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Visual Filters

Visual filters are designed for the eye rather than a sensor, and the difference matters. Human night vision is most sensitive around 500 nm, so a visual nebula filter is tuned to pass what your dark-adapted eye can actually detect, while an imaging filter is tuned to what silicon records. David Astro carries visual filters in Canada, held in Canadian stock.

Aperture determines how much filtering you can afford to lose light to. Tell us your telescope and targets and we will recommend accordingly.

Filters

Original price CA$252.00 - Original price CA$252.00
Original price
CA$252.00
CA$252.00 - CA$252.00
Current price CA$252.00

Explore Scientific 2" Variable Polarizing Filter

ES-310250

2" Filter Barrel Size Continuously Variable Brightness Ideal for Lunar, Planetary, and Solar Observing Neutral Gray Color Rendition Stackable with...

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Original price CA$252.00 - Original price CA$252.00
Original price
CA$252.00
CA$252.00 - CA$252.00
Current price CA$252.00
Original price CA$251.99 - Original price CA$251.99
Original price
CA$251.99
CA$251.99 - CA$251.99
Current price CA$251.99

Explore Scientific Nebula Filter H-Beta - 2.0"

ES-310230

2.0-inch Barrel Size Isolates Hydrogen-Beta (H-Beta) Emission Line Dramatically Increases Contrast on Specific Nebulae Blocks Artificial Light Pol...

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Original price CA$251.99 - Original price CA$251.99
Original price
CA$251.99
CA$251.99 - CA$251.99
Current price CA$251.99
Original price CA$69.99 - Original price CA$69.99
Original price
CA$69.99
CA$69.99 - CA$69.99
Current price CA$69.99

Explore Scientific Neutral Density Filter ND 0.9 - 1.25"

ES-310245
1 in stock

ND 0.9 Optical Density 1.25" Barrel Diameter Reduces Glare for Lunar Observing Aids in Splitting Unequal Double Stars Uniform Light Transmission A...

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Original price CA$69.99 - Original price CA$69.99
Original price
CA$69.99
CA$69.99 - CA$69.99
Current price CA$69.99
Original price CA$20.00 - Original price CA$20.00
Original price
CA$20.00
CA$20.00 - CA$20.00
Current price CA$20.00

iOptron Green Moon Filter

IOP-TFE100

Enhances contrast on lunar and planetary features Reduces glare for more comfortable viewing Improves detail in Martian polar caps and dust storms...

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Original price CA$20.00 - Original price CA$20.00
Original price
CA$20.00
CA$20.00 - CA$20.00
Current price CA$20.00
Original price CA$82.00 - Original price CA$85.00
Original price
CA$82.00 - CA$85.00
CA$82.00 - CA$85.00
Current price CA$82.00

Lumicon Neutral Density Filter

Options available
1 variants in stock

ND13Lumicon Neutral Density 13 Filter will tone down the glare from the full Moon and allow more planetary detail than ever! Lumicon ND13 transmits...

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Original price CA$82.00 - Original price CA$85.00
Original price
CA$82.00 - CA$85.00
CA$82.00 - CA$85.00
Current price CA$82.00
Original price CA$36.00 - Original price CA$45.00
Original price
CA$36.00 - CA$45.00
CA$36.00 - CA$45.00
Current price CA$36.00

Lunt Polarizing Filter

Options available

Variable brightness control for solar viewing Available in 1.25" and 2" barrel sizes Threads directly onto standard eyepieces Engineered for use w...

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Original price CA$36.00 - Original price CA$45.00
Original price
CA$36.00 - CA$45.00
CA$36.00 - CA$45.00
Current price CA$36.00
Original price CA$45.00 - Original price CA$67.00
Original price
CA$45.00 - CA$67.00
CA$45.00 - CA$67.00
Current price CA$45.00

Optolong Moon & Skyglow Filter

Options available

Blocks over 99% of common light pollution emission lines Maintains over 90% average transmission for bright, detailed views λ/4 transmitted wavefr...

