10 Light Pollution Filters for Astrophotography in the City 

Stop sucking me into deep space Trevor, my wallet trembles dammit

Thanks for this! Who else hates light pollution?

Sixteen months into this hobby it's flattering to hear someone I've learned so much from describe my results as great, thanks Trevor!

That's my Flaming Star/Tadpoles image up there....cool! Glad you liked it and featured it on your video. Thanks so much! -Chad

it would be cool if someone would come up with light pollution "goggles" that were like glasses that you would put on and see the milky way from your own,light polluted,backyard,

Very thorough! Thank you for sharing my work Trevor! Also, thank you for all of your help!!

This is one of your best videos Trevor! Congratulations. It came exactly when I’m shopping for a OSC filter for my C11 Hyperstar + ASI071MC-Pro combo. Thanks again

I think Trevor has been viewing my internet browsing history. Thank you for this video, keep being badass!

Great explanation on filters. Thanks Trevor.

Great informative video Trevor! I have found the Astronomik CLS clip filter to be a great help for emission nebulae from my backyard. Thank you so much and clear skies!

It is great to see these comparisons of so many filters, though it would be cool if there was a before shot to see what is really going on with these things:) Great video Trevor! Editing to add that I did later see there was an example in your write up to show a with and without pic. That was helpful!

An EXTREMELY useful video. I've just purchased an L-Enhance filter and I was worried if I made a wrong decision for my ASI 294MC Pro, but your in-depth comparison calmed my fears. The thing I loved about this video was how many filters you compared and also showed images taken by those filters unset light polluted skies. Totally awesome video, mate! Keep up the great work! Clear skies!

Good roundup. Jeez, Kevin's stock Orion image is insane!

Comprehensive, eloquent, and excellent video. Thank-you for sharing your images.

Another spectacular video, and with a lot of information. Thanks Trevor

Man, I don’t think *you* realise how good these videos, are. Legend. Thanks.

Perfect! Awesome choices for filters!

I've been watching your channel since late 2017 and at the time i was a complete newbie, so as i grew in to the hobby i made most of my purchases based on your experiences you kindly shared with us. The most powerful OSC filter i own today must be the STC Duo Narrowband filter, it was crazy expensive from my point of view at the time, but man, that's a real performer for OSC imaging. At the moment i have no use for it as i moved on to mono, but i can't part with my Canon yet so i'm looking to build a second OSC rig. Thanks for sharing your experiences these past years.

Thanks great video very informative and couldn't have come at as better time for me thanks again clear skies!

Thank you Trevor, your video helped explain the difference of lowpass and highpass filters. I just don't know when or how to figure out which ones to use. Thanks for all you do. Clear Skies.

Just saved for a time when I will choose my first filter. Thank you so much!

Hey guys if you want a better look at the images shared in the video - you can check out the full post on AstroBackyard: astrobackyard.com/light-pollution-filters/ - Please LEAVE A COMMENT on the post if you have some advice/insight for others :) Clear skies!

Fabulous video. I just bought a Celestron C6 so I'm a newbie. You are by far my favorite source of astronomical education.

GREATEST CHANNEL I'VE SEEN THE VIDEOS OF.KEEP GOING WITH UR WORK.

Great info! *Thank* *You* for doing this!

I love this video. It’s very helpful and clear. Thank you!

great Vid Trevor. some great advice, I have the SVBONY CLS Filter and was surprised at how well it works Cheers!

Hi Trevor! Thanks for your useful guide! exactly what i was looking for!

Great overview, You mentioned the sky tech CLS filter and that is a personal favorite. Glad to hear there’s a filter solution for these LED street lights that are overtaking our cities.

The L-Enhance is what I asked for for Christmas! I’ve never used a filter so I’m really excited

Another very useful video, Trevor. I’ve gone for the Optolong L-Pro based on your experience, and can’t wait to try it out when the weather clears up. Someone needs to invent a cloud filter.

Fantastic video. So much great information!

great as always!

Thank you Trevor, that was very helpful.

