To Buy Or Not To Buy

[bluescope]

That is the question !

I am asking for opinions from those who know first hand preferably .....
I want to buy a 2" light suppresion filter for my ST2000XCM setup and I am torn between 2 candidates.
I already have a 1.25" Baader UHC-S filter which I was very impressed with on recent images so it's big brother the 2" could be the go.
OR

The Hutech LPS 2 filter ?

They are both approximately the same price so that consideration does not come into it, it is a question of which one will give me the best results.

I appreciate your opinions guys ..... thanks !

:thumbsup:

[gbeal]

Given your camera Steve, the 1.25" size is definitely more cost effective. Why not try the UHC you already have, or have you already done this? If so, then maybe try the Hutech. I like also the Ha for those moonlit nights when you think it is a waste of time imaging. Again 1.25" is the way, simply due cost.
Gary

[bluescope]

Thanks for your input Gary however the crux of this question is which 2 inch filter will give me better results as I already have tried the 1.25 inch but cannot use it in conjunction with my MPCC as that is a 2 inch accessory, unless I invest in adapters etc. I can still use my 1.25 inch UHC-S filter with my 180mm and 90mm Maksutovs.

The cost is not an issue as the 2 inch Baader UHC-S is $198 + postage ( it also has a good Ha response according to specs on MyAstroShop ) and the Hutech is $189 + postage, so they are both about $200 give or take.

So I guess that makes things a little clearer. It's always a bit difficult wording the question explicitly to begin with ay !

Cheers mate !

:thumbsup:

[monoxide]

there was a thread on this a while ago, i think it came down to the conclusion that the IDAS LPS didn't affect the colour balance as much as the UHC-S but whatever you choose you wont be disappointed.

if i remember right the UHC-S is basically a Ha + Hb + O-III filter which is why the colour balance would seem a bit off (shooting a one shot colour narrowband image)

[bluescope]

Thanks mono, I guess if I get the LPS I'll have both !

:thumbsup:

[Zuts]

Sometimes this is the best way. Get both, work out which is the best for you and then sell one of them.

What surprises me though is that from Glebe I used to only be able to go about 2 minutes with a DSLR because of LP so always used an Astronomic UHC filter. Now with the SBIG I go around 5 minutes and never use an LP filter at all. Maybe the SBIG is more sensitive?

Paul

[gbeal]

Steve,
not sure I agree here.
I am sure I was able to screw the Ha filter (or any 1.25" filter for that matter) into the front of the optical window . The Baader MPCC screws on with the T thread which is part of the "D" ring on the front of the case.
In any event, the MPCC requires about 56mm from glass rear to chip, so I always ended up using an extension tube or some description.
Is this what you are doing?
Gary

[bluescope]

Thanks guys, I already ordered the IDAS 2" and will see how it goes.

I'll post results when I get the filter and clear skies ... not necessarily at the same time ay !

:thumbsup: