In countries with softer sunlight and lower IR intensity (e.g. Sweden, France, UK), standard ND filters are often sufficient.
The reason is physics, not brand preference:
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Thailand has extremely high IR radiation, especially between 9:00–16:00
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Tropical sun + reflective surfaces (concrete, sand, water, foliage) amplify IR pollution
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Modern cinema sensors (ARRI, RED, Sony, Canon, Blackmagic) are highly IR-sensitive
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Standard ND filters block visible light but allow IR to pass
The result when using normal ND in Thailand:
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Black fabrics turn brown or magenta
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Shadows become muddy and contaminated
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Skin tones shift unpredictably
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Color matching between shots becomes difficult or impossible
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Extra time (and money) lost in color correction
This problem rarely appears in Northern Europe, which is why many foreign crews only encounter it after arriving in Thailand.
What NiSi IR ND Filters Solve
NiSi IR ND filters combine:
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Neutral Density light reduction
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Infrared cut coating in a single optical element
This ensures:
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Clean, neutral blacks
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Stable skin tones
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Consistent color across all ND strengths
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Reliable results for grading and matching cameras
Especially important when:
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Shooting wide open (T1.4–T2.8) in daylight
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Using anamorphic lenses
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Working with full-frame or large-format sensors
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Shooting fashion, commercials, or narrative work
Optical Performance for Cinema Production
NiSi IR ND filters are built with:
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High-quality optical glass
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Strict color neutrality standards
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Minimal contrast loss
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No visible polarization artifacts
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Even density across the full 4×5.65 surface
They are fully compatible with:
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Spherical and anamorphic lenses
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All standard 4×5.65 matte boxes
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ARRI, RED, Sony, Canon, Blackmagic cinema cameras
Technical Specifications
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Filter Size: 4″ × 5.65″
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Type: IR Neutral Density
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Material: Optical glass
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IR Suppression: Integrated IR-cut layer
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Mounting: Standard cinema matte box
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Use Case: Digital cinema / full-frame / large format
