What are filters and should you get one?

[@FranciscoRoman-p6d]

Hi, Bogdan. I am a beginner astronomer. After watching many of your videos, I must let you know that you are an excellent presenter. With the exception of David Nagler, I see you as the number one (best) presenter of astronomy equipment. You provide clear and useful information that is vital for people like me. Thank you! Please continue with your excellent work!

[@AlucardTRICKSTER]

Thanks man i don't really comment on videos but this one really helped me understand filters way more than some threads i've read online!

[@davidstaiti]

Great video. I'm getting back into astronomy after 25 years away and your videos are so on point!

[@timodell5728]

Really appreciate your reviews and recommendations. Small budget does not get wasted. Thanks

[@oninoyakamo]

"Less colour information, but with better contrast." Exactly. Coloured Planetary Filters are tools from the era of black and white photography. They're not much use anymore. Couldn't agree more on your recommendations; UHC for nebula, Variable Polarizing for the moon, add to that a Solar Filter for sunspots and that's about it for visual use.

[@susquehannocksurvival4545]

Another informative video Bogdan!! Filters are like telescopes, so many different varieties with different purposes that can make just the research overwhelming. Thanks for breaking it down.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Susquehannock Survival Thank you! I'm glad you found this video helpful.

[@Astrofrank]

For choosing an O-III filter, a UHC filter or no filter at all, telescope size is less important than the exit pupil. Of course you will get a larger exit pupil with more aperture, but only if you keep the magnification. For observing extended nebulae, high magnification is not necessary, so a smaller telescope will work perfectly with even a "hard" O-III filter like the one from Baader Planetarium. "Smaller" means 80 to 150 mm aperture, as I made most of my experiences with my own telescopes and they don't exceede 6 inch. My first observation of the Rosette Nebula was with a 80/400 refractor, a 25 mm wide angle and an O-III filter of which I don't remember the brand - either Baader (more likely) or Astronomik. Observing the entire Veil Nebula with more than 6 inch is almost impossible as the larger focal length coming with these apertures makes the image to large to fit into the field stop of the eyepiece. A 31 mm Nagler or a 32 mm 70° will work with a 150/750, but a smaller instrument with less focal length will make viewing easier. The small magnification will result in large exit pupils, allowing the use of a "hard" O-III filter.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Astrofrank Thanks for your valuable input! Viewers will find this helpful.

[@Astrofrank]

@@BogdanDamian We amateur astronomers should help each other, and that's what you do and what I do. :-)

[@paganphil100]

Has anyone here used light-pollution filters? Do they work and if so, which types are best for blocking white LED street-lights?

[@robertgotschall1246]

Very useful. I’m mainly interested in lunar and solar photography, also meteor activity. The light pollution here in Las Vegas is so bad that the stars literally do not shine, ever. If I leave town however, I can get some pretty good seeing. Thanks for the info on “Moon” filters. I’m going with them until I get more mobile.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Robert Gotschall I'm glad you found my video helpful. I've been twice in Las Vegas until now and both times I noticed the crazy levels of light pollution. I guess that city never sleeps. It's good however that you have the possibility to get out of town for much better observing conditions. Clear skies!

[@MrNenfricatul]

Salut Bogdan. Urmaresc de mult materialele tale. Sunt foarte bine construite si informative. Bravo. Am o intrebare. Spre sfarsit vb despre filtru UHC de la Astronomical. Ai facut cumva si poze cu el? Eu am un William optics de 73 si fac doar poze cu el. As fi interesat daca ai avea vreo idee daca filtrul e bun si pt fotografie. Mersi si tine-o tot asa

[@BogdanDamian]

@Filip Nino Salut Filip. Multumesc! Am facut cateva poze insa nimica special, doar sa imi fac o părere despre filtru și rezultatele au fost bune. În general filtrele UHC sunt foarte bune pentru astrofotografie pentru ca imbunatatesc contrastul considerabil. Efectul este mai pronunțat pe poze decât când privești cu ochiul liber.

