Telescope Filters Guide
If you love the Universe as we do, and already own a telescope, perhaps with the time you have lost some of your enthusiasm. Most likely that’s because you’ve seen all what you have ever dreamed of. If you still didn’t try various filters, then we have good news for you. You can forget everything you have seen until now and rediscover the night sky again. And now – from very new perspective. This time with much more colors, sharpness and contrast. Whether this will be the polar caps of Mars, or some distant nebula, looking through telescopic filters will definitely enhance your midnight experience.
Like photographic filters, these for telescope increase detail and improve contrast. They do it by removing unwanted color of the wavelength of light. let’s have a look to the most popular ones:
Telescope Filters Guide: Light Pollution Filters
The most common “junk” light is the one comes from the city lights. If you are an amateur astronomer and live in a city you probably know what I mean. Unfortunately, light pollution can kill your enthusiasm even if you’re miles away from the downtown.
Fortunately, there are filters that magically will clear the image from light pollution do not cost a fortune, and they gonna make you love your telescope much more!
Order now, and while you are waiting the little thing to get delivered, start getting out the Telescope from the closet. We did research and here are the top five filters removing light pollution on the market today:
Bestseller No. 1
Light Pollution Filter Haida Clear-Night NanoPro Filter Optical Glass...
- Purpose ：The Clear-Night Filter from Haida is designed to reduce the appearance of light pollution in images or video that include the night sky, and to minimize illumination from artificial light sources.
- Principle ：The filter can improve the results of nighttime images by absorbing the yellow light from sodium-vapor lamps, a common light source within urban areas. By preventing the dominant wavelengths of light associated with the color of those lamps from being recorded, filter enhances visibility of astronomical objects.
- Glass coating ：This filter is constructed from optical glass for clarity and color fidelity. each glass surface includes multi-coating of anti-reflection coatings, The Nano coating associated provides an additional layer that results in an improved beading effect when the surface comes in contact with water or oil, allowing for more efficient cleaning.
- Frame：Ultra slim 3.07mm an aluminum alloy ring ensures durability while allowing the filter to remain lightweight. A plastic case is included for storage and transport.
- Other：Please verify your camera's lens thread size before ordering. Your camera's lens thread size will be marked somewhere on the lens barrel or printed underneath your lens cap.If you have any questions about Haida products, you can contact us at any time .
$98.00
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Bestseller No. 2
SVBONY Telescope Filter 1.25 inches CLS Filter City Light Pollution...
- Evaporation with Ion assisted deposition coating technology for durability and resistance to scratching;as well as stability on CWL (central wavelength) no deviation affected by temperature change
- Planetary rotation system offers precision and homogeneity of coatings ensuring high value on transmission of pass-band and Optical density of off band
- 90% transmission of main nebula emission lines;such as Ha 656nm;OIII 496nm;500nm;SII672nm and H-beta 486nm
- 0.1% transmission of off-band;specifically the major emission lines of artificial light pollution;such as Na 589nm;Hg 435nm and 578nm
- Suitable for color CCD cameras and unmodified DSLR Urban optical filter can effectively suppress urban harmful light and improve the contrast of shooting target
$29.99
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Bestseller No. 3
Celticbird 1.25 Inch Light Pollution Filter for Telescope Perfect for Deep...
- Help to improve the visibility of deep sky objects by blocking out the mercury vapor, sodium vapor, and other such emission lines from artificial or natural sources which contribute to light pollution
- Help to Improve contrast on reddish planetary detail. Works well in telescopes of all apertures
- Fits all standard sized 1.25" eyepieces and accessories and can be threaded on both sides for stacking with other filters if necessary
- Comes with sturdy plastic case-proect the eyepiece from dust and moisture
- Packaged with a plastic box to protect your astronomy filter from dust and moisture, also it is easy to carry and storage
$17.99
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Bestseller No. 4
SVBONY Telescope Filter 1.25 inches UHC Filter Astrophotography to Improve...
