I’ve seen people mention about infrared studio transmitter links, how viable is this and is it a good idea to use it?

Obviously, they're Line of Sight! They're also visible to CCTV cameras if you take the infra-red filter off. You have to use two parallel beams to minimise the interruptions due to birds flying through your transmission path. It's really obvious where the source of the signal is - the receiver will be pointing very accurately at it!

ok thanks Albert for the info, I'll get me some satcans instead.