TIFFEN 72IRND30HM Xle Apex Mirror Irnd Filter 884613025915 72MM 3.0

( Brand: Tiffen ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 72IRND30HM ), ( Part Type: Mirror Filter ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Filter Effects: Infrared ), ( Country Of Origin: United States ), ( Filter Size: 72 Mm ), ( UPC: 884613025915 )

Review TIFFEN New 72mm Xle Series Apex Hot Mirror Irnd 3.0 Filter

The Tiffen 72IRND30HM 72mm XLE Apex Mirror IRND 3.0 is a high-performance infrared (IR) neutral density (ND) filter designed for photographers and videographers seeking unparalleled control over exposure and color accuracy in both visible and infrared spectrums. Engineered with Tiffen s legendary precision and durability, this filter combines a **72mm XLE Apex Mirror IRND 3.0** a specialized infrared-blocking neutral density filter with a **3.0-stop neutral density coating**, creating a versatile tool for creative and technical applications. The XLE Apex Mirror series is renowned for its **ultra-thin, low-reflective glass**, which minimizes ghosting, flare, and internal reflections, ensuring razor-sharp images even at extreme angles. The **IRND 3.0** component is a critical feature for photographers working in infrared photography, as it effectively blocks unwanted infrared wavelengths while maintaining a neutral density effect, allowing for longer exposures without overheating the sensor or introducing color casts. This filter is particularly valuable for landscape, architectural, and astrophotography, where precise exposure control is essential, as well as for infrared enthusiasts who require a balanced, natural-looking IR image without the distortion caused by standard IR filters. The **72mm size** accommodates a wide range of lenses, from standard to wide-angle, making it a practical addition to any filter kit. Built to withstand the rigors of professional use, the Tiffen 72IRND30HM is housed in a robust metal frame with a threaded bevel for secure attachment to lens hoods or filter holders, ensuring stability and longevity. Whether you're capturing the delicate details of a sunlit landscape, experimenting with infrared s ethereal hues, or pushing the limits of slow-motion videography, this filter delivers the clarity, consistency, and creative freedom photographers demand.

The Tiffen 72IRND30HM 72mm XLE Apex Mirror IRND 3.0 filter is a specialized infrared (IR) filter designed for astrophotography and deep-sky imaging, particularly for capturing nebulae and other celestial objects in the near-infrared spectrum. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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The filter allows near-infrared light (around 656 nm to 950 nm) to pass while blocking visible light and most atmospheric interference. This is ideal for imaging nebulae like the Orion Nebula (M42), which emit strongly in the IR spectrum, resulting in sharper, more detailed images with less noise from light pollution.

Since it blocks most visible light pollution (especially from mercury and sodium vapor lamps), it significantly improves contrast in urban or light-polluted areas where traditional narrowband filters (like Ha) struggle.

The filter works well with modified DSLRs or astro cameras that are sensitive to IR wavelengths. It can reveal structures in nebulae that are otherwise invisible or obscured in standard RGB or narrowband imaging.

Tiffen is a well-regarded brand for optical filters, and the XLE Apex series is known for its high-quality glass and precise coatings. The IRND 3.0 designation indicates a specific IR passband optimized for deep-sky imaging.

While primarily used for astrophotography, the filter can also be useful for terrestrial IR photography (e.g., landscape or wildlife) with a modified camera, though this is a niche application.

The 72mm size is a standard for many astrophotography setups, and the filter is designed to fit most 72mm filter holders without significant vignetting, though this depends on your setup.

Compared to some specialized narrowband filters (e.g., dual-band Ha/OIII), this filter offers a unique IR-focused approach that can be more affordable for those targeting IR-sensitive targets.

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The filter is highly specialized and only useful for capturing IR-sensitive celestial objects. It won t help with standard visible-light astrophotography (e.g., planets, stars, or deep-sky objects that don t emit strongly in IR). If you re interested in a broader range of targets, other filters (like Ha, OIII, or SII) may be more versatile.

