Filters for Binoculars

[jeelan (Jeelan)]

I've had some good observing sessions using my 2" DGM NPB and O-III filters.

As such I'm thinking of getting some filters for viewing larger objects with my 100mm binoculars.

they take 1.25" eyepieces (using Denk 14's and Delite 11's).

I was wondering what the general consensus is regarding filters for these type of binoculars; is it better to have a filter in one eyepiece only or should both be filtered?

I was thinking of getting 1.25" filters to screw into the barrel of the eyepieces.

I'm right eye dominant so if i only filter one eyepiece, should it be the dominant eye or non-dominant eye?

On a separate note, I'm also thinking of getting a H-Beta filter (2"). Any recommendations for brand? Was thinking of using Omega Optics (same guys that make the NPB filters for DGM) but can't see anything on their website for H-Beta...

Omega Filters

thanks
Jeelan

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by jeelan

I've had some good observing sessions using my 2" DGM NPB and O-III filters.

As such I'm thinking of getting some filters for viewing larger objects with my 100mm binoculars.

they take 1.25" eyepieces (using Denk 14's and Delite 11's).

I was wondering what the general consensus is regarding filters for these type of binoculars; is it better to have a filter in one eyepiece only or should both be filtered?

I was thinking of getting 1.25" filters to screw into the barrel of the eyepieces.

I'm right eye dominant so if i only filter one eyepiece, should it be the dominant eye or non-dominant eye?

On a separate note, I'm also thinking of getting a H-Beta filter (2"). Any recommendations for brand? Was thinking of using Omega Optics (same guys that make the NPB filters for DGM) but can't see anything on their website for H-Beta...

Omega Filters

thanks
Jeelan

I have a 81mm Vixon Binocular telescope with interchangeable eyepieces(1.25") barrels 12 mm and 25mm.
I use Lumicon UHC filters and get very good results with them on large nebula(veil neb and Tarrantula etc
I think the O111 filters are a little dark and there isn't a lot of objects to view with O111 in such small optical aid.
There are only a couple of objects also for H-Beta filters and again 4"/100mm is a bit small to get any decent observations with that filter.
Cheers
Also you may want to buy some solar filter material and make some filters.
The sun is much more 3 dimensional with two eyes.

[jeelan (Jeelan)]

Thanks for that.

I should have been more clear - the question for H-Beta filter was for use in CPC 1100...

The question around filters for binoculars was more generic i.e. I was considering something like the NPB for the binos...

cheers
Jeelan

[gaseous (Patrick)]

I've got the 2" DGM NPB filter also, and the spectral chart I have suggests that it allows both the Ha and Hb lines through as well as OIII.

[Allan]

When I tried out the filters from DGM I wasn't aware of them making any H-Beta filters, just the OIII and NPB. I like the filters from Lumicon, and their H-Beta is very good.

I've asked widely about using filters in the APM binoculars, and the response varies. Some prefer the un-filtered view, others like using filters. I guess you need to try for yourself. I think the best option is going for the DGM NPB or Lumicon UHC as the best all rounders. As far as using just one filter, I'd have to think about that one. I would have gone for one in each eyepiece.

[SkyWatch (Dean)]

For what it is worth, I saw the other day that the resident "binocular guru" on the Astronomy Forum suggested using different filters for each eye, such as the 10nm OIII filter Baader on one EP, and the Astronomik H-Beta (12nm) filter on the other for chasing planetary nebulae.
He says: "When I am hunting binocular planetary nebulae, I put the OIII filter on one EP, and leave the other EP without filter, or mount the H-Beta for reference. In both cases, the bright but even small planetaries seem to 'float' in front of my eyes.
The OIII vs. H-Beta combination makes on some bright emission nebulae that, what I am calling HighDynamic (or pseudo 3D) effect, as often the OIII clouds and the ionized Hydrogen clouds reveal different structures. It can be breathtaking on the Rosette Nebula, on the Great Orion Nebula, Lagoon, North America, and a few other nebulae."
- and this is with 10.5x70 binos as well as 25x100's.

I haven't tried these myself; I'll have to wait for my wallet to get a bit heavier...

Oh, and by the way, I noticed that the Astronomy and Electronics Centre has some good prices on filters.