Jump to content

which Filters?


Recommended Posts

I have 2 filters: a Moon filter that came with my first scope, and a Lumicon UHC. My viewing is almost entirely DSO, and most of that is galaxies, so neither filter gets much use. But when viewing faint emission nebuale, I always give the UHC a try, and it certainly helps. I use it on all my scopes (apertures from 80mm to 12").

An OIII filter will give much the same results as a UHC. The really specialist one is an H-beta filter (the "two objects" it's recommended for being the Horsehead and California nebulae - both of which I've managed without H-beta help).

A while ago I considered getting some colour filters for planetary use but instead did something about improving the baffling in my scope, which solved the lack of contrast I was trying to address.

My advice would be to get things one at a time, always with a specific task in mind. If you get a lot of kit simply because you think you "ought" to have it, you'll wind up with lots of things you never use.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 75
  • Created
  • Last Reply
It's not that hard.

1) light haves different colours

2) each colour haves a wave lenght (it behaves like a wave on the water)

3) a narrow-band filter (such as OIII or UHC) only lets some very specific wavelengths come through and blocks all the others, that's why when you hold one in day light it looks like a mirror, cause it's blocking almost all the light.

4) What wavelength do the filters let through? Specific wavelength (or colours if you like) that are reflected by the material that constitutes the nebula. Thus it makes everything dark and let most of the nebula light through. since not all nebulas are made of the same material, different specific filters for each type is needed.

That article link I posted last, haves real tests of different filters on different targets. With that info you don't need any knowledge on wavelenghts and how filters work. Just pick the filters with the highest score for the target you wish and see how you get along with it.

PS-> They say in the introduction they used all of this scopes: 10 inch f/5.6 Newtonian (52x, 71x, 104x, and 141x), 9.25 inch f/10 SCT (59x, 98x), 8 inch f/5 Newtonian (32x), 100mm f/6 refractor (15x, 22x) (this one is smaller then yours).

Sorry, I must have missed the bit about the 100mm refractor.

I will read the page again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have 2 filters: a Moon filter that came with my first scope, and a Lumicon UHC. My viewing is almost entirely DSO, and most of that is galaxies, so neither filter gets much use. But when viewing faint emission nebuale, I always give the UHC a try, and it certainly helps. I use it on all my scopes (apertures from 80mm to 12").

An OIII filter will give much the same results as a UHC. The really specialist one is an H-beta filter (the "two objects" it's recommended for being the Horsehead and California nebulae - both of which I've managed without H-beta help).

A while ago I considered getting some colour filters for planetary use but instead did something about improving the baffling in my scope, which solved the lack of contrast I was trying to address.

My advice would be to get things one at a time, always with a specific task in mind. If you get a lot of kit simply because you think you "ought" to have it, you'll wind up with lots of things you never use.

You have sumned it all up. "Thats Me", I wan't them all because I think that I will miss something if I don't have the whole range available. Stupid, I know, but I am trying to take a more sensible approach, with the help of SGL members like yourself, of coarse. Thanks for reigning me in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not stupid, just human nature - we all do it, myself included!

Indeed, I'm the same. The truth is we only learn trough experience. So if you have the money to get a few of them then do so and try them out. 2nd hand ones will allow a cheaper buy, and if you come to the conclusion you don't like them, then you can resell without loosing money.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My advice would be to get things one at a time, always with a specific task in mind. If you get a lot of kit simply because you think you "ought" to have it, you'll wind up with lots of things you never use.

Very true. It's best to make do with what you've got, and from time-to-time ponder on the specific problems you've got and look to see if there's something to buy that'll help.

No point buying stuff to solve problems you don't yet have! ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks guys,

Sounds like very good advice, and it's good to know that i'm not the only astro shopaholic around. I will see if i can pick up a moon filter, UHC-S and some colored filters on this site or astrobuysell. (at the right price of coarse).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks guys,

Sounds like very good advice, and it's good to know that i'm not the only astro shopaholic around. I will see if i can pick up a moon filter, UHC-S and some colored filters on this site or astrobuysell. (at the right price of coarse).

I have managed to purchase the Baaader UHC-S filter.

