The special B+W 486 filter blocks undesirable ultraviolet and infrared rays that may interfere with the image. The filter can therefore be used for video films, digital photography and special technical applications.

It leads to sharpener and clearer images, since without the filter so-called ghost images caused by IR radiation and the relatively high sensitivity of the camera sensors in this bandwidth have a negative influence on image sharpness. Further positive characteristics are greater detail, three-dimensional quality and finer color gradation. The colors appear more natural.

How does a complex filter such as the 486-type UV-IR barrier filter work? The filter is based on absolutely color-neutral substrate glass. Like all B+W photo filters, the surfaces of the carrier glass are fine-ground and polished in order to meet the high optical requirements. Several interference coatings are vapor-deposited on both sides. The diagram below illustrates the operating principle. The steep rising edge of the B+W 486 ensures that all UV radiation is filtered out while rays in the visible wavelength range can pass through almost completely. The steep falling edge at the transition to the near infrared range blocks interfering longwave radiation.