STC offers clip-on light pollution filter for full-frame Nikon DSLRs

Just received my STC clip filter. Will test it this Thursday is weather permits!
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3570881/clip-nikon-ff

Jan 4, 2017permalink

kennebunk larry

I can't wait to see your results. What model camera will you be using? Will you compare identical exposures with and without the filter?

Thanks,
Larry

Jan 7, 2017permalink

Hello Larry,
I have an issue with this clip filter at the moment. I am waiting for a solution from STC this Monday. Hope to be able to test it in a light polluted area soon!
Have a nice day,
Mario

Jan 7, 2017permalink

sirhawkeye64

I don't care what this does, or any product like it... I'm not putting anything over the sensor.... that just screams voided warranty to me. Now a lens filter or something "external"--that's fine with me, and I would probably use one, but nothing that actually goes inside the body and/or attaches to the sensor or mirror.

Dec 29, 2016*permalink

Dear sirhawkeye64,
Inserting a clip filter does not affect the camera warranty at all. You must be talking about an astro camera modification perhaps!

Dec 29, 2016permalink

Biowizard

Filters over the SENSOR?! C'mon, these things live over the front element of your lens (or in the case of some extreme fisheyes, cats and telephotos) somewhere in the body in a dedicated slot.

Buy if you must - or just get real, and head into deep country when you want to photograph the stars!

Brian

Dec 28, 2016permalink

I feel the presence of a great master!

Dec 28, 2016permalink

KubrickFR

I agree, except astro-photographers don't use lenses, so where do you put the filter?

Dec 29, 2016permalink

AustinMN

I can just imagine what one of these would cost in the 16 inch (~41cm) diameter size needed to go over the front element of someone's telescope.

Dec 29, 2016permalink

Astrophotographers do you lenses, examples with a 70-200mm f4:
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3567428/ic-405-410-417-m36-38-hemmingford-20161225-dp
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3567168/ic-1396-hemmingford-20161225-dp
For a telescope, they use one of these between the telescope (a big lens) and the camera like I do:
http://www.astronomik.com/en/filter-gegen-lichtverschmtzung-filters-against-lightpollution-lpr/cls-ccd-filter.html?___store=en

Dec 29, 2016*permalink

Here is my unguided setup with 2 DSLR cameras (one is with a Hutech LPS-D1 light pollution clip filter).
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3568286/hemmingford-timelapse-juin-06-2016-dp

Dec 29, 2016permalink

wakaba

Those filters are wonderful. Live in a town at the bottom of a mountain with some seriously large t-scopes. We have very dim and few streetlights and most homes are also dimly lit because of the scopes. No need for astro-filters anymore. Almost zero light pollution. Sleepquality is amazing without all that pollution. There really is no need for leaving lights on at night in buildings and on the street. Its time to turn of the lights worldwide and enjoy the nightsky again.

Dec 25, 2016permalink

Combatmedic870

And get robbed....

Dec 25, 2016permalink

weihaowang

It's not a sure thing that increasing lighting can reduce crime. See:
http://www.citylab.com/housing/2014/02/street-lights-and-crime-seemingly-endless-debate/8359/
and
http://darksky.org/light-pollution/lighting-crime-and-safety/

Dec 25, 2016permalink

wakaba

Streetlighting, robbing and roadsafety cannot be linked reliably. Sleepproblems, unnecessary waste of energy and environmental impact, however, are.

Dec 25, 2016permalink

h2k

"Its time to turn of the lights worldwide and enjoy the nightsky again."
---
Would love that too. Never understood why streetlights need to illuminate my sleeping room 50 mtrs away from the street. But they will keep doing so for the next 20 years too, I'm sure.

7 months agopermalink

(unknown member)

How about a filter and a .22 caliber rifle to take-out the security light your neighbour just put in? Same effect.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

In the past, I lived on a skde street with a street light at the end that was a not needed. I just flashed the sensor on the light with a laser pointing every ten minuts or so. Worked great.

Dec 24, 2016permalink

(unknown member)

I don't know if they still work that way, I'll try it. Meanwhile, I see more implementations of LED streetlights now and despite concerns over their wavelengths, they are more or less shielded.