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Original price CA$45.00 - Original price CA$67.00
Original price
CA$45.00 - CA$67.00
CA$45.00 - CA$67.00
Current price CA$45.00
Original price CA$111.00 - Original price CA$151.00
Original price
CA$111.00 - CA$151.00
CA$111.00 - CA$151.00
Current price CA$111.00

Optolong OIII 18nm Nebula Filter

Options available
2 variants in stock

18nm Bandpass Centered on OIII Emission Lines (500nm) Greater than 80% Average Light Transmission (Tave) Blocks >99% of Major Light Pollution L...

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Original price CA$111.00 - Original price CA$151.00
Original price
CA$111.00 - CA$151.00
CA$111.00 - CA$151.00
Current price CA$111.00
Original price CA$77.00 - Original price CA$161.00
Original price
CA$77.00 - CA$161.00
CA$77.00 - CA$161.00
Current price CA$77.00

Optolong UHC Filter

Options available
9 variants in stock

Reduces skyglow from artificial and natural light pollution Blocks >99% of mercury vapor and sodium vapor light Passes key nebula emission line...

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Original price CA$77.00 - Original price CA$161.00
Original price
CA$77.00 - CA$161.00
CA$77.00 - CA$161.00
Current price CA$77.00
Original price CA$52.00 - Original price CA$64.00
Original price
CA$52.00 - CA$64.00
CA$52.00 - CA$64.00
Current price CA$52.00

Optolong Variable Polarizing Filter

Options available
3 variants in stock

Continuously Variable Light Transmission Available in 1.25" and 2" Barrel Sizes Ideal for Lunar, Planetary, and Terrestrial Viewing Reduces Glare ...

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Original price CA$52.00 - Original price CA$64.00
Original price
CA$52.00 - CA$64.00
CA$52.00 - CA$64.00
Current price CA$52.00
Original price CA$181.00 - Original price CA$181.00
Original price
CA$181.00
CA$181.00 - CA$181.00
Current price CA$181.00

Player One CH4 8nm Filter E-series - 1.25"

POA-CH4-125E

Isolates the 8nm methane (CH4) absorption band Standard 1.25″ filter cell format Optimized for modern CMOS and CCD planetary cameras E-series feat...

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Original price CA$181.00 - Original price CA$181.00
Original price
CA$181.00
CA$181.00 - CA$181.00
Current price CA$181.00
Original price CA$17.00 - Original price CA$22.00
Original price
CA$17.00 - CA$22.00
CA$17.00 - CA$22.00
Current price CA$17.00

SVBONY Linear Polarizer Filter

Options available

Reduces light transmission to a comfortable 13% for lunar viewing Standard 1.25-inch barrel size fits most eyepieces and accessories Threads into ...

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Original price CA$17.00 - Original price CA$22.00
Original price
CA$17.00 - CA$22.00
CA$17.00 - CA$22.00
Current price CA$17.00
Original price CA$16.00 - Original price CA$20.00
Original price
CA$16.00 - CA$20.00
CA$16.00 - CA$20.00
Current price CA$16.00

SVBONY Moon Filter

Options available

Reduces glare for comfortable lunar and planetary observing Fits any standard 1.25" eyepiece or accessory Standard M28.5x0.6 filter threads Enhanc...

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Original price CA$16.00 - Original price CA$20.00
Original price
CA$16.00 - CA$20.00
CA$16.00 - CA$20.00
Current price CA$16.00
Original price CA$64.00 - Original price CA$78.00
Original price
CA$64.00 - CA$78.00
CA$64.00 - CA$78.00
Current price CA$64.00

SVBONY SV115 18nm OIII Narrowband Filter

Options available
3 variants in stock

2-inch diameter filter for standard eyepieces and accessories 18nm bandpass isolates key Oxygen-III emission lines 90% peak transmittance at 495.9...