[@gabrielrobles5288]

Excellent video Bogdan. Thank you!

[@οδυσεαςοδυσεας]

hello, I'm following you, I bought a Meade lx 200 emc 10" I want to observe the sun, I will buy a baader 254mm front filter, can I observe the sun only with this filter?? or do I have to buy an extra filter for the eyepiece like baader solar continuum 1.25 for the eyepiece...do I have to have both filters for observation? is it for safety reasons or does the filter in the eyepiece give me better contrast?

[@janakiramkavuri9453]

Hello Bogdan, thank you for posting wonderful videos to educates beginners like me. I have just started this and hobby and at 50, don’t have too much time for learning series. So purchased a Celestron CPC 1100. Just got some Explore Scientific eyepieces also to go with it. Hoping to learn a lot from you…

[@BogdanDamian]

@janakiramkavuri9453 Hi and welcome to this wonderful hobby! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@curronhill2744]

Hi Bogdan, I really enjoy your videos. I use the UHC and the OIII filer with my 6” reflector. The OIII really helps to enhance the view of the Veil nebula for me. I also have the special filter for viewing the Horsehead in Orion, the H beta. I have visually seen it in my 12” dob, but nothing smaller yet, but I keep trying! (I can see it using the Revolution Imager camera live through the 6” doing EAA.) I also use color filters at times for planets and I have a polarizing filter that I always use when doing lunar observations. I am now planning to upgrade my eyepieces to get all I can out of my 6” reflector. Thanks for you videos on eyepieces and the barlow one, they really helped me decide which ones to get. I plan on getting a 24mm panoptic, a 7mm Delite, and a Televue 1.25” 2x barlow. That will give me 24, 12, 7, and 3.5 mm’s for use with my 6” reflector. This is my main scope now because of some back problems and it along with the EQ3 Mount are light enough to move and setup without issue. Clear skies and looking forward to your next video! Curronh

[@BogdanDamian]

@Curron Hill Hi Curron! Thank you, I'm glad you found my videos helpful. The eyepieces you mention are really good and should offer you some amazing views of the night sky. Let me know how you like them. Clear skies!

[@vampolascott36]

I'm not new to visual observing, but I lost all my equipment including a 6" Newtonian and all eyepieces. I'm starting from scratch with an 8" C8 this time. I had to buy a neutral density filter for the moon because it's just too bright to look at comfortably. I will look into a UHC filter. I mostly looked at clusters and double stars with my 6". I plan on more planetary observing with my SCT.

[@BogdanDamian]

@House RN Oh that's rough, but it's nice that you decided to start anew. A C8 is a great platform to base your equipment on and also excellent for planetary observations. Clear skies!

[@christiana8820]

Get a Baader moon and skyglow 2 inch filter. Screw it into your diagonal and that way you can switch eyepieces without having to keep moving the filter. Moon view will be amazing and it also sharpens Saturn/Jupiter views....

[@Astrofrank]

If using a telescope with a star diagonal, a Barlow lens or a 2"-1.25" adaptor, use two single polarising filters with at least one of very good optical quality. Put the high quality one into the barrel of the mentioned accessory and the other one into the the barrel of they eyepiece. Now you can adjust the transmission simply by turning the eyepiece! The high quality is necessary as that filter is far away from the image plane.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Astrofrank Great tip, thanks!

[@frzguida]

Hi, interesting video, I still like to amaze myself with visual observations looking at distant DSO objects with my own eyes, so I bought an Astronomik UHC filter for my polluted city sky. Perhaps too harsh for my small mak 127 (would a Astronomik UHC-E have been more suitable?), but it really does make the difference between not seeing and seeing a distant planetary nebula. Do you think an Astronomik CLS or a Baader Neodymium for galaxies and distant clusters would be useful? Do you have experiences with this?

[@BogdanDamian]

@frzguida Hi, I think the UHC-E wouldn't have made a big difference compared the the normal UHC. Unfortunately I hadn't had the chance to test the CLS or the Neodymium yet, so I can't comment on the improvements they bring with them. But I plan on testing them in the future.

