Astronomik Hydrogen-Alpha / H-a MaxFR 12nm High-Speed Imaging Filter - 1.25" Mounted
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The Astronomik H-alpha filter is ideal for imaging hydrogen nebulae from both light-polluted and dark observation sites. It significantly enhances the contrast between objects emitting light at 656nm (H-alpha line) and the sky background. The Astronomik H-alpha filter completely filters out the emission lines from high- and low-pressure sodium (Na)- and mercury (Hg)-vapor lamps, as well as all lines of natural airglow and most of the distracting moonlight.
With a narrow bandwidth of either 12nm or 6nm and high transmission rates, the filter effectively blocks all unwanted light from wavelengths other than 656nm from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR).
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.
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.
Difference between Astronomik MFR and MaxFR coating
Both the Astronomik MFR and MaxFR coatings give 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.
The MaxFR coating is designed to work perfectly with fast optical systems.
- For 12nm filters with MaxFR coating, this means unlimited usability from f/1.7 to f/8 and approximately 85% of the maximum transmission at a f/1.4.
Size of filter
Astronomik filters come in a wide range of standard sizes, both mounted and unmounted, to suit various optical setups and cameras.
This filter is a mounted filter in a threaded 1.25" cell (M28.5 x 0.6 thread).
Technical Data
- Guaranteed transmission of more than 90% at the H-alpha line (656nm)
- Typical transmission of 96% at the H-alpha 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 MaxFR 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.
Useful Resources
Filter Cell Specifications
D = Filter Cell Diameter = 31.2 mm / 1.23 in
T = Total Filter Height = 6.6 mm / 0.26 in
C = Filter Cell Height (Excluding Male Thread) = 4.5 mm / 0.18 in
M = Male Thread Length = 2.1 mm / 0.08 in
F = USABLE Female Filter Thread Length = Not threaded, so you cannot stack additional filters
S = Glass Substrate Thickness = 1 mm / 0.04 in
CA = Clear Aperture = 26.1 mm / 1.03 in
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: Germany
The Astronomik H-alpha filter is ideal for imaging hydrogen nebulae from both light-polluted and dark observation sites. It significantly enhances the contrast between objects emitting light at 656nm (H-alpha line) and the sky background. The Astronomik H-alpha filter completely filters out the emission lines from high- and low-pressure sodium (Na)- and mercury (Hg)-vapor lamps, as well as all lines of natural airglow and most of the distracting moonlight.
With a narrow bandwidth of either 12nm or 6nm and high transmission rates, the filter effectively blocks all unwanted light from wavelengths other than 656nm from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR).
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.
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.
Difference between Astronomik MFR and MaxFR coating
Both the Astronomik MFR and MaxFR coatings give 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.
The MaxFR coating is designed to work perfectly with fast optical systems.
- For 12nm filters with MaxFR coating, this means unlimited usability from f/1.7 to f/8 and approximately 85% of the maximum transmission at a f/1.4.
Size of filter
Astronomik filters come in a wide range of standard sizes, both mounted and unmounted, to suit various optical setups and cameras.
This filter is a mounted filter in a threaded 1.25" cell (M28.5 x 0.6 thread).
Technical Data
- Guaranteed transmission of more than 90% at the H-alpha line (656nm)
- Typical transmission of 96% at the H-alpha 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 MaxFR 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.
The Astronomik H-alpha filter is ideal for imaging hydrogen nebulae from both light-polluted and dark observation sites. It significantly enhances the contrast between objects emitting light at 656nm (H-alpha line) and the sky background. The Astronomik H-alpha filter completely filters out the emission lines from high- and low-pressure sodium (Na)- and mercury (Hg)-vapor lamps, as well as all lines of natural airglow and most of the distracting moonlight.
With a narrow bandwidth of either 12nm or 6nm and high transmission rates, the filter effectively blocks all unwanted light from wavelengths other than 656nm from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR).
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.
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.
Difference between Astronomik MFR and MaxFR coating
Both the Astronomik MFR and MaxFR coatings give 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.
The MaxFR coating is designed to work perfectly with fast optical systems.
- For 12nm filters with MaxFR coating, this means unlimited usability from f/1.7 to f/8 and approximately 85% of the maximum transmission at a f/1.4.
Size of filter
Astronomik filters come in a wide range of standard sizes, both mounted and unmounted, to suit various optical setups and cameras.
This filter is a mounted filter in a threaded 1.25" cell (M28.5 x 0.6 thread).
Technical Data
- Guaranteed transmission of more than 90% at the H-alpha line (656nm)
- Typical transmission of 96% at the H-alpha 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 MaxFR 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.
Useful Resources
Filter Cell Specifications
D = Filter Cell Diameter = 31.2 mm / 1.23 in
T = Total Filter Height = 6.6 mm / 0.26 in
C = Filter Cell Height (Excluding Male Thread) = 4.5 mm / 0.18 in
M = Male Thread Length = 2.1 mm / 0.08 in
F = USABLE Female Filter Thread Length = Not threaded, so you cannot stack additional filters
S = Glass Substrate Thickness = 1 mm / 0.04 in
CA = Clear Aperture = 26.1 mm / 1.03 in
Other Information
- Country of Manufacture: Germany
Astronomik Hydrogen-Alpha / H-a MaxFR 12nm High-Speed Imaging Filter - 1.25" Mounted