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IDAS NB1 Nebula Booster Filter
The IDAS NB1 Nebula Booster is a dual-band interference filter that isolates key emission nebula wavelengths for one-shot-color cameras, using a ~20nm bandpass for H-beta/OIII and a wider ~32nm bandpass for H-alpha/NII. Its passband is deliberately shifted toward longer wavelengths so the emission lines stay inside it when light arrives at an angle, up to about 14 degrees.
A Dual-Band Nebula Filter for One-Shot-Color Cameras
IDAS designed the NB1 so that one-shot color cameras can record the H-beta, OIII, H-alpha and NII ranges of emission nebulae at higher contrast.
~20nm & ~32nm Bandpasses for Key Emission Lines
Unlike broadband light pollution filters, the NB1 uses two specific bandpasses to target nebula emissions. A ~20nm window captures the blue-green light of H-beta and OIII, while a separate ~32nm window allows the red light of H-alpha and NII to pass through.
Designed for f/2 Systems up to 14° Incidence
A known issue with interference filters is "band-shift," where the filter's transmission window moves toward shorter wavelengths as the angle of incoming light becomes more oblique—a common problem with fast telescopes. The IDAS NB1's transmission range is intentionally shifted slightly to the red to compensate for this effect. The NB1 passes almost all of these emission lines when the incidence of the light is kept below 14 degrees. Between the lens and an APS-C camera, a lens with a back focal distance of 40mm or more at f/2 keeps the averaged incidence angle within about 14 degrees; lenses with a small rear element can exceed it at the edges of the frame.
IGAD Coatings: Quartz-Hard Durability and Stability
The NB1 filter utilizes IDAS's proprietary IGAD (Ion-Gun Assist Deposition) coating technology. This process creates multi-layer coatings that are densified and hardened to a level equivalent to quartz glass. The process greatly improves adhesion between the substrate and the coating, and the spectral characteristics show almost no aging from temperature and humidity changes in normal living environments.
Drop-In Formats: ZF for ZWO & DS for AD42 Adapters
The NB1 is offered here in two drop-in formats. The AD42-DS adapter is sold separately.
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ZF Format: Designed to drop into the T-ring of ZWO cameras with an M42 male-mount and a 6.5mm flange back distance. It is also compatible with the IDAS AD19.4 drop-in mount adapter.
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DS Format: Designed specifically for use with the IDAS AD42-DS drop-in mount adapter, which provides M42 female threads and camera rotation capabilities.
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How does the IDAS NB1 filter improve images from my one-shot-color camera?
The IDAS NB1 acts like two filters in one for your OSC camera. It has two specific windows, or bandpasses, that let through the red light of Hydrogen-alpha and the blue-green light of Oxygen-III and Hydrogen-beta. This raises the contrast of emission nebulae in a single color exposure.
Can I use the IDAS NB1 filter with my fast f/2 RASA telescope?
Fast systems send light through the filter at steeper angles, which shifts the passband of any interference filter toward shorter wavelengths. The NB1's passband is shifted toward longer wavelengths to allow for this, and it passes almost all of the emission lines when the incidence angle stays below 14 degrees. The ZF format also fits the IDAS AD19.4 drop-in mount used on the RASA 8.
What is the difference between the ZF and DS formats for the IDAS NB1?
The format you need depends on your camera setup.
- The ZF format is designed to drop directly into the M42 T-ring of compatible ZWO cameras, which typically have a 6.5mm flange back.
- The DS format is designed for the IDAS AD42-DS drop-in adapter, which is a separate accessory that threads into an M42 imaging train.
Always check your camera's threading and flange distance to choose the correct version.
How should I clean my IDAS NB1 filter if it gets dusty or smudged?
First, always use an air blower to remove any loose dust or gritty particles. If stains remain, use a lens cleaning paper with a few drops of a neutral (not acidic or alkaline) lens cleaning fluid and wipe gently. A silicone-impregnated cloth can also be used after blowing off dust.
Why is the NB1's transmittance range intentionally shifted?
This refers to the filter's built-in compensation for fast optics. On telescopes with steep light cones (e.g., f/2), the angle of incidence causes a filter's passband to shift toward the blue end of the spectrum. By pre-shifting the IDAS NB1's passband slightly toward the red, the design makes sure that when this blue-shift occurs, the passband lands correctly on the target emission lines (like H-alpha) instead of moving past them.
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| Brand |
IDAS (ICAS Enterprises, Japan) |
| Available Formats |
DS drop-in (for IDAS AD42-DS adapter); ZF (for ZWO M42 cameras with 6.5mm backfocus) |
| Substrate Thickness |
1.1mm (both DS and ZF formats) |
| Coating Type |
Interference filter with IGAD (Ion-Gun Assist Deposition) technology |
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IDAS NB1 Nebula Booster Filter
× 1 (format chosen at checkout)
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Contact us for warranty details.
