Filter recommendations

[AdrianF]

:help:What filters would you recommend for visual astronomy? I am interested in DSO and planetary. Eventually I will get into photography aswell once I get my elusive scope and learn to drive the mount properly.

Adrian

[matt]

Different planets require different filters. Different DSO's also benefit by being observed with specialist filters. Learn the nature of the object to be observed and match the filter accordingly.

Check this guide:

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/guides/filters.asp

[Ian Robinson]

Dependes on the apeture of the scope , but Hbeta, Deep Space, Ultra High Contrast suitable for DSO.

You'll get more of an idea from Lumicon's informative filters site see http://www.lumicon.com/3filterspec_prnt.pdf

[CoombellKid]

For visual use...

A first one I would buy would be a UHC filter, they work on more objects
than most. Later add an OIII filter to complement it.

regards,CS

[Gargoyle_Steve]

If you were to do a search on the forums here on Omega Optics, or possibly DGM NPB filter you'd find that there are plenty of us here who own and love these useful and affordable filters.

The NPB filter (stands for Narrow Pass band) is basically a UHC filter (I've been told that UHC is a proprietory name so technically only the original company can use that name).

By it's very specific design it cuts out certain groups of specific (less desireable) light frequencies, leaving a beter ratio of "the good stuff" that allows us to see many nebulae with more contrast.

An OIII (Oxygen-3) filter works similarly, but cutting and allowing different light frequencies. Some DSO's respond better to an OIII filter, but generally more are improved by the UHC type. These filters do not "increase" the amount of light you see in the desired frequencies, they block unwanted freq's thus giving you a better ratio of good to bad freq's, therefore improving the contrast of the object you are trying to view.
The Carina Nebula for instance when viewed through an NPB filter is a majestic site to behold - ask anyone who was within earshot the first time I tried mine out!
:P

Lets see if I can get some more info here for you....

Their storefront page:
http://www.omegafiltersebuyer.com/servlet/StoreFront

The Good Guts on the NPB filter, including pricing and options for "cosmetic seconds" at approx 25% off standard price.
http://www.omegafiltersebuyer.com/servlet/the-NPB-Filters/Categories

I purchased one of the 1.25" variety a year or more ago, now I thought that near $30 bucks aussie was a bit strong to send somethign that small, but I was amazed to say the least to have it turn up by courier at my door only 3 days after I placed the order online!!! This is after having flown form the US, I've had letters take more time that that to travel 80 km's to my place from Brisbane.

The NPB won't do squat for planets or galaxies though, and I can't comment on the effectivenes of the DGM GCE "Galaxy contrast" filter. Perhaps someone else here has tried one.

Some simple colour filters can help with planetary details. I have used a pale blue (80a or 82a?) filter to bring out the banding on Jupiter for instance. (available at several vendors like Andrews or Bintel for around $10-12 bucks per filter I think, very inexpensive).

You will always find adds around for filters that remove street light glare, etc - some work better than others apparently but at the end fo the day (ie at Night!) there is no filter substitute in that regard for a good dark sky.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

It's worth pointing out this little bit of text, which I just found right at the bottom of the NPB page.....

"© 2006 Omega Optical, Inc

Note: Images on this site were acquired through NASA's Hubble Space Telescope WFPC
using Omega Optical's filters and are used here courtesy of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/)"


Although lesser known than the Astronomiks, etc, names in amateur astro filter circles, obviously the guys at Omega Optics know their stuff.

[astronut]

Just an addition to Steve's comment.
Robert Johnson is the head of Omega Optics, he also has an Ebay shop where he sells oversupplied quantities and "seconds"
I purchased a 2" UHC/0111 filter from the shop last year for $70AUD del.:thumbsup:
The price at the time from our retailers was approx $200.:scared:
The "seconds" may not quite reach the full spectrum capabilities of the full price filters.
But........after having compared them against the Full price filters, no one could see the difference.
Follow this link
http://stores.ebay.com.au/BJOMEJAG-EBUYER-STORE_Astronomical-FIlters_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZ2 QQftidZ2QQtZkm

[Omaroo]

I concur with John here. I've also bought a 2" OIII and two 1.25" OIII's from Omega at a total cost, delivered, of less than that of a single 2" filter bought conventionally - and in some cases a 1.25". The quality is very good, and as John has said, it's very difficult to see any real-world difference between these and a top-shelf purchase. Last time I cross-emailed Robert he told me tat the last batch he was selling, of which mine were a part, were simply over-supply due to a failed purchase on behalf of those he produced them for. He sells all manner of filters too - not just UHC/OIII.