10 replies to this topic

[fromEarth]

Hi, I have a quick and rude question. 

 

My only LP filter is Orion's Ultrablock, so have no experience at all with any type of broad-band filter. I have read several good review articles about Optolong L-pro filter and found a nice 11.11 discount deal at AliExpress. I am almost pulling the trigger, but just need some critical comments from owners using this specific broad-band filter with IMX224/385/294 under Bortle 6-8.

 

Does this filter work for you? Yes or No?

 

fromEarth

[GaryShaw]

If this is the same as the Optolong L-eNhance filter which I just got, it’s made a world of difference in being able to observe and grab nice images of Nebulae. Without it, I could barely see any emission nebulae. There was a thorough review of a variety of filters recently here in CN so just follow the link below to see how they compared. My short answer is that the above filter I listed would be a no-brainer to purchase. Good luck
 

 

https://www.cloudyni...on#entry9758620

[fromEarth]

If this is the same as the Optolong L-eNhance filter which I just got, it’s made a world of difference in being able to observe and grab nice images of Nebulae. Without it, I could barely see any emission nebulae. There was a thorough review of a variety of filters recently here in CN so just follow the link below to see how they compared. My short answer is that the above filter I listed would be a no-brainer to purchase. Good luck
 

 

https://www.cloudyni...on#entry9758620

Optolong L-pro is a wide multi-band, but L-eNhance is a dual narrow band type. 

 

I just found this thread, but I guess this report is more relevant to AP, not EAA.

 

https://www.cloudyni...-bortle-9-zone/

 

 

fromEarth

Edited by fromEarth, 11 November 2019 - 11:41 AM.

[DSO_Viewer]

Optolong L-pro is a wide multi-band, but L-eNhance is a dual narrow band type. 

 

I just found this thread, but I guess this report is more relevant to AP, not EAA.

 

https://www.cloudyni...-bortle-9-zone/

 

 

fromEarth

No it is relevant to EAA also since filters help in light polluted areas and a lot of us including myself in California use them.

 

Steve 

[fromEarth]

No it is relevant to EAA also since filters help in light polluted areas and a lot of us including myself in California use them.

 

Steve 

Steve, 

 

Which Optolong filter (L-pro or L-eNhance) do you prefer? I guess L-eNhance is too harsh for galaxies based on my experience with Ultrablock.  

 

fromEarth

[nimitz69]

Hi, I have a quick and rude question. 

 

My only LP filter is Orion's Ultrablock, so have no experience at all with any type of broad-band filter. I have read several good review articles about Optolong L-pro filter and found a nice 11.11 discount deal at AliExpress. I am almost pulling the trigger, but just need some critical comments from owners using this specific broad-band filter with IMX224/385/294 under Bortle 6-8.

 

Does this filter work for you? Yes or No?

 

fromEarth

Before switching to the ASI 1600mm pro I used a 294mc pro.  I put the L pro filter on and never took it off.  My skies are 19.5

this image is a stack of only 10 90 sec subs using that filter ...

Edited by nimitz69, 27 November 2019 - 08:03 PM.

[DSO_Viewer]

Steve, 

 

Which Optolong filter (L-pro or L-eNhance) do you prefer? I guess L-eNhance is too harsh for galaxies based on my experience with Ultrablock.  

 

fromEarth

I like the Optolong filter L-pro for galaxies/star clusters and Optolong filter L-eNhance for nebulas.

 

Steve

[GaryShaw]

How much added exposure and gain are required to observe a given Galaxy versus no filter? Does the L-Pro bring any benefit to observing galaxies using a mono camera like the ASI178?

With my 294 mc and the L-eNhance, I have to dramatically increase gain on nebulas since I can’t get much over 20 sec subs. I’m pretty sure that it limits the dynamic range I can achieve.

 

appreciate any insights anyone can offer. 
cheers

Gary

Edited by GaryShaw, 30 November 2019 - 04:02 PM.

[nic35]

Gar - Try running in an 8 bit mode and binning.  If I recall correctly, binning in 8 bit mode adds the 4 pixel values together (2x2 bin), whereas in 16 bit mode it averages them.  Astrojedi went back and forth with ZWO on this issue, but for some reason they changed only the 8 bit driver. Their stock answer was to increase the gain - which you are already doing.

 

Of course, 8 bit limits dynamic range also.

 

But I think this is all theoretical - we in the northeast will never see the night sky again, as best I can tell.

 

john

[GaryShaw]

I’ll give that a try tonight perhaps... cold and windy but clear skies. A good night for remote observing.  
thank you. 
Gary 

[Phil Ramsay]

i discussed the two filters with an OPT rep,and decided on L-PRO-2 for my bortle 5-6 skies