Standard Filters

[redneon]

I've been observing (and doing a little bit of astrophotography) for a couple of years now but I still don't have any filters. I was just wondering if there are any standard filters I should get? I've been thinking about buying the 1.25" Baader neodymium filter as it looks pretty nifty.

[Qualia]

Bump...

Give an idea of what you may want to do and folk directed so may be able to help a little better.

[redneon]

Well, that's the thing. I don't have any particular tasks in mind. I just wondered if I'm missing out on some things whilst observing because I'm not using filters.

[rwilkey]

Hi Darrell, the Baader Neodymium filter helps with visual observing by cutting out light pollution (the orange mercury vapour only) and reduces the glow of the Moon when it is at its brightest, it also enhances the views of some planets.

On the other hand there are the visual UHC and OIII filters that enhance nebulae and planetary nebulae, like the Veil nebula, for example, which you may not see without a filter.

There is also a specialist one called the H-Beta filter which enhances specific nebulae like the Horsehead, Cocoon and California nebulas, but some of these filters can get quite expensive, the most economical in these type of visual filters are the Sky Watcher ones offered by the forum sponsors FLO.

As for photographic applications I am unable to advise as I don't do AP.

Hope this helps...

[redneon]

Cool, cheers. Speaking of nebulae, I got chance to go out last night for an hour before the cloud spoilt my fun. My target was the Crab Nebula. I did find it but it was incredibly faint and I could only see it with averted vision. Would using a UHC or OIII filter help with this?

[yesteryeargames]

I Have the Baader Neodymium filter and it is not great , i guess my street lights are the wrong type,

anyway i would also like some help getting a filter for nebula, budget around £30

do i need a UCH or OIII ? Any ones in particular you could reccomend, ebay or flo ?

thanks

[yesteryeargames]

I also saw crab nebula for the first time, it was a very faint smudge, i am looking to find a filter that will bring it ando other objects out more,

will the filters help bring out galaxys too ?

[redneon]

Nice avatar, yesteryeargames. Olimar looks like he's having fun.

[rwilkey]

Hi Darrell, for M1 the Crab Nebula, I think the UHC (Ultra High Contrast) would be the best one, note also this description of the effects on M1 from the Cloudy Nights Forum, not actually viewed the nebula as yet with either filter:

UHC: Darkens the background and reveals little hints of tattered detail on the edges with the eastern "cusp" now more visible.

OIII: Much darker than in UHC, and appears slightly smaller and somewhat rounder, but with hints of filamentary detail on the edges and across the nebula at moderate powers.

I would recommend the Sky Watcher ones from FLO.