Choosing the right lens for full spectrum and infrared photography is more nuanced than it might seem. Not all lenses behave the same way in infrared light — some produce sharp, clean results, while others suffer from hotspots, reduced contrast, or poor UV transmission. This guide covers what to look for and recommends some of the best options across different categories and budgets. For advice on choosing the right camera body to pair with your lenses, see our Full Spectrum Camera Buying Guide.
Why Lens Choice Matters for Infrared Photography
In standard visible-light photography, almost any modern lens will produce excellent results. Infrared photography is less forgiving. Two issues in particular can affect lens performance in infrared:
Hotspots
A hotspot is a bright, circular patch of light in the centre of the frame — caused by infrared light reflecting internally between the lens elements and the sensor. It's one of the most frustrating problems in infrared photography, and it's entirely lens-dependent. Some lenses are completely free of hotspots; others produce severe hotspots that make them unusable for infrared work. The only reliable way to know is to test a specific lens, or to consult a hotspot database such as the one maintained by Kolari Vision.
Hotspots are most problematic with deep infrared filters (720nm and above) and are less common with shorter-wavelength filters (590nm and below). If you're shooting primarily with a 590nm filter, a wider range of lenses will be usable.
Focus Shift
Infrared light focuses at a slightly different point than visible light due to chromatic aberration. On a mirrorless camera with an electronic viewfinder and contrast or phase-detect autofocus, this is largely a non-issue — the camera focuses on what the sensor actually sees, including the infrared light. On DSLRs with optical viewfinders, focus shift can be a significant problem. This is one of many reasons why mirrorless cameras are strongly preferred for infrared work.
What to Look for in an Infrared Lens
- No hotspot — the most important criterion; check a hotspot database before buying
- Good sharpness wide open — infrared filters reduce light transmission, so you'll often be shooting at wider apertures; a lens that's sharp wide open is valuable
- Minimal flare — infrared light can exacerbate flare in lenses with many elements or older coatings
- Manual focus option — useful for UV photography and for precise focus control in infrared
Recommended Lenses by Category
Wide Angle — Landscapes and Architecture
Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Zero-D Shift
An outstanding wide-angle option for infrared landscape work. The zero distortion design and shift capability make it ideal for architecture, and it performs cleanly in infrared without hotspot issues. Excellent build quality and available in Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon RF mounts.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 G
A versatile wide-angle zoom that performs well in infrared. Compact, lightweight, and sharp across the frame. A reliable choice for landscape and travel infrared work on Sony full-frame bodies.
Voigtländer 15mm f/4.5 Super Wide Heliar
A compact, high-quality wide-angle prime with excellent infrared performance. The simple optical design and quality coatings make it a clean performer in infrared. Available in Sony E-mount and with adapters for other systems.
Standard and Portrait — Versatile All-Rounders
Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 Zeiss
One of the sharpest standard primes available for Sony E-mount, and a clean performer in infrared. The Zeiss T* coatings handle infrared light well, and the f/1.8 maximum aperture is valuable when shooting with dense infrared filters. An excellent all-round infrared lens.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art
The Sigma Art series lenses are generally excellent infrared performers. The 35mm f/1.4 is sharp, fast, and free of hotspot issues on most camera bodies. Available in Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and L-mount.
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
For Nikon Z-mount full spectrum cameras, the 50mm f/1.8 S is an outstanding performer — sharp, well-corrected, and clean in infrared. Nikon's Z-mount lenses have generally proven to be good infrared performers.
Telephoto — Wildlife and Sport
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS
A lightweight, versatile telephoto zoom that performs well in infrared. The f/4 maximum aperture is a limitation with dense filters, but for 590nm and 680nm work it's perfectly usable. Optical stabilisation is a bonus for handheld shooting.
Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary
For wildlife infrared work at longer focal lengths, the Sigma 100-400mm Contemporary is a cost-effective option with good infrared performance. The variable aperture is a limitation, but in bright daylight with a 590nm filter it's workable.
Macro — Botanical and UV Photography
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
An exceptional macro lens for botanical infrared and UV work. The apochromatic design minimises chromatic aberration across a wide range of wavelengths, which is particularly valuable for UV photography. Excellent sharpness and build quality.
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS
Sony's dedicated macro lens is a clean infrared performer with excellent sharpness and optical stabilisation. A reliable choice for close-up infrared and botanical work.
Vintage Lenses — UV Photography and Character
For UV photography in particular, vintage lenses from the 1960s and 70s are often the best choice. Many modern lenses contain glass elements and coatings that absorb UV light, making them unsuitable for UV work. Older, simpler designs with fewer elements often transmit UV much more effectively.
Nikkor 105mm f/4 Micro (pre-AI)
A classic vintage macro lens with good UV transmission. Widely available second-hand and adaptable to virtually any mirrorless mount. An excellent starting point for UV botanical photography.
Rodenstock UV-Rodagon
A dedicated UV enlarging lens that transmits UV exceptionally well. Requires adaptation but produces outstanding results for UV photography. Sought after by serious UV photographers.
Various Pentax Takumar lenses
The Super-Takumar and SMC Takumar series from the 1960s and 70s are popular for UV photography due to their relatively simple optical designs and good UV transmission. Widely available, affordable, and adaptable to Sony E-mount and other systems.
Testing Your Existing Lenses
Before investing in new glass, it's worth testing the lenses you already own. To check for hotspots, mount your infrared filter, point the camera at a bright, evenly lit surface (a white wall in daylight works well), stop down to f/8 or f/11, and take a shot. If there's a hotspot, it will be clearly visible as a brighter circular area in the centre of the frame. If the image is evenly exposed across the frame, the lens is clean for infrared use.
If you're also interested in astrophotography, see our dedicated guide: The Best Lenses for Astrophotography with a Full Spectrum Camera. And if you have questions about specific lenses or need advice on building a kit for full spectrum photography, get in touch — we're happy to help.