Optolong improved OIII 6.5nm narrowband filter

Improved Narrowband OIII 6.5nm filter is designed for nebula observation allowing 6.5nm bandwidth of light centered on a wavelength of 500nm through, which corresponds to OIII emission lines and reducing the transmission of certain wavelengths of light, specifically those produced by artificial light including mercury vapor, and both high and low-pressure sodium vapor lights and the unwanted natural light caused by neutral oxygen emission in our atmosphere (i.e. skyglow). OIII emits 495.9nm.

Optolong Improved OIII6.5nm Narrowband Introduction

Optolong improved extra Narrowband OIII-CCD 6.5nm filter is designed for nebula observation allowing 6.5nm bandwidth of light centered on a wavelength of 500nm through, which corresponds to OIII emission lines and reducing the transmission of certain wavelengths of light, specifically those produced by artificial light including mercury vapor, and both high and low-pressure sodium vapor lights and the unwanted natural light caused by neutral oxygen emission in our atmosphere (i.e. skyglow).

OIII emits 495.9nm and 500.7nm and it is a blue-green colored filter. Many images of planetary nebula and supernova remnants are taken only with H-alpha and OIII filters. They show great structural details, but have natural colors, looking like an RGB image.

Main use and performance

Suitable for viewing on faint emission nebula of H-Alpha line in full moonlight or in severe light pollution.

Hubble look of images can be made by the combination of H-alpha, OIII-CCD and SII-CCD, such as the famous “Pillars of Creation” (M16 Eagle Nebula).

Narrowband imaging with SHO kit (H-alpha7nm, OIII 6.5nm and SII6.5nm) can be done with the moon up in heavy light pollution, so your equipment is not sitting dormant for several weeks.

Narrowband filter do not eliminate the effects of light pollution or increase the object’s brightness. In many cases, they increase the contrast between nebula and night sky, not brightening the nebula.