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Reference database

Lens hotspot database

A "hotspot" is a central bright or dull patch some lenses produce in infrared — usually worse stopped down. Search before you buy. This is community-sourced seed data; always test your own copy.

Lens Mount Type Hotspot Notes
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Canon EF-S Ultra-wide zoom none Frequently recommended for IR; clean across the range.
Nikon AF 20mm f/2.8D Nikon F Wide prime none Long-standing favorite wide prime for converted bodies.
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Fuji X Standard zoom mild Workable for IR with attention to aperture.
Nikon AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Nikon F (DX) Kit zoom mild Generally usable for IR; minor central patch at smaller apertures.
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Sony E / MFT Standard prime mild Decent; test your copy at the apertures you shoot.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS Canon EF Standard zoom moderate Hotspot reported as it stops down; keep apertures wider where possible.
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Sony E Kit zoom moderate Hotspot commonly reported; results improve at the wide end / wider apertures.
Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 Multiple Standard zoom severe Strong central hotspot widely reported — generally avoided for IR.

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