How does the Antlia 7nm H-alpha Prime filter perform on an f/2 system?
Antlia states that, with their wider FWHM, 7nm Prime filters can be used with nearly all systems as fast as f/2 with minimal loss in emission signal.
Is the Antlia 7nm H-alpha Prime suitable for the Eagle Nebula (M16)?
Yes. The 7nm FWHM is wide enough to transmit the H-alpha line at 656.3nm as well as the important NII emission lines at 654.8nm and 658.3nm. The Eagle Nebula is an H-alpha emission nebula, one of the target types Antlia lists for this filter.
Why is it important that the Antlia 7nm H-alpha Prime filter also passes NII emission lines?
Antlia lists H-alpha and NII emission nebulae, planetary nebulae, Wolf-Rayet nebulae and supernova remnants as targets. The Antlia 7nm H-alpha Prime FWHM is wide enough to pass both the H-alpha line and the NII lines at 654.8nm and 658.3nm, so it records the combined signal from these objects.
When should I choose the Antlia 7nm Prime over a 3nm filter?
Choose the Antlia 7nm Prime filter if you are using a very fast optical system (Antlia rates it for systems as fast as f/2) or want to gather signal more quickly. A 3nm filter offers higher contrast from its narrower bandpass, at the cost of longer exposures; Antlia rates its 3nm Pro series as usable down to f/3.
Can I use the Antlia 7nm H-alpha Prime filter for visual observing?
No. Antlia lists night visual observation as not recommended for this filter. It is designed for astrophotography of deep-sky objects that contain H-alpha and NII emissions.
How does the Antlia 7nm H-alpha Prime filter minimize halos around bright stars?
Antlia attributes this to three points on the Antlia 7nm H-alpha Prime: a steep spectral profile that minimizes halos around bright stars, a single, non-glued substrate to eliminate internal reflections, and edge blackening of unmounted filters to eliminate internal reflections from stray light.