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Best nebula filter ( visual ) with 4" APO


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Best nebula filter ( visual ) with 4" APO

I'm replacing some 1.25" filters with 2" ones and I'm trying to decide on which 2" nebula filter to get for primarily visual use with a 4" APO refractor. I had the Baader UHC-S in 1.25" and rather than just replace it with with the 2" version I'm looking at alternatives. Dimming is a concern so the Astronomik UHC-E filter looks promising in that respect.

The short list

  1. Astronomik UHC-E Filter 2"
  2. Astronomik UHC Filter 2"
  3. Orion Ultrablock Filter 2"
  4. Baader UHC-S L Booster Filter 2"

John

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hi John

I am also considering the same thing as I have the scopes listed below and live in quite high LP. I have (I think) come to the conclusion that the Astronomik filters are possibly the best based on what I have read online and will eventually get a 2" UHC and Oiii from that manufacturer. Not cheap though and like hen's teeth used.

I had not considered the UHC-E - does this just have less of the coatings on and therefore let more light through generally?

Another concern for me with the dob is that I mainly use 1.25" eyepieces so will put the 2" filters in the converter. The Radians I use (which I understand incorporate a Barlow) have a longer barrel (i.e. the bit that goes in the scope) than other lenses and it's very tight to the end of the converter so I'll have to be *very* careful the first time I try a lens in the filtered converter! I may even buy a cheapo 2" filter and smash the glass out to move the real filter away slightly (assuming you can stack them like this).

I'll watch this thread with interest.

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The Astronomik UHC-E Filter has less contrast than the regular UHC but higher light transmission. They recommend the UHC-E for up to 4" refractors and the UHC for 4" and over refractors, hence the dilemma with a 4". Which way to go?

Re: the longer eyepiece barrel and clearance, I just ordered one of these high 1.25" to 2 " eyepiece adaptors to give me some extra clearance when using 1.25" eyepieces. Quite cheap as well.

http://www.astronomica.co.uk/index.php/Accessories/Adaptors/1.25-inch-to-2-inch-Adapter-Long-Profile.html

John

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I use the Astronomik OIII with my 4" Vixen ED and it works superbly. I suspect that the Astronomik filters use better quality optical glass than some other brands judging by the sharpness of star images. For me it's a "one filter solution" being not quite as harsh as the Baader and Celstron OIII's I've used. Stick it on the 31mm Nagler and I can see all of the Veil Nebula in the same field - lovely :(

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I think number 3 is the best of the list there, but the Ultrablock would give it a serious run for its money, being about half the price.

I would go with UHC over a broadband UHC - it cuts down more background light and gives a higher contrast view. It will dim the background stars more as well, but will not affect the nubula.

Andrew

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I use the Astronomik OIII with my 4" Vixen ED and it works superbly. I suspect that the Astronomik filters use better quality optical glass than some other brands judging by the sharpness of star images. For me it's a "one filter solution" being not quite as harsh as the Baader and Celstron OIII's I've used. Stick it on the 31mm Nagler and I can see all of the Veil Nebula in the same field - lovely :(

OIII's not a bad choice either TBH. Even dimmer and less versatile, but oh, what a view on the right targets! If you want to view the Veil nebula, it's simply the last word. It will work on many targets, just not quite as many as a UHC. And if you want a brighter image, as John says, Astronomik offer one with a reasonable bandpass - the Baader is very dim indeed.

Andrew

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Been doing a bit more research and it's now come down to the Astronomik UHC Filter (£164.00) or the Orion Ultrablock Filter (£85.00). The Astronomik is better than the Ultrablock, but at nearly twice the price!

Is the Astronomik worth the extra or would I really notice that much difference?

John

P.S.

I found out that the main difference between the Astronomik UHC and the UHC-E is the quality of the glass used. The coatings are the same quality.

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I use the Ultrablock and have no desire to upgrade to Astronomik due to the cost involved. HOWEVER, I haven't used the Astronomik... it is said they have excellent quality glass, but I haven't seen any fault in the Ultrablock.

The Lumicon is also said to be excellent by the way...

Andrew

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