Filters: Astrodon, Astronomik or.....

[multiweb (Marc)]

You just need to get rid of that camera and list it in the classified. It's already more trouble than it's worth.

[Andy01 (Andy)]

Originally Posted by multiweb

You just need to get rid of that camera and list it in the classified. It's already more trouble than it's worth.

Lol - well it's certainly given me plenty to think about!
New filters - new camera, probably new OTA, probably sell existing OTA's, it'll all be good in the end!

[Andy01 (Andy)]

Originally Posted by PRejto

I think you need to consider matching the filter set to the OTA you intend to use.
Peter

That's worth thinking about - good advice!

Originally Posted by Paul Haese

Recently I chose the Astronomiks simply because they were the most affordable solution to the problem. The 2" Dons I bought cost 7K last time and I would not even contemplate buying them at the current price. So I reckon go with the filters that produce good results at the best price.

I think you're right, 7K? Friar Truck!!!

Originally Posted by JA

Andy if it were me, rather than wait for the perfect solution, I would make an offer on the set of 3 filters that David (username Xeteth above) linked to on Astromart.
Best
JA

MAybe - certainly worth a look thanks!

Originally Posted by DJT

Hi AndyGet Astrodon LRGB and an Ha filter for the coming season then when the Oiii and Sii targets come up later in the year, pick up the rest then when you have wheedled more funds from the CFO...

Cheers DJT, that's a possibility for sure!

[gregbradley]

I think Astronomiks are probably the current best bang for buck. Mike uses them and his images are superb.

The Astronomiks I had did good colour but needed that stupid plastic spacer to fit (cost over $100 for that - still annoyed!).

They have also improved their filters over the years and also have a nice range of clip in DSLR filters.

I don't like the Baaders much. Not parfocal and not 1:1:1 exposure values.
Also the colours were different. A bit more reddish overall. Reflections may still be an issue. I notice QHY600 images on Astrobin using Baaders had nasty reflections. But to be fair they didn't say how old the Baaders were. Gen 2 have antireflection coatings.

Make sure whatever you get that they have good antireflection coatings or you'll get nasty reflection halos on bright stars.

Greg.

[Andy01 (Andy)]

Originally Posted by gregbradley

I think Astronomiks are probably the current best bang for buck. Mike uses them and his images are superb.

Greg.

Thanks greg. I think you're right.

Mike's images are indeed superb, however his Obsy is in a dark site and most of my imaging is done under severe LP rom the 'burbs.

The Astronomiks NB set is reasonably priced but only 7nm - as opposed to my current 3nm Astrodons, with which I can image on any clear night regardless of the moon.

The Astronomik LRGB set is also very well priced and available locally.

However money talks and $2k vs, 7k is a compelling argument, with enough change from the sale of my existing camera & filters to purchase a complete set of Astronomiks and fund the focusser/paracoor/tube upgrades to my Newt.
Hmmm....

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Andy01

Thanks greg. I think you're right.

Mike's images are indeed superb, however his Obsy is in a dark site and most of my imaging is done under severe LP rom the 'burbs.

Even though I can get AstroDons at dealer cost, with the current dismal exchange rate, they are still eye-wateringly expensive...so I thought better of it when choosing the filters for my STXL16200.....I ended up ordering a set of Baaders. I guess we'll see the results in due course, but given most of my deep sky work up until now has been taken with a 65mm/7nm Baader set...I expect the 50mm set will work equally well.

[Andy01 (Andy)]

Just googling and found another premium player in the filter market.
Chroma.

Appears to be 20-30% cheaper than the Dons with some good reports...
Still almost A$5k though!

Astronomik is looking pretty good right now

[lazjen (Chris)]

See post #4, Andy.

[Andy01 (Andy)]

Originally Posted by lazjen

See post #4, Andy.

D'oh - yes - sorry I've been doing so much googling I forgot that I had already seen that, thanks!

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by Andy01

Astronomik is looking pretty good right now

Yep go with them.. and tell Gerd I sent ya

Mike

[codemonkey (Lee)]

Personally I've been happy enough with 6nm Astronomiks that I bought them twice. Still, as I said earlier I've never used 3nm Astrodons so maybe I just don't know what I'm missing.

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

https://astromart.com/classifieds/as...0-mm-unmounted


Here's a set for sale on astromart

[gregbradley]

Originally Posted by Joshua Bunn

https://astromart.com/classifieds/as...0-mm-unmounted


Here's a set for sale on astromart

Filters in Europe and he is in the USA. Hmmmm. I would never buy again off someone who does not have physical possession of the goods. I bought an SBIG camera like that once off Astromart and it never arrived. I got the seller to eventually pay me back. Only took 2 or 3 years!

By the way his location is listed as a Czech town yet says its in the USA and its not. Unless he meant both Czech and USA and splits is time. Only 6 ratings.

Risky seller.

Greg.

[gregbradley]

Originally Posted by Joshua Bunn

https://astromart.com/classifieds/as...0-mm-unmounted


Here's a set for sale on astromart

Originally Posted by Andy01

Just googling and found another premium player in the filter market.
Chroma.

Appears to be 20-30% cheaper than the Dons with some good reports...
Still almost A$5k though!

Astronomik is looking pretty good right now

I bet you anything these are Astrodons anyway and the 20-30% was what he was charging extra.
He probably sold the business when he saw that Chroma intended to sell direct.

Greg.

[Andy01 (Andy)]

Well thanks everyone for your generous and informative input.

After much thought, I've struck a deal with Tolga in the USA on a complete new set of 2" Chromas.
LRGB & HA, S2 (5nm) & O3 (3nm)

I'll pick them up when I'm at NEAIC in NYC next month.