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Original price CA$64.00 - Original price CA$78.00
Original price
CA$64.00 - CA$78.00
CA$64.00 - CA$78.00
Current price CA$64.00
Original price CA$25.00 - Original price CA$27.00
Original price
CA$25.00 - CA$27.00
CA$25.00 - CA$27.00
Current price CA$25.00

SVBONY SV128 Variable Polarizing Filter

Options available
8 variants in stock

Available in 1.25" and 2" barrel sizes Continuously variable light transmission Reduces glare for enhanced lunar and planetary contrast Constructe...

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Original price CA$25.00 - Original price CA$27.00
Original price
CA$25.00 - CA$27.00
CA$25.00 - CA$27.00
Current price CA$25.00
Original price CA$66.00 - Original price CA$73.00
Original price
CA$66.00 - CA$73.00
CA$66.00 - CA$73.00
Current price CA$66.00

SVBONY SV132 25nm H-Beta Narrowband Filter

Options available
4 variants in stock

Targets the 486nm Hydrogen-Beta emission line 25nm bandpass for enhanced contrast 80% peak transmittance at the H-Beta wavelength Blocks Mercury (...

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Original price CA$66.00 - Original price CA$73.00
Original price
CA$66.00 - CA$73.00
CA$66.00 - CA$73.00
Current price CA$66.00
Original price CA$13.00 - Original price CA$13.00
Original price
CA$13.00
CA$13.00 - CA$13.00
Current price CA$13.00

SVBONY SV139 ND0.6 Neutral Density Moon Filter - 1.25"

SV-W9108A

Reduces lunar glare with a fixed ND0.6 optical density Transmits a neutral 25% of incoming light Standard 1.25-inch barrel fits most eyepieces Mul...

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Original price CA$13.00 - Original price CA$13.00
Original price
CA$13.00
CA$13.00 - CA$13.00
Current price CA$13.00
Original price CA$13.00 - Original price CA$13.00
Original price
CA$13.00
CA$13.00 - CA$13.00
Current price CA$13.00

SVBONY SV139 ND0.9 Neutral Density Moon Filter - 1.25"

SV-W9108B

Reduces lunar brightness by ~87.5% (ND0.9) Fits any standard 1.25-inch eyepiece or accessory Neutral density filter preserves true color balance F...

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Original price CA$13.00 - Original price CA$13.00
Original price
CA$13.00
CA$13.00 - CA$13.00
Current price CA$13.00
Original price CA$12.00 - Original price CA$12.00
Original price
CA$12.00
CA$12.00 - CA$12.00
Current price CA$12.00

SVBONY SV139 ND1.2 Neutral Density Moon Filter - 1.25"

SV-W9108C

Reduces Lunar Glare with ND1.2 Density Transmits 6.25% of Incoming Light Standard 1.25-inch Barrel Threads Fully Multi-Coated Optical Glass Neutra...

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Original price CA$12.00 - Original price CA$12.00
Original price
CA$12.00
CA$12.00 - CA$12.00
Current price CA$12.00
Original price CA$13.00 - Original price CA$13.00
Original price
CA$13.00
CA$13.00 - CA$13.00
Current price CA$13.00

SVBONY SV139 ND3.0 Neutral Density Moon Filter - 1.25"

SV-W9108D

ND3.0 Neutral Density Filter Standard 1.25-inch Barrel Size Transmits 0.1% of Incoming Light (10-Stop / 1000× Reduction) Ideal for Herschel Solar ...

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Original price CA$13.00 - Original price CA$13.00
Original price
CA$13.00
CA$13.00 - CA$13.00
Current price CA$13.00
Original price CA$38.00 - Original price CA$38.00
Original price
CA$38.00
CA$38.00 - CA$38.00
Current price CA$38.00

SVBONY SV155 7-Piece Telescope Filter Set - 1.25"

SV-F9135A
3 in stock

7-Piece Filter Set Includes Moon, CPL, and 5 Color Filters Standard 1.25-inch Barrel Size M28.5*0.6 Filter Threads 2mm Thick Optical Glass Desc...

