Using HA Filter with a colour CCD

[BlackWidow (Mardy)]

I have seen some great shots on this site from people using B&W CCD and filters inc HA filters with great results. The question I have is can I use a HA filter or and an O111 filter when shooting with a Colour CCD like the QHY8.

I would guess that longer exposures would be required, but wanted to know if it would add detail to my light shots if some stacked were via one of these filters? I have been looking at them and have been looking at the Baader and also the Lumicon. Thier seems to be a large difference in the price so I am not sure about the Lumicon being that it is half the price..

Any assistance would be appreciated


Regards
Mardy

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

I don't have an OSC CCD -but I'm going to use my cooled/modded DSLR as an example...
You aren't going to get optimum (ie mono CCD) performance from you colour CCD, but it won't be too shabby either.
Yes, longer exposures are required - 10mins +

Are you looking to buy 48mm filters?
I only have Astronomik EOS clip in filters (Ha and OIII) so I can only comment on their benefits.

I've scratched the surface of NB imaging with my DSLR and I've been very happy with the results - I would imagine the same (better) is possible with your QHY8.

Have a look at my photobucket page (below) to see what you can do with DSLRs and filters and aim higher!
Doug

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

With all colour cameras the real problem is the Bayer matrix filter.
Only one pixel in four will be recording data from the Ha bandwidth compared with 100% in a mono camera.
The end result after application of a good de-bayering model is a loss of resolution of around 40% - the sensitivity unfortunately will always be low.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Martin,

I've been using an Astronomik Ha filter with my QHY8. I'm still on the learning curve but it does produce some nice images despite the QHY's bayer matrix.