Also, the Lumicon variable polariser filter.

I would appreciate it if anyone has experienced useing the Baader

2" LRGBC anti reflection filter set, and also if it is worth the £358 price tag?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would appreciate it if anyone has experienced useing the Baader

2" LRGBC anti reflection filter set, and also if it is worth the £358 price tag?

I may be wrong but I think this is for imaging rather than visual?

Can anyone confirm?

I bought some cheapo filters myself today from Scopes N Skies (may god have mercy etc).

£13 delivered for a 13% 2" Antares ND filter, a 2" polarising filter and two x 2" close up filters which I hope to knock the glass out of and use as distancers for 2" filters on my 2" - 1.25" converters - my Radians and Powermate 1.25" eyepieces are a little longer than the adapter and will no doubt smash the 2" filters one day if I don't do this. not sure what the quality of the ND / polarising filters will be but for this price I'll take a chance - Antares have a reasonable name I think. I was going to pay £10 for one Baader fine tuning ring for the same purpose!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not an imager but I'm almost 100% sure those are used to achieve color images using a mono camera (it's more sensitive then a color camera and the filters allow to capture a color at a time, so you can then apply the colors via software, or something like that ;)).

LRGBC = Luminance - Red - Green - Blue - (and something else... :))

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I may be wrong but I think this is for imaging rather than visual?

Can anyone confirm?

I bought some cheapo filters myself today from Scopes N Skies (may god have mercy etc).

£13 delivered for a 13% 2" Antares ND filter, a 2" polarising filter and two x 2" close up filters which I hope to knock the glass out of and use as distancers for 2" filters on my 2" - 1.25" converters - my Radians and Powermate 1.25" eyepieces are a little longer than the adapter and will no doubt smash the 2" filters one day if I don't do this. not sure what the quality of the ND / polarising filters will be but for this price I'll take a chance - Antares have a reasonable name I think. I was going to pay £10 for one Baader fine tuning ring for the same purpose!

You've probably done the sensible thing.

I have not been around long enough to learn the ropes yet.

I just bought my Baader UHC-S & Lumicon V P filter from the states and yes, your correct, "I paid through the nose" ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ha ha

don't get me wrong Ray - I'll probably be paying out lots 'where it counts' - I'll eventually be getting an Astronomik 2" UHC filter myself at £150-£200??

the big decision currently is whether my next purchase should be a 12mm Radian (used of course) or a UHC filter. I have until Father's Day to decide!

you won't regret the ones you've bought in my view but heed the advice to be slow with your choices and make the right ones for the right reasons.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ha ha

don't get me wrong Ray - I'll probably be paying out lots 'where it counts' - I'll eventually be getting an Astronomik 2" UHC filter myself at £150-£200??

the big decision currently is whether my next purchase should be a 12mm Radian (used of course) or a UHC filter. I have until Father's Day to decide!

you won't regret the ones you've bought in my view but heed the advice to be slow with your choices and make the right ones for the right reasons.

Yes hopefully, you can see that I'm trying, asking all the questions before parting with the spondulix.

I have found some more colored filters by baader, and am wondering if they are any good. Apparently they are for visual use.

Baader: FCFDB-2 Dark Blue, FCFB-2 Bright Blue, FCFG-2 Green, FCFY-2 Yellow, FCFO-2 Orange, FCFR-2 Red ($209) for set of six.

They are much cheaper than the Baader LRGBC color filter set of 4, and about a 3rd of the price, although i still don't know if the LRBGC one's are also for visual use as well as photography?

Good luck with the decision on the eyepiece or filter.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ray,

Pardon me for saying this (it's intended entirely as friendly advice :D) but you seem to be rushing into to accumulating masses of kit which, with the best will in the world, most of which will probably not get used much, if at all.

For example you already seem to have 15 eyepieces including a number which duplicate each other (eg: the 2 zooms)

The usual advice to newcomers to the hobby (apologies if this is not you) is the use the kit you have before rushing in to buying accessories as it's the only way that you will develop a feel for what extra equipment will move you forward in the hobby and which items will just gather dust. We can only really comment on the servicability of a particular item, not whether it will help you achieve what you want, if you see what I mean :p

Of course it's entirely up to you what you spend your hard earned cash on but I'd certainly be advising that you hold back from buying more and more "stuff" until you have given the (excellent) set up you currently have a chance to show you what it can and can't do.

