Testing the Sony FE24-70 in Infrared

665nm opened

As shot and after conversion

IR processing

 

I took a series of photographs this morning using the 3-IR filters available with the Sony A7r.  I've written previously that Life Pixel converted my A7r to shoot 665nm IR.  I'm also able to capture in the 720 and 830nm range using lens filters.  The 7r gives me the ability to select 3-separate custom white balances and I've taken advantage of that creating one for each IR filter range I'll be shooting.

The samples included here were all shot with the camera set on the same tripod I use when I use my medium format technical camera so I know it's rock solid. I attempted to keep the focal length the same on each shot.  What I've found is the 35mm marking on the barrel isn't as accurate as I'd like.  The first 2-shots; 665 and 720 were both captured at 31mm (I thought I was shooting 35) while the 830nm was captured at 33mm (again I thought it was set for 35mm). 

720nm opened

As shot and after conversion

IR processing

 

Once again I'm very pleased shooting a mirrorless camera as what I see in the viewfinder (I rarely ever use the LCD) is exactly what the sensor sees and will capture.  F/stop, shutter speed and ISO all immediately show the effects of their adjustments thus it takes the mystery out of setting up the shot.

In the end the f/stop and shutter speed were all set the same; f/8 and 1/125.  The only setting that varied was the ISO with me shooting at 50 for the 665 and 720 and bumping it up to 225 for the 830nm filter.  From doing these and other tests I can tell that I'll be using the 665nm more than the 720 and the 830nm when I want to shoot black and white.  In the end it's nice having the choices; almost like back in the film days.

830nm Opened

As shot and after conversion

IR processing

Silver Efex Pro

 

Each sample includes the file as it looked opening in Photoshop CC or Capture One Pro.  The second file shows the actual image as shot by the camera and what it looks like after running it through Sony Image Data Converter.  The third image shows what the file is capable of with a minor IR adjustment.  In the case of the 830nm file I've also added another sample showing what it would like after processing through NIK Silver Efex Pro.  

 

I'm looking forward to using this combination of camera, lens and filters in the coming months as we visit Jackson Hole WY, Valley of Fire, NV and Chaco Canyon NM.

 

 

 

 Don

 

 

 

Sony A7R and Infrared Photography

FE24-70 f/4 ZA OSS @24mm

f/11 1/160 ISO 160 (Handheld)

 

The A7r has been returned from Life Pixel where it underwent a conversion from capturing 36.4-megapixel color to capturing 36.4megapixel color infrared using a 665nm infrared filter.  This is as close to capturing medium format size infrared without actually using a medium format camera or digital back. 

 

FE24-70 f/4 ZA OSS @24mm

f/11 1/160 ISO 160 (Handheld)

 

While I've all but welded the Zeiss Touit 12mm on the older NEX-7 for IR work I'm uncertain which focal length I want to use on the 7r.  Luckily we have 2-of the new full-frame Sony/Zeiss lenses; 55mm, and the 24-70mm and tested both.  I also have the Rokinon 14mm lenses and an adaptor to use medium format lenses and will continue to test and supply samples as I progress.

 

I decided to test the way I normally shoot IR, handheld. 

 

 

The camera has a custom white balance from Life Pixel and I shot using the lowest ISO I could get away with.  I kept the f/stop and shutter speed the same.  Each sample shows the image after slight processing to bring out the colors; no other processing has been done.  Once again I'd like to thank and recommend Life Pixel for their conversion and doing a great job.

There are 9 images included; all but 2-shot using the 665nm camera filter and custom white balance.  I've included 2-images shot with a 830nm lens filter which were captured handheld.  This is a very good example for the need of using a proper custom white balance.  I was in a rush to try the filter and used the custom white balance I had set for the 665nm filter.  Shortly afterwards I created a custom white balance for the 830nm and shot the scene again.

 

 

Note: No processing was done with the 2-830nm images; these are what they look like right from the camera.

 

I have a Lightning Trigger on order and just as soon as it gets here and we begin our monsoon season I plan on attempting to capture lightning using an infrared camera so stay tuned.

Don