[@santiagomoebio]

So useful, thank you! Planetary nebulae happen to be my favorite objects in the sky. Would the UHC filter help in this case as well?

[@BogdanDamian]

@santiago ortiz For planetary nebulae I would go with an OIII filter instead. They are specifically designed for this kind of observations - gaseous and planetary nebulae. Because these are extremely narrow band filters, keep in mind that the minimum recommended aperture of the telescope is 6".

[@weseragon4509]

Great video. Do UHC or O-III filters help you to observe DSOs in truly dark skies with no light pollution?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Weseragon Yes, they will improve your views even if there the sky isn't heavenly light polluted, but their impact will be lower.

[@christiana8820]

The UHC will probably darken the view in a dark sky area. I've found that not using a filter in those areas gives a brighter image visually. Kind of like not wearing sunglasses unless you have sunlight to clock.....

[@Astronurd]

A lot of people have used both the UHC and OIII filters with a 4” refractor very successfully

[@christophercullen6523]

Hello Bogdan, can you recommend a type of extender so that my polarizer would be accessible as opposed to it being inside the telescope. I heard there is some type of T-45 extender which keeps polarizer from disappearing into the telescope. Thank you

[@JB-iz8bi]

Great and informative video! I do have a question though. Would it be useful to, for example, combine an O-III filter with a UHC? Will they work together and make nebulae rich with oxygen gas be visible with more detail?

[@BogdanDamian]

@J B I believe that combining a UHC and O-III would have little to no positive effects, but it will reduce the overall brightness considerably. This is because if you take a look at the wavelengths of light blocked by each filter individually you can see that both have overlapping wavelengths that are being passed through with the "stricter" one being the O-III filter. UHC: images.app.goo.gl/MduVXkCy7Cf7oSPL9 O-III: images.app.goo.gl/cK69tigZzbMzSCN89 This means that the UHC will have no effect on the optical system other than reducing the overall brightness. I hope this helps.

[@JB-iz8bi]

@@BogdanDamian Thanks a lot!

[@cristianarhip9667]

What do you think about the Baader Filters?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Cristian Arhip I haven't had the chance yet to test the filters from Baader, but I heard only good things about them. Baader usually offers good quality products.

[@Astrofrank]

Baader UHC-S is too broad in transmission to be of much help, but the O-III is the one to go with when observing most emission nebulae from at least moderately light-polluted sites.

[@christiana8820]

They are great. I like the Moon and Skyglow filter the best.

[@yasserafifi3685]

Hi Bogdan, i just ordered the same UHC filter that you have. I was wondering if that works fine with the 9mm eyepiece? or does it need brighter/longer focal eyepieces to be effective? appreciate your response! :)

[@BogdanDamian]

@yasserafifi3685 Hi! That's great! Yes, the UHC will work with shorter focal length eyepieces just as well. In fact I enjoy using it on planets as well, not only DSOs. Clear skies!

[@32_bits]

Another clear and well made video. Thanks for covering filters, they will be my next buy. Question for using heavy eye pieces, how do you balance you Dob when pointing at low evelation stars/planets? Also, do you have a chair you use that can cover all the different hights needed when positioning your telescope?

[@BogdanDamian]

@32bits Thank you! When using heavy eyepieces I use a small makeshift counterweight (approximately 0.5kg) with a strip of magnetic tape on one side. The weight and the tape are covered with a thin microfiber cloth so that when I move it the telescope doesn't get any scratches. As for sitting, I use my old office chair that can be hight adjusted and can also swivel. It allows for just enough travel so I can comfortable use it with my 12". Since I only observe from my backyard, I don't have to carry the chair with me.

[@susquehannocksurvival4545]

A drummer's throne works well for observation as well.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

Hello Bogdan, does it make sense to buy a UHC or Svbony CLS filter for a 4 inch Svbony 102 ED (like yours) for visual observations? Will it also work on galaxies, will the galaxies be more visible with those filters?