Regards ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ray,

Pardon me for saying this (it's intended entirely as friendly advice ;)) but you seem to be rushing into to accumulating masses of kit which, with the best will in the world, most of which will probably not get used much, if at all.

For example you already seem to have 15 eyepieces including a number which duplicate each other (eg: the 2 zooms)

The usual advice to newcomers to the hobby (apologies if this is not you) is the use the kit you have before rushing in to buying accessories as it's the only way that you will develop a feel for what extra equipment will move you forward in the hobby and which items will just gather dust. We can only really comment on the servicability of a particular item, not whether it will help you achieve what you want, if you see what I mean :)

Of course it's entirely up to you what you spend your hard earned cash on but I'd certainly be advising that you hold back from buying more and more "stuff" until you have given the (excellent) set up you currently have a chance to show you what it can and can't do.

Regards :)

Hi John,

Thank you for the sound advice, it is very much appreciated. (No offence taken).

I always dive into the deep end as it's in my nature. I am 60 years of age (retired at 58) and don't have the time to go through the long and drawn out sensible or usual proccess.

My reasoning is, (as you have mentioned the 15 eyepieces) that I try out some different makes and types to find out which ones suit me best, and then sell the one's that I don't get on with, and replace them with a range of eyepieces that are more suitable at a later stage.

I have bought the 127mm as an entry level scope in order to check out the skies in inland Spain where I have purchased a house near the top of a small mountain. There Is little light polution in the area and so it should in theory, be an excellent viewing site. My intention a bit further down the line, is to purchase a 24" or larger reflector and Larger apperture and better quality refractor that can be mounted on the reflector, and build an observatory suitable to accomodate them, if I can get the planning permission from the local authority. I have my eye on the Televue Ethos, and Pentax XW series eyepieces as they are meant to be excellent in fast scopes, although I am sure that I will be checking out others as well.

For the time being, I will be popping to and fro from Spain, and checking out the skies and the local planning authority, to see if my plan is feasable.

So, although you think me a bit crazy, I do have a plan., although I am not sure how sensible it is? Maybe I "am" crazy. :D:p

Link to comment
Share on other sites

John makes a very good point. There's lots of overlaps on your kit. A more careful plan would have allowed top quality EPs for every situation without overlap and probably for the same or less money. You would have less kit but it would be the very best and you would keep it a lifetime. If you do move to a big dob later on, with a focal ratio(f/) under 5 then most of your EPs won't perform well, they will present loss of sharpness towards the edge.

Most seasoned observers have 3/4 EPs that are used 95%+ of the time. Usually one in the 30-35mm, another in the 13-15mm and one in the 10-7mm. Then maybe one or 2 planetary EPs to finish it.

Example:

- Nagler 31mm T5 with 82º FoV - goes for 300£ 2nd hand would give a wider FoV then both your 40mm and 33mm EP while having much more quality and a wider field of view (It's like a window to space)

- Antares Barlow 1.6x - 80£ new. Combined with the Nagler 31 would give you a 19.25mm EP replacing your 20mm with, again, more quality and wider FoV.

- Ethos 13mm - around 350£ used - Excelent for smaller DSOs. Best FoV in the market, would give you the magnification of a 13mm while showing as much sky as a 17mm. When used with the barlow becomes a 8mm EP, excelent for planetary with huge FoV and comparable to an ortho regarding light transmition, sharpness and contrast.

- Then 2/3 orthos (60-80£ each) for planetary. That's all you'd need for a lifetime on any scope, no matter how demanding it is (f/5-). Or the 6-3mm Nagler zoom instead.

This hobby haves too much choice! You need to take your time to experiment and learn what you need. And before each purchase google the name of the item + review to read how did people got along with it. Always rely on the tests on fast scopes (f/5-) as you want to add a big dob latter on. On slow scopes everything performs well.

