Guide to Astronomical Camera Filters
Guide to Astronomical Camera Filters “Which way do my filters go?” If you have ever asked this question—and/or aren’t sure which filters are the most effective for capturing the sharpest astronomical images possible—you’re not alone. The good news is that this manual has all the answers. In this free guide, you will learn not only the answer to...
SBIG 50 mm square optical filters are compatible with AFW-10-50SQ and FW7-STX filter wheels, which work with Aluma AC4040 cameras. These filters are built for SBIG to our exacting specifications. All filters are parfocal, which avoids unnecessary refocusing.
1.25″ Round Mounted Optical Filters
SBIG 1.25″ round optical filters are compatible with FW8-8300 and FW8S-Aluma filter wheels when using Filter Insert 36mm to 1.25. 1.25″ filters are only recommended for smaller sensors and/or higher f/ratio instruments, as they may otherwise vignette the image. These filters are built for SBIG to our exacting specifications. All filters are parfocal, which avoids unnecessary refocusing.
Variants, Filters and filter sets available include:
- Luminance (L)
- Red (R)
- Green (G)
- Blue (B)
- Clear (C)
- Hydrogen Alpha (Ha) – 656.3 nm, bandwidth 7 nm
- LRGB Color Imaging Package (four filters)
Clear passes all wavelengths but is parfocal with the other filters.
Threaded 1.25″ Cell for 1.1″ Unmounted Filters
The part is approximately 1.25″ (31 mm) in diameter and 0.38″ (9.8 mm) tall, including threads. Use this cell with Part Number #10105 Filter Insert 36mm to 1.25″ Adapter to install unmounted 1.1″ filters into wheels designed for 36 mm filters, including SBIG FW8S-Aluma Filter Wheel and SBIG FW8-8300 Filter Wheels, and the built-in filter wheel of the SBIG STC-428P. This filter cell also works with older STT wheels and self-guided Aluma wheels. You can also use this to replace unusual filter cells with unusual dimensions or non-standard threading (eg 0.6mm threading, or short thread lengths) with a standard cell. |
36 mm Round Optical Filters
SBIG 36 mm round optical filters are compatible with FW8-8300 and FW8S-Aluma filter wheels, and the STC-428-P camera/filter wheel combo. These filters are built for SBIG to our exacting specifications. All filters are parfocal, which avoids unnecessary refocusing. They are 2mm thick.
Variants, Filters and filter sets available include:
- Luminance (L)
- Red (R)
- Green (G)
- Blue (B)
- Clear (C)
- Hydrogen Alpha (Ha) – 656.3 nm, bandwidth 6.5 nm
- Sulphur II (SII) – 672.4 nm, bandwidth 6.5 nm
- Oxygen III (OIII) – 500.7 nm, bandwidth 6.5 nm
- LRGB Color Imaging Package (four filters)
- Narrowband Package – Ha, SII, OIII (three filters)
- Deep Sky Package – L, R, G, B, Ha, SII, OIII (seven filters)
Clear passes all wavelengths but is parfocal with the other filters.
Filter Insert 36mm to 1.25″
This insert also works with older STT and self-guided Aluma filter wheels. You can mix 1.25″ and 36mm filters in the same filter wheel carousel. Use one insert for each 1.25″ filter. Very useful for specialty filters that may not be available in the larger unmounted size. Note: Not compatible with the AFW slim series filter wheels (mounted filters are too thick).
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50 mm Round or Square Optical Filters
- LRGB Package
- Narrowband Package HA+SII+OIII
- Deep Sky Package LRGB+HA+SII+OIII
- Clear
- Luminance
- RED
- Green
- Blue
- Hydrogen Alpha
- Sulphur II
- Oxygen III
Filters and filter sets available include:
- Luminance (L)
- Red (R)
- Green (G)
- Blue (B)
- Clear (C)
- Hydrogen Alpha (Ha) – 656.3 nm, bandwidth 6.5 nm
- Sulphur II (SII) – 672.4 nm, bandwidth 6.5 nm
- Oxygen III (OIII) – 500.7 nm, bandwidth 6.5 nm
- Hydrogen Beta (Hb) – 486.1 nm, bandwidth 8.5 nm
- LRGB Color Imaging Package (four filters)
- Narrowband Package – Ha, SII, OIII (three filters)
- Deep Sky Package – L, R, G, B, Ha, SII, OIII (seven filters)
Spectral response for LRGB filters
Clear passes all wavelengths but is parfocal with the other filters.
Optional 7 and 10 Position Filter Wheel |
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The Aluma AC4040 is compatible with the new 10 position SBIG SBIG AFW Filter Wheel , utilizing 50 mm square filters and the compatible 7 position SBIG FW7-STX filter wheel. |
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