[@BogdanDamian]

@3dfxvoodoocards6 For visual observations it doesn't make much sense. it will dim the image way too much. It's rather a filter for AP.

[@sirlyndon]

Thank you for the video. Would you happen to have a link to the use cases chart you show at ~5:55?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Lyndon Macomber Hi, sure here it is: www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/telescope-filters I also updated the video description and included the link.

[@sirlyndon]

@@BogdanDamian Thank you!

[@Astrofrank]

Be careful, it is only a coarse scheme, so your experience might differ. I found the #80A useless on Saturn, but the #15 was quite helpful.

[@knightclan4]

You really create the most professional videos. Your editing skills are fantastic. I'd love to take lessons for editing from you. What software do you prefer?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Rick Knight You are too kind, thank you sir! I'm using DaVinci resolve for video editing and Gimp for image editing. Both software aren't that hard to learn and since there are a ton of tutorials online you can learn the basics pretty quick. If the interest is there, then maybe I'll do a separate video where I'll go into details about DaVinci and Gimp.

[@hondaxl250k0]

@@BogdanDamian I’m trying to learn gimp. So please cover that.. I’m struggling from start to finish. I’m just getting into astrophotography . I’m using a 1950s Lafayette 60mm refractor. And a svbony sv305 Astro cam. And I just picked up a svbony uhc filter I’m waiting to try out once I get a clear night.. I by far an struggling in the processing end of things.

[@rynoxroberts]

so between the moon filter and the variable polarizer, the variable polarizer filter is the way to go for taking pictures of the moon?

[@BogdanDamian]

@rynoiskiller Yes, in my opinion a good variable pol filter is the better choice for both visual observations and astrophotography.

[@tombeilman5579]

I need me some filters, is there any advantage with using 2 inch

[@BogdanDamian]

@Tom Beilman Other than being compatible with 2" eyepieces, there is no advantage of using 2" filters over 1.25" ones.

[@christiana8820]

If you're talking about visual observation then can screw the filter into your diagonal and you can just switch eyepieces without reattaching the filter each time... Not all diagonals allow that option, though.

[@ianfoster8908]

I have just received a SvBony UHC filter. My rig is a 127Mak, so not a lot of aperture to play with, so I was not sure if it would do ne any good. The results viewing the Orion Nebula M42 are fantastic fully justifying the purchase. The skies were Bortle 3 but the 1/4 moon added a lot of stray light. Eta Carina Nebula gave great views and the filter helped bring out some of the nearby star clusters.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Ian Foster That's great! I'm glad you had such a good observing session with the new filter.

[@metalconner]

Hi Bogdan, thanks for this amazing video. As I am newbie here I would like to ask for your recommendation. I am planning to get GSO 8” dobs f/6. I live in bortle 4. I am getting 2 eyepieces along with the tube. 30mm 2” 68* and 9mm 1.25” 52*. 1) what eyepiece do you recommend more for both dso and planetary? 2) As you said I can use UHC filter for both dso and planetary, Do i need some extra for planetary? 3) Does UHC filter perform best for both nebula and galaxies? 4) Is there any way 1.25” filter be attached to 2” eyepiece? 5) Can I use these filters for astrophotography too? 6) Is there any relation in using UHC filter with eyepiece magnification exit pupils? I am sorry for asking you many questions. 😅 Clear skies.

[@BogdanDamian]

@metalconner Hi, I'll try my best to help you: 1.You could get either a good 4-5mm eyepiece (Explore Scientific 82° 4.7mm / Tele Vue DeLite 4mm) or a good 2x Barlow/Focal Extender to pair with the 9mm (Explore Scientific or Tele Vue). The 30mm is sufficient for DSOs. If you want something in between, look at 24mm eyepieces (Hyperion, Explore Scientific 68°, Panoptic) 2. Right now, you don't need other filters. Maybe later could could try out some color filters for planetary observations. 3. Yes, a UHC filter is a great all-rounder. 4. Not really. You'll need to get 2" filters for your 2" eyepiece. 5. No. For AP you will need other filters like H-alpha. 6. The effect on the exit pupil when using filters is negligible. Clear skies!

