can result in very long shutter speeds
  • Available only in 49mm size, so larger lenses need a step-up ring or a different filter diameter

Frequently Asked Questions

This filter is designed specifically for use with black-and-white infrared film. It blocks all visible light and passes only infrared wavelengths, so it is not intended for standard color photography.
No. The IR 87 filter has zero visible light transmission, so the viewfinder will appear completely dark. You need to compose and focus your shot before attaching the filter.
Yes, it threads onto any lens with a 49mm front filter thread, regardless of brand, as long as the lens accepts standard screw-in filters.
It is specifically marketed for black-and-white infrared film. While some photographers experiment with IR filters on modified digital sensors, Tiffen designates this filter for B&W infrared film use.
Yes. Because the filter blocks all visible light, significant exposure compensation is required. You will typically need to meter without the filter and then apply a substantial increase in exposure time.

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