Astrophotography: The Optolong L-Utimate with a filter wheel for OSC!

I have received a 1.25" L-Ultimate filter from Optolong for testing/review. In this video I briefly cover the details of the L-Ultimate and some history with the L-Extreme. I then discuss the benefits of running a filter wheel with a one shot color camera (OSC).
These links below point to some of the gear I mentioned in the video. If you purchase anything from High Point using any of the links below, this channel will get a small commission for the sale, which in turns helps the channel.
General Highpoint scientific link: www.highpointscientific.com/?...
L-Ultimate 1.25" : www.highpointscientific.com/o...
L-Ultimate 2": www.highpointscientific.com/o...
ZWO ASI533MC Pro: www.highpointscientific.com/z...
ZWO EFW Mini Filter Wheel 5 position: www.highpointscientific.com/z...
I am also an affiliate for RC-Astro products. I highly recommend this software. Examples of their use are in every single one of my workflow videos:
BlurXTerminator: www.rc-astro.com/software/bxt...
NoiseXTerminator: www.rc-astro.com/software/nxt...
StarXTerminator: www.rc-astro.com/software/sxt...
#astrophotography
#optolong
#l-ultimate

[@DSOImager]

At the 11:45 mark I mention crop size sensor while also mentioning the ASI294MC and ASI1600MC. I meant to say Micro 4/3 sensor.. not crop. The 1.25" filter is not big enough for a crop size sensor.

[@AZ4Runner]

making life easier with a filter Wheel and a OSC. can't wait to see what you capture with the L-Ultimate. CS

[@DSOImager]

Thanks Jason!

[@AstroSoundscape]

That's an interesting use of a wheel James I can certainly see the switching BB/NB advantage here part way thru the night. CS :)

[@DSOImager]

Thanks Ollie! CS!

[@petesastrophotography]

Excellent video James. I have used the ZWO 5x2" filter wheel with my Esprit/ASI2600MC since day one (UV/IR cut, L-Pro & L-Extreme filters). Even though the ASI2600MC has a UV/IR cut window I used a filter as well to keep everything parfocal (I have my backfocus set to 55.7mm to account for the filters). I am now imaging from a bortle 3/4 zone (well, In would be if the weather would clear up!) so will be retiring the L-Pro filter going forward.

[@DSOImager]

Thanks Pete! Grats on the bortle 3/4 upgrade. :)

[@LogansAstro]

Using a filter wheel with and OSC makes sense especially with the filter options you are using. Filter draws are ok but they do often leak light in and also introduce dust every time you change filters. (been away from easy internet access so I'm just catching up on videos).

[@DSOImager]

Thanks for stopping by Logan! Always good to hear from you :)

[@user-pi5xu7qs7n]

I have the 533MC and love my EFW. Just ordered the 2 inch version simply to have access to a larger variety of filters. I use a CLS or quad band filter and then use a pure Ha filter and then combine the results. It really enhances the overall image.

[@DSOImager]

Nice! Even if I ran just two filters.. I'd keep the filter wheel :)

[@SimonsAstro]

Interesting video James! This looks like a great filter for OSC, I have the Optolong L Extreme and the L Pro, love them, but as you say, the LExtreme is only 7nm, so the new 3nm will be much better! Good idea with the filter wheel too! Clear skies👍

[@DSOImager]

Thanks Simon!

[@elbass0]

The L-Ultimate is one of the best investments I've made in this hobby.

[@DSOImager]

Good to hear :)

[@astroguimo]

There are SII/OIII dual narrowband filters nowadays. I'm not sure if they come in 1,25" versions but it makes SHO imaging with OSC much more practical. Especially with a filter wheel.

[@DSOImager]

I Know that Askar has one. I also know about the one IDAS has, but I heard they stopped selling theirs.

[@actudoran]

yup ... you're right 👍 flats are needed on most of my gear ... even the Samyang 135 ... I kind of hate the fact that o cannot rotate the whole scope to better frame objects with my C11 ... I can with the 115/800 .... cannot with the Samyang as I have it now ... maybe I'll pair it with a filter drawer and the 585 and then will be able to do that. PS. a filter wheel is a good place to store all those filters and have em handy!

[@DSOImager]

Yes.. a filter wheel is a great place to store extra filters, as long as you don't forget you put them in there! Got the T-shirt on that :)

[@IcemanAstro]

Hi James, how do the bright stars turn out with the L extreme? Looking for a dual band for my 2600 color.

[@DSOImager]

Hi Isaac, I know some people have reported halo's around stars with the L-Extreme.. but I have not encountered that with mine. That said... I have never tried pointing it at a star Alnitak. I do plan to test this L-Ultimate and the L-Extreme against Alnitak.. just need the weather to clear up :)

[@IcemanAstro]

@@DSOImager thanks James, I appreciate it