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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Explore Scientific 2" Variable Polarizing Filter
Explore Scientific 2" Variable Polarizing Filter
Explore Scientific 2" Variable Polarizing Filter

Explore Scientific 2" Variable Polarizing Filter

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-310250
$179.99 - $179.99
$179.99
$179.99 - $179.99
$179.99
Price Match Policy!
  • 2" Filter Barrel Size
  • Continuously Variable Brightness
  • Ideal for Lunar, Planetary, and Solar Observing
  • Neutral Gray Color Rendition
  • Stackable with Other 2" Filters
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • 2" Variable Polarizing Filter

    The 2" Variable Polarizing Filter offers continuous brightness adjustment for any 2" eyepiece, allowing you to dial down intense glare from the Moon and planets. This dual-threaded 2" filter makes it possible to perfectly tailor the view to your target, revealing fine details that are washed out by excessive light.

    Continuously Variable Brightness Control for Your 2" Eyepieces

    Unlike fixed neutral density filters, this 2" variable polarizer allows you to fine-tune image brightness on the fly. A simple rotation of the filter's two-part housing adjusts the light transmission, giving you precise control to match the viewing conditions and your target's brightness perfectly. The filter provides a neutral gray image, ensuring that colors remain true without any distracting tint.

    Eliminate Glare on the Moon, Planets, and Sun

    Bright celestial objects like the full Moon and planets can be so dazzling that they hide subtle surface features. This 2" filter acts like a dimmer switch for your telescope, reducing glare to reveal lunar rilles, planetary cloud bands, and delicate crater ejecta. It prevents the "blooming" effect that washes out high-contrast details.

    • Critical Solar Safety: For solar viewing, this 2" filter is an essential tool for managing brightness but must only be used in conjunction with a dedicated, professional-grade solar filter (like a full-aperture white light filter or a Herschel wedge). It is not a standalone solar filter and will not protect your eyes from harmful radiation if used alone.

    Stackable 2" Design for Advanced Filter Combinations

    Engineered for maximum utility, this filter features standard 2" threads on both sides (internal and external). This design allows you to stack it with other 2" filters from your collection. You can combine it with a color filter to enhance features on Mars or Jupiter while simultaneously controlling the planet's intense brightness.

    Variable Polarizer vs. Fixed ND Filters: The Control Advantage

    While a fixed Neutral Density (ND) filter provides a single level of light reduction, a variable polarizer offers a major advantage in flexibility.

    • Fixed ND Filter Advantage: A single ND filter is a simple, set-it-and-forget-it solution for a specific brightness level.
    • 2" Variable Polarizer Advantage: This single filter effectively replaces an entire set of fixed ND filters. You can adjust for changing atmospheric seeing, different eyepiece magnifications, or the varying phases of the Moon without ever needing to swap filters at the eyepiece.

  • How do I adjust the brightness with the 2" Variable Polarizing Filter?

    Operation is simple: thread the 2" filter onto your eyepiece or accessory, then slowly rotate the filter's housing. As you turn it, you will see the image dim or brighten, allowing you to set the perfect level of light transmission for your target.

    Can I use this 2" Variable Polarizing Filter for looking at the Sun?

    Yes, but ONLY as a secondary filter. For safe solar viewing, you MUST use this polarizing filter in combination with a dedicated, professional-grade, full-aperture solar filter or a Herschel wedge. Never use this filter as the primary or only protection for solar observation, as it does not block harmful UV and IR radiation and will result in permanent eye damage.

    How will this 2" filter improve my view of Jupiter with an 8" SCT?

    On a bright planet like Jupiter, this 2" filter reduces glare that can wash out subtle details. By dimming the image to a comfortable level, you can more easily see fine cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, and shadow transits of the Galilean moons. The neutral gray tint ensures Jupiter's colors remain true.

    Is this 2" filter useful for observing the full Moon?

    Absolutely. The full Moon is bright enough to be uncomfortable and cause temporary flash-blindness, hiding fine details. This 2" variable filter allows you to dim the view significantly, revealing incredible detail in crater walls, rays, and rilles without being overwhelmed by glare.

    Will the 2" Variable Polarizing Filter add any color to the view?

    No. The filter is designed to provide a neutral gray filter effect. It reduces brightness across the visual spectrum evenly, so the natural colors of the Moon, planets, and stars remain unchanged.

    Can I stack this 2" variable polarizer with other filters?

    Yes. The filter features both internal and external 2" filter threads. This allows you to stack it with other filters, such as a color filter to enhance planetary features or a light pollution filter, giving you combined filtering effects.

  • Barrel Size 2"
    GTIN 4007922041025
  • Explore Scientific Warranty