Mars filter recommendations.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Im pondering as to whether I should purchase a filter or two in preparation for the upcomming Mars oppostion. I usually prefer my views au-naturale, but if significant contrast gains can be had on Mars, I might invest in a filter or two.

What coloured filter would be the best bet for enhancing details of the Martian surface?

Do cheap filters as sold by most dealers rob the viewer of detail compared to higher priced alternatives? Who sells quality coloured filters?

Thanks.

[h0ughy (David)]

Mars Clouds #15 Deep Yellow
Maria #8 Light Yellow
#15 Deep Yellow
#11 Yellow-Green
#21 Orange
#23A Light Red
#25 Red
#29 Deep Red
Blue-Green Areas #12 Yellow
#23A Light Red
Dust Storms #38A Deep Blue
#56 Light Green
Polar Caps #15 Deep Yellow
#25 Red
#29 Deep Red
#47 Violet
#56 Light Green
#58 Green
Deep Sky Filter
Low Contrast Features #82A Light Blue


Sorry I only use 2" filters, I got them cheap when a camera place closed in town

I've heard the "Mars 2003" filter from sirius optic in Brissy is pretty good. they cost AUD$115.00 and I'm about to order one over the next few weeks, maybe lol. I have heard they work better than the standard colour filters but kinda combine what the seperate colour filters do.

Houghy, I'm with you on 2" filters I have a 1.25" UHC filter that I wish I could throw on the 30mm SV, I think from now on it's be 2" filters as most things you want to look at are in the WFOV low power format. But being an Astronomiks fan it wont be cheap

regards, CS

[acropolite (Phil)]

I've read where others have commented on the baader contrast booster. I've ordered one, hopefully they work....

[Dave47tuc (David)]

I have 8 coloured filters.

IMO, is the only 2 I use most of the time are 80A Blue and 23A Red.

The blue helps with clouds, fog, high clouds and pole regions.
The red brought out surface regions best.

As for the cheap filters. I have had mine for a long time and are from Meade and Orion. The cheap ones

Seeing is what you need most

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I'm interested in everyone's comments because I am planning on getting a few colour filters before 30 October too. Red and orange, I have read, are the best coloured filters to use when observing Mars. Is that right?

[RAJAH235]

I bought the Meade SP4000 #1 set (1994?), with the red #23A, yellow #12, green #58 & blue #80A. I find the blue works well in bringing out more surface detail than the others. The yellow & green aren't bad, but I do not like the red at all.(Too dark. Might try a lighter shade).
Try the blue on Jupiter & Saturn. Great views, IMHO.
As everyone's eyes are diff. it's a matter of try before buy, if poss.
HTH. L.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Just been doing some online shopping .
AOE have cheap filters of metal/glass construction that may be better than el-cheapo plastic ones for $12 ea.
Another option they have is Baader premium glass filters at $55 ea.

http://www.aoe.com.au/filters.html

Originally Posted by Rodstar

I'm interested in everyone's comments because I am planning on getting a few colour filters before 30 October too. Red and orange, I have read, are the best coloured filters to use when observing Mars. Is that right?

I dont use colour filters, I think it really depends on what feature you want to observe as to what colour you want to use under the conditions you have. Houghy has given a good indication in his list above.

I would like to include a light or medium blue filter to bring out the haze in the upper atmosphere. Although from my place a week or two back I could clearly make out the upper atmosphere that was quite obvious on the bright limb no filter used.

Colour filters dont improve the views your already getting of Mars they just bring out different types of detail a little better sometimes at the lost of others.

regards, CS

Geoff,

I would avoid plastic filters altogether, even the cheap glass variety would be better. Beides most folks scopes are around the $1000.00+ mark. You would want to degrade the optical train with a cheap plastic filter eeeeck! ok if you got a 60mm T@sco

Just my 2 cents worth.

regards

[gbeal]

I'm with Rob, I seldom use one.
I have a selection of Zeiss filters, both in a filter turret, which screws onto the top of each eyepiece, and also single push on filters.
Colours are anything from ND through light yellow, orange, red, blue, and green. There are specific "Marsglas" filters as well, and these are very good. I have used these Marsglas filters last time round, but with the likes of Jupiter found no filter all I needed.
Best bet is to try a few before you spend.
If 2" is where you are at try an older camera store, and get good quality 48mm screw on filters, these fit you 2" eyepieces, etc. I use an orange one with the bino viewer when bino viewing the moon.

[Striker (Tony)]

Geoff,

I have that set of 7 from AOE...they seem good value for money but cant comment on them as I have not used any of them as yet...oh and BTW they are GSO filters.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Thanks all , Im going to order a 15 yellow, a 23a red, and a 80a blue from AOE

[acropolite (Phil)]

Geoff, you may want to read IIS member Tom's (square_peg114GT) observations on filters at http://sky.maplevalleywa.com/cgi-bin...num=1125635841

[Starkler (Geoff)]

I did thanks.

The red one is for Mars, the yellow for lunar, and the blue for saturn/jupiter.
They are cheap enough to have just to play around with.