Optolong L-Enhance Filter - Tarantula Nebula

[Jasp05]

Hi guys,

I recently picked up the Optolong L-enhance filter and am quite impressed with how well it cuts through light pollution.

My only issue is it seems to cast a very "Red" hue to the images which I struggle to tame.

My camera is an astromodded Canon 550D so my images generally have a red tinge to them anyway, but that I can take care of in post processing.

So this was 3hrs worth of 3min subs at ISO 1600. This is reasonably low on the horizon looking through the worst of the light pollution. Don't mind the framing. I still need to crop it a bit. (still had the camera rotated slightly for one of the imaging runs and never realized from a previous target).

If you have any tips to taming the colours in the image I'm all ears. The filter is meant to block everything but H beta, O3, and Ha. But I don't see too much blue/ green O3 signal coming in.

Image has had a slight curves stretch and levels adjustment.

Astrobin for Higher Res: https://www.astrobin.com/full/ps0kbb/0/?nc=user

[RyanJones]

Hi Aaron,

Excellent effort ! Well done. I like your framing too.

I use an STC Duo Filter which is essentially the same thing with an astromoddified camera. I custom white balanced my camera and although people will argue this can all be done in post processing, I find it is a hell of a lot easier to get the colours and good separation of the channels in my processing software when DSS is working with the white balance I give it. Check out my recent Tarantula as an example.

[Jasp05]

Thanks Ryan,

I have thought of using a custom white balance with the camera in general. Just haven't gotten around to taking one. Will definately try that going forward.

Your filter is basically exactly what mine is. I think the L-enhance is a bit wider on the O3 bandpass to encompass Hbeta. otherwise it's practically the same...

[ChrisV]

Very nice indeed.

I've found with these dual band filters that the images come out nicely with targets where the Ha and OIII are distinct. But for most targets there's considerable overlap and I have to split the R n G channels and boost the G.

[casstony]

I'm envious of your clear skies - can't wait to have a go at the Tarantula and LMC with my L-enhance. I don't mind the Ha dominating the image.

[TekyTek]

Hi Guys, can I ask where you purchased your filters from... in AU or overseas?
Cheers
John

[Nikolas]

What was the stacking process you used? There is an RGB balance option in DSS which does a pretty good job.

[Ant0nio]

Hi Aaron, some lovely detail there, I can't help with your filter issues though.
Best,
Tony

[Nightingale]

No one has answered John’s question.. did you all buy these filters locally or from overseas?

[Astronut07]

Hi John

I purchased the same filter from here


https://www.cyclopsoptics.com/astronomy-filters/optolong-l-enhance-filter-2-free-shipping-free-lenspen/


Would highly recommend


Ben

[ChrisV]

I got a different filter (STC duo) also from Cyclops HK. Good service, fast delivery

[Kuz]

Hi John

I bought mine though aliexpress I found them the cheapest at the time of purchase.

[Nightingale]

Thanks for the reply.. btw, there is a dude called John chen (founder of svbony).. he deals with optolong originals and OEMs.. you would be able to get knock off prices from him for any of the optolong filters if you mail him via his Facebook...
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100023602056455&epa=SEARCH_BOX
In fact, I was offered the 2inch l enhance for USD190 (approx AUD30 cheaper than cyclops)..
His svbony UHC, CLS, Oiii filters etc. are all optolong OEMs and perform on par at a fraction of the cost..