UHC or UHC-E

[PvtPublic (Peter)]

Hi all, Im currently looking at purchasing a UHC filter to enhance my deep sky observations. Im have a scope with 6" aperture and Im not sure if the Astronomik UHC or UHC-E filter will work best. Does anyone have any opinion on which would work better with the 6" scope? I believe UHC-E filters are for smaller scopes but why is this so?

[cometcatcher (Kevin)]

Originally Posted by PvtPublic

I believe UHC-E filters are for smaller scopes but why is this so?

If you have a look at the spectrum graph, the UHC-E filter has slightly wider bandwidth to about 520nm. Wider bandwidth would make viewing brighter (but less contrasty) which is why I guess they recommend them for "small" scopes.

F/ratio of the scope may be more relevant than size though. A fast scope like F5 would probably handle the darker UHC better regardless of aperture and slow scopes like F10 may be better with the E version.

I don't actually own these particular filters so just going by how my other filters work.

[dannat (Daniel)]

I don't know you'll see much diff from the UHC in a 6" scope, I have found under 8-10" the uhc can cut out a fair amount of light, dimming the object

What type of scope is it & how bad is the LP

[omegacrux (David)]

I will probably be able to tell you about the UHC later in the week weather permitting
I have one arriving tomorrow its for a f5 150 doublet
Can't think of anything else to type


David

[PvtPublic (Peter)]

Im using an LT6 which has is an f/10 scope. Light pollution is not too bad. Perhaps the UHC-E may be the choice to keep the image from being too dim. However Im not in any hurry for the purchase so if you would like to leave a comment after you recieve your UHC filter, I would be very interested in your comments about using it. So the feeling I get is that the UHC will be darker but have more contrast than the UHC-E, reinforcing the fact that the UHC is better for larger scopes?

[omegacrux (David)]

UHC turned up today
And wouldn't you know , its pouring down
That seems the way buy a new toy for the scope and it rains !

David

[omegacrux (David)]

Hi Peter
Finally got to use the filter tonight it started off clear Saturn was nice and sharp
The object I tryed it on was Eta-Car , well to be honest I could make out only minor difference makes it a bit more contrast'y my friend said he could notice a diff but I think they were right it will probably work better on larger scopes .
Dosent bother me only cost $35.00 , K-son brand from Precision Optics Il keep it though because I intend to get another Dob later
Hope this helps

Dave

[astro_nutt]

I purchased an Astronomik UHC-E filter some years ago to use on my f/5
10" dob and more than happy with it...By rights this type of filter is best suited for scope less than 6", however I find this a pearler when using it on most types of Nebulae...M42 stands out very bright and the details almost fit in a 32mm widefield eyepiece. Well worth the purchase.
Cheers!

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

If your skies are reasonably dark then you are better off with the tighter narrowband filters, irrespective of aperture. Of the two you mention the Astronomic UHC is easily the best choice. The DGM/Omega Optical NPB is tighter again and IMO a better choice. The added bonus is that it is cheaper than the other 2

Cheers
John B

[PvtPublic (Peter)]

Thanks all for the posts. A little hard to figure out a definitive answer to my question from them, but your opinions are appreciated all the same. By all means continue to post your thoughts and experiences on this thread in future as I will refer to this post over the coming months prior to my purchase of one fo these filters.

[Wookie (Ryan)]

Hi Peter,

I have recently purchased an Astronomik UHC from a forum member and I'm hoping to receive it today or Monday. I can't provide you with a 6" perspective but I will be sure to let you know my thoughts through my 10" newt. I decided on the narrower band of the UHC over the UHC-E. I imagine the UHC-E is recommended to smaller scopes as it has a larger spectrum i.e allowing more light through. Are you looking at using the filter for visual or AP purposes?
I'll be sure to reply when I have a chance to field test.

Ryan.

[PvtPublic (Peter)]

I will be using it for visual observing. AP sounds like an expensive hobby. Such a shame we cant visually observe in all light wavelengths.