Which LP Filter?

[Knight of Clear Skies]

I'm looking at getting an LP filter for my 1100D, mostly to use with camera lenses but possibly with a scope as well further down the line. The two options are the IDS LPS-D1 filter or the Astronomik CLS CCD filter (I'd want the CCD version as although my camera isn't modded I'm probably going to get one at a later date). Could anyone help me with a few questions please?

I notice that neither version work with EF-S lenses, which protrude more into the camera body. (A bit of a shame, but hopefully I can use my kit lens down in Cornwall where LP is less of a problem.) However, the IDAS filter holder actually screws into the body. Does anyone know if an EF-S lens can be used while the filter holder is in place but the filter isn't? If not that's a major downside to me, as I use my camera for daylight photography and don't want to disassemble this every time I want to use an EF-S lens. The astronomik clip-in strikes me as a lot more convenient in this sense, is this true?

Searching online, people say the IDAS filter is the better of the two. Looking at the absorption graphs I can understand why, it's a lot more selective at blocking particular wavelengths. I don't suppose anyone has some comparison images please? If the improvement is marginal I'd prefer to invest the £70 difference in other equipment.

Finally, an alternative to an LP filter would be gradient removal software. This would be more flexible as it would allow me to remove Moon and LED lighting gradients, but I suspect I'd get more value and ease of use from an LP filter - my local skies are quite orange. Does anyone have any guidance on this please? Ideally I'd have both, and eventually I probably will, but it's a question of sorting out my spending priorities and finding the time to learn the software. I had a partial success with the demo of Star Tools, but the DBE tool in the Pixinsight demo baffled me and I haven't had a chance to read up on it.

[wxsatuser]

I have both types of filter.......imo the Hutech has better colour balance.

Been trying Gradient Xterminator here, it seems to work quite well.

This had a serious gradient down on the right before the xterminator.

[Leveye]

I use older Ashai/Pentax and Nikkor lenses with an adaptor ring and the CLS clip in filter worked perfect with my 60D

[Davey-T]

I have both, though not got any meaningful comparison pic's as I use the Hutech in Powermate for Planets and stuff and the Astronomik for lenses, I think the colour rendition is better in the Hutech but it is easily corrected for the Astronomik in processing so probably not worth stressing over.

Dave 

[dph1nm]

The 2" Skywatcher LP filter plus suitable adapter screws on to  EFS lenses just like a normal filter.

NigelM

[Knight of Clear Skies]

I have both types of filter.......imo the Hutech has better colour balance.

Been trying Gradient Xterminator here, it seems to work quite well.

This had a serious gradient down on the right before the xterminator.

m31200mm.jpg

Lovely image. I suppose it was taken with a LP filter in place? if so, was the gradient from the Moon or anther light source?

The 2" Skywatcher LP filter plus suitable adapter screws on to  EFS lenses just like a normal filter.

NigelM

That's a interesting thought thanks. A step-down adaptor would effectively stop a couple of my lenses down a little, but I'd be likely to do that anyway. I also have a collection of M42 lenses, so I'd have to check the filter thread sizes on them. One disadvantage is I might have trouble fitting a lens hood, so dew might be more of a problem.

Does anyone know if the 2" astronomical filters have the same threading as 52mm camera filters please, or would I need a specialist adaptor?

[wxsatuser]

Yes!

An Astronomik CLS CCD clip.

The gradient was a nearby security light.

[wxsatuser]

Does anyone know if the 2" astronomical filters have the same threading as 52mm camera filters please, or would I need a specialist adaptor?

My 2inch Hutechs are 48mm, they fit fine in a 48mm stepdown ring.

[laser_jock99]

M16 with Huetech IDAS D2 from LP site.

Seems to keep the colour balance okay.

[dph1nm]

2" Skywatcher LP also takes 48mm. I use a 58-48 step-down for my EF-S lenses.

NigelM

[AndyKeogh]

I have the CLS which works well in my Canon 50D although I recall I had to up my exposure by quite a bit.  I also have the 72mm IDAS filter which fits on the front of lenses so will work on both my Canon cameras and on my SBIG 8300M  when I am using Canon lenses.

I use step up or step down rings to fit the filter on my 85mm , 24mm prime  or  zoom lenses.

If only the clouds would clear I could send you a comparison picture .  I have not used either recently as I have gone to dark site locations where they are not needed.

Andy