Perils of Infrared Photography

I've tried various IR shots on unconverted until finally becoming convinced I was way over limiting the opportunity unless I converted. My perils ended when I had a full spectrum done on an E-PL6 (two spectrum at Kolari, actually) and really found what I wanted but I'm not really into false color. It wears off because it seems to often have the similar character anyone else may produce. I found natural, visible color is far more manipulative and unique.

If you research advanced levels of IR photography, sure you'll find very nice color effects though it seems to become a bit repetitious. I have to conclude that what I found most impressive was how to use IR for black and white photography that looked like normal black and white but tinted with some dramatic, surrealistic values short of obviously being "heavenly" infra red.

I have two IR filters, a 590 and 720nm. The 720 is generally too strong, higher contrast, to maintain any realistic b&w character but that also depends on conditions it's used in. The 590 definitely lends more color opportunity but it's superb for more subtle black and white I produce from the color raw image. I could use the results of it mixed in with regular black and white without anyone realizing much of the work is in IR.

I'm new to a converted camera and my objective is to explore unique city shots rather than just landscapes which usually lend a lot more to IR effects. However, I think most of the art of IR is skill with processing the image. So far, I'm simply using Adobe Camera Raw in a very experimental way. There's definitely a bunch of learning to come but I can conclude, it's been worth the converted camera.

By the way, you can get a better deal because converters like Kolari already have bodies available.

b&w from a 720 filter

b&w from a 590 filter

also a 590nm filter

590nm filter that could easily be mistaken for regular black and white

This last image can be taken for granted but if next to a normal black and white (which I'll think about next time) you'd definitely see the unique effect of IR.

If I were you, don't try to compromise with long exposure, unconverted camera shots which struggle to produce anywhere near the same. Take the plunge into the most diverse IR experience, go with a full or two spectrum conversion. They are basically the same and can capture different IR filter effects  but two spectrum will give you less UV but more color accuracy should you want to revert your camera back to normal RGB using a hot mirror filter instead of an IR. UV is expendable for me and even less appealing for people shots.

I don' have a lens tip for you but have used an Olympus 25mm f1.8 and Oly 14-150mm zoom. No problems.