Buying a filter

[Kenboy]

Hi all 

I'm looking to get more detail and nebulosity from my small setup, need some advice buying a camera filter

I'm using an un-modded Canon 550D + Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens on a Star Adventurer mount. I have Bortle 4 skies nearby. (i don't have a scope atm) 

Budget is ~ £100 

Any ideas for a filter that would improve my setup? or shall I just aim to get the camera modded? 

Thanks!

 

[PEMS]

Likely accidental or normal but the post reads that you expect a filter to give more "nebulosity". They cannot. Any filter removes something - they filter out aspects. In the case of a nebulosity filter they block the not-nebulosity wavelength and allow thorugh only the required ones. And even then they tend to pass only 90-95% so they reduce the ones you want also a little.

The big problem of most DSLR's is they also block a lot of the astronomy interesting Ha wavelength, so the DSLR reduces the amount by far the most.

A Canon blocks some 80% so allowing through only around 20%, and Nikons block some 90% so allow through only some 10%.

You do not say which wavelength it is you want - usually Ha or OIII.

If you added a nebulosity filter what you get is an image of just that narrowish band of wavelengths. Before modifing a DSLR work out if it is worth it. Say this as it seems people will have 2 or 3 modifications made and still have a DLSR that is closer to a dedicated camera but is still not one and the cost is often similar or greater. A modified DSLR is the basic modification, then a replacement filter and later clip in filters for the specified wavelengths.

Ideas are: If you want OIII then get a UHC that is OIII+Hb ONLY, or OIII specific. If you want Ha it is harder as the DSLR has a large effect, but filter wise would have to be a widish I would suggest Ha filter. Wide being not a 3nm NB filter type.

Not sure but check out the Svbony offerings, may not be the greatest but if really tight narrow bands are not totally required then could be a good idea.

[KP82]

Since you've got the luxury of Bortle 4 skies nearby, the best option for you is to get your DSLR astro-modded and you will get the best results without any filters.

[PeterCPC]

+1 for astro modding.

[Kenboy]

On 01/12/2020 at 12:12, KP82 said:

Since you've got the luxury of Bortle 4 skies nearby, the best option for you is to get your DSLR astro-modded and you will get the best results without any filters.

 

On 01/12/2020 at 12:23, PeterCPC said:

+1 for astro modding.

Ok thx !

how do I go about getting this done? 

 

[PeterCPC]

 

17 minutes ago, Kenboy said:

 

Ok thx !

how do I go about getting this done? 

 

This is one https://cheapastrophotography.vpweb.co.uk/Customer-Modification-Service.html

There are others.

[KP82]

28 minutes ago, Kenboy said:

 

Ok thx !

how do I go about getting this done? 

 

This is where I got my 600D modded:

http://www.astronomiser.co.uk/

 

[Kenboy]

awesome thx, do I have to choose filter removal or full spectrum? I'll only be using it for astrophotography. 

[PeterCPC]

I would advise not going full spectrum.

[KP82]

Filter removal is enough for leveraging the the amount of Ha captured by the sensor. If you actually go for full spectrum, you will need your own IR/UV filter or else your stars will be bloated.

[Jm1973]

On 02/12/2020 at 13:33, Kenboy said:

 I'll only be using it for astrophotography. 

Filter-wise... you could get one of the dual-narrowband offerings. These allow through Oiii and Ha, and maybe Hb also, while blocking a lot of LP. Cheaper than buying separates, and also quicker to gather data.

Edited December 4, 2020 by Jm1973