Optolong L-eXtreme Dual Bandpass Light Pollution Reduction Imaging Filter - 1.25"



1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

  • Dual narrowband 1.25” filter for high-contrast imaging of emission nebulae, planetary nebulae, and supernovae remnants
  • Narrow 7nm passbands for OIII and H-alpha and rejection of light pollution and scattered moonlight for maximal image contrast
  • Electron-beam gun evaporation with ion-assisted deposition coating technology for durability and resistance to scratching
  • Precision ground and polished for superior image quality

A. About Optolong's L-eXtreme Filter

The Optolong 1.25” L-eXtreme filter builds on the success of the renowned L-eNhance filter to deliver an even higher degree of contrast when imaging emission nebulae, planetary nebulae, and supernovae remnants. The L-eXtreme is two filters in one. It has a narrow 7nm passband centered on H-alpha at 656nm and a second 7nm passband centered on OIII near 501nm. The majority of nebulae have their strongest emission at these two wavelengths.

Unlike the L-eNhance filter, the L-eXtreme blocks the weaker H-beta emission line at 486nm to deliver more contrast in the fainter regions of nebulae, even in light-polluted sky. The narrower passbands of the L-eXtreme are especially important in blocking moonlight and broadband light pollution found in many urban and suburban centers.

The L-eXtreme is an ideal filter for use with DSLRs, one-shot color (OSC), and monochrome CCD and CMOS cameras, especially with fast optical systems. It’s an indispensable filter for urban and suburban astrophotographers and for everyone who likes to extend their imaging sessions into nights when the moon is bright.

B. Spectral Curve Transmission Characteristics

  • FWHM: 7nm at O-III and 7nm at H-a
  • Blocking range: 300 - 1000nm
  • Light pollution line blocking depth: > 99%

C. Technical Specifications

  • Both surfaces are fine optically polished, accurate to 1/4 wavelength or better, and parallel to within 30 seconds or arc.
  • 1.85mm thick Schott B270 optical glass substrate material.
  • Very high surface quality of 60/40 or better (US Military Spec MIL-O-13830).

D. Optical Coating Specifications

  • Multi layer anti-reflection coated.
  • Non-cementing optical substrate coating.
  • Electron-beam gun evaporation with Ion-assisted deposition coating technology for durability and resistance to scratching, as well as stability on CWL (central wavelength) so that there is no deviation due to temperature changes during use.
  • Precise and homogeneous coatings ensure high values of desired passband and blocking of unwanted offband.
  • Every single filter is tested and passed by Optolong before shipping to dealers.

E. Other

  • 1.25" astronomy filter with standard M28.5x0.6 male filter thread (no female thread, so it cannot be stacked with other filters).
  • Ultra-thin filter cell to minimize vignetting; clear optical aperture of 26mm.
  • Precision CNC-machined metal filter cell with sand blasted black anodized finish, anti-reflection treatment, and laser engraving.
  • High quality protective plastic storage case.

WARNING: Optolong filters are not designed for direct solar observation. NEVER use these filters for observing the Sun, or permanent eye and equipment damage will result.

F. Sample Images and Comparisons

1. Compare L-eXtreme vs No Filter

  • Object: M42
  • Date: 15-16 March 2020
  • Location: Hong Kong - Shatin (Light pollution level 7~8, City center, light pollution disaster area
  • Camera: ZWO ASI183MC Pro
  • Telescope: Sky-Watcher N130/650 f/5 with coma corrector
  • Filter: Optolong  L-eXtreme 2"
  • Mount: iOptron CEM25EC
  • Guide: 120mm mini guide scope, ZWO ASI120MM mini
  • Copyright: © Vincent Cheng (Hong Kong)


2. IC1396 (Elephant Trunk Nebula) to Sh2-129 (Flying Bat Nebula)

The Optolong L-eXtreme is two 7nm filters in one: H-Alpha and OIII. The filter is a powerful tool for isolating these two important nebula lines against the effect of light pollution and moonlight, and it saves time by allowing capture of both bands in a single frame. Ideal for use with monochrome and color astronomy cameras and DSLRs.

  • Location: La Jonquera, Girona, Spain
  • Date: April 2020
  • Camera: Canon 6D mod
  • Telescope: WO SpaceCat 51
  • Mount: Sky Watcher EQ6 Mount
  • Guide: Guide camera QHY5
  • Image Details:
    • RGB 25 x 600" ISO 3200 - Optolong L-Pro
    • H-Alpha & OIII 20 x900" ISO 3200 - Optolong L-eXtreme
    • Flats, Darks & Bias
  • Copyright: © Jose Jiminez


3. M8 (Lagoon Nebula)
© Vincent Cheng (Hong Kong)

  • Date: 30 April and May 1 2020
  • Location: Lower Shing Mun Reservoir, Shatin, Hong Kong (Bortle scale: level 7~8)
  • Camera: ZWO ASI183MC Pro (cooled at -10C)
  • Telescope/Lens: SVBONY SV48 (500mm f5.5)
  • Filter: Optolong L-eXtreme 2" Prototype
  • Tracking Mount: Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi
  • Controlled through ASIAIR PRO and SkySafari 6 plus
  • Autoguide: 120mm mini guide scope, ZWO ASI120MM mini
  • Total Exposure Time: 5mins X 21frames with Dark Frames, Processed with PI, PS CC
  • Copyright: © Vincent Cheng (Hong Kong)

China

Note: Occasionally, the product you receive might have a slightly different cosmetic appearance or labeling than what is shown. This can often change from batch to batch according to the whims of the manufacturer. However, you will always receive a brand new, original product as described above.

