Should I remove the IR filter of the QuickCam?

[toc (Tim)]

Just a quick question - If Im doing planetary imaging, should I remove the IR filter on my QuickCam? From what I have read, removing it should boost sensitivity, but the colour balance will be wrong - Guess I can fix that in 'post'.

[iceman (Mike)]

The IR filter for the ToUcam was built into the lens, so when you removed the lens, you remove the IR filter. Which is why people then buy 1.25" IR blocking filters to screw onto the front of the 1.25" adapter.

Is that not the case with the quickcam?

Not having an IR filter does not boost sensitivity - in fact, not having it will cross-contaminate the colour channels, especially on objects like Mars, and especially in poor seeing or when the object is low on the horizon.

[toc (Tim)]

Originally Posted by iceman

The IR filter for the ToUcam was built into the lens, so when you removed the lens, you remove the IR filter. Which is why people then buy 1.25" IR blocking filters to screw onto the front of the 1.25" adapter.

Is that not the case with the quickcam?

Not having an IR filter does not boost sensitivity - in fact, not having it will cross-contaminate the colour channels, especially on objects like Mars, and especially in poor seeing or when the object is low on the horizon.

No, the quickcam has the IR filter mounted on a separate spot away from the lens. Guess I will put it back then :-)

[ving (David)]

i like pulling stuff apart too