[@metalconner]

Hello, thanks for your advice. I was planning same. The 2x Barlow, and a 25mm eyepiece, will give me: 30mm 25mm 15mm (30mm with Barlow) 12.5mm (25mm with Barlow) 9mm 4.5mm (9mm with Barlow)

[@蛙先生-h5o]

This video was much help, now I know a variable polarizing filter is the better option to me for observing Moon (and maybe Jupiter, especially when in opposition). There are two different types avaiable for me: the one sold under different brands (same as your omegon in the video) and a Baader priced 3 times more than the aforementioned one. Mr. Bogdan did you find that Omegon variable filter good enough, or one should go for the Baader anyway?

[@BogdanDamian]

@蛙先生 I haven't tested the Baader yet, but I can't imagine that it's worth 3x the price of the Omegon. I believe you are better off getting the Omegon and investing the difference into a Barlow lens or a different piece of equipment.

[@蛙先生-h5o]

@@BogdanDamian Thank you. The difference is the price of that gold line eyepiece you reviewed in another of your videos, or a laser collimator by the way.

[@vadimuha]

Can I use sunglasses for a filter?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Dominvs qvi amat ancilla Yes, they would work as ND or polarizing filters depending on what type of sunglasses you have. Just be careful, they don't work for daytime sun observations. For this application they are way to weak. There are special filters for observing the sun.

[@hudsonwest16]

I am very new to all this stuff, and I have a question. I have a telescope with a 20mm eyepiece and a 4mm eyepiece, so will the 1.25” or 2” filter fit? Thanks.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Hudson West Hi! The two eyepieces you mentioned will most likely work with 1.25" filters. As a rule of thumb, the longer the focal length of an eyepiece is the larger the eyepiece housing needs to be and therefore a 2" format is necessary. Your 4mm eyepiece should definitely work with 1.25" filters. If the 20mm eyepiece doesn't have a crazy wide apparent field of view (AFOV) grater than 82°, then it will also work with 1.25" sized filters. Hope this helps.

[@jackchesnut1956]

Great video. Have you ever used H-Alpha or H-Beta filters?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Jack Chesnut I've used them a couple of times, but nut extensively as those are more suited for astrophotography. An H-Beta filter could help improve visual observations of specific dso targets like nebulae.

[@gangidante]

Hi Damian, as a new subscriber I have been watching all your videos. Great content! So, in this video you recommend the UHC filter by Astronomik but only in cases where the aperture of the scope is 6" or greater. My question is what type of filter you recommend for a scope of 5.1". I live in a 7 bortle urban area with a mix of mercurial and LED street lights...

[@BogdanDamian]

@gangidante Even with a 5.1" telescope I believe your best bet would be a UHC filter. In my experience this type of filter has the best chances on improving the views of light polluted skies.

[@gangidante]

@@BogdanDamian thanks for your your input. I really appreciated.

[@Astrofrank]

With that much light pollution, I would recommend an [O III] filter.

[@mateuszkurowski8480]

Witam. Mam możliwość zakupu zmiennego filtra polaryzacyjnego i nie wiem, który z 2 byłby lepszy. Kupuję używany. Celestron za 85 zł czy Explore Scientific za 140 zł. Warto dopłacić?

[@chrisskourides4979]

Hi Bogdan...I have dopsonian skywacher 150-750.. where I can find polarize filters to fit to my telescope?

[@BogdanDamian]

@chrisskourides4979 Hi! Polarizing filter and any other filters only come in two sizes: 1.25" and 2". Since these filters are attached to the eyepiece, the telescope is irrelevant. They will all fit your telescope without a problem. Depending on the eyepiece you already have and want to use the filter on, you can pick any polarizing filter you have access to (online or store). Hope this helps.