Glad you made this video. I have trying to figure out what I need with the Bortle 5 sky I have.

Very informative and useful video!!. Thanks

I can see 6-10 stars from my backyard, and I'm lucky if I can see Polaris

Great info, thank you!

good job, as usual!

Thanks for the video. I have been using Clear Outside for years and never realised what the sky quality information was about Doh.

Can you make a video on how do you maintain your gear? I find it extremely difficult to clean those filters, for example

Kudos to stacy in the UK. Well done. That's an amazing photo.

One of your best videos to date. I ask, and you provide. I have been looking for exactly this kind of video with this kind of comprehensive summarising/overviewing. You have spoken in-depth about every single filter that I personally had in mind and was looking for exactly this kind of information about each one so that I can make mental classifications, ranks, and grades, and also plan future savings for future purchases! This way, I get to decide very efficiently about what I'm going to buy first and what I'm going to buy next. I primarily image from two locations - one is Bortle 2 while the other is Bortle 8-9 (Bengaluru, India).

Great instructional video! Comprehensive and easy to follow. I am relatively new to astrophotography and use an unmodified DSLR. Information on various filters, and their situational uses with unmodified DSLRs, will help me make knowledgeable decisions about which filters to purchase. Thanks

Trevor, very informative video. Filters can be challenging to figure out so it’s nice to confirm my thoughts on which filters to get. I have the CLS-CCD and the Optolong L eNhance. Can’t wait to match them up with my new ZWO ASI294MC Pro from my bortle class 8 sky in LA.

Great video. It really shows how there's no one right answer, but more a broad range answers of based on targets, skies, and budget. Also, many thanks for earning me a ton of cool daddy points. My daughter renamed M27 to "Space Apple" the first time I imaged it with her, and it has remained her favorite nebula. So when my image came up, she screamed with glee and exclaimed "He's showing MY photo of Space Apple!!!"

I use the IDAS LP-1 clip in filter in a modified Canon camera and it works great in my North Eastern US semi - remote location for capturing hydrogen emissions. Here there is a mix of high pressure sodium and metal halide lighting to contend with. A spectrometer can also aid in determining which filter to use for a given location.

Merry Christmas, Trevor.

Whew! I was wondering, but my Badder M&SG made the cut! I have a huge mosh of light pollution in my yard. I hide in a dark spot behind over grown ivy on the block walls. The most recent change was LED streetlamps, which in my opinion are a huge improvement over the High Pressure Sodium that was casting its orange glow everywhere. They shine down and the only stray light is what bounces up from the ground, in my immediate area. I can see more stars with my naked eyes now. I'm in a Bortle 4-5 area. And I use a Badder Moon and Sky Glow all the time, or an Ha7nm for reads, with an Atik Infinity OSC camera. I like to image Nebula. It's why I entered into Astrophotography. Totally Deep Space for me. I wish I could try the various filters you demonstrate. But being an old guy on retirement, I'm driven to do as much as I can with what I have. Thanks Trevor! I'm enjoying your work with these videos. SonnyE

I just got my L Enhance 2 inch and the STC Duo Narrowband in 20 minutes ago. The STC is a FF clip in for my Nikon D750 and D850. Good timing on the video

Hey Trevor, thank you so much for continuing to create great content on the subject matter. I was wondering if you had the chance to try the Baader Semi APO Filter? From the spectrum it seems very similar to the IDAS NGS1 which you are talking about - but at just 60% of the price tag. Are those two filters comparable in your mind?

We’re so fortunate to live in a time of this incredible technology but so unfortunate that light pollution is such a problem!

Great round up of lp filters Trevor. I've been wondering whether to buy the IDAS D2 Filter for a while now. I have Bortle 5 skies with LED lighting around my neighbourhood but no direct sources of light. Just that general whiteish glow of LP. Do you happen to know what bortle the image with the stock DSLR of Orion and the HH was taken is ?

Hello Trevor! Thabk you so much for all your amazing videos and blog posts! I have a mono camera and I shoot from a Bortle 6 city-light polluted area. Since you mainly talked about dslr and one-shot, what filter would you suggest for a mono? Is the L-pro worth it or are there better choises?

