http://www.outdoorlanternsonsale.com/infrared-filter/
Why so much for the digital sensor infrared conversion filter? Is there a less expensive source on the planet?
http://www.lifepixel.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_list&c=1
Well Lifepixel is pretty much the big name as well as maybe maxmax.com when it comes to IR conversions. Unfortunately, I don't know of any other places that are cheaper or perform the service reliably.
The reason it cost so much is pretty much the same reason a single page in a wedding album costs $100 (more or less depending on your rate) or an 8x10 photo from a photographer costs more than the $1.25 print you can get at a store. You are paying them for their expertise. As mentioned, they also sell the filter and you can do it yourself if you want. Both companies I believe perform the conversion in an environmental clean room. If you do it yourself, you may end up trapping dust between the sensor and the new filter. Also, how often do you take your camera apart so you can get to the sensor? They've made a business out of it, so they should be pretty comfortable with it and know what they are doing.
You may already know this, but if you just use an IR filter (I use the B+W 092, 093, and 099 filters) on an unmodified camera, you can only record the lower end of the spectrum that the filter passes. Since your camera still has the IR Cut filter in front of the sensor. I had a 40D converted to the clear glass filter so it is necessary for me to use IR filters on the lens.
Another advantage is that if you have a conversion that makes your camera into a dedicated IR camera, the autofocus is calibrated so you can autofocus and not have to adjust according to the IR marks on your lens. You won't be able to calibrate the autofocus.
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