Moon Filters

I am planning to do an organized visual study of the Lunar Features and wanted to get advice on moon filters. I see that they have filters with different transmission capabilities (13% to 30%) and wanted to know if one all-around filter is sufficient. Is the quality of certain brands better than others? For example, Meade vs Orion vs Celestron? Has anyone ever heard of filters made by Hirsch?

Rey C

I recommend the Lumicon variable polarizing filter. It is excellent optically and mechanically. You can vary the transmission level from 5% to 30%. When you separate the polarizinng filter into two pieces and fix one to a diagonal and the other to the eyepiece, you can adjust the brightness on-the-fly while viewing.

Anat

I have never found neutral density or polarizing filters benefitial for lunar observing. My eye usually gets used to very bright image after a few seconds so never found them useful for comfort. Also never noticed any better feature rendition with them.

However, I have found that yellow and orange filters do show subtle shadings in the highlands that are not readily seen without filters. In maria, an OIII filter apprears tp bring out some stark shadings not normally seen without a filter either.

As far as whos filters are best, I don't know. I just went for best value with the color filters and they have performed excellently - Burgess Optical which I believe are like $6 each or thereabouts.

Thank you all for the advice.

I was actually surprised to find out that moon filters are not a popular item for viewing. On the other hand, it appeals to the purist in me. I like the idea of having the least amount of glass surfaces between my eye and the object.

Also, it gives me a chance to take notes and sketch the view in good lighting.

One last question, is the polarizing filter useful for things other than the moon?

Rey

I have an ND filter which I rarely use even with my 8" Dob. I prefer to increase magnification but that only works if the seeing cooperates.

I've been trying to find the "perfect lunar filter" and alas I've yet to find one :-(. Here's some pics I took hoping for one filter to be better than another :-(.
http://users.adelphia.net/~ronbee/mi/Moon/Full%20Moon%20filters-bw.jpg

Ron B[ee]