Most stock cameras (with standard IR-blocking filters) will not capture IR light effectively. You ll need a modified camera (with the IR-blocking filter removed or replaced) to see meaningful results. This modification can be permanent and may affect other types of photography.

While the filter blocks visible light pollution, it doesn t account for atmospheric absorption bands (e.g., water vapor) that can still affect IR imaging. Some IR wavelengths may still be attenuated depending on your observing conditions.

IR astrophotography is less common than traditional narrowband or RGB imaging, so there s a steeper learning curve. You ll need to experiment with exposure times, gain settings, and post-processing to achieve good results.

IR images often require significant post-processing to bring out details, as they can appear very dark or washed out in raw form. Tools like Photoshop, PixInsight, or specialized IR processing software may be needed.

IR astrophotography is a niche market, so you may have fewer resources (tutorials, communities, or guides) compared to more mainstream astrophotography techniques.

IR filters can generate heat, especially during long exposures. While the XLE Apex series is designed to minimize this, prolonged use may require cooling solutions for your camera.

If your setup includes additional filters (e.g., a 2-inch filter holder or a camera with a non-standard filter thread), you may need adapters or additional hardware to use this 72mm filter effectively.

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The Tiffen 72IRND30HM 72mm XLE Apex Mirror IRND 3.0 filter is a powerful tool for astrophotographers targeting IR-sensitive nebulae and deep-sky objects, particularly in light-polluted areas. Its ability to block visible light pollution and enhance IR transmission makes it valuable for capturing details in objects like the Orion Nebula that are otherwise difficult to image. However, its specialized nature means it s only useful for a subset of astrophotography projects and requires a modified camera.

If your primary goal is to image IR-sensitive nebulae and you re already working with a modified camera, this filter is a worthwhile investment. For general astrophotography or those interested in capturing a wide range of celestial objects, other filters (like narrowband Ha, OIII, or SII) may be more practical. Additionally, if you re new to astrophotography, starting with more common techniques (e.g., RGB or narrowband imaging) might be a better way to build foundational skills before diving into IR.

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- You have a modified camera and are specifically interested in IR astrophotography.

- You re targeting nebulae like M42, M17, or M20 that emit strongly in the IR spectrum.

- You re in a light-polluted area where IR imaging can provide a significant advantage over traditional narrowband filters.

- You re willing to invest time in learning IR imaging techniques and post-processing.

- You re new to astrophotography and haven t yet explored standard RGB or narrowband imaging.

- You don t have a modified camera or aren t willing to modify one.

- Your primary goal is to image planets, stars, or other visible-light targets.

- You prefer a more versatile filter that can be used for multiple types of astrophotography.

For most astrophotographers, starting with a narrowband filter like the Astrodon 6nm Ha or Optolong L-Pro might be a better initial investment, as they offer broader applicability. However, if IR imaging is your passion, the Tiffen 72IRND30HM is an excellent choice for expanding your capabilities.

Details:

New Tiffen 72mm XLE Series apeX Hot Mirror IRND 3.0 Filter 72IRND30HM.

part #: 72irnd30hm prices

• $149.99-$159.99

specifications filtecam:

• brand: Tiffen
• mpn: 72irnd30hm
• part type: Mirror Filter
• filter shape: Circular
• filter effects: Infrared
• country of origin: United States
• filter size: 72 Mm
• upc: 884613025915

shipping filtecam:

• class: Standard, One-day
• carrier: UPS
• service: UPS Ground, UPS Next Day Air
• type: Calculated
• transit: 4-8 Days
• cost: $0.00

offer filtecam:

• availability: In Stock
• options: Ship-to-home
• quantity: 2
• started: May 28, 2026
• sold: 0
• best offers: True

general filtecam:

• Cameras Photo > Lenses Filters > Filters
• condition: New

payments filtecam:

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• credit card: Mastercard
• other

returns filtecam:

• policy: No Returns

seller filtecam:

• # reviews: 5116
• rating: 99.3%
• city: Kearney, Missouri

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