Filter Wheel Recommendations for a DMK

[Matty P]

Can anyone recommend an inexpensive manual filter wheel that is compatible with a DMK camera. I'd like it to be able to hold at least four 1.25" filters with an enclosure so no stray light and dust can get in. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance. :thumbsup:

Matt

[iceman]

Hi Matt
The best bet is the Atik manual filter wheel. It has 5x 1.25" slots. It's the one I have and use.

It's relatively cheap (around $200).

I think Orion also does one very similar that Bintel sells.

[matt]

Re: the Atik MFW - True. However, it has been very hard to buy one of these from the U.S in the last few months.

Stock has been non-existant and they've been having trouble getting them from the manufacturer in Portugal.

This problem may have passed by now? I don't know. I lost interest after being told 'maybe next week' for about the sixth time!:lol:

[iceman]

I was told "Maybe next week" for about 2 months for my Schuler UV filter (from Astrovid, same place that sells the Atik manual filter wheel).

Of course, my filter has now arrived but it's been cloudy ever since.

[Matty P]

Thanks for the quick replies, :thumbsup:

Do any Australian suppliers sell the Atik MFW or do I need to order it from the US?

Do I need any additional accessories to attach the camera to the filter wheel?


Matt

[matt]

Astrovid is in fact Adirondack Video Astronomy. I got the 'maybe next week' routine from Adirondack from early October to mid December.

In the end I just cancelled my order.

Might try again in the next few weeks, either with the same outfit or with Scopestuff...

[peter_4059]

I went for the ScopeTeknix wheel from the UK. Including shipping to Australia it cost 88 pounds because you can buy it VAT free. It arrived within a few days of placing the order (I got it from Ian King Imaging)

It is very well made and has removeable nose pieces to allow it to thread direct to the camera.

The only catch (and I suspect this is the same for all low profile wheels including the Atik) is it needs low profile filters. The Meade and GSO filters do not fit. Baader and Astronomik filters do fit.

Here's the link to his website if you are interested.

http://www.iankingimaging.com/show_products.php?category=18&offset=10

[matt]

Interesting, Peter.

Would you need to buy an additional adapter to connect the DMK to the ScopeTeknix filter wheel?

I've already got a C-TF (Mogg) adapter which I was going to use to connect my DMK to an Atik filter wheel.

[peter_4059]

Matt,

it comes with a threaded adaptor that fits a t thread (front of a meade dsi) i'm not sure what fitting the DMK has on the front but scopestuff make a lot of different adaptors. I think Mogg also make some.

http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_dsif.htm

[matt]

Yeah. Mogg make them.

That's why I said I have a C-TF (Mogg) adapter:shrug:;):lol:

[peter_4059]

I'm not familiar with the C-TF adaptor but I'm in Brisbane also. If you want to try it to see if it fits the wheel drop me a PM.

[matt]

Hey!...so you are...:)

:hi:

Thanks for the offer

[davidpretorius]

Try for parfocal filters.....
from memory, Bird said that the astromiks were very close to being parfocal

[Matty P]

Anywho,:lol: :P :D

Where can I get the Atik filter wheel? Do any Aussie suppliers sell them?

I'm looking for Astronomik filters for RGB imaging aswell.

Matt

[matt]

All overseas, mate.

Try Adirondack Video http://www.astrovid.com/prod_details.php?pid=2680

or Scopestuff http://www.scopestuff.com/index.html

The filters are available from a number of vendors including OPT:

http://www.optcorp.com/ProductList.aspx?uid=319-327-1157-860

Cheers:thumbsup:

[peter_4059]

Bintel has the Orion wheel for $275 and the Astronomik filters. I think the Orion wheel is a re-branded Atik as it is also made in Portugal.

You can get them from US at a good price with the strong Aus dollar. They're selling for USD143 online.

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=filters/~pcategory=accessories/~product_id=05520

[matt]

I saved more than $100 by buying my Astronomik Type 2 LRGB filter set from the US.

I have read the Orion filter wheel is inferior in quality to the Atik...so I'm not sure it's a re-branded Atik:shrug:

[Matty P]

Is the Orion filter wheel compatible with the DMK?

[peter_4059]

There must be a huge demand for filter wheels in Portugal. Here they are side by side - spot the difference...

[RB]

Thanks for the info David, I didn't know the astronomiks were parfocal.

Matty P, these may be the way to go and just go with the Orion filter wheel from Bintel.
Last time I was there they had them in stock.

