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Does a Full spectrum camera need an IR cut filter?

Optolong L-eNhance Nikon D7000 Equipment Filters Beginner
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Dannyrivera avatar
Dannyrivera avatar
Hey all! Very new to the hobby. My current equipment it a Full spectrum Nikon d7000 into the Z73 field flattener, WO ZS 73 APO on top of a EQ6 mount. Shooting in bortle 7/8 Skys in my backyard.  I ordered an L-eNhance 2in filter and it should be arriving in a few days.

My questions is, since I have a full spectrum camera, do I need an IR cut filter or will the L-eNhance do what I need for nebulas like the Heart and soul, pacman and such?

Should I have one (IR filter) for shooting galaxies or targets like the horse head and flame nebula?

This hobby is expensive enough I don't want to keep getting the wrong gear. Thanks in advance!
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matthew.maclean avatar
matthew.maclean avatar
L-enhance does have IR blocking so you shouldn’t need anything extra. But yes, if you want to shoot more broadband things you will probably want at least an IR cutoff filter.

I shoot from a Bortle 7ish sky too and for what it’s worth my personal experience has been that you will probably always want some form of light-pollution filter for any kind of target anyway. I’ve had the best luck with the “L-Pro” type filters for galaxies. Those should have IR cut built in too and they will also selective block a lot of yellowing effect of LP.
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