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Regarding Filter selection, Clip-in or Screw-in

Optics Astro Gear Today Filters DSLR Beginner Astrophotography Accessories
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#1 Sejuka

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Posted 21 January 2025 - 10:53 AM

Hi, I have been observing from a distance for a while now but I finally decided to step into Astrophotography. I will move soon to a place where bortle 2 is around 20 mins away and where i will be staying is around bortle 4. 

I have already sent my Canon RP for conversion to full spectrum and I have the following lenses that I can use:

Sigma 24mm f1.4 Art 
Sigma 135mm f1.8 Art
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 G2

I have also ordered the MSM Nomad to get started with tracking.

I have ordered the Clip in STC Astro Multispectra and the clip in STC Astro Duo-Narrowband as well as a Astronomik UV/IR Clip in filter for daytime photography. I was aiming to get a Sii filter as well but those clip in from Astronomik 6nm are so expensive (Over 700$ where i live). On the other had the screw in filters are so cheap compared to the clip in. 

I really love the Hubble pallet, as well as nebulas thats why I was going for the Narrowband combo.

So here comes the questions:

Is it possible for me with my set up to use screw in filters? How would I do that? Wont the step down rings interfere with my lens? What are the drawbacks? What are the benefits?
If its possible, is it better to use the Clip in that I ordered or should I return them and get some screw in filters?

Thanks a lot for the help!



#2 piaras

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Posted 21 January 2025 - 06:16 PM

Have you given some thought of using standard 2” filters with the Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter? This allows you to use EF lenses or mount to a telescope with the addition of a T-ring. 2” filters are cheaper than the clip in ones.

Pierre


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#3 Sejuka

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Posted 22 January 2025 - 02:20 AM

Have you given some thought of using standard 2” filters with the Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter? This allows you to use EF lenses or mount to a telescope with the addition of a T-ring. 2” filters are cheaper than the clip in ones.
Pierre


Yes, that would be ideal! Is there such thing? Can you send any links?
Like this one? https://www.astrosho...er-50mm/p,69891

Shouldnt it say 48mm to fit the 2 inch filters?
Thanks!

Edited by Sejuka, 22 January 2025 - 02:29 AM.


#4 Sejuka

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Posted 25 January 2025 - 04:56 AM

Have you given some thought of using standard 2” filters with the Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter? This allows you to use EF lenses or mount to a telescope with the addition of a T-ring. 2” filters are cheaper than the clip in ones.

Pierre

After your comment, I did some extra research into the Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter. Initially, I believed it was a proprietary system with only Canon filters available. However, after digging deeper, I found that multiple manufacturers now offer both the adapter and compatible filters.
 

Here are some notable options:
• Kolari: Offers an R-to-EF filter adapter along with astro and daytime filters. They recently partnered with IDAS for high-quality Drop-In astro filters. They also provide an empty drop-in filter cartridge, allowing you to insert custom glass. Here is their YT video explaining glass compatibility
• Hutech: Specializes in astro filters, including a wide range of IDAS filters.
• Meike: Produces an R-to-EF filter adapter and daytime filters. While it’s unclear to me if they make astro-specific filters, they offer an affordable package that includes an ND filter and a clear filter, with generally positive reviews.

So to summarize, I found that there are at least three ways to use filters with a camera + lens setup:
 

1. Drop-In Filters (Between Lens & Sensor)

Pros:
• Easy to swap filters without removing the lens.
• Good selection of astro filters from third-party manufacturers.

Cons:
• Requires a compatible adapter (Canon or third-party).
• Limits you to EF lenses.
• You’ll need a clear filter to maintain optical path integrity.

 

2. Clip-In Filters (Mounted Inside the Camera Body)

Pros:
• Works across multiple lenses without needing different sizes.

Cons:
• Swapping filters requires removing the lens, which can be inconvenient.
• These filters can be quite expensive.

 

3. Screw-On Filters (Attached to the Lens Front)

Pros:
• The cheapest option, with plenty of availability.

Cons:
• Many astro filters are limited to 48mm, which can be restrictive.
• Requires step-up/down rings for different lenses.
• May cause vignetting on wide or large-aperture lenses (e.g., my Sigma 135mm f/1.8 has an 82mm thread, so stepping down to 48mm would cut the field of view).


 

My Decision & Next Steps

I decided to go with Drop-In filters since they offer more flexibility and a broader selection. The Kolari empty drop-in filter also allows for custom solutions, which is a big plus for me.

I’ll update this thread once I’ve tested them to share my thoughts on quality and usability! Hope this helps anyone considering astro filters for an RF camera setup.



#5 piaras

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Posted 25 January 2025 - 07:52 AM

I sent you a message 




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