:thumbsup:

[RB]

Yes.

[davidpretorius]

whatever you do.... don't go 2" filters..........expensive as hell

[Matty P]

Looking over the prices.

The Orion filter wheel from Bintel is $275 + 10 P&H = $285.

The Orion filter wheel from Telescope.com is $143 US not including P&H = $190 - $200.

A big difference. eyy... :shrug:

With the filters..... Well I have to have a look.

Matt

[Matty P]

Is there any difference between 1.25" filters and 2" filters?

Is it true that the 2" filters let more light through than the 1.25" filters.

Matt

[RB]

Yes well it's up to you where you get it from, I'm just answering you question about Aussie suppliers for filter wheels.
I know they're not the Atik brand but they're similar I suppose.
Unless there's a cheaper Aussie supplier for these things. :shrug:

[matt]

Not just similar, mate...

Identical... apparently re-branded!!!:lol::lol:

[RB]

All I know is I really like the Orion F.W.
I haven't used one but it looks and feels nice.

[matt]

I'd say the 'using' of one would serve one well in an appraisal?:)

But how can you go wrong for the money.

I'm still holding out for the Atik, though.

If I can't get one in the next few weeks I may give the UK brand a try, or even spend a few more $$$ and opt for a True Tech

[davidpretorius]

maybe for DSO's ( i am not sure), but for most planetary, you stick to 1.25" powermates, adapters, opening on the camera etc.

when you think of the size of a planet with lotsa black around it on a ccd chip, 2" would make not difference at all.

[Matty P]

I've found a 1.25" Lumicon Filter Selector. It has 5 slots for filters except it doesn't have an enclosure. I can get it for $180 including P&H. It looks pretty good.

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-189

How do filter wheels compare to filter selectors? :shrug:

Matt

[matt]

Believe it or not that is pretty identical to the slider as used by world's best planetary imager Damian Peach.

(At least, that's what he was using almost 12 months ago when imaging from his own backyard).

It obviously offers almost no protection for your filters against dew or dust...but will definitely get the job done.

[peter_4059]

I didn't like the idea of expensive filters being exposed to dust, dew and finger prints in the dark so I got rid of the Meade slider and bought an enclosed wheel. The slider is probably a cheaper option but you pay for what you get.

[Matty P]

Very true.

With expensive filters you need a way to protect them.

Would it be worth to buy from overseas to save a few dollars? :sadeyes: :doh:

[matt]

I've already said my bit on buying OS/Oz :)

[peter_4059]

Matt,

When I was faced with the same decision I came to the conclusion that the wheel was cheaper sourced from UK (with the benefit of strong AUS dollar) but I bought the Baader filters locally. I guess you need to do the sums with the current forex rates. Good luck!!

[matt]

If you are interested in the Astronomik filters for imaging, as you should be, you'll save a fair bit of money by buying overseas:)

[peter_4059]

I agree. Adirondak was the best price I could find for these.

[matt]

I got mine for $260US from Oceanside Pacific Telescope (OPT).

It worked out to about $300 AUS which compared very favourably to the $400 being asked domestically.

[Matty P]

Thanks guys,

I really appreciate the help.

Matt

[matt]

Anytime, mate.:)

All the best with your decision/s.

[RB]

I'm just waiting for some free time and clear weather.
As I said I haven't used mine yet but so far I like the look and feel of the Orion F.W.
The Astronomiks filters look great too.

[matt]

Some clear weather would definitely be a good start, Andrew. For all of us.

Yes, the Astronomiks are certainly a very nice filter. As the old truism goes, you do tend to get what you pay for.

I hope the filter wheel works nicely for you. :thumbsup:

[matt]

BTW...I received an overnight e-mail from Adirondack informing me they've (finally) got some Atik manual filter wheels in stock.

Now would be the time to place an order:)

[Matty P]

Hi Matt,

How much do they cost in Australian dollars?

[matt]

With 6-10 day USPS postage and insurance it works out to about $250AUS to your door.

[Matty P]

Great news Matt, thanks for the heads up.

Are you going to order one?

From Bintel it is only an extra $30 for the Orion FW.

[matt]

Already done...:D;)

As far as my research has gone (on the DMK users website, Cloudy Nights etc) it's about the best option there is for the money, before stepping up to something more full-on.

I am just after something simple and easy to use which allows me to try my hand at RGB imaging without busting the bank.

If it turns out to be not for me, I can try a different path without feeling like I've invested too much in the process.

