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IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter - 2" (M48) mounted
IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter - transmission curve
IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter - DZ drop-in
IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter - DRT drop-in
IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter - 2" (M48) mounted
IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter - transmission curve
IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter - DZ drop-in
IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter - DRT drop-in

IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter

by IDAS
SKU IDA-NBZ-II-48ST2
$298.00 USD - $348.00 USD
$298.00 USD
$298.00 USD - $348.00 USD
$298.00 USD
Price Match Policy!
  • Dual-bandpass design passes H-alpha (9.5nm) and OIII (8nm) wavelengths
  • Keeps 80% or more transmittance in fast systems around f/2, where some 7nm or narrower filters lose 50% or more
  • Available in five formats: 2" (M48), M52, Di2 Drop-in, DRT Drop-in, and DZ Drop-in
  • 2.0mm substrate thickness across all formats
  • Same anti-halo characteristics as the original IDAS NBZ
  • Every filter includes an individual spectral analysis test report
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter

    The IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter is made for one-shot color cameras, isolating the two most important emission nebula wavelengths onto a single frame, with an 8nm bandpass for Oxygen-III and a 9.5nm bandpass for Hydrogen-alpha. IDAS designed it for fast optical systems: in a system around f/2 it keeps 80% or more of its transmittance, where some 7nm or narrower filters lose 50% or more.

    NBZ-II Transmission Curve

    Transmittance of the NBZ-II from 400nm to 1200nm, showing its two narrow passbands at OIII and H-alpha.

    NBZ-II Transmission Curve

    Dual-Bandpass Design: An 8nm OIII and 9.5nm H-alpha Filter

    The NBZ-II passes the main emission lines of nebulae while rejecting broadband light pollution. The filter features two precise transmission windows: one centered on the Oxygen-III line at an 8nm FWHM (+/-0.4nm), and a second for the Hydrogen-alpha line at 9.5nm FWHM (+/-0.4nm). Both lines are recorded in the same frame by a one-shot color camera. Sample images with the NBZ-II include the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888), the Rosette, Cone, Horsehead, Soul and Lobster Claw nebulae.

    Optimized for Fast Optics: Retaining 80%+ Transmittance at f/2

    Interference filters experience a spectral shift when used with fast focal ratios, causing the bandpass to move towards shorter wavelengths and reduce transmission. The effect grows with the angle of incidence and is stronger in systems with a central obstruction, and IDAS designed the NBZ-II with this in mind. Some competing 7nm or narrower filters lose 50% or more of their transmittance in a fast system around f/2, while the NBZ-II keeps 80% or more under the same conditions.

    5 Mounting Formats: 2" M48, M52, Di2, DRT, and DZ

    The NBZ-II comes in five formats. In addition to standard 2" (M48x0.75) and M52x0.75 threaded cells, IDAS offers three drop-in versions for specific adapters (sold separately).

    • Di2 Drop-in: Exclusively for the IDAS AD19.4 drop-in adapter used with Celestron RASA 8 astrographs.
    • DRT Drop-in: Designed for the Canon EF-EOS R, Meike MK-EFTR-C, and Kolari EF-EOS R drop-in filter mount adapters, allowing you to use the filter inside the adapter itself.
    • DZ Drop-in: Made for ZWO's FD-M54-II and FD-M42-II filter drawers. This version boasts a 47mm effective aperture, reducing the risk of vignetting on full-frame sensors compared to the 43mm aperture of a standard M48 filter.

    100% Individually Certified: A Test Report with Every Filter

    IDAS measures the exact spectral characteristics of every NBZ-II filter after production. Each filter ships with a test report of its measured optical properties. The serial number is on the plastic case label; enter it on IDAS's certificate page (a QR code is provided) to download the curves for your filter.

  • What makes the IDAS NBZ-II a "nebula booster" filter?

    The IDAS NBZ-II is a dual-band filter that isolates the two primary wavelengths emitted by most nebulae: Hydrogen-alpha (red) and Oxygen-III (blue-green). Its narrow passbands reject most of the light in between, which raises the contrast of emission nebulae against the sky background.

    How will the IDAS NBZ-II perform with my f/1.9 HyperStar on the Rosette Nebula?

    IDAS designed the NBZ-II for fast optics and shows sample images of the Rosette Nebula taken with a HyperStar at f/1.9. The NBZ-II keeps 80% or more of its transmittance in a system around f/2, where some 7nm or narrower filters lose 50% or more.

    Why does the IDAS NBZ-II have wider bandpasses (8nm/9.5nm) than some 7nm filters?

    The passband of any interference filter shifts toward shorter wavelengths as the light cone gets steeper. Some 7nm or narrower filters lose 50% or more of their transmittance in a system around f/2, while the NBZ-II keeps 80% or more.

    Which ZWO filter drawer do I need for the IDAS NBZ-II DZ drop-in version?

    The IDAS NBZ-II in the DZ format is designed to fit directly into ZWO's FD-M54-II and FD-M42-II filter drawers, as well as ZWO's Canon EF and Nikon F lens adapters that include a filter drawer. No standard threaded cell is needed.

    I have a full-frame color camera. Which IDAS NBZ-II format should I choose to limit vignetting?

    For full-frame sensors, the DZ drop-in version is the optimal choice. It features a larger 47mm effective aperture, compared to the 43mm clear aperture of a standard 2" M48 mounted filter. This wider aperture helps to minimize vignetting (darkening of the corners) in your images on a large sensor.

    How do I clean my IDAS NBZ-II filter if it gets dusty?

    First, use a bulb blower to remove any loose dust or particles. If smudges or stubborn spots remain, gently wipe the surface with a lens cleaning paper pre-moistened with a neutral (non-acidic, non-alkaline) lens cleaning fluid. Always ensure any gritty particles are blown off before wiping to avoid scratching the coatings.

  • Brand IDAS (ICAS Enterprises, Japan)
    Filter Type Dual-Band Nebula Filter
    OIII Bandpass 8nm (+/- 0.4nm)
    H-Alpha Bandpass 9.5nm (+/- 0.4nm)
    Substrate Thickness 2.0mm (all formats)
    Coating Type Interference Filter
    Available Formats 2" Mounted (M48x0.75 Thread)
    M52 Mounted (M52x0.75 Thread)
    Di2 Drop-in (for IDAS AD19.4 adapter, RASA 8)
    DRT Drop-in (for Canon/Meike/Kolari EF-EOS R adapters)
    DZ Drop-in (for ZWO FD-M54-II/FD-M42-II drawers)
    DZ Format Aperture 47mm

    • IDAS NBZ-II Dual-Band H-Alpha/OIII Nebula Booster Filter

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  • IDAS 3-Year Warranty