Tiffen 4987 49mm Infrared IR 87 Filter

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.