Using 7nm dual-band Ha/OIII filters on fast f/3.8 systems

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Interactive Sky avatar

Hi all,

Quick question: has anyone used ~7nm dual-band filters (Ha/OIII) on fast systems (f/3.8)?

I’m just checking if that could work with Askar 50P.

  • Does bandpass shift become a problem?

  • Is 7nm still usable, or should I look at high-speed filters?

Thanks! Clear Skies!

Well written Respectful Engaging
Tony Gondola avatar
Dunk avatar

I’ve been using 6nm Astronomik MaxFR filters on my F/3.3 Epsilon 130 for years without any issues. They are rated down to F/2.2 with 90% transmission even at f/2.

Well written Concise
Alex Nicholas avatar

I’m using 3.5nm Touptek (not fast scope optimised) on my F/2.8 Newtoninan and the results have been quite acceptable… I’m sure the transmission rate is like, 45%… Not optimal at all, but I’ve certainly not been ‘upset’ by the result… Problem is that I can’t really be arsed changing from my 3.5nm filters when using my F/4.6 scope, or my f/8 scope, then changing back to fast filters when I use my F/2.8 scope, so its a loss of transmission that I’m willing to accept…

Whilst I know that bandpass shift is absolutley, 100% a real, phyiscal occurrance, I am not so sure its actual effect is bad enough to warrant the amount of discussion it gets.

(note: if I only had the f/2.8 scope, I would definitely be buying fast focal ratio optimised filters)

Helpful Engaging
Rick Krejci avatar

I use Antlia Edge 4.5 nm on my f2.7 scope and they are in the 90% transmission range after the shift and no halos. Work great!

Helpful Respectful Concise
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