[@chrisskourides4979]

Hi Bogdan again is the UHC or o iii give me e better view To the planets also except for the deep space? My telescope have aperture 6 intces can I get the omegon 0 iii? What do you recommend?

[@BogdanDamian]

@chris skourides Hi Chris! I personally like the UHC better for planetary observations. Especially Jupiter and Saturn benefit from it. I believe that would be the best option for your 6" telescope. The OIII will let even less light through and the views would become even dimmer.

[@davidreisman412]

Great video! When using a solid color moon filter, I assume the moon will appear to be in a shade of that particular color?

[@BogdanDamian]

@David Reisman You are correct. If for example you would use a #38A dark blue filter, that means that the red and a good portion of the green wavelengths of light will get blocked and only the blue one will get through. This is why the views through this blue filter will have a blue hue to them.

[@Astrofrank]

Yes, but you need the commong green moon filter mainly when using an achromat, as its correction of most aberrations is best in that range. The green color increases contrast a bit in general, as our eyes are most sensitive in green light, but this effect is not that strong, so the distraction by the strange color might be stronger. Using polarizing or neutral density filters should help more with apochromats or reflectors.

[@gabriel.s774]

Multumesc Bogdan! Aveam nevoie de o confirmare ca am comandat niste filtre bune 🤣👍. M-am abonat si eu la canslul tau youtube si o sa te urmaresc…. Multumesc pentru info!

[@fredaw61]

I bought a TV 13mm Nagler and wanted to put my filter on it. I could not get the filter to screw on, but by only 1 to 2 threads. The filter works fine on my Celestron and Orion eyepieces. I can’t afford the TV filters you suggest. Is there other more affordable options?

[@BogdanDamian]

@fredaw61 Could it be that you just need to apply a bit more force while screwing the filter on the Nagler? Since it has the same threading as any other eyepieces, filters should fit just as well on the Nagler. If the eyepiece is brand new, than there might be some residue from the manufacturing process left in the threads that is blocking the filter. What type of filters are you interested in?

[@fredaw61]

@@BogdanDamian it is a Pomya Sky Glow moon filter. The Nagler is brand new.

[@fredaw61]

@@BogdanDamian correction it is a Datyson filter. It starts like two threads and then stops. It is very difficult to start so it may be cross threading onto the Nagler.

[@fredaw61]

@@BogdanDamian I got my Tele Vue 2X Barlow in today and that filter won’t even start screwing on.

[@BogdanDamian]

@fredaw61 After reading a bit on this topic, I found out that the filter threading isn't standardized across the industry. There are small differences from manufacturer to manufacturer that can lead to incompatibilities. Usually it works without a problem, but there are cases such as with TV, where some filters simply don't fit. I never had this problem personally. My Omegon, Astronomik and Lumicon filters fit on all my eyepieces including the TV ones. Sorry, it never crossed my mind that there might be a compatibility issues with TV eyepieces. It really looks like you need to try out other filters. If you have access to Omegon accessories, then try out those filters. They should fit on your Nagler eyepiece.

[@aldugas1045]

I have a 4inch scope. I have had filters but they just seem to colour my views and make it hard to see what I'm looking at. Have I got bad filters?

[@BogdanDamian]

@aldugas1045 Usually the improved details that come from color filters are subtle in the best of cases. Details visible are also influenced by the telescope's aperture. Since filters work by blocking a big part of the visible spectrum, the aperture of the telescope needs to be large enough to be able to work with the little light information that gets through the filters. This is why I don't believe that you got bad filters, but rather that your telescope might be to small for color filters.

[@aldugas1045]

Thanks for that information. I had thought that maybe my scope was too small. It's good to have that confirmed. Thanks again.

[@teneilreid5972]

Can I creat my own filters and what material can I use ?