Wonderfully informative video... I was most impressed with Bock's image at 9:46 into the video. Do you know what camera(s) and scope(s) that he used to make the image?

Thank you so much

Thanks, very informative video💫

Just started with astrophotography. Thank you for all your videos. I'm in a Bortle 5 area. Until now I only shot the moon. So much to get and buy and learn. Your videos are really helpful. Next stop for me is a sky tracker. Just got a new DSLR body. We also have LED street light. It's very directed downwards. As of my stand of knowledge there is no LED "capable" filter on the market right?! Keep on making those good videos. And allways a clear, dark sky.

hi trevor, thanks for your videos, what can i expect of this filters in a non modified dslr?

You should make a video of you trying to photograph all Messier objects. I think that’d be a pretty cool video👌🏼Keep up the great work your a big inspiration to me and many others😄

I've a question: assuming you're in a Bortle Class 8-9 sky, what are your chances of getting decent shots with these filters (hopefully with natural hues)?

Thank you again for very informative & timely video. I just purchased an iOptron SkyTracker Pro used in excellent condition for $150 usd now searching for a DSLR with a swiveling screen and some longer glass. Constantly searching Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist for the next piece of the puzzle. Being a bargain by bin shopper probably be starting with the SVBony (strange name) filter.

I've used quite a few of those. I really, really liked the Hutech IDAS LPS D1. That was my go-to filter for many years. As you said, the inclusion of LED street lights has just about made the LPS D1 much less effective. So much so that I've purchased a mono camera and a full compliment of filters. I still have my OSC with a Optolong L-eNhance at the recommendation of Dean @ Starizona to compliment my recent acquisition of a Hyperstar for my EdgeHD 8". They have yet to see first light but this weekend looks promising!

I've subbed. Waving a hand to all...from SoCal.

Saturday morning. I grab a coffee and watch how much money I have to save. Excellent job on the video Trevor. Very informative!

thanks, very helpful.

Good video, thanks

Great video to understanding which filter to buy thanks trevor, by the way can you share which type of slot in filter you use ya.

Trevor... Good video on different filters. I'm in Bortles 8. What WO scope is that on top of the esprit 100?

Trevor thanks for the vids 👍 can you recommend any filters for visual astronomy?

Very handy video for newbies....will recommend to others. I use both a full 35mm frame mono camera with RGB and Ha,OIII, SII which is the most versatile. I also use a OSC camera with Hyperstar. Have used both IDAS D1 and D2 filters and just ordered a Triad filter. I image with 80mm APO, 152mm APO refractors and both 8" and 11" SCTs with hyperstar. The Triad has the advantage of narrow band with the fast speed of F2 for the Hyperstar without going off band. While the big camera is untouched for image quality, Hyperstar gives amazing results in short amount of time. I have used Hyperstar and before that Fastar. While the originals were impressive....the latest versions of Hyperstar take it to the next level with internal filter drawer and amazing stars to the edge of the FOV. Shame that we have to resort to this to fight light polution. Luckily I have access to some very good dark skies but not in my backyard which is where I prefer to image for convenience. These filters help a lot with OSC cameras.

Great video. I would love for someone to post shots using a filter and ones without, to see a side-by-side comparison as to how each filter enhances the shot. Thanks!

Thank you for the info! I like the LFO app! See you at NEAF

Thanks for the video. I just got a ZWO 294 MC pro and now I need to start looking at filters for my bortle 7/8 . I still have so much to learn, but I'll get there. I just need a clear night now...

I bought an IDAS lps-d1 clip on for my Nikon d5600 (listed as for D5300/D5500). I had some results that I couldn't believe it's from my own camera. Best investment so far:)

I still have my 1.25 inch Lumicon filters from the early 1990s, the Deep Sky, UHC, OIII and the HBeta, all premium quality. Using the filters enabled me to see the veil nebula from the back garden for the first time pretty easily and of course using the HBeta filter I did see the Horsehead nebula visually with my 8.75 inch F 6 Dobsonian way back in 1993. Cant fault the filters but back in the day they were bloody expensive to buy!

