light polution filter...........

[azagil (Aaron)]

Hi all,

I was sitting here pondering the purchase of a light polution filter and am torn on if to do it or not. Reason being, I already have a O-III, UV-IR, and moon...upon researching it Im not sure if it is worth while or not considering what I already have.......would there be a major difference in using this compared to using the say my O-III.

( I do most my observing away from the city where light isn't to big an issue and get the extra contrast from using my O-III)

[gb_astro]

Originally Posted by azagil

Hi all,

I was sitting here pondering the purchase of a light polution filter and am torn on if to do it or not. Reason being, I already have a O-III, UV-IR, and moon...upon researching it Im not sure if it is worth while or not considering what I already have.......would there be a major difference in using this compared to using the say my O-III.

( I do most my observing away from the city where light isn't to big an issue and get the extra contrast from using my O-III)

Aaron take a look at this Cloudy Nights filter review.
It compares three popular narrow band filters types and a broadband type on quite a number deep sky objects.

http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1520

I think you will find your next purchase might be the UHC type.

gb.

[Profiler (Profiler)]

It really depends on where you are located - you mentioned that you do a lot of observing in dark sites - in that context the benefit of a LPR filter will be limited. Unfortunately, if you live in the heart of a big city and that is where you are likely to do most of your observing then a LPR filter is pretty useful. My advice is if you are going to buy one then go all the way and don't cut any corners on quality etc. I have an Astronomik CLS and it turns the back-ground sky from a bright grey hue to a very dark grey. Sadly, the concept or sight of a black sky is something foreign to me other than on depictions I see in photos/television etc

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Originally Posted by Profiler

It really depends on where you are located - you mentioned that you do a lot of observing in dark sites - in that context the benefit of a LPR filter will be limited. Unfortunately, if you live in the heart of a big city and that is where you are likely to do most of your observing then a LPR filter is pretty useful. My advice is if you are going to buy one then go all the way and don't cut any corners on quality etc. I have an Astronomik CLS and it turns the back-ground sky from a bright grey hue to a very dark grey. Sadly, the concept or sight of a black sky is something foreign to me other than on depictions I see in photos/television etc

+1 for the Astronomik CLS in suburban skies here too. Best filter in my box.

[bytor666]

I own a 2" Orion Ultrablock...which is the same as a Lumicon UHC. I just bought a 2" Lumicon O-III as well which will be shipped to me soon. It's good to have both types of filters as they both enhance different types of nebulae.

Cheers,

[toc (Tim)]

Sorry to butt in - do these filters work for both visual and astrophotography? I have a LPF I got from ebay, but it imparts a very strong green tinge.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Yes they do. Visually they will impart a colour specific to the filter to the viewing but should enhance the contrast to make some parts of a nebula visible. Amount of effect obviously depends on the object and the filter colour.

Photographically of course you can process the colour bias out removing the light pollution effect and get to a nore 'normal' colour pic. But you will probably need to compesate for the reduced exposure with longer times or higher ISO settings etc.

[PRejto (Peter)]

I really like the Hutech IDAS LP filter. Works very well for imaging...not sure if it is useful for visual. It seems to maintain a very good colour balance.

Peter

[COSMOPARADISE (Nick)]

I too use the Hutech IDAS LP for imaging and living in Surfers Paradise it does an amazing job in cutting out all the highrise light pollution. In my opinion and from my web research the HUTECH keeps all the colours true while significantly reducing glare and pollution.

[Profiler (Profiler)]

The Baader range is also worth considering