Nebula Filters
A visual nebula filter darkens the sky background while passing the light of emission and planetary nebulae, so faint objects stand out from the glow. The difference can be dramatic: the Veil Nebula, which is barely there without a filter, becomes a detailed lacework with an OIII filter in an 8-inch telescope.
We carry UHC, OIII and H-beta filters from Tele Vue BandMate, Antlia, Optolong, Celestron, Explore Scientific and SVBONY, plus the Baader C2 Swan-band comet filter, in 1.25-inch and 2-inch sizes.
Filters
Antlia 8-EL UHC Pro Visual Enhanced Filter - 2"
Enhances 8 key nebular emission lines for visual use Peak transmission of 95% at H-beta, OIII, NII, H-alpha, and SII wavelengths Recommended for l...
View full detailsAntlia H-beta and OIII Visual Filter - 1.25"
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
Passes the H-beta (486.1nm) and both OIII (495.9nm, 500.7nm) emission lines Peak transmission greater than 90% at 486.1nm, 495.9nm, and 500.7nm OD...
View full detailsBaader C2 Swan-Band Comet Filter (15nm)
Targets C2 Swan Bands in comet gas tails 15nm bandpass for high-contrast views Blocks the adjacent O-III line, which is not strong in comet tails ...
View full detailsCelestron Oxygen III Narrowband Filter - 1.25 in
Isolates doubly-ionized oxygen lines (496nm and 501nm) Provides extreme contrast for planetary and emission nebulae Blocks the entire visual spect...
View full detailsCelestron Oxygen III Narrowband Filter - 2 in
Isolates the 496nm and 501nm Oxygen III wavelengths Blocks the entire visual spectrum from 400nm to 700nm Ultra-hard, vacuum-deposited coatings pr...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Nebula Filter H-Beta - 2.0"
2.0-inch Barrel Size Isolates Hydrogen-Beta (H-Beta) Emission Line Dramatically Increases Contrast on Specific Nebulae Blocks Artificial Light Pol...
View full detailsOptolong OIII 18nm Nebula Filter
18nm Bandpass Centered on OIII Emission Lines (500nm) Greater than 80% Average Light Transmission (Tave) Blocks >99% of Major Light Pollution L...
View full detailsOptolong UHC Filter
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
Reduces skyglow from artificial and natural light pollution Blocks >99% of mercury vapor and sodium vapor light Passes key nebula emission line...
View full detailsSVBONY SV115 18nm OIII Narrowband Filter
1.25" and 2" sizes for standard eyepieces and accessories 18nm bandpass isolates key Oxygen-III emission lines 90% peak transmittance at 495.9nm a...
View full detailsSVBONY SV132 25nm H-Beta Narrowband Filter
Targets the 486nm Hydrogen-Beta emission line 25nm bandpass for enhanced contrast 80% peak transmittance at the H-Beta wavelength Blocks Mercury (...
View full detailsTele Vue BandMate H-Beta Filter
Filter Type: Hydrogen-Beta (Hβ) Narrowband Available Sizes: 1.25" and 2" Mounted Primary Targets: Horsehead Nebula, California Nebula Manufacturin...
View full detailsTele Vue BandMate Nebustar Filter
Unique Narrowband Design: Transmits both Hβ and OIII emission lines in a single, targeted passband for maximum contrast. Blocks Red Wavelengths:...
View full detailsTele Vue BandMate OIII Filter
Isolates doubly ionized oxygen (OIII) emission lines Dramatically increases contrast on planetary nebulae and supernova remnants Manufactured by A...
View full detailsWhich Filter for Which Object
- UHC (broad narrowband): The most versatile. Passes OIII and H-beta together. Excellent on the Orion, Lagoon, Eagle and Swan nebulae.
- OIII: Stronger effect, darker sky. Best on planetary nebulae and the Veil. Works best with 6 inches of aperture or more.
- H-beta: A specialist filter for a handful of objects: the Horsehead, California and Cocoon nebulae.
- Comet filters: Swan-band filters enhance the gas tail and coma of comets.
Choosing the Aperture
Narrow filters cut a lot of light. In small telescopes, a UHC is usually the better first filter. In larger Dobsonians, an OIII becomes extremely effective. Low magnifications with a large exit pupil (4 to 6 mm) show the effect best.
Nebula Filters: Frequently Asked Questions
Do nebula filters work on galaxies?
No. Galaxies emit across the spectrum and a nebula filter only dims them. Use these filters for emission and planetary nebulae.
Will a filter help in the city?
Yes for emission nebulae. It increases contrast, though a dark site still shows much more.
Can I use these filters for imaging?
Visual filters are designed for the eye. For cameras, choose narrowband or dual-band filters designed for sensors.
Not sure which nebula filter to start with?
Tell us your telescope aperture and favourite targets. We will recommend the one that will make the biggest difference.