- UHC filters or light pollution reduction filters are designed to selectively reduce the transmission of certain wavelengths of light;especially those produced by artificial light
- Sky background is darker;and contrast of emission nebulae are noticeably improved;the perfect filter for viewing nebula from light polluted skies;or for boosting the contrast of nebula from dark sky sites
- Due to its ability to produce exceptionally sharp and clear images;this UHC filter is considered one of the most popular astronomy accessories;it can be used not only for celestial observations but also for astrophotography
- 1.25'' barrel diameter simply attach to eyepiece cased in a sturdy transparent case;standard filter thread for 1.25" eyepieces and other accessories
- Optical glass lens;aluminum frame;significantly reduces light pollution;great for city and suburban observation
$28.99
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Bestseller No. 5
SVBONY SV115 Telescope Filter O-III Filter Narrowband Cuts Light Pollution...
- The 1.25" O-III filter useful for large aperture telescopes through which the light of the Moon can be extremely overwhelming. Allowing just for the Double Ionized Oxygen lines between 495.9nm to 500.7nm to pass through at 90%
- Astrophotographic;The filter enhances contrast during visual observation of gaseous and planetary nebulae in all sky conditions; 1.25" filter allows high-contrast imaging even in areas with strong light pollution
- The filter made from high-grade glass with dichroic interference and antireflection coatings;not only useful at light-polluted sites; the contrast is also increased at dark sky sites;it can be used with all 1.25" eyepieces
- The O-III filter completely blocks virtually all other visible wavelengths of light so views of nebulas are optimized;increases contrast through selective filtration-Anti-reflection coated to prevent glaring and ghosting
- Narrowband filter do not eliminate the effects of light pollution or increase the object’s brightness;in many cases, they increase the contrast between nebula and night sky, not brightening the nebula
$59.99
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Telescope Filters Guide: Moon Filters
Moon – the closest object to Earth, and why not the most frequently observed is also looking far more beautiful if you see it in details with Polarizing Filters for Observing the Moon. Did’t try yet? Well, believe me, you’ll be surprised how much you missed. Due to the brightness, your pupil shrinks, the less light reaches your eyes. And you know best – less light, less detail!
Information about what makes this type filters can be found in the video below:
Here are top 5 Moon Filters Selling by Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 1
Celestron – Telescope Moon Filter – Eyepiece Accessory – Reduces Moon...
- Reduce glare and increase contrast of the Moon with the Celestron 1.25” Moon Filter
- Also useful for extra bright planets as well as terrestrial viewing over sand or snow
- Threads onto most 1.25” eyepieces in seconds
- Model Number : 94119-A
$11.95
−$0.60
$11.35
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 2
SVBONY SV139 Telescope Filter Moon Filter 1.25 inch 12.5 Percent...
- Neutral Density ND Filter; giving great versatility in changing light; reduces the amount of light without effecting color balance; perfectly neutral color will not alter the natural color of the moon
- High-quality optical lenses; made by completed professional optical glasses; Multi-layer coating; ND8 filter transmits only 12.5% of the incoming light; it has outstanding image sharpness and perfect colour neutrality
- 1.25'' barrel diameter; metal filter cell threads directly into the 1.25 inch barrel of your telescope eyepiece; useful for different caliber astronomical telescopes through which the light of the moon can be extremely overwhelming
- Great Filter Frames; Filter Frames made by aluminum alloy; the serrated design of the edge of the frame makes it easy to install;Increase surface durability
- Extend shooting time; such as wanting to shoot misty flowing water in very bright places; Exposure time can be greatly extended to blur pedestrians or even completely
$12.99
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Bestseller No. 3
SVBONY Telescope Filter, 1.25 inches Planetary Filter for Astronomy...
- 1.25" moon and skyglow filter is a multi band pass filter transmitting a high percentage of light in the visual spectrum;the filter enhances contrast when observing brighter objects including the moon and planets
- Telescope eyepiece cutting light pollution;the filter has a mild effect of darkening the background of the night sky so that the fainter objects are more clearly seen contrasted against the blackness of space
- The filter effectively filters out selective wavelengths of low pressure sodium and other man made sources typically used in street lighting;although it is not a nebula filter;it enhances the views of deep sky objects by increasing the contrast of these objects against the background sky
- Premium quality metal rim and thread with blue glass lens;the filter will fit all standard sized 1.25" eyepieces and accessories;it is mounted in a nicely anodized housing
- Standard filter thread for any 1.25” telescope eyepiece and other accessory;comes with a plastic box to keep it safe and clean when not in use;It's a great birthday christmas gift
$18.99
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Bestseller No. 4
SVBONY SV139 Telescope Filter Moon Filter Kit 1.25 inch ND4 ND8 ND16 ND1000...
