Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP filter

The Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP filter is the latest addition to the Astronomik ProPlanet infrared (IR)-pass filter series. This filter stands out for its versatility in daylight IR-photography, high-resolution lunar and planetary imaging, and deep-sky astrophotography of H-alpha nebulae.

“BP” stands for “Bandpass”, indicating that the filter operates within a 200nm spectral window from 642nm to 842nm. In contrast to the other two Astronomik ProPlanet filters, it blocks the longer IR wavelengths. Together with the Astronomik ProPlanet 742 and ProPlanet 807 filters, you now have three choices to suit your IR imaging needs.

Highlight of the Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP filter: Three filter in one!

The highlight of the Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP filter is its three-in-one functionality. Depending on the camera used, it serves as an excellent tool for daylight IR-photography, reducing seeing effects and enhancing contrast for lunar and planetary imaging. Additionally, it is an affordable H-alpha filter for those beginning deep-sky astrophotography of H-alpha regions. Extensive testing and development have ensured that this filter performs these tasks optimally, delivering stunning images.

1) Daylight IR-photography

• Contrast-rich images with great color rendition
• Clear “Wood-Effect” images
• No hot spots from longer IR
• Short exposure times, similar to normal VIS-imaging
• Perfect choice for IR-videos
• Optimized for creative IR-photography with channel mixing

2) High-resolution lunar and planetary imaging

• Effective reduction of seeing (air turbulence)
• Enhanced contrast in the red area
• No ghost images and best sharpness due to blocking longer IR
• Short exposure times

3) Deep-sky astrophotography of H-alpha nebulae

• Maximal transmission of the H-alpha line at 656nm
• About 40nm Full-Width-Half Maximum (FWHM) with astro-modified DSLRs
• Amazing contrast under light-polluted skies or moonlight
• Low-priced filter for getting started in H-alpha imaging
• Easy focusing using the camera display plus LiveView

Guiding for Astrophotography

Installing the Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP filter in front of your autoguider camera dramatically improves guiding quality by minimizing hightest frequency image motion due to air turbulence from one frame to the next.

Technical Data

• More than 95% transmission for wavelengths between 642nm and 840nm
• Blocking of wavelengths between 350nm and 630nm
• 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
• Parfocal with other Astronomik filters
• Diffraction-limited
• Optimized spectral windows
• Delivered in a high-quality, long-lasting filter box
• Made in Germany

Astronomik filters are diffraction-limited, ensuring that the optical performance (resolution and contrast) of your telescope is not compromised. Thanks to the high-precision machining of the glas substrate, all Astronomik filters are parfocal. The wedge errors are far below all common tolerances. Therefore, all issues concerning focal distances and the exact alignment of images from each color channel are 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 and MaxFR coatings are 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.

Customer opinion

»(…) As expected, the detail resolution with the Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP filter was unrivalled.(…) We would have needed this filter sooner :-).«