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Original price CA$38.00 - Original price CA$38.00
Original price
CA$38.00
CA$38.00 - CA$38.00
Current price CA$38.00
Original price CA$200.00 - Original price CA$364.00
Original price
CA$200.00 - CA$364.00
CA$200.00 - CA$364.00
Current price CA$200.00

Tele Vue BandMate H-Beta Filter

Options available

Filter Type: Hydrogen-Beta (Hβ) Narrowband Available Sizes: 1.25" and 2" Mounted Primary Targets: Horsehead Nebula, California Nebula Manufacturin...

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Original price CA$200.00 - Original price CA$364.00
Original price
CA$200.00 - CA$364.00
CA$200.00 - CA$364.00
Current price CA$200.00
Original price CA$204.00 - Original price CA$450.00
Original price
CA$204.00 - CA$450.00
CA$204.00 - CA$450.00
Current price CA$204.00

Tele Vue BandMate Nebustar Filter

Options available
1 variants in stock

Unique Narrowband Design: Transmits both Hβ and OIII emission lines in a single, targeted passband for maximum contrast. Blocks Red Wavelengths:...

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Original price CA$204.00 - Original price CA$450.00
Original price
CA$204.00 - CA$450.00
CA$204.00 - CA$450.00
Current price CA$204.00
Original price CA$200.00 - Original price CA$364.00
Original price
CA$200.00 - CA$364.00
CA$200.00 - CA$364.00
Current price CA$200.00

Tele Vue BandMate OIII Filter

Options available

Isolates doubly ionized oxygen (OIII) emission lines Dramatically increases contrast on planetary nebulae and supernova remnants Manufactured by A...

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Original price CA$200.00 - Original price CA$364.00
Original price
CA$200.00 - CA$364.00
CA$200.00 - CA$364.00
Current price CA$200.00

Filters Designed for the Eye

A visual filter must balance contrast gain against absolute brightness, because the eye needs a certain amount of light before it detects anything at all.

  • Scotopic sensitivity: Dark-adapted vision peaks near 500 nm, close to the OIII emission line, which is why OIII filters have such a dramatic visual effect on planetary nebulae.
  • UHC-type filters: Pass the main nebula emission lines together, giving broad contrast gain with less light loss than a single-line filter.
  • Aperture and brightness trade: The narrower the filter, the more aperture you need behind it. An OIII filter in a small telescope leaves very little to see.
  • Broadband filters: Milder light pollution rejection that keeps star fields looking natural, appropriate for clusters and galaxies where narrow filters do not help.
  • Barrel sizes: 1.25 inch and 2 inch, matched to your eyepiece set and diagonal.
  • Difference from imaging filters: Imaging narrowband filters are far narrower and would leave a visual observer with almost nothing to see.

Why Choose David Astro for Visual Filters

A filter that suits a sensor may show you nothing at the eyepiece, and vice versa.

  • Visual and imaging distinguished clearly: We will not sell you a 3 nm imaging filter for visual observing, because at the eyepiece it removes almost all the light.
  • Aperture matched: We recommend filter strength against your telescope's aperture, since narrow filters need light behind them.
  • Target honesty: Galaxies and clusters gain nothing from nebula filters, and we will say so rather than sell one anyway.
  • Authorized dealer: Genuine filters with verified coatings and manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
  • Ships from Canada: No duties or brokerage fees for Canadian buyers.

Visual Filters in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use imaging filters visually?
Technically yes, practically no. Imaging narrowband filters are far too narrow for the eye and leave almost nothing visible. Visual filters are deliberately wider for this reason.
Which filter first?
A UHC-type filter. It improves the widest range of emission targets and dims the view less than an OIII, which matters below about 10 inches of aperture.
Why do OIII filters work so well visually?
Because the OIII line at 500.7 nm sits very close to the peak sensitivity of dark-adapted human vision, so the light it passes is the light your eye detects best.
Will a filter help me see galaxies?
No. Galaxy light is broadband, so a filter removes it along with the skyglow. Dark skies and aperture are the only things that help with galaxies.

Improving contrast at the eyepiece?

Tell us your aperture and targets and we will recommend a filter. Held in Canada, shipped fast.