- The 1.25" Neutral Density Moon filter kit;Reduces glare so you can see more lunar detail and surface features with your telescope;Will not alter the natural color of the Moon
- Use ND4 filter with 25% transmission when Waxing Crescent Moon;As the Moon moves around the Earth; you get to see more and more of the illuminated half;It's very good effect to use the ND4 filter at this time
- Use ND8 filter with 12.5% transmission when Last and First Quarter Moon;It's very good effect to use the ND8 filter In last quarter and the first quarter phase
- Use ND16 filter with 6.25% transmission when Gibbous Moon;the illuminated part of the Moon that you can see decreases, and we say it's waning; The first week after full;It's very good effect to use the ND16 filter at this time
- Use ND1000 filter with 0.10% transmission when Full Moon; you can see a full disk;It's very good effect to use the ND1000 filter at this time at the brightest time of the moon
$29.99
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Bestseller No. 5
SVBONY Telescope Filter 1.25 inches Variable Polarizing Filter for...
- 1.25 inch moon filter reduce the amount of light entering the eyepiece and increase the eyepiece contrast
- The moon filter reduces the glare;allowing transmission of only 13 percent of the reflected ligh;which means you can see the surface more clearly and study the Moon in greater comfort
- Allow for maximum contrast of lunar detail enhances the contrast of the moon and planets in photographic images
- Neutral colored optical glass does not change the moon's natural color
- Have a standard 1.25 inch filter thread (M28.5 x 0.6)
$24.99
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Telescope Filters Guide: Planetary Filters
An important role plays the filters for observations Planets and objects in Deep Space. You might argue about filtering of light – you gave a lot of money for large aperture exactly to gather more light. But in Astronomy not every light is helpful.
Certain wavelengths of light coming from, for example, a nebula, do not contribute to detail. If you remove them, the image that remains is much sharper and have better contrast.
Telescope filters do just that: eliminate light that does not add any detail to the object. What remains is a much cleaner image, that lets you see the finer details with better contrast.
Different objects require different types of filter to see them best. Jupiter’s Great Red Spot needs a different filter than this for polar regions of Mars or Venus’s clouds. In the chart below you can find the appropriate filters for the various objects and the top 5 Planetary Filter Sets on the market today.
Bestseller No. 1
Neewer 1.25 inches Telescope Moon Filter, CPL Filter, 5 Color Filters...
- PLEASE NOTE: The telescope is not included. Kit includes: (1)Lunar & Starglow Filter; (1)CPL Filter; (5)Color Filters: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue; Designed to reduce glare and light scattering, increase contrast through selective filtration, increase definition and resolution, reduce irradiation and lessen eye fatigue
- LUNAR & STARGLOW FILTER: Cuts down glare and brings out much more surface detail and gives you better contrast; It is a multi band pass filter transmitting a high percentage of light in the visual spectrum; Effectively filters out selective wavelengths of low pressure sodium and other man-made sources typically used in street lighting
- CPL FILTER: By utilizing a CPL filter, which filters out scattered light, you are able to cut through those reflections and see the detail behind it; Enhances the contrast of the moon and planets in photographic images
- STANDARD 1.25" THREAD SIZE: 1.25 inches/ 3.17 centimeters thread size, fits most telescopes; Color filters have the grooves needed to be softly screwed into the eyepieces lens easily
- 5 COLOR FILTERS: Includes Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue; Red: Helps make Mercury and Venus stand out from the blue sky when viewed during the day; Orange: Helps increase contrast between light and dark areas, penetrates clouds; Yellow: Helps greatly in viewing Mars by bringing out the polar ice caps; Green: Enhances frost patches, surface fogs, and polar projections on Mars; Blue: Helps split the binary star Antares when at maximum separation
$31.09
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Bestseller No. 2
Astromania 1.25-Inch Specialized Planetary Imaging Filter Set 3-Pieces...