Dec 24, 2016permalink

entoman

Excuse a question from a non-astro photographer:

If the only thing that this filter does, is to filter out a particular wavelength of light, I don't understand why it is necessary to have the filter on the sensor, instead of making it in standard filter sizes and fitting to the front of the lens. I can only see it being useful if you are using a fish-eye lens, that doesn't accept normal circular filters.

If the camera is attached to a telescope, I would think it better to fit the filter to the scope.

Poking things around over the sensor sounds like a risky business, and it must be quite a fiddly operation, with a strong chance of getting finger-prints on the filter, introducing dust onto the sensor, or, worse still accidentally scratching or scuffing the sensor or shutter while fitting or removing the device.

Plus, you have to remove it when you want to use the camera for daylight photography!

Dec 23, 2016*permalink

MisterBaz

Because if it costs $200 USD for a filter slightly larger than a postage stamp, a 67mm screw on lens filter is probably going to run you north of $500.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Hello entoman,
1. It is more suitable and less expensive to have the filter between the lens and the filter because of: http://www.astronomik.com/en/clip-filter-system.html
2. No, look for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7As7VkK5rtg
3. This is for people who are doing astrophotography, I rarely remove mine!

Dec 23, 2016permalink

entoman

Thanks for the reply guys!

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Also, Clip filters are not so good with wide-angles and even worst with fish-eyes lenses. I think a minimum of 35mm in FF is required to achieved good results. See this image taken last month with Nikon D5500a and Hutech LPS-D1 clip filter and Nikkor 18-35mm at 35mm f5,6 (equivalent of 50mm in FF) and look at the stars in the corners: https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3565627/barnard-s-loop-hemmingford-20161107-dp

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Light Polluted Clip filters are good. Many astrophotographers are using them in light polluted areas like mine. Just uploaded 3 images taken with Hutech LPS-DI clip filter for my Nikon D5500.
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3565600/california-nebula-d55-200-st-z-non-20160905-dp
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3565602/pleiades-d55-100-st-z-non-20160904-dp
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3565601/ngc-6914-hemmingford-20160823-dp

Dec 23, 2016permalink

King Penguin

Amazing, obviously you know what you are doing and I reckon your pictures will inspire many others to try it for themselves and use up some of their excess Xmas gift cash :)

Merry Xmas.......

Dec 23, 2016permalink

J A C S

Wow! What lens/telescope did you use?

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Hello J A C S,
#1 with Nikkor 70-200mm f4 set at 200mm f5.6 (very good lens for Astro)
#2 with Sky-Watcher Esprit 100/550mm f5.5 (superb optics)
#3 with Nikkor 300mm PF f4 set at f5.6 (not recommended for Astro because of it's Fresnel design).
But my favourite Wide Field lens is the Nikkor 85mm f1.8. Here is an example:
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3565706/barbard-loop-d55-85-hemmingford-20161011-dp
This is my actual Astro Setup:
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3565707/sw-eq6-az-with-esprit-100-550-f5-5

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Here is another image taken with my actual Astro setup:
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3557711/horsehead-nebula-ic-434-hemmingford-20161107-dp
I really like this one!

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Nice Mario. I live with my OIII filter on my CGE14 for planetary viewing. The broadband filter here is great even when one thinks the pollution is low.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

fuego6

Nice Mario... can you detail the setup and costs involved... looks like quite an expensive eq mount and setup there... must take awhile to setup and calibrate as well?

Dec 24, 2016permalink

Hello fuego6,
EQ6 AZ equatorial mount with extension tube; Esprit 100; Losmandy 19"; and 2 7"; Orion 60mm; Celestron NexGuide; Thousand Oaks Dew Control Unit; 3 heater bands; 2 Celestron PowerPack batteries; 1 Modified Nikon D5500a with Hutech LPS-D1 clip filter; 1 Standard Nikon D610 with custom Astronomik CLS-CCD filter. 2 battery packs; and many batteries; Willam Optics Laser finder....etc. +- 12000 Cad $.
Setup time is around 1 hour, calibration around 30 minutes when everything is Ok!

Dec 24, 2016permalink

AstroStan

"Modified Nikon D5500a with Hutech LPS-D1 clip filter"

It is likely that most readers are unaware of "modification" (or even know what that means) but the modification is mostly responsible for the colors in the nebula images. Unless the site has significant light pollution due to sodium (esp low pressure) or other narrow band pollutants there is no significant improvement from such a filter, which can result in degradation because the filter also blocks astro signals.

