Filters & Filter Selector Options

I have a Stellarvue 115 with Ethos etepieces. Here is a list of my current Lumicon filters:

Comet, Deep Sky, H-Alpha, H-Beta, Minus Violet, OIII, UHC, Variable Polarizer, Planetary Filter Set (4-color)

Would there be a circumstance where I would benefit from picking up an Infrared, or a Single Polarizer filter (non varable)?
what about a Neutral Density filter? I don't expect to be doing a lot of lunar observation, but might do some.

Lastly, would you use something like a multi-filter selector, or how would you go about switching filters?

http://www.lumicon.com/store/p/106-Multiple-Filter-Selector-2.aspx

I think you're ok with your filters. As for filter selectors, Lumicon would be great. Less expensive options include:
http://www.amazon.com/Olivon-1-25-Inch-Filter-Wheel-Filters/dp/B00CHGMKEY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1434071904&sr=8-7&keywords=filter+wheels
or:
http://www.amazon.com/Solomark-Telescope-5-position-2inch-Filter/dp/B00OXKH3EO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434071904&sr=8-1&keywords=filter+wheels
or a cheapie:
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Cassini-Color-Filter-Wheel/8558126/product.html?refccid=3V53E6VKHSBZHDSP2UEZTW5WHQ&searchidx=182

Well, you've got just about Everything, Michael! The NDs are essential for lunar else you blow your eyes out - and they are very inexpensive. I would get the 13, 25 and 50 (but the 13 is really all you need). If you are going to do solar imaging, all 3 NDs are handy to get short exposures (5-10 milisec ideal). I have found with a CCD camera (which will record NIR if not blocked) that when imaging the sun or moon, ND as needed + Green 56 make the image WAY crisper because achromats, semi-apos and apos suffer BAD chromatic in the NIR - the green filter blocks the IR, NIR, red and blue---so imagery is no longer relying on the chromatic correction nearly as much. Ummmm for solar I have found that the LUNT Herschel Wedge is WAY better than the mylar or foil front-mounted solar filters. But f/5 or slower else you fry the back of the scope. Also not recommended for scopes that have glass back in the tube (like the Genesis) --- but I have been doing that with my Genesis with impunity. It works GREAT! Lets see - single linear polarizer---just might detect polarization in some nebulae...not sure. For any other readers, a COMPLETE tunable polarizer would incorporate linear plus quater wave plate that can be rotated to create throughput of ANY selected discrete polarization state. If interested, look that up on the web---stuff called Jones Matrix and Stokes Parameters I, Q, U and V... I made one of these for use in the lab and (with a radiometer behind) it allowed me to actually MEASURE the complete polarization state of any source. For astro stuff you would find that nearly all sources are unpolarized or only slightly polarized... I'd better shut up now and clean the fish tank. Tom Dey

Michael Teer said:

I have a Stellarvue 115 with Ethos etepieces. Here is a list of my current Lumicon filters:

Comet, Deep Sky, H-Alpha, H-Beta, Minus Violet, OIII, UHC, Variable Polarizer, Planetary Filter Set (4-color)

Would there be a circumstance where I would benefit from picking up an Infrared, or a Single Polarizer filter (non varable)?
what about a Neutral Density filter? I don't expect to be doing a lot of lunar observation, but might do some.

Lastly, would you use something like a multi-filter selector, or how would you go about switching filters?

http://www.lumicon.com/store/p/106-Multiple-Filter-Selector-2.aspx

I emailed Stellarvue for a response to the above and received an answer today(6-22-15):

Since the 115 is a very high contrast scope, filters do not do as much as they do with lower contrast instruments that have a large aperture. For lunar observations I would suggest a moon filter which is a 70% neutral density filter. Otherwise, the filter set you have seem very complete to me.

Some observers enjoy filters and feel they show more planetary details, like a light red filter on Mars, etc. I personally do not use them other than occasional use of an OIII and UHC under some dark sky settings. But I would suggest you contact users on the Stellarvue Yahoo forum and get their opinion.

A filter selector may not work with your set up if it requires more inward focus. there may not be enough room to insert this and then come to focus. If you find one, check to see how much room it takes up and then see where your eyepieces come to focus and if you have enough room to use it.