Filter Help

Ok
Thanks Anthony

HI guys
I find it hard to understand all of these different types of filters like: H alpha, OIII, UCHs, Contrast booster, UV/IR blocking.
Could someone please explain them to me.

Thanks

Its like this John,
Ionised oxygen in nebulae emits a very specific "colour" of light, an O3 filter blocks all light except this oxygen3 light, this has the effect of making the background jet black and the nebula visible.
Hydrogen beta is the same thing except its with molecular hydrogen nebulae.

Typically a UHC filter is a H-beta / O3 combo filter.

An IR blocking filter is used typically for planetary imaging with a webcam, this filter blocks all Infrared light from entering the camera, doing this sharpens the image as IR tends to bloats planetary images.
A UltraViolet filter is typically used for imaging cloud details on Venus, this filter blocks all light except the near ultraviolet, making it an almost optically opaque filter.

Contrast booster filters tend to darken the background and hence make the object look brighter.

Have a look at
sciastro.net/portia/advice/filters.htm

Thanks very much Dave

I see much clearer now :lol:

Thanks again

Just a quick question
Can i use a UHC filter for astrophotography purposes?

Quick question about solar filters.

If i buy one in a reputable shop...............can i look directly at the sun using it?

I'd love to study the sun and view sun spots etc.