Nice shots from a DSLR though I don't care for the goosed contrast of the display images.

Dec 24, 2016permalink

darkalfie

nice.. do u use a tracking module for ur 85mm ?

Dec 25, 2016permalink

dialstatic

Amazing! Don't want to ask you where you live exactly (for obvious reasons ;-) but could you indicate in which color area you live in the Darksitefinder light pollution map? http://darksitefinder.com/maps/world.html

It would help me get some idea of what to expect. Thanks!

Dec 25, 2016permalink

Hello dialstatic,
I live in Montreal, Québec but I do most of my images in Hemmingford, a little town 50km south of Montreal. This area is a yellow area according to ClearSky chart.
http://www.cleardarksky.com/lp/sapm_pqlp.html?Mn=photoshop

Dec 26, 2016permalink

Hello AstroStan,
As previously described, these images have been mostly taken in a Yellow Zone on the Clear Sky Chart where all astroimagers (friends) are using anti light pollution filters.
Not to contradict you, this image has been taken with a standard Nikon D610 with CLS filter. I hope you can see that these filters are working pretty well on non-modified DSLR....
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3557711/horsehead-nebula-ic-434-hemmingford-20161107-dp
Please. I do not see any images in your gallery. Would you please upload some.

Dec 26, 2016permalink

Hello again diastatic,
This image has been taken with a CLS anti-pollution filter in a heavy light polluted zone (white zone = worst light polluted zone). On top of artificial lights, the picture was taken with 99% illuminated super-moon! Hope this can help.
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3566821/sard-montr-al-et-lune-99-20161113-dp
Note that my Nikon D610 is a standard non-modified camera.

Dec 26, 2016*permalink

AstroStan

"I do not see any images in your gallery. Would you please"

I haven't updated in too long but here are a few examples:
http://www.stanmooreastro.com/astro_page.html

and here is a more recent pic using hi-speed EMCCD:
http://Stanmooreastro.com/images/Trapezium_SM2015.JPG

Stan

Dec 26, 2016*permalink

Nice images for a CCD even if I don't care for the lack of contrast of the displayed images.

Dec 26, 2016permalink

analoggrotto

Ive never seen the milky way with my own eyes (Atlanta, GA), but hope to hike up to TN and get a good nebula this spring.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Enginel

So this does work only with LV, right? What if user accidentally switches to OVF?
I recall in some cameras shutter motor is coupled with mirror.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

I do not understand why it should only work in LV.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

weihaowang

This particular filter can only be installed if you lift up the mirror. And the mirror will be held up there by the filter. Because of this , the OVF won't work at all and you can only shoot in LV mode.

On APS-C cameras (also the Canon FF cameras?), there is enough space in front of the mirror to install such a filter without interfering the mirror. This is not the case for Nikon FF. So this is why there hasn't been any body clip-in filters for Nikon FF until this particular product from STC. I personally don't like this idea. This forces the camera to work in a mode it's not really supposed to. However, if one has to use a clip-in filter in a Nikon FF (search for my other reply to see the reason), this is probably the only solution.

Dec 25, 2016permalink

Steenoe

This one won't put sensor/shutter at risk, and works with any camera/lens that accepts a filterholder.
http://www.lonelyspeck.com/purenight/

They also make the Sharpstar focusing "filter"

Dec 23, 2016permalink

jannefoo

That's a cheap didymium filter, not a sub-wavelength coated interference filter.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

(unknown member)

light pollution filters are great. astronomik has been making these for canon EOS for the longest of times. and now have sony FE and canon EF-M filters as well.

keep in mind that if you are trying to use this for astro-landscapes you may not like the results, they tend to lengthen exposure times by up to a stop.

these are really meant for DSLR's on tracking mounts, were the extra time for exposure isn't a big deal because your mount moves with the sky.

and finally if you live in a ultra modern part of the world that is removing sodium vapor lighting and replacing with LED .. these won't work well either.

Dec 23, 2016*permalink

(unknown member)

Astrophotography.....

There is no landscapes in astrophotography.....

This filter is meant for astrophotography.... So anyone who is including landscape in their composition ain't doing astrophotography but landscape photography....

