UV/IR, Clear & Specialty Filters
These are the quiet workhorse filters of astrophotography. A UV/IR cut filter stops ultraviolet and infrared light that most refractors cannot focus with visible light, so stars stay tight. An IR pass filter does the opposite, letting only infrared through to cut atmospheric turbulence on the Moon and planets. Clear filters and protective windows keep dust off the sensor and preserve focus position when you swap filters.
We carry UV/IR cut, IR pass (685 and 850 nm), UV pass, clear, fringe-killer and DSLR conversion filters from Baader, ZWO, Player One, Optolong, Antlia, Chroma, SVBONY and Daystar.
Filters
Optolong UV/IR Cut Filter
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Blocks Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) wavelengths Improves image sharpness and reduces star bloat Functions as a luminance (L) filter for mono...
View full detailsOptolong Clear Focusing Filter
Achieve Critical Focus with Dim Stars Transmission >98.5% Across the Visible Spectrum λ/4 Transmitted Wavefront for Image Integrity 1.85mm B270...
View full detailsOptolong Night Sky H-Alpha IR Pass Filter
Passes Infrared Light >650nm Blocks Visible Light from 300-570nm Average Transmission >90% 1.85mm Thick Optical Glass Substrate λ/4 Transmit...
View full detailsOptolong IR Pass 685nm Planetary Filter
Passes infrared light above 685nm Achieves greater than 90% average transmission Blocks wavelengths from 350-1050nm outside the passband 1.85mm th...
View full detailsWhat Each Filter Does
- UV/IR cut: Essential for colour cameras without a built-in IR filter, and for refractors that show bloated stars from unfocused infrared.
- IR pass 685 and 850 nm: Infrared is less affected by seeing, so lunar and planetary detail improves on unsteady nights. Mono camera recommended.
- UV pass (Venus): Shows the cloud patterns of Venus that are invisible in visible light.
- Clear and protective windows: Keep focus consistent in a filter wheel slot and protect the sensor window.
- Fringe killer and semi-APO: Reduce the violet halo of achromatic refractors for visual use and imaging.
- DSLR conversion filters: Restore correct white balance and focus for modified DSLRs.
UV/IR and Specialty Filters: Frequently Asked Questions
Does my camera need a UV/IR cut filter?
Many astronomy colour cameras have only a clear window, so yes for broadband imaging. Check the camera's window type, or ask us.
Which IR pass filter is best for planets?
685 nm suits most targets and seeing conditions. 850 nm works on poor nights and for the Moon, at the cost of some resolution.
Not sure which filter you need?
Tell us your camera, telescope and what you want to improve. We will tell you which filter helps, if any.