- This set of three imaging filters includes the most vital filters for optimizing monochrome planetary portraits; includes an ultraviolet "UV" filter; infrared "IR" filter; and methane "CH4" filter
- Ultraviolet "UV" filter enhances details of atmospheric structures: The included ultraviolet "UV" short pass filter transmits light wavelengths between 300nm and 400nm; while blocking all wavelengths above 300nm and below 400nm
- Improve Clarity: The infrared "IR" long pass filter transmits light with wavelengths of 650 nm and above; used for high-contrast imaging of the Moon and planets; the infrared filter also provides excellent image steadiness when seeing conditions are poor
- Methane "CH4" filter boosts contrast and reveals high altitude atmospheric features: The narrowband methane "CH4" filter transmits the specific methane wavelength of 890nm with a 10nm bandwidth; while blocking all other wavelengths
- Includes protective plastic case with die-cut foam insert; since each included filter passes wavelengths outside of the visible spectrum; they are intended for imaging use only; a monochrome astrophotography camera is required when using this filter set
$85.99
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Bestseller No. 3
Celticbird 1.25" Telescope 4 Color Filters Set(Red, Yellow, Green, Blue),...
- They are an essential tool of the lunar and planetary observer, for filters permit the observation and photography of surface detail that is often virtually invisible without filtration.
- Standand filter thread on both sides for 1.25" eyepieces and other accessories.
- 4 color filter set: Yellow / Red / Green / Blue suit for different planets
- Metal frame and made of optical glass with an anti-reflection coating
- Comes with a plastic box to keep it safe and clean when not in use.
$28.99
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Bestseller No. 4
Astromania 2" IR/UV Blocking Filter - Keeps Your Planetary Images Sharp
- Really sharp planetary images are only possible using an IR/UV blocking filter. This Astromania filter only allows the visible light between 400 and 680nm through. The UV and IR regions of the spectrum are completely blocked.
- CCD exposures of planets and stars - sharp images: A CCD camera is not only sensitive to visible light but also to other wavelengths. Planets not only shine in visible light, but also in the infrared for example. But they are out of focus in the IR region. The Astromania filters only lets through the visible light, the light that is really 'wanted', meaning sharp planetary images.
- Blocking UV light: The harmful UV rays that can contribute to cataracts are filtered out. The filter is also essential when using a Herschel wedge.
- The advantages in a nutshell: Only lets through visible light; blocks the UV and IR range; particularly useful for planetary imaging with webcams; optically polished and coated; continued in a robust 2" aluminium housing.
- Your eyes are valuable! - protect them with an Astromania UV/IR blocking filter.
$24.97
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Bestseller No. 5
Astromania 2" Color/Planetary Filter for Telescope - #80A Blue
- Metal filter cell threads directly into the 2 inch barrel of your telescope eyepiece
- Mounted in a nicely anodized housing
- Perfectly neutral color will not alter the natural color of the Moon
- Enhances the contrast of the moon and planets in photographic images
- Especially useful for large aperture telescopes through which the light of the Moon can be extremely overwhelming
$31.99
Buy on Amazon
Solar Filters for Telescopes
If you are looking to buy a solar filter for your telescope, then let me tell you that it is almost impossible to find the right one for you. The reason is that unlike other filters, solar one does not apply into a standard 1.25 inch eyepiece, but should be put front of the tube, where all light gets in. Now days there is countless types of telescopes in the market with different sizes and solar filter should fit perfectly on your telescope.
Something very important !!!! Never Ever point your telescope to the Sun without sun filter and never look through the eyepiece. You risk losing your eyesight, and damage the telescope.
So, after it became clear that it is difficult to find a ready solar filter for your telescope model, the next thing you can do is to create one. Idid it, and that means everybody can do it too!
If you are from those who are not very handy, it means we are much alike. I’m not that “always creating something” person, but my desire to look at the Sun was so big that I couldn’t resist.
For my big surprise making a Sun filter was not only easy but also very enjoyable work.
After a thorough study on youtube videos I chose the one that most clearly and accurately explain what is needed and what should be done. There it is:
What you need is:
- Solar Filter Sheet for Telescopes
- Pensil
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Scotch tape
- Enthusiasm
The solar sheet can be ordered by the review further down in this page. For my 6 inch telescope, 10 inch square perfectly matched the filter which I made.
Follow the steps in the video and you will succeed. Here are some pictures from my personal experience with the preparation of the filter. And the prize? Well, you will have to look at the Sun with the telescope.
