Askar Colour Magic C1 Duo-band Filter

Askar's Colour Magic C1 Duo-band Filter is a cutting-edge tool for astrophotographers aiming to capture stunning deep-sky images. The filter is specially engineered to isolate and enhance the Hα (Hydrogen-alpha) and OIII (Oxygen III) emission lines, which are critical in highlighting nebulae and other celestial objects.

One of the standout features of the Colour Magic C1 is its high transmittance rate, exceeding 90% at the central wavelengths of 500.7nm and 656.6nm. This exceptional transmittance allows astrophotographers to achieve a darker sky background, which is essential for maximizing image contrast and revealing fine details in the stars and nebulae. By selectively filtering out unwanted light pollution and cluttered signals, the Colour Magic C1 enables clear and precise imaging, even in areas with significant light pollution.

Askar Colour Magic C1 Duo-band Filter

The Colour Magic C1's specifications further underline its professional-grade capabilities. The filter has a Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of 35nm ±5nm for the OIII band and 15nm ±3nm for the Hα band, providing a precise bandpass that ensures optimal isolation of the desired wavelengths. This precise bandpass is crucial for astrophotographers who want to capture specific details in celestial objects, as it minimizes the interference from other wavelengths and enhances the clarity of the images.

Additionally, the Colour Magic C1 boasts a barrier property of OD3 @ 200-1000nm, which means it effectively blocks out unwanted wavelengths outside the desired range. This feature is particularly beneficial for photographers working in urban areas or regions with high levels of light pollution, as it significantly reduces the impact of artificial lights on the captured images.

The filter's build quality is also noteworthy, with a thickness of 2 ± 0.05mm and a surface finish of 60/40. This ensures durability and consistent performance over time, even under varying environmental conditions. The 2" size of the filter makes it compatible with a wide range of telescope setups, providing flexibility for astrophotographers with different equipment.

Overall, the Askar Colour Magic C1 Duo-band Filter is a valuable addition to any astrophotographer's toolkit. Its ability to enhance contrast, filter out light pollution, and isolate key wavelengths makes it an excellent choice for capturing detailed and vibrant images of the night sky. Whether used in heavily light-polluted urban environments or under the clear skies of rural areas, the Colour Magic C1 delivers superior image quality and helps photographers achieve their creative vision in astrophotography.

What others have to say about the Askar Colour Magic C1 and C2 filters

In his review, Cuiv, The Lazy Geek, praises the Askar Colour Magic C1 and C2 filters for their affordability and effectiveness, particularly for astrophotographers on a budget. He explains that these dual-band narrowband filters, priced at $190 for the pair, allow users to achieve the Hubble palette by capturing hydrogen alpha and oxygen 3 with the C1, and sulfur 2 and oxygen 3 with the C2. Cuiv notes that while the bandpasses of these filters are wider than those of more expensive options, they still perform well in reducing light pollution and capturing the necessary signals for deep-sky imaging. He highlights the filters' ability to produce impressive nebula images, despite occasional color and halo issues. Cuiv's tests with a spectrometer confirm that the filters meet their specified bandpass widths, making them suitable for use with fast systems. Overall, he finds the Askar filters to be a valuable and cost-effective choice for achieving high-quality astrophotography results. Watch his full review in the video below.