Optolong L2 Filters Tested: The April 2026 ScopeTrader Issue

Welcome to April, where galaxies are in full bloom.

Here in Missouri the skies are finally starting to settle into something usable. If the pattern holds like it usually does, we tend to get our most stable stretch somewhere between April 10th and the end of the month. Those are the nights where things stop fighting you. The air steadies out, guiding behaves, and you can actually trust a run to finish the way you planned it.

That window is starting to open up now (finally!)

I have been spending a good bit of time working through some equipment changes of my own. I made the jump into medium format imaging with the ASI461MM and a full set of Chroma filters. It is a different way of thinking about data, framing, and how much sky you can realistically cover in a night. I moved the 6200MM and Chroma set over to ride on top of the Epsilon 160ED, and I am thinking the ASI461 is going to sit well on the TEC 180FL.

Follow along here: https://scopetrader.com/forum/medium-format-astrophotography-and-tec-180-fl/experienced-deep-sky-imaging/08xqp521df78h24kq0wkcz88h9217g12d4zpu1pk/

I would like to hear what you think about that pairing. If you have experience with similar setups, jump into the forums and share your thoughts.

What actually improves your astrophotography

The April 2026 issue of ScopeTrader is now live, and it comes back to a question most of us run into sooner or later. 

What actually makes your imaging better, and what just adds more steps without giving you anything back.

It is easy to get pulled into the idea that more gear equals better results. Sometimes that is true. A lot of times it is not. The only thing that really matters is what holds up when you are out there collecting data.

This issue stays focused on that.

Optolong L2 Filters Tested: The April 2026 ScopeTrader Issue

The lead story is a practical look at the Optolong L2 Dual Combo Filters. These were tested across multiple targets and different imaging setups to see how they behave in real use.

We worked through both mono SHO workflows and one shot color systems. The goal was simple. Figure out what kind of signal you actually get, and whether these filters simplify your process or just move the complexity somewhere else.

If you are trying to cut down on filter changes without giving up control, this piece gives you a clear picture of the tradeoffs.

Stability where it actually matters

We also spent time on something that does not get enough attention, and that is mechanical stability.

The Buckeyestargazer lens support system is a good example of how small changes in support and balance can show up directly in your stars. When your system is properly supported and your cables are managed cleanly, a lot of problems simply go away.

It is not complicated, but it is often overlooked.

Using more of the data you already collect

Another area we looked at is how much data we throw away without thinking about it.

SpacePixels takes a different approach by turning frames that would normally be rejected into something useful. Instead of ignoring streaks and trails, there is a way to extract information from them.

It changes how you think about what is worth keeping.

The rest of the system

We also covered several pieces that fit into the larger workflow.

The Watusi 150 equatorial fork mount approaches balance and setup a little differently than what most people are used to. The ASCOM Flat Panel Buddy focuses on making calibration more consistent so you are not guessing from one session to the next. The Delta Pier tripod addresses stability in the field where it matters most.

We also take a look at the MOTHRA multi lens array and step through Artemis II with practical guidance on how to follow it yourself.