Toucam SP900NC which filter to get?

[netwolf]

Hi All.

Well I just ordered my SPC900NC from JPL and a Mogg Adapter for it. Now I need to source a Filter.

Which one do I get?
From what I can gather there are two types
1. IR block filter.
2. UV/IR block filter.

If I have read this correctly a IR block filter byitself is all that is needed is you have a color free telescope (APO). Mine is a SCT and I am guessing mostly color free hence will IR block filter be sufficient. Or is this incorrect and I need the UV/IR.

Which brand is better?
And there are a few brands, Lumicon, Badder and Astronomik etc.

Are these filters useful for DSO imaging?

[matt]

I use the Baader UV/IR cut filter with my ToUcam ProII in my 9.25 SCT.

I don't think you use these for DSO

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

You are right Fahim, just the IR blocking filter is necessary for the 900 for planetary imaging with an SCT. From memory the Astronomik and Lumicon have IR only and the Baader is UV/IR

You can get a Baader IR block, but it comes with an RGB filter set. Don't know if they sell it on its own

[netwolf]

Thanks Matt and Paul.

Paul you are right from what I can find, the UV/IR can be bought on its own but the IR comes as part of a set. Wow its pricey price seems to range from 70-110$ just for this filter. Can I DIY something from the IR that comes in the lens assembly of the toucam?

Edit: seems in the US you can get the IR Filter separately, Astronomik appear to have some PRo series for Planet/Lunar work.

Regards

[matt]

Originally Posted by netwolf

Can I DIY something from the IR that comes in the lens assembly of the toucam?

In a word....no.

It's poor quality and doesn't work the same way with wavelengths as a proper (dedicated) astronomical filter, I believe.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Yes you can. Check out this thread here.

Editted: Sorry Matt but yep you can. Don't know how good it will be though as I've heard the toucam one is a bit heavy on the red filtering.

[matt]

Have we seen any quality planetary images taken with this DIY?

DIY if you must, Fahim

Paul. I didn't mean it's not possible to DIY it. Just, whether it was worth it.

Will be happy to be proven wrong with a cracka of a mars or jupiter image thru that filter. LOL

Again, it all depends on what quality of image you are after.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I've not tried it as I couldn't find the right spring to fit the adapter easily. Outbackman has though. Don't know of any results. I'm just going off what I found in David Ratledge's new book "Digital Astrophotography: The State of the Art"

[netwolf]

Might I ask if you two sourced your filters locally or from overseas?
I am trying to find a source here for the Astronomik IR only.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I have a UV/IR from Myastroshop and an IR from my Baader RGBIR set from the same place. I've not noticed any difference between them in any of the images I've taken with webcams. Mind you I haven't had too many chance to use them over the past couple of cloudy months

[matt]

I bought mine from myastroshop, but it was (and still is) $110.

You can pick them up cheaper (i think) from telescopes-astronomy, or from scopestuff in the US.

[netwolf]

I must have been blind or something, just found the Astronomik IR Blocking filter at Bintel $59. Baader dont appear to list a IR only blocking filter, they have only the IR/UV combination. Telescope-Astronomy also list a locally made Shott IR Cut filter, never heard of this brand. I think i will go with the Astronomik

Regards
Fahim