Should I get a LP filter?

[luigi]

Hi Guys,

I need a little advice here.
I do mostly fixed tripod photos and some barn-door tracking, mostly wide-field shots. I use a DSLR (5DII) with several lenses.

I live in a very light polluted area (10 million people around me) so I usually go to a dark location for my photos. I wonder if a LP filter can help me do some photos from my backyard or if it will be a waste of money.

I've done just a little research and the Hutech filters in 77mm filter size are over $300 and I don't want to spend the money if the results will not appeal me.

If you have experience with LP filters, recomendations or before/after shots I'll appreciate any help you can give me.

:thanx:
Luis

[leon]

Luis, I too lived in a pretty light polluted area and did purchase 2 Hutech filters for my work, mate they are worth the money, and the results are very impressive.

I know they are expensive, but will be well worth it in the long run, other than that use your dark location.

Leon

[dugnsuz]

Hi Luis
I use the 77mm IDAS LPS filter on my 300mm f4L lens and I'm very happy with it. It's one of those "get what you pay for" items.
It'll allow you to push your exposure time by 2x at least - very good bit of kit!
Check out my gallery linked below - all the RGB images have used this filter and it has allowed me to push DSLR lens shots to 10-15min subs.
I hope to use it with my newly acquired 24-70mm f2.8L which also has a 77mm filter size soon
All the best
Doug

ps...found a comparison I posted a while back...
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=392631&postcount=15
The reflections caused by bright stars with the filter were a problem as I remember - no dramas when very bright stars are not imaged though.

[luigi]

Thank you for the answers! I think I will probably go for one filter and see what happens.

Doug: My Light Pollution is probably a lot higher than the one in your area from what I see in your shots. If the exposure time can be doubled is probably worth it anyway.