Narrow Band differences

So, I'm thinking of doing some narrow band imaging with my ST-7.

Step 1 is to get some narrow band filters.

I see one level is like the Orion at 7 nm bandpass, another is Astrodon at 5 nm, and a third at 3 nm bandpass. I know what that would mean optically, but what does it mean practically?

I mean, I'm sitting in my light polluted back yard. If it is going to cost me $900 or $1000 or more to get into narrow band imaging, I wonder if I want to go there. If it is only going to cost $350, sure, its worth a try. If I spend the $350 how close will I be to what I would have gotten with the $900? How long before I decide that I need to get the $900 to "do it right?" Will I be getting haloes, and lots of IR light leak, and parfocal problems, and whatever?

I have the pier mounted Gemini G-11, an off axis guider, ST-7, CFW, and whatever tube is needed to pull this off, I should think. It's just the filters I don't yet have. I don't want to get "entry level" and then find out they don't make it at all and have to spend more. On the other hand, I mean, I'm working an ST-7 here. I'm obviously not into premium performance--just want to take some pretty pictures.

Alex

Alex McConahay said:

So, I'm thinking of doing some narrow band imaging with my ST-7.

Step 1 is to get some narrow band filters.

I see one level is like the Orion at 7 nm bandpass, another is Astrodon at 5 nm, and a third at 3 nm bandpass. I know what that would mean optically, but what does it mean practically?

I mean, I'm sitting in my light polluted back yard. If it is going to cost me $900 or $1000 or more to get into narrow band imaging, I wonder if I want to go there. If it is only going to cost $350, sure, its worth a try. If I spend the $350 how close will I be to what I would have gotten with the $900? How long before I decide that I need to get the $900 to "do it right?" Will I be getting haloes, and lots of IR light leak, and parfocal problems, and whatever?

I have the pier mounted Gemini G-11, an off axis guider, ST-7, CFW, and whatever tube is needed to pull this off, I should think. It's just the filters I don't yet have. I don't want to get "entry level" and then find out they don't make it at all and have to spend more. On the other hand, I mean, I'm working an ST-7 here. I'm obviously not into premium performance--just want to take some pretty pictures.

Alex

Hi Alex:

With an ST-7 you use 1.25" filters right? Assuming that is correct, If I were you I would either get the Baader 1.25" Ha at $164.00, or if I was living large I'd get the 1.25" Baader Ha, OIII, SII narrow band set for $395.00.

The price for the Baaders is great. Lots of folks on the web speak very highly of the quality. I have a set of the 2" Baaders and they perform well.

Certainly, I have not personally A/B compared lots of narrow band filters. I have compared the Baader Ha to a 5nm Astrodon with my own system, and I can not see any difference.

Jim