Lumicon Deep Sky Filter versus Hutech IDAS LPS

[DJ N]

Hi all,

Currently I am using a Lumicon Deep Sky Filter with my Canon 400D for imaging in suburban skies. I have noticed that a lot of people are using the Hutech IDAS PLS filter. A couple of questions...

i. With the Lumicon Deep Sky filter, my raw images have a distinct blue hue to the image. Is this the case with the IDAS??

ii. Is the IDAS better suited to suburban imaging over the Lumicon??


Look forward to replies!

Cheers,

Daniel

[Matty P]

Hi Daniel,

I haven't had any experience with the Lumicon LPR filter. However I recently got myself a Hutech IDAS LPS filter and the results speak for themselves. :)

The IDAS does give an image a slightly blue hue but it is hardly noticable. I used to not be able to go above 5 minute exposures without bad LP taking over the image. With the IDAS LPS I can easily go way above that.

I wouldn't image without one in surburbia, that is for sure! ;)

Here are two images I have taken directly into the LP. Both are single 5 minute exposures at ISO 1600 taken with my Canon 450D.

Sorry I don't have one without the LPS filter to compare.

Hope this helps. :thumbsup:

[toryglen-boy]

i have a couple of Light Pollution filters, maybe we should all take some shots of the one subject through them, and post them here?

[Matty P]

That would be a good idea. However how are we going to image through the grey blanket of clouds? :ashamed:

They haven't invented cloud filters yet. :rolleyes:

Here is a good thread on LPS filters. Might be some help. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=28782

[DJ N]

As it turns out, I have some 8 minute images (from suburbia) with my 400D and Lumicon filter of both Lagoon and Trifid, so I will post a single shot (unprocessed) of each tonight such that we can compare.......

Cheers,

Daniel

[toryglen-boy]

Thats a good idea Daniel. I have a 8 min exposure of the Triffid, i will post that, so it will be interesting to compare.

:)

[Matty P]

Hi guys,

I found two images of M16 I have taken with and without an IDAS LPS. I think it is a fair comparision of how the Hutech IDAS LPS filter performs.

First image: 5 minutes @ ISO 800 without LPS filter

Second image: 5 Minutes @ ISO 800 with LPS filter

Both are raw images. No other processing has been applied apart from resizing for the web.

Looking forward to see the other images. :thumbsup:

[toryglen-boy]

Here is a single 8 min shot of the Triffid Nebula, taken with the Astronomik CLS EOS Clip in filter, although its also available in 1.25" and 2" sizes also. Taken through an ED80, on an EQ6 mount, guided with an Orion Starshoot autoguider on an ST80. This image is untouched and as is.


i have recently aquired the Skywatcher 2" LPR filter, availble in the UK, and will take a shot through that also, and post the results.

The Astronomiks filter does a good job, but its a little too blue for my liking.

[leinad]

Picture speaks a thousand words;

Where did you purchase the IDAS-LPS from Matty ?
How much did it set you back ?

[Matty P]

Hi Leinad.

I got my IDAS LPS from Peter Tan in HK. Great service and I got my filter 3 days after placing an order. :)

Check out his website for prices.

http://www.tan14.com/gears.htm

:thumbsup:

[leon]

Here is a 4 minute single raw exposure using a Hutech LPR of Eta Carinae through a modded camera.

When the camera is modded all images show a very reddish appearance.

With this filter I can easily go for 8-9 minutes before sky fogging comes into the equation.

Leon :thumbsup:

[DJ N]

Hi guys, for comparison, please find attached some examples with the Lumicon Deep Sky Filter. All images are single images straight off the camera. All were taken with the 400D at ISO800 with the ED120, guided with the ED80 on the EQ6 Pro.

i. M20 - 8min @ISO800 (no dark)
ii. M8 - 8min @ISO800 (no dark)
iii. Eta Carina - 8min @ ISO800 (no dark)

Cheers,

Daniel

[leinad]

Very interesting guys.

That's a magnificent image Leon.
The Astronomik CLs and Lumicom appear to wash the image in a blue shade, compared to the Hutech filter which appears to ideally remove the LP.

reviewing this link
http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/idas/lps.htm

Is it a patent design that prevents other manufacturers from achieving simliar results?

[toryglen-boy]

Nice shots Daniel, for the length of exposure, even with a filter, i am surprised at how dark you still have the background.

That filter looks not bad at all ...

;)