Chuck, I must admit that I am interested in sharp, contrasty images. A filter tends to scatter light, and so degrades the sharpness and overall contrast of the image. Some individual details do become more aparent (contrasty) but at the expense of the rest of the image. That's what I don't particularly like. Cross polarizers on the Moon, or anything else, ruin the image for me. So, I don't use them. I also have not had alot of success in bringing out significantly more detail. The detail is supressed, although the contrast may be increased. I just have never liked what I see through filters. Yes, let's try it again. I'm always open to try again. Brent --- Chuck Hards <chuckhards@yahoo.com> wrote:
It is important to know that filters don't improve the image wholesale- they just bring out details that are otherwise lost, mostly due to "irradiation"; that is, the tendency for low-contrast details to bleed into one another. If you are expecting something spectacular when using a filter, you will probably be disappointed. There have been times when details invisible with no filter have become obvious with it- but much of the rest of the planet actually suffers. That's the point-removing colors that would otherwise mask a particular detail. Filters are for the details only, not a general enhancer. I use Orion's color filters, not the cheapest on the market, but hardly "top-dollar" either. Brent, one of these days let's get together, maybe I can change your mind on filters. BTW, as our eyes age, our corneas tend to yellow (that's why old ladies sometimes have blue hair- it doesn't look blue to them, but silver) so we eventually get a filter FREE! (Hey, look on the bright side!)
Chuck
--- Brent Watson <brentjwatson@yahoo.com> wrote:
My experience is a bit different than most. I find filters degrade the seeing unless you have paid top dollar for them. My 8" (refractor) has a minus violet filter in it. I don't use anything elso, because they seem to confuste the image too much.
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