Tiffen 5 x 5" Water White Glass Full Spectrum IRND 1.5 (5-Stop) Filter

Before the digital revolution in motion picture cameras, Directors of Photography (DOPs) had the luxury of choosing the perfect film for their specific needs. However, with digital imaging devices replacing film, they now face a "one size fits all" scenario. This shift has made the use of filters, such as the Tiffen 5 x 5" Water White Glass Full Spectrum IRND 1.5 (5-Stop) Filter, even more crucial in achieving the desired results.

Digital imaging devices, designed for sensitivity in low light conditions, can easily be overexposed in brighter situations. The Neutral Density (ND) filter, like the Tiffen Full Spectrum IRND, is used to control light and gain more control over depth of field. Traditional ND filters made with dyes have been used for this purpose, but they allow small amounts of far red to near infra-red light to pass through, affecting the quality and color of the image.

Digital imaging devices are sensitive to infra-red (IR), which can result in unwanted color shifts and loss of contrast. For instance, greens may appear as a reddish muddy brown, and blacks may have a magenta hue. Infrared also has a different focal length than visible light, which can make images appear out of focus.

To address this issue, Tiffen pioneered the Full Spectrum IR ND Filters, designed to provide true neutral density into the IR spectrum. These filters extend the light transmission characteristics into the infrared region of the spectrum, making them essential for cinematographers using cameras like the Sony F and EX Series, ARRI Alexa, or Panavision Genesis.

Tiffen's Full Spectrum IR ND Filters allow for the use of heavier grades of Neutral Density filters needed for high-definition cameras while maintaining color balance. They can be used in conjunction with the Tiffen Clear Hot Mirror for Digital Motion Picture Cameras using a CMOS chip sensor, which does not use an internal IR Blocking filter, such as the RED ONE and SI2K.

These filters are manufactured using Tiffen's proprietary lamination process, ensuring each effect is captured between two pieces of glass. This allows Tiffen to grind and polish both surfaces to achieve perfect parallelism, providing worry-free handling for the cinematographer. The Tiffen 5 x 5" Water White Glass Full Spectrum IRND 1.5 (5-Stop) Filter is made with Water White glass and is part of a series available in various sizes and densities.