[@awesawes2002]

Is it possible to use camera filters on a telescope to make a 3D frame to block it, knowing that the filter diameter is 86 millimeters, the type of telescope is ceetron power seeker80EQ

[@BogdanDamian]

@aws ali In theory it should be possible. Depending on the filter type, from a material point of view there shouldn't be any difference between an astronomical and camera filter. If you can make some sort of an adapter so that you can attach it to the telescope, then it should work just fine.

[@vadimdobrea168]

Hi, Bogdan. I'm very impressed by your presentations and advises. I'm following you since I bought a Bresser Messier 150/750 tabletop dobsonian few months ago. As eyepieces, apart of the ones usually coming with the scope (K25 and K9mm) I bought a Lacerta 30 mm 70*, a 13 and 8mm TS Expanse also 70* AFOV. I would like to say that so far I'm very satisfied with all of them having a very bright and clear experience, as per my beginner opinion and perception, in special for DSO. My first question is related to the planetary observation. What's your opinion, which additionally eyepiece(s) will fit for a decent view of the planets considering that I also have a 2" Lacerta ED Barlow 2x which I use with my existing eyepieces. An additional maybe 4mm ortho will make any difference? Or maybe other? My second question is related to the filters. I'm thinking at a CLS 1.25" Optolong for light pollution in my area (outskirts of Iași - Bortle 4 apx.) and for a TS-Optics 1.25" Multi Color & Polarizator variabil for planetary view. What are your recommandations for DSO? An UHC or OIII will help more? Or maybe you have any other proposals? Thank you again for your videos and I'm looking forward for your advice. Wishing you a nice day.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Vadim Dobrea Hi and thank you! I'm glad you enjoy my video. For the eyepiece I would recommend a good 6mm eyepiece with a 60°-ish AFOV. Since you already have a 2x Barlow this way you would be able to get to 250x on nights with good seeing conditions. With a 4mm eyepiece the magnification would be too high when combined with the 2x Barlow. As for the filters I had some good results using a UHC filter while observing from Bortle 4 areas. O-III filters let in even less light than the UHC filters do and this might lead to brightness compromises that are way to high. The image would be too dim to really enjoy. I wouldn't recommend O-III for your telescope. I haven't had the chance to test the Optolong CLS filters yet so I'm not sure how they perform. I hope this helps. Cer senin!

[@vadimdobrea168]

@@BogdanDamian Thank you very much for your time and advice. Indeed a 6mm paired with the Barlow makes sense. When I mentioned a 4mm eyepiece I was thinking to use it standalone, as it is, hoping the planets will appear clearer than using my 8mm eyepiece barlowed 2x. In any case your advice related to a 6mm eyepiece is highly appreciated, already looking for a decent one, maybe the gold line 66* series? Thank you again and waiting for your next videos. Cer senin și o seară plăcută. Mulțumesc.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Vadim Dobrea Hi! I can very much recommend the 6mm 66° gold ring. It was my first dedicated eyepiece and I'm still using it today. I also have a review about it. It's my very first video 🙂

[@vadimdobrea168]

@@BogdanDamian Thank you. Just saw the video. I'll go for it than. Cer senin.

[@teneilreid5972]

How can I get a custom filter for my 70mm telescope 🔭

[@BogdanDamian]

@Teneil Reid Hi! What do you mean? Like a sun filter with a 70mm diameter for the telescope? Or do you refer to filters for eyepieces you use in combination with your telescope?

[@donaldkasper8346]

You would think a polarizing filter would block light pollution which is stray light. Correct?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Donald Kasper It depends on the orientation of the light wave that reaches the filter. If it aligns with the filter orientation, then it will get through. If it doesn't, then it will get blocked. Since a polarizing filter works across the entire visible spectrum, it might block not only a part of the sky glow, but also part of the light coming from the object you are trying to observe making the whole image a bit dimmer. In my opinion the loss in image brightness would not worth it.

[@sparta3363]

I'll want to improve my views of dso's, are these filters good for visual astronomy?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Sparta 33 Hi! Which one of the filters do you mean? To improve DSO observations take a look at UHC filters and depending of the aperture of your telescope look at O-III filters as well. Color and polarizing filters are more for planetary and moon observations.

