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Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized
Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized
Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized
Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized
Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized
Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized
Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized
Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized
Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized

Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2961560
CA$143.00 - CA$401.00
CA$143.00
CA$143.00 - CA$401.00
CA$143.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Targets modern LED and broadband light pollution
  • Optimized blue transmission to reject artificial skyglow
  • Serves as a "pre-filter" for finding objects before using narrowband
  • High-transmission coatings for bright, high-contrast views
  • CMOS-optimized to suppress reflections and halos
3 in stock
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Warranty

  • Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter - CMOS-Optimized

    The Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter is engineered to combat modern light pollution, specifically targeting the broad-spectrum blueish skyglow produced by LED streetlights. By isolating the critical H-beta and OIII emission lines of nebulae while rejecting artificial light, this filter dramatically darkens the sky background for deep-sky observers. Its CMOS-optimized design ensures high transmission and suppresses internal reflections, making it an essential tool for both visual astronomy and digital imaging from the city or suburbs.

    Targeting Modern LED Skyglow

    Many older "light pollution" filters were designed to block the narrow emission lines of sodium and mercury-vapor streetlights. The widespread adoption of white LED lighting has rendered these designs less effective. The Baader UHC-S/L-Booster filter features a transmission curve specifically shaped to reject the broad blue-white spectrum of LEDs, restoring the deep-sky contrast that modern light sources wash out.

    The Ideal Visual Partner for OIII Filters

    While a narrowband OIII filter delivers maximum contrast on planetary nebulae, its extremely restricted view can make initially locating a faint target difficult. The UHC-S/L-Booster acts as the perfect complement, offering a wider, brighter field of view that still provides significant contrast enhancement. You can use the UHC-S/L to find your target and study its broader context before switching to a narrowband filter for fine detail.

    CMOS-Optimized for High Transmission and Reflection Control

    Modern CMOS sensors are notoriously reflective, often creating halos and other artifacts around bright stars when used with standard filters. The "CMOS-Optimized" designation means this filter incorporates advanced anti-reflection coatings and precise dielectric layers. This design maintains high light transmission on critical nebula lines while minimizing the internal reflections that can ruin an astrophoto.

    UHC-S/L-Booster vs. Traditional Broadband Filters

    Many entry-level "sky-glow" filters offer a very modest reduction in light pollution and can introduce unwanted color casts. They provide a slight improvement over no filter at all.

    The Baader UHC-S/L-Booster is a more specialized tool. Its primary advantage is its targeted rejection of the specific light spectrum produced by modern LEDs, making it far more effective in contemporary urban and suburban settings. While a generic filter might offer a slight dimming of the background, the UHC-S/L-Booster is engineered to surgically remove the most problematic wavelengths of artificial light.

  • What is the main advantage of the Baader UHC-S/L-Booster over a standard UHC filter?

    The primary advantage is its optimization for modern light pollution. While traditional UHC filters are excellent at blocking older sodium and mercury vapor lamp emissions, the Baader UHC-S/L-Booster is specifically designed to also block the broad-spectrum blueish glow from LED streetlights, resulting in a darker sky background in most urban and suburban areas today.

    What does 'CMOS-Optimized' mean for the Baader UHC-S/L-Booster filter?

    CMOS-Optimized refers to the filter's advanced anti-reflection coatings and construction. These features are designed to prevent halos, reflections, and other artifacts that can occur when imaging with highly reflective modern CMOS sensors. This ensures cleaner, higher-quality images, especially around bright stars.

    Can I use the Baader UHC-S/L-Booster for both visual observing and astrophotography?

    Yes, it is designed for both. For visual use, it dramatically increases the contrast of emission nebulae against a light-polluted sky. For astrophotography, it serves as an excellent L-Booster (luminance booster), isolating key nebula emission lines while its CMOS-optimized design ensures clean, artifact-free data.

    How would the Baader UHC-S/L-Booster improve my view of the Orion Nebula (M42) from the suburbs?

    From a suburban location, the skyglow from LED lights can wash out the faint, extended nebulosity of M42. The Baader UHC-S/L-Booster will selectively block this artificial light, making the sky background appear much darker. This increases the contrast and allows the faint outer loops and intricate details of the Orion Nebula to become visible where they were previously lost in the glare.

    With my 8" SCT, why use the Baader UHC-S/L-Booster for planetary nebulae instead of just an OIII filter?

    While an OIII filter provides the highest contrast on a planetary nebula like the Ring Nebula (M57), its narrow bandpass and dim view can make finding the object challenging in a long focal-length telescope like an SCT. The Baader UHC-S/L-Booster provides a brighter, wider field, making it much easier to locate the nebula first. It also passes both OIII and H-Beta lines, offering a more complete initial view before you switch to the OIII filter for detailed study.

    When should I choose the Baader UHC-S/L-Booster instead of a true narrowband filter?

    Choose the Baader UHC-S/L-Booster when your goal is general deep-sky observing from a light-polluted area, especially for objects that emit strongly in both H-Beta and OIII (like M42 or the Lagoon Nebula, M8). It is also the superior choice for locating objects before switching to a more restrictive narrowband filter. A true narrowband filter is better when you need to isolate a single emission line for maximum contrast or for specific imaging palettes (like the Hubble Palette).

  • Available Sizes 1.25" Round Mounted, 2" Round Mounted, 31mm Round Unmounted, 36mm Round Unmounted, 50.4mm Round Unmounted, 50x50mm Square
    Net weight (kg) 0.01 (1.25" Round Mounted, 2" Round Mounted, 50.4mm Round Unmounted Filter)
    0.02 (50x50mm Square Filter)
    Filter shape round (1.25" Round Mounted, 2" Round Mounted, 31mm Round Unmounted Filter, 36mm Round Unmounted Filter, 50.4mm Round Unmounted Filter)
    square (50x50mm Square Filter)
    Single or Set? Single Filter
    Filter mounted Mounted (LPFC 6mm) (1.25" Round Mounted, 2" Round Mounted)
    Unmounted (31mm Round Unmounted Filter, 36mm Round Unmounted Filter, 50.4mm Round Unmounted Filter, 50x50mm Square Filter)
    Filter Usage CMOS, Contrast Enhancement, Light Pollution Reduction, Luminance (1.25" Round Mounted, 2" Round Mounted, 31mm Round Unmounted Filter, 36mm Round Unmounted Filter)
    Contrast Enhancement, Light Pollution Reduction, Luminance (50.4mm Round Unmounted Filter, 50x50mm Square Filter)
    Type of Filter Bandpass
    Filter Thickness (without cell) 2 mm (1.25" Round Mounted, 2" Round Mounted, 31mm Round Unmounted Filter, 36mm Round Unmounted Filter)
    3 mm (50.4mm Round Unmounted Filter, 50x50mm Square Filter)
    Transmission Range multiple bands (see spectral image)
    AR-Coating Reflex-Blocker™ hard coated, dielectrically coated, planeoptically polished

    • Baader UHC-S/L-Booster Filter (selected size)

      × 1

    • Protective Filter Case

      × 1

  • Baader Planetarium Warranty