If you're happy to spend the additional $30 for the Orion FW...go for it! That's your call.

[Matty P]

Why do all my hobbies have to be so expensive? :doh::sadeyes: :lol: :mad2: :sadeyes: :shrug:

[peter_4059]

Matty,

You could save $50 and get the ScopeTeknix and a further $150 by getting Baader LRGB rather than Astronomiks. With the filters I suspect you get what you pay for but the wheel is very well made.

In any case you are probably going to have to wait 3 months for the clouds to clear before you get to try them out like me.

Peter

[Matty P]

Peter,

I am not really fussed about which filter wheel I get, I think the most important bit is what type of filters I get.

I'm not sure if the Baader LRGB filters block IR like the Astronomiks do. With filters you pay for what you get.



Well, I have just heard that my new camera (DMK) is in the post. Whoops.... hopefully the Astronomy Gods didn't hear that. :( :sadeyes: I'm sure once the camera arrives the clouds will start rolling in. :doh::whistle:

Matt

[peter_4059]

I agree Matt. The Astronomiks have build in IR block. You have to use an IR block with the Baaders to get the same effect but they are half the price - as you say you get what you pay for. Looking forward to seeing some results. Good luck. Peter

[netwolf]

T&A in Adelaide had the Atik listed on there site for 199, some time back. If they don't have stock, you could ask Bintel to price match.

Alternatively a good option is a SBig CFW-8A with parfocal filters, they often turn up on Amart for about 400-500USD. This is a motorized filter wheel.

Regards
Fahim

[matt]

And therein lies the rub.

You're losing too much light.

The light throughput with the Astronomiks is worth the $$$...along with them being parfocal and having IR block built-in.:)

[peter_4059]

Yeah the Astronomiks claim close to 100% transmission whereas the Baaders are about 85%. I'm told the Baader are also parfocal but haven't had the chance to check this out yet. If you want to compare the curves I found them here:

http://www.baader-planetarium.de/zubehoer/okularseitiges_zubeh/info_ccdfarbfilter/infoseite-ccd-farbfilter.htm

http://www.astronomik.com/english/eng_rgbt2.html

[iceman]

I started with the baader, and sold them after 2 weeks.. they just weren't good enough for hi-res planetary imaging.

The transmission was too low, especially for red. I now have the astronomiks and they're heaps better. I wish i'd bought them first up.

Parfocal claims are good, but it doesn't mean you won't need to focus between channels. At long focal lengths, and in varying seeing, you sometimes still need to focus between channels - even if ever so slightly. You want a sharp image in every channel, not just the one you start with.

[davidpretorius]

Matty P,

well worth following along the lines of Mike, Paul & Bird. These guys have done all the "hard work" for the rest of us to follow.

Their results speak for themselves.

Keep up the questions and always be prepared to listen, and most of all try and do some experimenting yourself. This is a hobby that you cant "buy" great images or get others to do all the work for you.

Jupiter season starts soon and look forward to seeing some images from you:thumbsup:

[Stephen65]

I've got the Astronomik LRGB set on order from OPT.

[Matty P]

Hi guys,

Sorry I haven't been able to reply because I've been away for the past few days.

I agree with everyone, most knowledge and skills in astrophotography are self taught but a few questions here and there can really help in a situation when you have "NO CLUE" what to do and is probably what makes this hobby so fun and interesting. :thumbsup:

With the Astronomik RGB filters.

When using the filters and because they block IR, do I need to make a luminance layer? Sorry if it is off topic and if it doesn't make sence. :sadeyes:

Matt

[Alchemy]

cant see why you MUST have a luminance layer,, RGB should work, a lot of people do say however a lot of detail is contained in the luminance layer, the ir factor is fairly irrelevant i would have thought, as with all my imaging i remove it.

[davidpretorius]

http://damianpeach.com/marscolour.htm
Have a little read above.

I would stick to RGB......LRGB works ok for Jupiter where you may be pressed for time and limited amounts of images you can capture.......You can say capture maybe 15 seconds of each RGB and then a longer L channel...........but from experience, RGB for Jupiter still seems to be the way to go.

[Rigel003]

I've not tried LRGB yet but would have thought the advantage was that you get so much more light through the clear filter that you can use shorter exposures and higher frame rates in the L channel to better freeze the seeing.

[matt]

I think that's pretty much the size of it, Graeme.

[RB]

I think everyone's had their say, the original question's been answered and the only thing now is to lock this thread.

Let's move on guys.

:)