ZWO ASI 224MC IR/UV filter

[gp102m]

Hello, I've just ordered a ZWO ASI 224MC to replace a 740K webcam for lunar and planetary imaging. Is a combined IR/UV cut filter going to be absolutely necessary? I have an IR filter already which was used with the webcam, so could use that.

[Cosmic Geoff]

You do need an IR cut filter. I tried my ASI224MC in daylight without one and the colours looked off.  I ordered the ZWO IR cut filter with the camera, and also their IR-pass filter (since both filters were quite cheap).

[Elp]

Your IR should do it, it helps with planetary but isn't necessarily essential. The included window doesn't filter IR hence why people use them with this camera.

[Adam J]

11 hours ago, gp102m said:

Hello, I've just ordered a ZWO ASI 224MC to replace a 740K webcam for lunar and planetary imaging. Is a combined IR/UV cut filter going to be absolutely necessary? I have an IR filter already which was used with the webcam, so could use that.

What optics are you using? 

[gp102m]

4 hours ago, Adam J said:

What optics are you using? 

Hi, I'm using a 102/1000 achromatic refractor.

[Adam J]

3 hours ago, gp102m said:

Hi, I'm using a 102/1000 achromatic refractor.

Ok for an achromatic refractor you will 100% want a UV/IR cut filter.

I would actually go a little further and recommend a Baader Fringe Killer. 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/achromat-semi-apo-filters/baader-fringe-killer-filter.html

Will leave things slightly yellow but more contrasty. 

Other alternatives are the baader semi-apo filter - darker image but leaves a better colour balance. 

Astronomik L3 - is going to leave purple fringes all over the place but better than no filter. 

Adam

Edited January 24, 2022 by Adam J

[gp102m]

Thank you for the replies. I'll continue using my IR blocking filter, and see how the results compare to the webcam, hopefully there'll be an improvement. Then look at the additional filtering.

Mark.