How are you using filters for full-spectrum Nikon + camera lens? - Forums

Topic starter

Feb 20, 2021

I am thinking of using a 50mm Nikkor lens for my full-specturm Nikon d5300. I am wondering how people are fitting their filters for this camera. I currently only have 2" filters (a light pollution filter and an L-eXtreme) and I am wondering if it's okay to use it in front of the lens. Maybe a setup like: (step-down ring) - 2" filter - (step-down ring) to equip the filter and further reduce F number to f/4 ?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Feb 20, 2021

You'll just need a step-down ring 52mm to 48mm to attach the filter to the front lens thread. This won't step down the aperture although is unlikely you'll want to use it at full aperture. My Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 won't perform unless stepped down at least at f/2.8 and better still at f/3.5.

Helpful Concise

betelgeuse91

Topic starter

Feb 23, 2021

andrea tasselli:
You'll just need a step-down ring 52mm to 48mm to attach the filter to the front lens thread. This won't step down the aperture although is unlikely you'll want to use it at full aperture. My Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 won't perform unless stepped down at least at f/2.8 and better still at f/3.5.

Thank you so much for replying. Do you use further step-down rings to step it down to f/3.5? Or do you use the lens itself to do it? (which will cause diffraction I suppose)

Well Written Respectful

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Feb 23, 2021

No, I don't use any step down ring to stop down the aperture, per se. If I have to do it (and I don't really like to but sometimes needs must) I'll use the lens' diaphragm. I'd like to think that "sunstars" effects are in fact quite cool, if not too intrusive.

betelgeuse91

Topic starter

Feb 23, 2021

andrea tasselli:
No, I don't use any step down ring to stop down the aperture, per se. If I have to do it (and I don't really like to but sometimes needs must) I'll use the lens' diaphragm. I'd like to think that "sunstars" effects are in fact quite cool, if not too intrusive.

I see. Thanks so much for help!!

Related discussions

Hyperstar 8

I am trying to figure out backspacing with different filters. I've used IDAS filters and it seems that 1mm spacer works well. I recently purchased some astronomik filters but my stars changed for the worse. I have used an optolong clear focusing ...

Discusses filter backspacing issues with narrowband filters on imaging systems.

Jun 17, 2022

how improve my equipment

Hi, actually this is my equipment: - skywatcher EQM35 PRO - zwo 533 MC pro - sigma 150-600mm - optolong L-extreme 2" - optolong L-Pro 2" - asiair plus - zwo 30F4 and 120mc With these stuff I can get 300 seconds without star trails so I beli...

Uses 2" L-eXtreme filter; relevant equipment and filter setup experience shared.

Aug 7, 2022

My PixInsight Workflow--Good / Bad / Ugly / Thoughts on Improvements?

I've had PixInsight for about 2-1/2 years and got it shortly after taking up astroimaging. I'm currently using modded Nikon DSLRs (D5300 and D5500) but just recently picked up an ASI 533MC-Pro. Question is on my workflow. As time has gone by,...

D5300 user with modified Nikon DSLRs; relevant camera and workflow discussion.

Jul 6, 2022