The Astronomik ProPlanet 742 filter is ideal for imaging the moon and planets, particularly Mars, with telescopes of 6" (150mm) aperture and larger. The filter only allows infrared (IR) light with wavelengths longer than 742nm to pass through, significantly reducing the effects of seeing compared to the visible spectrum. This results in much sharper images than typically expected from your equipment and location. Additionally, the filter effectively darkens the sky background during advanced dawn, enabling photography of planets and the moon even in daylight conditions.
Jupiter, imaged with Astronomik L-RGB Type 2c filters (left) and Astronomik ProPlanet 742 filter (right)
Comparing sharpness in IR-R-G-B at Saturn
Comparing L-RGB versus IR-RGB at Saturn
Other uses
- Besides astrophotography, the filter provides stunning results in nature photography. When used as an EOS Clip-Filter in an MC or Full Spectrum modified DSLR, the filter cuts off the part of the spectrum where chlorophyll appears green and shows its high reflectivity in the near infrared. This creates stunning images of flora, with white trees and clouds against a nearly black background when photographed under blue skies in spring and summer.
- It darkens the sky background during twilight.
- It enables imaging of young stars in dust clouds and stellar nurseries.
Alternatives
If the seeing is an issue and the instrument is 10" (250mm) or larger, the Astronomik ProPlanet 807 filter may be a better choice.
Suitability of the Astronomik ProPlanet 742 filters
- Visual observation: Unsuitable, the eye is insensitive to this spectral region
- CMOS and CCD photography: Reasonable for special IR-photography, such as imaging chlorophyll or star-forming regions
- DSLR photography (original): Unsuitable
- DSLR photography (astro-modified): Unsuitable
- DSLR photography (MC-modified): Very good for IR daylight photography
- Webcam and video (planets): Very good, effectively rejects seeing problems
Technical data
- More than 96% transmission for wavelengths between 742nm and 1100nm
- Blocking of wavelengths between 350nm and 730nm
- 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. The Astronomik MFR coating is designed for optimal performance across a wide range of focal ratios of the optics used.
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.