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Astronomik HSO Filter Set

Product information "Astronomik HSO Filter Set"

Our popular Astronomik Narrowband-Emissionline filters are also available as a budget-friendly HSO filter set. This filter set offers an excellent opportunity to create false-color emission line images similar to those produced by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Detailed insights into each Astronomik Narrowband-Emissionline filter’s specific applications can be found here: H-alpha, SII and OIII.

The Astronomik H-alpha filter MUST NOT BE USED for solar observation!

Difference between Astronomik 12nm and 6nm filters

The choice between 12nm and 6nm Full-Width-Half-Maximum (FWHM) filters depends on your imaging conditions and camera type. There is no universal "best" option - each FWHM serves a specific purpose.

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The 12nm Astronomik Narrowband-Emissionline filters are better suited for use with typical DSLR cameras with CMOS sensors and CCD cameras with normal or high dark current or if you are observing from suburban or dark-sky locations. They are also the preferred choice for cameras with an integrated or dual guiding sensor, as they generally show more guiding stars compared to the 6nm filter.

In areas with little light pollution, the background signal in images is usually limited by the sensor's dark current rather than light pollution. Therefore, further suppression of the sky background by reduction of the FWHM does not bring out more details in the object. 

The 6nm Astronomik Narrowband-Emissionline filters are ideal for imaging faint objects in star-crowded regions of the milky way, as they typically halve the number of stars in the image compared to the 12nm filter. They are also suitable if you have a camera with very low dark current or if you are observing from a location with extreme light pollution.

The Astronomik MFR coating

The Astronomik MFR coating gives you the best out-of-band blocking over the entire wavelength range from UV to IR, extremely high contrast, minimized stray light, no halos and needle-sharp stars. 

  • 12nm MFR-coated filters can be used in all instruments with aperture ratios from f/3 to f/∞ without significant performance loss.
  • 6nm MFR-coated filters can be used in all instruments with aperture ratios from f/4 to f/∞ without significant performance loss.

Technical data

  • Guaranteed transmission of more than 90% (12nm and 6nm) at the H-alpha line (656nm)
  • Typical transmission of 96% (12nm) and 93% (6nm) at the H-alpha line
  • Guaranteed transmission of more than 90% (12nm and 6nm) at both SII lines (671.7nm and 673.0nm)
  • Typical transmission of 96% (12nm) and 93% (6nm) at both SII lines
  • Guaranteed transmission of more than 90% (12nm) and 88% (6nm) at the major OIII line (501nm)
  • Typical transmission of 95% (12nm) and 92% (6nm) at the major OIII line
  • Glass thickness: 1mm (except Astronomik OWB Type 3 and XT filters)
  • Finely polished optical glass, free of any striae, residual stresses, and bubbles
  • Extremely scratch-resistant and durable coating
  • Completely resistant against high humidity and aging effects
  • Astronomik MFR coating (Astronomik Deep-Sky RGB, UV-IR Block L-1, L-2, L-3, and Narrowband-Emissionline filters)
  • Parfocal with other Astronomik filters
  • Diffraction-limited
  • Optimized spectral windows
  • Delivered in a high-quality, long-lasting filter box

Due to the high-precision machining of the carrier substrate, all Astronomik filters are parfocal with wedge errors far below all common tolerances. Astronomik filters are diffraction-limited, ensuring that the optical performance (resolution and contrast) of your telescope is not compromised. Issues concerning focal distances and the exact alignment of images from each color channel are therefore effectively eliminated. 

All Astronomik filters are ideal for modern cameras, including both CMOS- and CCD-based models, ensuring you capture the best possible images with your equipment. Sharpness, contrast, and the absence of any reflections and halos are guaranteed. Even with bright stars in the field of view, nebulae and galaxies will be captured with the finest structures. 

Every Astronomik filter undergoes a rigorous quality control process before delivery. Additionally, each Astronomik Narrowband-Emissionline filter is measured using a high-end PerkinElmer Spectrophotometer to ensure it meets the specifications published on our website. On the back of each Narrowband-Emissionline filter box, you will find a label detailing the precise spectral data for that specific filter, including the maximum transmission and the recommended range of focal ratios.