[@sparta3363]

@@BogdanDamian I have an 8 inch dob, so I'm looking at the astronomik

[@BogdanDamian]

@Sparta 33 The UHC from Astronomik will work very well with your 8" Dob.

[@phillong01]

Good video. Don’t need the music while you’re talking though.

[@BogdanDamian]

@philip long Thank you for your feedback!

[@phillong01]

@@BogdanDamian well damn i didnt think anyone replied to comments. But thanks for responding. Your video helped out this new astronomer! It game me things to think about.

[@KamilG.]

I used Dob 10" for the first time with Orion Ultrablock filter to watch Veil ( sky bortle 3 ) but it was barely visible. I'm not sure but probably cirrus cloud were present. If not, I recon that this setup is no good.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Kamil G. That doesn't sound good. Could it simply be that the seeing conditions weren't that good that night? I haven't tested the Ultrablock filter yet, but I can't imagine it being that poor especially when it's marketed as a filter for DSO observations.

[@aaaaa1957]

Thanks

[@dioniscuciuc]

Thanks!

[@darrenhennig7550]

Great Video, Bogdan. Filters are THE single most misunderstood items in the astronomy arsenal, IMO. Good overview of high quality ones! BTW, some excellent choices for general use on DSOs and cometary objects with C2 emissions are the Astronomik UHC-e (for enhanced) - these are broader than standard UHC filters, and pass the 514-520nm "swan band" C2 emissions for greenish comets. They also work superbly for smaller apertures in the 80mm+ ranges as well. Good general purpose filters. I have a pair I use on my binoculars to enhance those comets also! Another two highly recommended planetary filters are the Baader Neodymium Moon and Skyglow - these enhance subtly more general details on low contrast features, on Mars, Jupiter, Saturn mostly, and leave a very minor tint which is not objectionable. They ALSO double as superb DAYTIME planetary filters to really make planets pop out of the azure sky! With Polarizers, another superb use is with Solar filters (Baader film AS types) - granulation and plage detail pop out even more using a single polarizer with the AS solar film Baader filters. FYI. The last filter for planetary which really work well on Mars is a FL-D filter. Easier to get in 2" 48mm format or 46mm formats on eBay and through various photography outlets. B+W, Hoya, and several other Japanese brands are available. This subtly enhances with a light mauve tint but brings out more concurrent detail in orographic clouds, dust regions when storms are about, maria, and polar detail. Really nice in 90mm+ instruments! Hope my information was useful. Enjoy your videos and clear skies to you! DH - Edmonton Canada

[@Min_3256]

Hey i am looking for a good filter to view nebulae with binoculars . Which is celestron ed 20x80. Can you recommend which filter will be the best to fit in

[@andreigaming5581]

Esti Român?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Andrei Gaming Salut! ;)

[@astrospeedcuber]

Bortle 4… I wish I lived under bortle 4 skies, or even just bortle 6 - it’s so much better than living in the largest city in my entire continent 😭

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

The first three minutes of this video have nothing to do with filters, the first filter isn't mentioned until 4:05. It would be helpful to mention how a polarizing filter works and how useless is one under the eyepiece, unable to adjust as you view. The example "photos" are very low effort, it shouldn't be that hard to take a real picture you shot with a telescope over 6" with and without the filter. This is not a very good source of information, but best of luck and good seeing.

[@hatherlow]

Lighten up , stop moaning about other people's work if you can do better do your own videos

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

@@hatherlow No, you are wrong, anybody can have an opinion. How fragile are you that even reading an opinion different than your own you feel compelled to shut it down? You don't even argue any of my points, but cry shut up like an angry toddler. And no, I won't lighten up. I also find your criteria for having an opinion laughable; the viewer must supply a better video to criticize a posted one. That is absolutely not how it works. Do you even have an interest in filters or optics at all? Moaning: "complain or grumble, typically about something trivial." Hey that sounds like what you're doing.