Filter Help

Hi guys

I'm a bit confused about filters and i wanted to ask ye about them.
I've heard of these Broadband, Narrowband etc.
Could anyone explain them to me and any other type of filters ye know of.

Also, whenever I look at M31 it looks "blurry", would a filter help with this.

Thanks

Hi John,
No filter will help M31 look less blurry as it is generally a long diffuse blurry object anyway.
A narrow band filter is a fairly opaque filter that blocks almost all light but is best used on large aperture scopes, these usually work at specific wavelength such as oxygen3, hydrogen beta, and the so called UHC filters, these all help enhance the look of various nebula, but not galaxies or anything much else.
A wide band filter is a general light pollution filter, these can be got in different grades for low and high light pollution areas.

I suppose if I had to pick a filter for M31 it would be a standard broadband light pollution filter but I don't think it would help alot.

Ok thanks Dave,

So if i got one of these UHC filters would it make something like the orion nebula look clearer because i got my first look at it last night and it was good but not as spectacular as i see in the pictures you guys send in?

Just had a thought,

This might be a stupid question but i was wondering if i could use these filters with a camera for astrophotography and also use it when i'm just looking through the eyepiece.

You can tell i know nothing about the subject. :lol:

i was wondering if i could use these filters with a camera for astrophotography

It depends on what imager you are using and how you are using it - but it can be done...

If its a camera,
the Nikon D80, then could I attach it to the Nikon and then use it for astrophotography.