Bestseller No. 1
Thousand Oaks Optical 6"x6" Solar Filter Sheet for Telescopes, Binoculars...
- Silver-black polymer is the most common filtering material for observing sunspots and granulation, through telescopes and binoculars
- Make a filter on your own for any telescope / binoculars / camera, and for a fraction of what factory made filters cost.
- The sun will appear in a natural orange color when viewed through your telescope using this filter.
- WARNING: ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FILTER IS WELL ATTACHED TO THE TELESCOPE/BINOCULARS, USING STICKY TAPE, TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING WHILE OBSERVING.
$10.99
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Bestseller No. 2
BP-1212 - Silver-Black Polymer Solar Filter Film Sheet (12" x 12") - 1 ea
- Silver-Black polymer is the most common filtering material for observing sunspots and granulation, through telescopes and binoculars.
- These sheets are a quality product of Thousand Oaks Optical, Arizona, a manufacturer of safe solar filters for over 30 years. "Stronger than Mylar with the filtering properties protected within the substrate. Guaranteed five years."
- Make a filter on your own for any telescope / binoculars / camera, and for a fraction of what factory made filters cost.
- The sun will appear in a natural orange color when viewed through your telescope using this filter.
- WARNING: ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FILTER IS WELL ATTACHED TO THE TELESCOPE/BINOCULARS, USING STICKY TAPE, TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING WHILE OBSERVING!
Bestseller No. 3
4"x4" Solar Filter Sheet for Telescopes, Binoculars and Cameras
- Black polymer is the most common filtering material for observing sunspots and granulation, through telescopes and binoculars.
- These sheets are a quality product of Thousand Oaks Optical, Arizona, a manufacturer of safe solar filters for over 30 years. "Stronger than Mylar with the filtering properties protected within the substrate. Guaranteed five years."
- Make a filter on your own for any telescope / binoculars / camera, and for a fraction of what factory made filters cost.
- The sun will appear in a natural orange color when viewed through your telescope using this filter.
- WARNING: ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FILTER IS WELL ATTACHED TO THE TELESCOPE/BINOCULARS, USING STICKY TAPE, TO KEEP IT FROM FALLING WHILE OBSERVING!
$8.89
Buy on Amazon
I would love to own a telescope myself. Living in Norway, means not as much light polution as in other places in the world.
I suppose there is not a one-filter-fits-all-planets filter, but the complete set for different views sounds pretty awesome.
I am not a handyman either when it comes down making sunlight filters. I am not sure if I would even dare to attempt making such, but it was a clear manual at least.
Thanks for your review of the lenses. I will bookmark this site, for I should find out more about telescopes before I buy one. I’m not most interested in the sun, but very interested in everything else visible here. Every night I can clearly see the milkyway.
Got any recommendations regarding a good beginner telescope?
Hello Steven.
Norway is a wonderful country in which, besides the endless night sky, you can also see the northern glow for which I noblely envy you. Unfortunately, light pollution does not depend on the geographical location, but on the size of the city you live in. Larger city – more pollution.
If you want to get a Тelescope, then here on the site there is a pretty detailed information what you need to know to make a purchase. I have also looked at my favorites of every kind. If you have any questions – I am always here to help.
Thanks for the comment and good luck!
Great post on filters. I love astronomy and do a bit of stargazing myself. I will certainly look to buy a filter after reading your post. I really like the table where it shows what filters to use for what planet. Very informative. I loved your video of polarised light and your images are great. I look forward to more posts from you
Hey Harjit 🙂
Yup, you should definitely try to look with some filter. It’s totally different experience! You can start with that for the Moon. Your eye will appreciate it most and you will be able to see much more details.
Cheers
I’ve just gone through your post on filters. Though I’m not astronomy student, yet I love Telescope. And definitely I want to own one. Your write-up is really helpful for mes as I have come to know about filters that are used to observe different planets. Also the video ‘polarised light’ is very impressive.
Thank you for such great post.
Hey Himbru,
Thanks for the comment! If you have some free time and looking for a new hobby – try Astronomy! Get a Telescope and be inspired every day (actually night, if we have to be more precisely) You gonna Love It. Everyone will!
Cheers 🙂