Filters, are they any good?

[IB20]

Hello all,

Are colour (planetary), light pollution and lunar filters any cop? Do they make a difference? Are cheap ones a complete no-no and if so, what would more experienced observers recommend?

This is with an 8" dob with maybe the odd botched iphone image.

Thanks

Edited May 25, 2020 by IB20

[RT65CB-SWL]

The filter I tend to use most often for planetary observing is the Baader Neodymium. I often refer to it as 'the Swiss Army Knife filter'. Jupiter or Saturn appear shade of pale blue. The last time Mars was at it closet opposition, it was having a dust storm, it appeared a pale violet. I could see a bit of surface detail with my C6/XLT-SCT. It is one of those Marmite filters; either you hate it or you love it!

I also have the Baader Contrast Booster and Explore Scientific CLS. For general light pollution; I think this where the CLS may be useful, but as more local authorities are switching to LED street lighting, I have not done a side-by-side comparison to see which is the better at present. 

For Venus I use a #47 (violet). For lunar observing I have a 1.25" & 2" variable polarising filters.

Obviously the more you pay for filters, (either coloured or specialist), the better quality in coatings and light transmission, etc., at least that is what the manufacturers want you to believe.

[BGazing]

Just now, Philip R said:

The filter I tend to use most often for planetary observing is the Baader Neodymium. I often refer to it as 'the Swiss Army Knife filter'. Jupiter or Saturn appear shade of pale blue. The last time Mars was at it closet opposition, it was having a dust storm, it appeared a pale violet. I could see a bit of surface detail with my C6/XLT-SCT. It is one of those Marmite filters; either you hate it or you love it!

 

+1, love Neodymium. Also doubles as UVIR cut for Quark. Swiss Army Knife indeed.

I love it on Jupiter and Saturn in C8 but on Tak I prefer them sans filter. Good on the Moon in any scope.

[johninderby]

The Baader neodynium filter is my favourite for lunar and planetary but is unfortunately getting expensive to buy new.  

Have been testing this cheap alternative and find it’s probably about 2/3rds as good as the Baader but for a small fraction  of the price. OK to use until you can afford the Baader. Same filter is also available under the Ostara or Svbony brands.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gosky-Skyglow-Celestron-Sky-watcher-Telescope/dp/B075FL1B6Z/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=moon+%26+skyglow+filter&qid=1590434272&sr=8-6

Next most useful is a variable polarising filter which can be used on the moon but is also very useful on Venus.

I do have a set of coloured planetary filters but they have been gathering dust in a drawer for years.

Edited May 25, 2020 by johninderby