Hoya W-IR800 vs W-IR760: Picking an IR Longpass Filter

By UQG Optics | Published: 2026-10-15

Category: Comparisons

Compare Hoya W-IR800 and W-IR760 infrared transmitting filters on cutoff, size, and price. Learn which 800nm or 760nm longpass filter fits your IR imaging setup.

Quick answer

Choose the Hoya W-IR800 when you need to block more visible light and work deeper into the near-infrared, especially if your camera is sensitive enough to handle the higher cutoff. Choose the Hoya W-IR760 when you want to capture more of the near-IR spectrum starting closer to the visible red end, or when your light source or detector favors a lower cutoff. Both are 3 mm thick infrared transmitting filters, but they differ in cutoff wavelength, available dimensions, and price.

What the cutoff wavelength actually changes

The model number tells you the approximate wavelength where the filter transitions from blocking to transmitting. The W-IR760 begins passing infrared earlier, so it lets through more of the 760–800 nm range. The W-IR800 starts transmitting later, which means it rejects more visible and very near-infrared light below 800 nm. In practice, the W-IR800 gives you a cleaner IR-only image with less visible leakage, while the W-IR760 preserves more signal for cameras or sources that are weaker in the 760–800 nm band. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on your illumination, detector sensitivity, and how much visible light you need to suppress.

Size and format differences that affect mounting

The W-IR800 is available in two stock formats: a 50 x 50 mm square (part HIR8050) and a Ø 12.50 mm round (part HIR8012). The W-IR760 is listed only as a Ø 12.50 mm round (part HIR7612). If your filter holder, camera lens, or optical bench uses a 50 mm square mount, the W-IR800 square is the straightforward choice. For 12.5 mm round mounts—common in compact cameras, microscope ports, or small sensor setups—both models offer a direct fit. That said, if you need a 50 mm square and want the 760 nm cutoff, you would need to check whether a custom size is available, because the standard stock list does not include it. Always confirm your mount diameter and thickness clearance before ordering.

Price and value trade-off

At catalog prices, the W-IR760 Ø 12.50 mm is the lower-cost option at USD 8.82, while the W-IR800 Ø 12.50 mm is USD 10.36. The W-IR800 50 x 50 mm square is USD 27.90. These prices reflect the different sizes and cutoff coatings, not a quality hierarchy—both are Hoya infrared transmitting filters with 3 mm thickness. If budget is tight and your application works with a 760 nm cutoff, the W-IR760 saves a few dollars. If you need the 800 nm cutoff or a larger aperture, the W-IR800 justifies its higher price. Remember that the comparison prices shown (USD 14.00 and USD 45.00) are catalog reference points, not necessarily what you will pay today.

How to decide based on your light source and camera

Start with your illumination. If you are using an 850 nm or 940 nm LED illuminator, both filters will pass those wavelengths, but the W-IR800 will block more of the visible glow that some LEDs emit. If your source is a broadband halogen or sunlight and you want to isolate the near-IR, the W-IR800 gives stronger visible rejection. Next, consider your camera. A camera with low IR sensitivity may struggle with the W-IR800 because it cuts more of the usable signal; in that case the W-IR760 is more forgiving. Finally, think about your lens and sensor size. A 12.5 mm round filter may vignette on large-format sensors, while a 50 mm square gives more clearance. Match the filter size to your largest beam diameter or sensor diagonal to avoid clipping.

Trade-offs at a glance

Cutoff wavelength: W-IR760 passes from ~760 nm; W-IR800 passes from ~800 nm. The lower cutoff gives more signal but less visible rejection; the higher cutoff gives cleaner IR isolation but may reduce signal on insensitive cameras. Pick 760 nm for signal-starved setups; pick 800 nm for cleaner IR-only images.
Available sizes: W-IR800 comes in 50 x 50 mm square and Ø 12.50 mm round. W-IR760 is stock only as Ø 12.50 mm round. If you need a 50 mm square with 760 nm cutoff, you may need a custom order or a different model. Check your mount before choosing; size can be the deciding factor.
Price: The W-IR760 Ø 12.50 mm is the least expensive at USD 8.82. The W-IR800 Ø 12.50 mm is USD 10.36, and the 50 x 50 mm W-IR800 is USD 27.90. Prices reflect size and coating, not performance tier. Budget for the size you need, not just the cutoff.
Thickness: Both models are 3 mm thick, so they share similar mounting clearance requirements. This consistency helps if you swap filters in the same holder. You can often interchange them in the same mount without adjusting focus or spacing.

Key facts for the compared filters

Hoya W-IR800: Hoya W-IR800, part HIR8050, 50 x 50 mm square, 3 mm thick. The square format suits 50 mm filter holders and larger apertures, while the 3 mm thickness is standard for many optical mounts.
Hoya W-IR800: Hoya W-IR800, part HIR8012, Ø 12.50 mm round, 3 mm thick. The 12.5 mm round fits compact camera ports and small mounts; same 800 nm cutoff as the square version in a smaller size.
Hoya W-IR760: Hoya W-IR760, part HIR7612, Ø 12.50 mm round, 3 mm thick. Offers a lower 760 nm cutoff in a 12.5 mm round format, useful when you need more near-IR signal or a smaller mount.
Hoya RM90: Hoya RM90, part HRM9050, 50 x 50 mm square, 3 mm thick. A longer-wavelength alternative in the same 50 mm square size, for applications that need to block more visible light than the W-IR800.

Which filter fits your setup?

Best for

IR imaging with 850 nm or 940 nm LEDs where visible leakage must be minimized (W-IR800)
Cameras with good IR sensitivity that can afford a higher cutoff (W-IR800)
Applications needing a 50 x 50 mm square filter (W-IR800 square)
Setups that need maximum near-IR signal from 760 nm upward (W-IR760)
Compact 12.5 mm round mounts on a tight budget (W-IR760)

Not for

Cameras with low IR sensitivity that need every photon from 760 nm (choose W-IR760 instead of W-IR800)
Users who need a 50 mm square with 760 nm cutoff (W-IR760 is not stocked in that size; consider a custom order or alternative)
Applications requiring blocking beyond 800 nm, such as thermal IR or deep NIR (consider Hoya RM90 or a longer-pass filter)