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Orion UltraBlock Narrowband Filter
| Brand | Orion |
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| Availability | available |
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Product Info
Overview
Reviews
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Oct 30, 2007
A worthy choice
Pros:Construction, price, views.
Cons:As expected, highly dimmed views.
Comments:I purchased this product on the advice of many an astronomer. "If you really want to see nebulae, you must have a nebula filter." I already owned an Orion SkyGlow broadband filter and wondered if their narrowband filter would be that much of an improvement. I took the advice of the many and ordered Orion's UltraBlock Narrowband filter as it has received rave reviews in various publications.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Like the SkyGlow Broadband Filter, the UltraBlock filter has a silver look to it when held head on. When tilted edge on, it turns to a purple-like color. It is threaded on both sides. Also, like other Orion products it is well made.
I was really excited to try this filter on various nebulae to see if it were much better than my broadband. I can report that it provides a visible difference.
With my 8" F6 Dob and a 25mm Plossl, the Orion Neb has a 3D appearance. The contrast was great. I used it on the Dumbell Nebula with similar results. All types of nebulae showed various stages of improvement. The filter enhanced the view of any nebula with any eyepiece. Reflection nebulae show the least improvement (as would be expected) while planetary and emission nebulae were very much improved. As is the case with a Narrowband filter, at times stars are lost in the filtering process; i.e., I cannot see all the stars visible in the Orion Nebula when observing with this filter when compared to viewing without a filter. However the detail of the nebula itself is greatly improved.
When used with a smaller scope such as my 90mm refractor or my 114mm reflector, the filter was a bit too much, depending on the brightness of the object. I really like this filter, and would suggest anyone with an interest in DSO give it a try.Aug 27, 2007Orion UltraBlock Narrowband Filter
Pros:Available in 1.25" and 2" sizes; Well constructed; Great Value.
Cons:None.
Comments:I think most DSO observers will agree that a narrowband filter is a must if you're going to hunt deep sky targets, especially nebulae. The choice as to the size of the filter, or the manufacturer is a personal decision you'll have to make. I decided to try the Orion UltraBlock in the 1.25" format, and have not regretted the choice.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
One of my first targets using this filter was M42, the Great Orion Nebula. Without the filter, using a Meade 395 f/11 achromat and a Sirius 17mm plossl eyepiece, the nebula showed itself as a grayish glob, with the Trapezium clearly evident. With the filter attached to the eyepiece, the nebula appeared to pop forward, with more detail and contrast. In fact, I could see more of the tendrils that seemed to surround the core of the nebula, and a more greenish gray color stood out.
This narrowband filter will most likely help, rather than hurt your viewing of nebular targets. If you don't already own one, do yourself a favor and buy a narrowband filter as soon as your budget will allow. You won't regret it.
The UltraBlocks in both sizes are great bargains.Sort by
