AstroPhotography Light Pollution Filters Slam-Down for Narrow-Band Imaging

Here we will be comparing multiple filters for narrow-band imaging.  This would be for imaging nebulas, Supernova remnant, etc.

Manufacture

Filter

List Price

Description

Specs

OPT

TRIAD

$775

Tri-band Narrowband filter

H alpha/656.3/3nm

Oiii/H beta/ Center 493/18nm

Transmission over 90%

Astronomik

UHC

$200

UHC Filter

97% Transmission for the following wavelenghts

  • 486nm (H-beta)

  • 496nm (O III)

  • 501nm (O II)

  • 656nm (H alpha)

Optimal for F/3.5 to F10 systems

Baader

 

 

Moon and Skyglow Filter

$132

Pollution Filter

 • Filters out specific wavelengths, especially those caused by streetlight and most importantly their scattered light which lightens up the night sky

• Selective blocking retains natural colours intact but with RGB significantly enhanced, differences in colour and brightness persist.

• 95% transmission in the selected spectral range.

 

 

 

The Comparisons

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

 


01. Nebula, No Filter vs Triad (HyperStar)

Imaging of the Elephant Trunk (IC-1396) located in Cepheus.

Want to process the Stack images yourself?  Download stacked masters (FIT files) by right clicking image icon and select "Save link as .." from the pop-up menu.

Note: Coma on edges due to sensor being larger than supported by this model  HyperStar System, and possible need to tilt sensor.

 

Hardware Setup (HyperStar)

Imaging hardware is as follows

 

 

Config

Date

Location/ Bortle Scale (B)

Exposures

Time Range

Master Files

Processed Images

(Click on thumbnail to view larger image)

No Filter

2018.09.08

Massacure Trailhead, AZ (B=4)

26 frms @ 5min

20:36 - 22:59

TRIAD

2018.09.12

Chandler Home, AZ (B=7)

24 frms @ 5min

20:57 - 22:56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


02.  Nebula TRIAD vs Astronomik UHC (HyperStar)

Imaging the Soul Nebula (IC-1848) in Cassiopeia..

Comments:

 

Hardware Setup (HyperStar)

Imaging hardware is as follows

 

 

Config

Date

Location/ Bortle Scale

Exposures

Time Range/

Altitude Range

Master Files

Processed Images

(Click on thumbnail to view larger image)

Astronmik UHC

2018.08.20

Chandler Home, AZ (B=7)

26 fms @ 5min

00:26 - 03:06

33deg - 54deg

TRIAD

2018.09.12

Chandler Home, AZ (B=7)

25 frms @ 5min

01:52 - 04:02

56deg - 63deg

 

 

 

 

 


 

03 Galaxy No Filter in Dark Sky vs Baader Moon and Light Pollution Filter in City (Primary Focus)

Imaging the Edge-on galaxy NGC-891 in Andromeda.

Comments:

Hardware Setup (Primary Focus)

Imaging hardware is as follows

 

 

Config

Date

Location/ Bortle Scale

Exposures

Time Range/

Altitude Range

Master Files

Processed Images

(Click on thumbnail to view larger image)

No Filter

2018.11.07

Massacure Trailhead, AZ (B=4)

 

10 fms @ 5min

21:03 - 21:50

58deg - 66deg

Baader

2018.11.09

Chandler Home, AZ (B=7)

10 frms @ 5min

20:50 - 21:54

57deg - 68deg

 

 

Astronomy

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