Filters

First I want to thank everyone on the help on improving my 4.5" with eye pieces. I got them and WOW!
Next what do filters do and which ones do I really need for deep sky hunting. What do the following filter do for me (except more toys for my christmas shopping list).
Silcon II
Oxygen III
Hydrogen-Beta
Hydrogen-Alpha
Contrast Booster
Ultra High Contrast
Comet
and what the heck is LPR?

or if its easier what internet location can I find out at.
Thanks Mark 8)

All of those are LPR's (Light Pollution Reduction) filters. It is just another term for them, as well as bandwidth filters, or narrow band filters. All they do is block some transmission and allow others.

Mark, I would buy a UHC first and then maybe an OIII. Hydrogen Beta is only good for 3-4 objects and they are not that easy to see in a larger scope, so in a 4.5" not a good investment.

Mark,

Before you go too far down the road with filters, remember that they cut down on the amount of light you will see. They work better with larger scopes. Of course, some day you will get aperture fever, and then they will come into their own. But right now, you may find them of limited usefulness. Others will, unodubtedly chime in on this. I must say this is something I have been told a few times to the point that I have never really tried an LPR in a less than 8 incher.

Alex

OIII, hands down.