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2. ORDERING INFORMATION

A. Payment: You can pay via any payment method that eBay accepts.

B. Shipping Method: United States Postal Service (USPS) or United Parcel Service (UPS) at your choice and expense (our choice if the item has free shipping option). eBay orders for items over $1,500 can only ship via UPS.

C. Order Processing Time: Orders received by 12 noon Mon – Fri US Pacific Time generally ship on the same business day. Orders received after 12 noon PT or on weekends/holidays will ship by the next business day.

D. Checkout: Please pay for the item(s) within 3 days from your account on eBay or by using the link in the email you receive from eBay.

E. Shipping Discount: We offer combined shipping if you order multiple quantities/items and if items can be combined. eBay will automatically show you the correct combined/discounted shipping costs when you check-out.

F. Combining Purchases: You can combine shipping for items purchased from us on eBay within 3 days. Buy the items individually and check out together for all items. eBay will combine the shipping weights and show you the discounted shipping cost. You must check out for all items together via eBay for this. We cannot combine shipping costs if you check out individually for your purchases.

G. Sales Tax/VAT: Sales tax or VAT may be charged and collected by eBay as required by law based on your ship-to address and local tax/VAT rates. Please check with eBay.

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3. US SHIPPING

A. Delivery Time:

  • USPS First Class shipments will generally take 3-5 business days to arrive after we ship it. Priority Mail shipments will generally take 2-3 business days. However, these delivery times are NOT guaranteed by the USPS. Delays of up to 2 (or sometimes even 3) weeks can occur in about 5% of the shipments due to Covid, operational, or other issues.
  • UPS shipments will generally take between 1 and 6 business days to be delivered depending on the method you select.

USPS and UPS do NOT offer any refunds for shipping/delivery delays for ANY reason (except for UPS Next Day Air service). Delays are out of our control once your order ships.

B. Tracking/Delivery Confirmation:eBay will update you once your order ships. You can see the order status or tracking information/link from your eBay account at any time.

C. USPS Tracking Limitations: Please note that is common for USPS tracking to show “Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item” or “Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending” even several days after your order ships. This does not mean that there is a problem with your order or that we have not handed over your package to USPS yet. This simply means that your package is en route without an outbound scan and tracking will not be updated until the package reaches a distribution center at your end several days later.

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4. INTERNATIONAL ORDERING / SHIPPING

A. Shipping Cost: Click on the "Shipping and Payments" tab above and select your country to see your shipping choices and cost. If you need a shipping cost estimate for multiple items, please contact us.

B. Delivery Time:

Please note that eBay’s delivery estimates shown are generally too optimistic!

1. UPS (All Shipping Methods):

    • We strongly recommend the use of UPS for international orders due to issues related to the ongoing Covid situation. Delivery time usually varies between 3-7 business days depending on your country and the exact shipping method you select.

2. USPS First Class International:

    • First class packages will usually be carried by GlobalPost (a USPS international delivery partner) for most of the way. Delivery at your end will be handled by your local postal service.
    • Delivery generally takes about 3-4 weeks after we ship your package. This can frequently take 4-6 weeks or more for several countries (8 weeks for Italy, Argentina, and South Africa; 8-12 weeks for Brazil).
    • There is very limited tracking available for 1st class shipments and there is no inquiry/tracing service. Once your package ships, we can do nothing but wait until your package arrives. Please do not become impatient and contact us in 2-3 weeks if your package has not arrived. If you don't receive the package in 6-8 weeks, contact us and we will work with you to resolve the issue.
    • If you don't want to take the risk of this delay or lack of tracking, DO NOT USE First Class mail - use Priority or Express shipping, or better still, UPS instead.
    • Packages are not considered lost unless 60 days have elapsed from the date of shipment.

3. USPS Priority Mail International: Delivery takes about 2 weeks to most countries after we ship your package. This can sometimes take 3-4 weeks to several countries. The USPS provides some basic tracking information for Priority shipping. Packages are not considered lost unless 60 days have elapsed from the date of shipment.

4. USPS Express Mail International: Delivery usually takes 5-10 business days after we ship your package. Packages are not considered lost unless 30 days have elapsed from the date of shipment.

Again, these delivery times are NOT guaranteed by the US Postal Service. The most common reason for delays is slow customs inspection and clearance in your country, and can be very long, even for Express mail packages. Upon shipping your order, delivery delays are beyond our control, so do not leave us negative feedback or file a claim if your package is delayed. Delays are quite common but losses are very rare, so your patience and understanding will be greatly appreciated.

C. Brokerage Fees, Customs and Duties:

  • You are responsible for any carrier brokerage fees and duties/taxes that may be levied in your country. These are not included in our item price or shipping cost. UPS brokerage fees can be quite hefty.
  • We have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be or if they will be levied upon delivery.
  • Customs policies vary widely from country to country (Some countries such as UK are strict about imposing hefty customs duties). It is your responsibility to check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying.
  • Customs fees are normally charged by the delivery company or your country's postal service or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are NOT additional shipping charges.
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5. RETURN/EXCHANGE POLICY

A. US Orders: Returns must be shipped back within 30 days. All returned items must be in brand new, resalable condition with original manufacturer’s packaging. A minimum restocking fee of 10% will be deducted if there is any evidence of use or wear, dirt, scratches, missing packaging/parts, etc. We may levy a larger restocking fee if the condition warrants it, or even refuse returns entirely if returned in heavily used/abused condition. Shipping fees are non-refundable (for items with free or discounted fixed shipping, the actual outbound S&H cost we incurred will be deducted) and you are responsible for all return shipping costs. Please contact us first before returning an item.

B. International Orders: No returns/exchanges accepted unless the item we shipped is defective. Please research the product and ask us any questions BEFORE you purchase to make sure you are buying the correct item for your needs.

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