Telescope Filter
Best telescope filters for viewing nebula?
just wondering what if any type of filter would give me better views of feint objects like nebula and galaxys.
Only hav moon filter at min. Would a Light pollution, UV/IR, UHC, or OIII filter be any use for viewing or are these only useful for imaging purposes??
hav skywatcher127 mak, viewing near Glasgow, any help advice would b great thx
The two basic filters you want are OIII and UHC. In the end you will want both, it’s just a question of which first. David Knisely did a detailed evaluation of how nebulae show in filters on Cloudynights.com. This is the most thorough evaluation you’re likely to find.
The gist of it is this. The UHC may do better on more objects, but the most spectacular objects do best in OIII. I would recommend the Lumicon OIII and maybe a Baader UHC. I own several filters and use the OIII most.
Your most cost effective option is 1.25 inch filters on 1.25 inch eyepieces: make sure your eyepieces are all threaded, but be aware that thread sizes are not standardized.
A five inch aperture does noticeably better with these filters than a four inch, I use both four and five inch apo refractors (102mm and 128mm). You are missing something however because your scope will not fully illuminate a two inch eyepiece with a two inch filter etc.: Maks and SCTs of this size have vignetting due to the baffle size, that is, the tube in the middle of the hole in your mirror.. So you won’t get a really wide field. Also you’re at higher magnification as a result of your focal length and so that will dim things a bit.
Since the Veil Nebula and M17 are among the most spectacular sky objects that you will want to look at over and over, I strongly suggest getting OIII first and UHC second. But it’s ultimately an empty debate because if you’re into this for any length of time you will get both.
Your next filter after those two should be the Baader Neodymium filter because it really does great things on Jupiter and Mars, and can be used at least a bit to help cut down moon glow. Ultimately you’re going to want to experience some of these nebulae in an 8 to 10 inch or bigger range, in two inch wide field eyepieces, because you get so much more. This is especially true of the nebulae. However, it is simply not true that you can’t enjoy these objects in four and five inch (127mm) apertures with a filter. The fact of the matter is you can, people do, and it is routinely done with good results. On certain objects like the California Nebula you really don’t have much choice, to get a field of view wide enough you have to use a smaller aperture. But that’s an H-alpha filter and should be way down on your priorities–few targets there.
As a general rule galaxies don’t respond well to filters. For light pollution the already-mentioned neodymium (Baader sky and moon glow) filter helps as much as anything, but not much. You can readily sell your filters on astromart if you don’t like them so you’ll get back 70% of your outlay and won’t have much money at risk.
Hope that helps,
GN
DIY telescope solar filter with Baader film
|
|
Carson Optical LED Flashlight (Red) $3.95 The SL-11 StarMapLight from Carson Optical is a red LED Flashlight for Low-Light use. This Flashlight is great for Astronomy, Photographic Darkrooms, or reading theater programs without disturbing others. The StarMap Light comes with a handy attached keychain so you’ll have it wherever and whenever you need it…. |
|
|
Petzl E44850 Tikka/Zipka 3-Lens Kit $4.20 640049 Features: Just remove the original lens and replace with one from the kit Includes red, green and clear lenses Specifications:… |
|
|
KitchenAid KIRD861VSS 36in Downdraft Hood – Stainless Steel KitchenAidR retractable downdraft systems remain flush with the cooktop surface until needed A reversible motor box can be installed on either side of the downdraft freeing up space beneath the cabinet The 14-inch rise allows for greater smoke and st…… |
|
|
Thousand Oaks Nebular Filter 2 Lp-1 Broadband $159.95 Enhance your deep sky viewing with the latest in multi-layer coating technology. Over three years in development. Our filters transmit desired wave-lengths in a very steep slope vs. gentle transition slopes in competitive brands. This means better contrast and overall performance. LP-1 Broadband (Black Cell) For slight to moderately light-polluted areas…. |
|
|
Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning System $7.68 New Nikon Lenspen Pro 7072 Cleaning System Lens Pen.Will not scratch or damage lens.Outperforms all other lens cleaning devices.Unique LensPen tip is self-replenishing.Cleaning compound will not spill or dry up…. |
|
|
Celestron Accessory Kit $123.00 Celestron Accessory Kit… |
|
|
Celestron 93625 Universal 1.25-inch Camera T-Adapter $20.95 Fits (drop in style) any type of telescope that uses a 1.25″ focuser or visual back. Allows you to attach your 35mm SLR camera to the prime focus of your telescope or spotting scope. Both a T-Adapter and T-Ring are required to mount a 35mm SLR camera to your instrument…. |
|
|
Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Reflector Telescope $99.99 Orion’s surprising little Spaceprobe 3 has been picked by independent reviewers as one of the best telescopes in its price class. Unlike similar telescopes seen in discount stores, Orion has refined the Spaceprobe 3 by paying attention to the little details, and that make this telescope a great value. The Spaceprobe 3 comes with an unusually complete set of accessories. The package includes two … |
|
|
Telescope Solar Filter by Seymour Solar for Meade ETX 90 $49.00 This size filter will fit any telescope with an optical tube diameter of 98-105mm. It is made with a sturdy aluminum outer cell that houses an optical thin film aperture. The thin film is a .002″ thick black polymer. It is safe for direct viewing through the telescope and for photography. It is rated as a neutral density 5. You are buying this directly from the manufacturer and it has a 30 day mon… |
|
|
Telescope Solar Filter by Seymour Solar for Meade ETX 125, 114EQ, and DS-2114 ATS $59.00 This size filter will fit any telescope with an optical tube diameter of 143-149mm. It is made with a sturdy aluminum outer cell that houses an optical thin film aperture. The thin film is a .002″ thick black polymer. It is safe for direct viewing through the telescope and for photography. It is rated as a neutral density 5. You are buying this directly from the manufacturer and it has a 30 day mo… |
|
|
Celestron 12v Power Supply 17-amp Power Tank $0 This Power Tank from Celestron features a 17-amp hour design with two 12-volt output car jack sockets. This power tank also spotlights a removable red filtered flashlight with magnetic back and an energy efficient LED spotlight. |
|
|
Dyson DC25 Animal Vacuum (Refurbished) $359.99 The Dyson DC25 Animal Vacuum features a telescope reach wand for cleaning hard to reach places and a motorized brush bar that removes dirt and pet har. The vacuum also features a washable HEPA filter that traps dust mites, pollen and ragweed. |
|
|
Sightmark H840 Triple Duty Tactical Flashlight Kit $158 The H840 Tactical Flashlight from Sightmark features three high intensity 280 lumen LEDs to provide 840 lumens of light. This tactical kit is equipped with a weapon mount, push on/off button and pressure pad and three color lens filters. |
|
|
Trijicon 4.0 MOA Amber Dot Flattop Adapter Reflex Sight $495.55 Red dot sight was custom designed for the M4A1 as sold to the US Special ForcesHunting gear features a 4.0 MOA Amber DotHunting accessory includes flattop rail adapter, dust cover and polarizing filter |