For making infrared photos with your iPhone (or android) you’ll need a filter mount, an infrared filter (I recommend 720 nanometer (nm), often listed as R72), and a case that will accommodate the filter.
(watch video on recommended accessories here)
iPhones 13-16, Pro and Pro Max
There are two filter mounts that work well on the iPhone 13-16 Pro and Pro Max phones. They pair ideally with the Apple Silicon MagSafe Case.
JJC 49mm Lens Filter Mount for iPhone 13-16
Tiffen 58mm Filter Mounts from B&H
These come from B&H with a 58mm Polarizing filter, but you will need to purchase a 58mm, 720nm Infrared filter to attach to this filter mount.
Moment Universal Filter Mount (not recommended for 17 Phones)
This is an old mount that is functional but not as convenient as the Tiffen or JJC, but it will work with different cases. It blocks the camera interface, so that you must remove it to access setting icons on the camera.
Set ups for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
The new design of the 17 Pro and Pro Max iPhones has made it difficult for manufactures to make new filter mounts for the new phones. These are the ones that I’ve found to be most effective.
Moment Case and Filter Mount
Moment Case 17 Pro Max (Pro Max Only)
Moment 67mm Quick Lock Filter Mount (Pro Max Only)
I am not seeing that Moment offers this system for the iPhone Pro.
SmallRig Case and Filter Mount Combo with Urth IR Filter
SmallRig FilMov Phone Case (chose 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max)
SmallRig FIlMov 67mm Magnetic Filter Ring Adapter for iPhone SmallRig
FilMov Phone Case. (chose 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max)
SmallRig does not carry an infrared filter. I found this infrared filter that works with the SmallRig magnetic filter mount:
Urth 67mm Magnetic Infrared (R72) Lens Filter
Khronos Case, Magnetic Filter Mount, Urth magnetic filter & stepup ring.
Khronos Lite Case for iPhone 17 (chose 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max)
Tilta Khronos 58mm Filter Tray Compatible with iPhone 17 (chose 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max)
Urth 67mm Magnetic Infrared (R72) Lens Filter
Urth Magnetic Step Up Ring Filter Adapter (58-67mm)
Note: I have not yet received the Urth Step-up ring and so I haven’t test this system like all the others. While I have confidence that this will work I won’t know for sure until I test next week when it arrives. I’ve shared it only because there are so few options for the 17 Pro phones.
Cases
Be sure to buy the right size case for your iPhone. They are different for the Phone number and for the Pro and Pro Max sizes.
For the 13-16 Pro and Pro Max iPhones, I highly recommend the Apple Silicon MagSafe Case. These cases pair beautifully with either the Tiffen or the JJC filter mounts.
A Word About Cases
Many of the filter mount options will work only with that company’s proprietary case. Others will work with the uncased iPhone. I try to avoid solutions in which I have to use an uncased iPhone. Not only is the phone more vulnerable, but it’s very inconvenient to have to remove the case every time to make an IR photograph.
Infrared Filters
There are a variety of good infrared filters available. I recommend the 720 nanometer filter. You’ll see it listed as 720nm or R72. Get the size that fits your filter mount or use a step-up/step-down ring to allow you to use different size filters. You can find filters at your favorite camera store or online.
Filters range in price from $75 to $150 depending on the size. I’ve tried less expensive filters and find that they don’t hold up to use. Their coating can wear off.
B&H is offering discounts on Hoya Filters through February 12 (See B&H Discounts below) Reliable Sources for Filters that I’ve used include:
Hoya
KolariVision
Neewer
Spencer’s Camera (use code RADDREW25 for discount)
B&H Discounts through February 12
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