Will they also help against the full Moon? I don have the problem with city lights, just with the moon...

I have a optolong L-Enhance but can't figure out how to add into the imaging train. (C8 EdgeHD with ASI294) At the beginning of the vid you seem to just slide it into a filter draw. What gear is that?

Any tips for removing the color cast some filters add? Picked up the Skytech cls filter after your recommendation and all my images are very green tinted

Great information! I suppose we are already supposed too know some of these things, but a few details on the lenses or telescopes and power these were shot with, and whether they were shot using a guide camera, etc, would have been very helpful.

So in my bortle 3 sky (neighborhood floodlights) the moon and sky glow would be a fair choice?

Are there quad-band clip-in filters?

What would you recommend for basic landscape milky way photography

Thank you for this video. I am new to deep space astrophotography, and would love to find out more about astro specific light pollution filters suitable for my setup. I have recently converted my Canon 6d mark 2 to full spectrum, and shooting with regular camera lenses under class 9 bortle night sky in Singapore. I noticed that clip in filters are not compatible with canon 6d mark 2 (at least this is stated in the astronomik website), and also find it hard to find 82mm filters for regular camera lenses. I wonder if you can recommend any astro specific night filter that suits my setup? Thanks again.

I agree that it’s helpful using examples taken by amateurs.

I am only getting started (just purchased my star tracker woo!!) This will be very helpful in the future. I cant wait to start shooting in my back yard. (bortle 4) Also the music is getting better.

are there any front of lens screw on filters?

Hi Trevor. A question regarding the Baader Moon and SkyGlow filter. I've purchased an exemplar (not yet used) to use with my DSLR (unmodified) and my EVOSTAR 72ED and ES102FCD100. I live under a Bortle 8 Sky (my balcony) but with fast acess to a Bortle 4/5 (if I climb to the top of the Island) Should I get an UHC or L-enhance to get the most of my rig under the 8 Sky or the Baader will be a nice start? Thanks

which one is good for astro and landscape photography?

What would you recommend for someone shooting wide angle targets (Milky Way, etc.) with a stock mirrorless?

What would you suggest if I want to shoot broadband targets from Seattle downtown (bortle 9)?

Hi Trevor, I have a nikon d5100 camera and wanted to get a light pollution filter but I cant seem to find any. Would you be able to help me with finding one?

What an amazing video. I’m new in the astronomy world. I just bought a new laptop to use with my Nikon cameras for my astronomy pictures. Any recommendations for a good app.

Do any of these filters work for shooting M31 with a Canon T3i (unmodified) in Bortle 9 city center?

What kind of results would you get if you use optolong L-enhance filter in a bortle sky 2 to 5 (same, better or worse results?) vs the 6 to 8

Recently bought a nisi natural night filter for my fuji lens. Looking forward to seeing what difference it makes. I've also sourced an astro-duo narrowband clip in filter for my fuji camera, are they definitely worth the investment?

I am really confused about which one to choose as a first one and I am just going to try capturing general stars and dont have a big budget.

Very good summary of filters. However, I must add that each and every image that you showed wee absolutely amazing in terms of clarity, color, etc. And at that point the question that comes up in my mind is - is it all due to the filter that was used? There are so many other factors such as the optics, post-processing, to name a few that play in the final outcome. Perhaps one should look at the non-processed individual light frames to compare the role played by the filter? Or best, run two rigs at the same time on the same target, one with filter and one without - and subject them to the same post-processing? Would love your comments.

Thanks Trevor for this Video, I ordered the SVBONY CLS Clipin Filter to try it out when my DSLR is Astromodified (in January)(live under Bortle 4.8), yesterday everything was washed out because of Moonlight, a shame, was not bad but 4 hours of data not worth to post for example on Instagram ...

TREVOR can i use this filter with my canon t3i and the standard 18 to 55mm lens