Just getting into IR

[PEC]

Here is the question:

Should i go the Converted body or filter route?

Converted Body:
Pros - much faster shutter speeds
Cons - price & need to carry 2nd body

Filters:
Pros - price
Cons - MUCH slower - requiring tripod and shooting on manual focus (composing then adding filter, then shoot, rinse and repeat for next shot)

I will be carry d300 & G11 already on my trip to Colorado and don't relish carrying yet another body.

I am thinking the $150-200 for a 72mm filter could introduce IR to me, then if i like it, I can work on getting a converted body.

Suggestions on which filter to get? 720ns? brand?

Thanks!

[groovyone]

My suggestion is try the filter first. I went filter, modified bridge camera, then modded SLR. I use Hoya R72 filters. Check eBay. I got my 77mm off there.

[PEC]

so i understand that bright sun and a hoya r72 type filter I would be looking at 30 sec exposures at iso 100.

so...

200 = 15 sec
400 = 7.5 sec
800 = 3.25 sec
1600 = 1.6 sec

even using fast lenses (2.8 or even 1.4) i prob will still need a tripod.

is my logic correct?

[auddii]

I was going to say that there is a convert SLR up for sale for only ~$600, but you're a nikon user

[rdking647]

i bought a converted panasonic lumix of ebay for $200. it is my first attempt at IR.
i htought it was a great compromise between a filter and converting a dslr

[tc95]

Paul...filters cost anywhere from $50 to $100...and you have to carry a tripod and have long exposures...I would recomend this route...to start with...a converted Point & Shoot...for a trip...it small and usable...

Fuji Fine Pix Z10 - B&W Filter

 

Fuji Fine Pix Z10 - B&W Filter

Panasonic DMC-FH1 - B&W Filter

 

Panasonic DMC-FH1 - B&W Filter

Fuji Film F40 - Color Enhanced Filter

 

Fuji Film F40 - Color Enhanced Filter

Panasonic DMC-LX2 - Stanadard IR Filter

 

Panasonic DMC-LX2 - Stanadard IR Filter

All of these are $300 and lower...I would probably do the Fuji Enhanced Color camera...but this would be an option...you can always resell it and modify a DSLR later...

My two cents....

[bburton]

Originally Posted by tc95

I would recomend this route...to start with...a converted Point & Shoot...for a trip...it small and usable...

This would be my recommendation also: a relatively inexpensive, already-converted P&S camera. Besides the economics, size, and faster shutter speeds, these cameras also have a built-in "live-view" in the LCD which can be invaluable in IR photography for composition and exposure.

After playing around with one of these conversions, if IR photography seems like something you'll be interested in over the longer term, then you can consider larger investments.

Also, only my two cents - but worth every penny.

[groovyone]

The exposure times are dependant to some degree on the camera used since some have stronger IR filters than others.

ISO 200, f/5.6, 30sec, Unmodified A700:

[PEC]

I see a 77mm B+W 092 filter for $100. I am leaning heavily in this direction for the following reason:

1. Already carrying 1 - 2 bodies (may bring my d700 as well) + my G11 as well as my fast glass
2. Wouldn't all the reasons we love our 2.8 lens (DOF, sharpness, etc) still apply in IR?
3. Use a trippod on the vast majority of landscape shots.
4. to get a d70 type body is $450 and higher whereas 100 for the filter to see if I like it.
5. Could easily add to my VERY lightweight g11/gitzo 1550t setup for long hikes.
6. Could easily add this filter for my d300/18-200 lens