Many beginners and even some intermediate-level telescopes come with a basic set of color filters for lunar and planetary observing. They seem like a nice bonus accessory for visual astronomy. But often, these stock eyepiece filters leave much to be desired in terms of performance and capabilities.
Upgrading to higher-quality filters from specialized brands can take your observation to the next level.
Reasons to Upgrade Your Stock Filters
The filters that are bundled with telescopes are typically low-grade and lack refinements in optics and construction. They tend to be the cheapest possible filters that manufacturers can include just to tick that box. Higher-end aftermarket filters feature better optics, coatings, more versatility, and enhanced durability.
Optics - Premium astronomy filters use higher-grade glass like Schott glass rather than cheaper soda-lime glass. This improves light transmission and image clarity. Multiple anti-reflection coatings also increase light throughput for brighter views. Stock filters often appear soft, hazy, and lower in contrast.
Versatility - Aftermarket filters give you many more options than the typical red, yellow, and blue filters of stock sets. Specialty filters for light pollution, nebulae, polarizing, and more let you optimize viewing for different targets.
Enhanced Features- Quality astronomy filters have stronger anodized metal mounts, multi-coated threads to prevent binding, and robust construction for long-term use. Stock filters tend to be plastic mounted and lack refinements.
Target Specific - Off-the-shelf filters are generic, but aftermarket filters are designed to enhance specific targets. For example, a Lumicon Comet Filter can boost detail on comets, cut through light pollution for nebulae, and increase contrast on the planets.
Top Astronomy Filter Upgrade Options
Once you decide to upgrade from the basic filters that likely came with your telescope, there are a number of high-quality filter brands to choose from. Lumicon, Inc. offers a wide range of top-tier astronomy solutions.
1. Color Filters
Color-enhancing filters improve the natural color contrasts of planetary features.
2. Neutral Density
Neutral density moon and solar filters allow safe viewing of bright objects like the Sun and full Moon by cutting down the intensity.
3. Light Pollution
Broadband and narrowband light pollution filters reduce the effects of urban light pollution on deep sky viewing.
4. Polarizing
Polarizing filters boost contrast by removing scattered and reflected light from the Moon and planets.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Stock Telescope Filters
Upgrading to premium astronomy filters makes a clearly noticeable difference compared to the low-quality stock filters. You'll capture sharper lunar and planetary details, see fainter deep sky objects, and take your astrophotography to the next level.
Some benefits you can expect by switching to high-end filters like the Lumicon Astronomy Filters accessories lineup:
Sharper craters, mountains, and rilles on lunar views
Increased cloud band and surface detail contrast on Jupiter and Saturn
Brighter views of nebulae and galaxies from light-polluted areas
Enhanced color and contrast in astrophotography images
DSLR sensor protection when imaging the Sun
Lifetime durability for long-term use
Final Words:
The basic astronomy filters included with many telescopes are meant to give beginners a taste, but they often leave much to be desired. Upgrading to premium specialty filters designed for specific targets will take your observing and astrophotography to new heights.
Lumicon, Inc. offers versatile astronomy filter sets for every need. The investment is well worth it for the enhanced views and protection they provide. So don't settle for the stock filters - upgrade today to see what you've been missing!
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