EDIT: posted at the same time as you. Seams like you already got the right idea. :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No problem Ray, sounds like you "have a cunning plan" ;)

As for crazy, as Captain Blackadder said in the WW1 trenches ".... who would have noticed another madman round here ?" :p

For what it's worth the Tele Vue Ethos and the Pentax XW (particulary the 10mm) are probably the best eyepieces I've ever used (and goodness knows I've tried a few :D) and maintain that excellence in a wide range of scope types.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Guys,

I will be offloading some eps a bit later down the line, but not untill I have the obseratory up and running. Planning permission in Spain can take forever, as they are really laid back about things. My cunning plan is to woo the local council by telling the mayor that an observatory will put their town on the map. They'll love that, so it may speed up the permission.

I will tell you something even more crazy, in that I have been checking out the Orion 50" Dob which is about £127,000.

I have been checking my finances to see if it would be a realistic proposition. The problem is that along with the scope, there are other things to considder. Larger planetarium, Drives, 6" APO, eye pieces, camera and editing equipement, not forgetting the shipping fee's, import duties & VAT etc; which will come out to be a tidy sumn. I am just checking at the moment, Phoning for prices to see what the final figure comes out at.

Unfortunately, I have only recently purchased the house which needs money spent on it, and a resteurant which I have already spent six figures on to refurbish.

If it turns out that my finances will not stretch that far for the 50", there is always the 30" to considder.

I will keep you posted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No problem Ray, sounds like you "have a cunning plan" ;)

As for crazy, as Captain Blackadder said in the WW1 trenches ".... who would have noticed another madman round here ?" :p

For what it's worth the Tele Vue Ethos and the Pentax XW (particulary the 10mm) are probably the best eyepieces I've ever used (and goodness knows I've tried a few :D) and maintain that excellence in a wide range of scope types.

Yes John,

The way I see it is that if I am going to spend crazy money on a larger scope set-up, then I may as well stretch a bit further for the best eyepieces. I will constantly review the wish list, which means asking the neccessary questions and listening to as many peoples experiences possible. so that when the time comes, I will hopefully make the right choices.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have 2 filters: a Moon filter that came with my first scope, and a Lumicon UHC. My viewing is almost entirely DSO, and most of that is galaxies, so neither filter gets much use. But when viewing faint emission nebuale, I always give the UHC a try, and it certainly helps. I use it on all my scopes (apertures from 80mm to 12").

An OIII filter will give much the same results as a UHC. The really specialist one is an H-beta filter (the "two objects" it's recommended for being the Horsehead and California nebulae - both of which I've managed without H-beta help).

A while ago I considered getting some colour filters for planetary use but instead did something about improving the baffling in my scope, which solved the lack of contrast I was trying to address.

My advice would be to get things one at a time, always with a specific task in mind. If you get a lot of kit simply because you think you "ought" to have it, you'll wind up with lots of things you never use.

Thanks for the info Acey, it's appreciated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you end up selling tickets to that obsy when it's ready, I'll be in line! :D

Should be great to have a peek through a 30"+. :p

Are you based in Spain Paulo?

If so, what area?.

I will be near Alora in Andalucia.

If I manage to pull this thing together, I am going to need people with a lot more experience than I have at present.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are you based in Spain Paulo?

If so, what area?.

I will be near Alora in Andalucia.

If I manage to pull this thing together, I am going to need people with a lot more experience than I have at present.

Not really, I'm over 1500 km away. I'm in the middle of the Atlantic, in Azores islands, part of Portugal (2 hour flight from Lisbon, 4 from New York, with nothing in between :D). But still a 30"+ would be worth the trip!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

wow Ray,

if only....I reckon most of us are saying.

I actually completely agree with you about living life to the full. my dad (and mum more recently) died young - my dad at 51. this completely changed my outlook and I try and cram as much as possible into my life now and if I can afford it I get it.

hopefully you've got a few more years in you yet of course!!

do consider used eyepieces as especially with the really top quality ones, people really do look after them. whilst I can see that money is not tight for you, it does make sense.

take care mate and enjoy the gear you have for now. I agree your site and scope make a fab initial set up!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.