Orion-USA & Their New "Jupiter-Filter."

[Dave In Vermont]

As many of you know - I am a certified Filter-Nut. I have no less than 35 of them. Mostly 1.25" ones.

So when I got a email from Orion informing me they have a new Jupiter-Filter, I went and took a look. Orion had had tried to peddle one of these before. It turned out to be a Wratten 80A Blue filter - marked as a 'Jupiter-Filter' in a new box. For $5.00 more than a regular #80A-Blue Filter which sold for $12.50! You could see 'Blue' and 80A on the filter they were calling a new Jupiter-Filter. I called them out on this in a email - offering to publicize this deception if they didn't change their minds. And Orion promptly removed the ads.

Guess what? They're doing it again. First off - here's a link to their on-line catalog offering:

http://www.telescope.com/Accessories/Telescope-Eyepiece-Filters/125-Orion-Jupiter-Observation-Eyepiece-Filter/pc/-1/c/3/sc/48/p/101703.uts

And here's a set of 4 colour-filters, including the 80A-Blue, for $49.99:

http://www.telescope.com/Accessories/Telescope-Eyepiece-Filters/125-Orion-Basic-Set-of-Four-Color-Filters/pc/-1/c/3/sc/48/p/99590.uts

The image I'm leaving is one of their own of their so-called 'Jupiter-Filter.'

I certainly don't wish to malign the 80A-Blue filters. I have one. It is one of my most used filters for many objects - including Jupiter. It's also quite nice for high-contrast views of our Moon. And for cooling down the glare from Venus, to name a few. If you don't have any colour filters and you're thinking of getting a few, I'd start with an 80A Blue. What I wouldn't suggest getting is the wool pulled over your eyes by a company that is trying to fool it's customers with deceptive marketing-practices. Don't give them a $7.50 tip for such a hoax.

Colourful-Skies,

Dave

 

[MarsG76]

I agree that the 80A is a great filter to view Jupiter... that said, I dont think Orion add/sale really a hoax, they labeled it as a "Jupiter Observing Eyepiece filter, which it is good for at this color and the image is a picture of a 80A filter, so no deceptive advertising there.. as for the higher price, its a business and I'm sure most if not all observers do their research before purchasing and this heads-up will be of great help to save a few $$.

Another great Jupiter and Saturn observing combo I found did wonder to my views was stacked Baader Contrast booster and Booder Moon & Sky glow (neodumium) filter. The difference it make to revealing faint detail on clear nights has to be seen to be believed.

 

[Special K]

Well spotted Dave. It's quite obviously just an ordinary 80A!  I agree it has its uses, though have to admit I don't use mine enough.  

[alan potts]

It is amazing what some companies will try but I suppose that knowing the blue range work on Jupiter it's not really law breaking and I would have thought most seasoned astronomers would see through it.

I used to take a different and much more expensive also more stupid way to use blue filters. I used to have a very large selection of Lee Photographic filters, each one costing around the 40 pounds mark. I had 80 A and B as well as 82A, I used to hold them over certain eyepieces and I found it did help a fair bit. I also had a yellow filter that seemed to help some nights but I forget the number now. I don't bother at all now but often wish I had a cheap set.

[John]

I'm going to market an empty filter ring with "Ultimate 100% Transmission Lunar and Planetary Filter" engraved around the edge.

My "unique selling point" will be to supply it with a pencil, a sketch pad and a guide to assessing the seeing conditions. Used together with owner supplied patience I reckon this "kit" will deliver great lunar and planetary viewing 

[Dave In Vermont]

10 hours ago, John said:

I'm going to market an empty filter ring with "Ultimate 100% Transmission Lunar and Planetary Filter" engraved around the edge.

My "unique selling point" will be to supply it with a pencil, a sketch pad and a guide to assessing the seeing conditions. Used together with owner supplied patience I reckon this "kit" will deliver great lunar and planetary viewing 

Perhaps I can hire you as a sales-agent for these:

Dave