Dec 23, 2016permalink

badi

@Tommi, technically you are correct, however the "landscape astrophotography" is a thing and pretty popular as well, and that is the name it is referred to. And it is correct, as it is half landscape and, the more important, half "astro" photography (and to get the sky background right you just need to apply basic astrophotography techniques),

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Thermidor

What happens if you use it for normal photography with filter on? Just curious.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

badi

it blocks some light wavelengths as you can see in the diagram on their site, corresponding, mostly, to the light emitted by normal bulbs used in city illumination. That lengths are also present in the natural sun light, so the effect will be a color shift (compared to the images shot without it). Judging from the colors it cuts, it will reduce heavily on oranges, so the images will look cooler (actually that is supported by their examples as well). Also there will be some light reduction probably around a stop or so.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Thermidor

Thanks for taking the time to answer. I don't do astro photography, but ever since the D810A, I was quite curious as to the difference the filters make.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

(unknown member)

There is astrophotography, and then just landscape phtogoraphy.

If I set camera on tripod where I have 1/3 of land and 2/3 of sky (or 50/50) on day, I start shooting timelapse. Why does suddenly the photography change from landscape to astrophotography when only the time passes?
Meaning sky clears up, sun goes otherside of earth as earth rotates and stars becomes more visible?
The stars are visible even on daytime.... They are just far more difficult to see.
Claiming that landscape photoraphy is astrophotography if you see stars better or you see black sky, is just twisting the definitions.

Astrophotography doesn't touch by any means the earth. It is like saying if you are using telescope made for birding, that you are astronomer when you see a star behind the bird sitting on branch....

If you do astrophotography, you only include the space.
There is even skyscape like landscape. And neither is astrophotography.
Astrophotography is special photography like Macro photography.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

(unknown member)

I know Tommy, but many are using the term interchangeably.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

badi

:) no need to get so defensive against just the usage of some words. As i already said, you are "technically correct", i am not contradicting you. It's just that "landscape astrophotography" is the term used by a terrible lot of people including prestigious photographers, websites and so on (like luminous-landscape for instance), so even if you don't like the term it's nothing you can do about it.

Also my point was that for a picture to fall in that category, shooting the sky (or the sky part, as many times the foreground and the sky are shot separately and merged into a single image) involves some astro-photography knowledge and techniques.

It's just a mix of two areas. You know like "sport photography" - doing sport doesn't involve photography. Doing photography doesn't involve sport (unless you have very heavy gear) :)

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Satyaa

Sounds interesting.

The first image sample on the product site is too dramatic but the actual shots from D810 are similar to what I experienced with my D7200 (the light orange glow from light pollution). The difference with the filter is noticeable.

I wonder if this is required or useful for D810A, which is already designed for Astro-Photography.

Too bad it's not for APSC.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Hello Satyaa,
For APSC, see Hutech clip filter for Nikon (found at the bottom of the price list)
http://www.hutech.com
I am currently using an LPS-D1 clip filter for my D5500 with some interesting results.
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3562745/heart-soul-nebula-st-z-non-20160903-dp

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Here is the price list link:
http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/prices/filters.htm

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Satyaa

Hi Mario. Yes, your photo is interesting. Thanks for the link to Hutech. I will check out the product(s). Thanks.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Sittatunga

It's very useful for astro-modified colour cameras as the modification is to the IR filter in front of the sensor. This makes it filter out less of the extreme red end of the spectrum, increasing the sensitivity to the hydrogen-alpha light emitted by gas nebulae around five-fold. Cutting out the streetlights before you start processing makes it easier to bring out the nebulae.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Hello Sittatunga,
My Nikon D5500 has been modified by Kolari Vision for the purpose of astrophotography!

Dec 23, 2016*permalink

PhotoUniverse

Excellent. I should get one of those

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Do it like I just did!

Dec 23, 2016permalink

rfsIII

Amusing that terrestrial photographers have so many anxieties about this filter while the astro folk can't wait to buy one. Moonstruck, the lot of them.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

(unknown member)

Most astro folk have been using light pollution filters for the last decade.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

True. Nothing new here. I've been using LP filters since Lumicon and Orion started making them in the 80's. Same with solar filtration filters from Bayer, etc.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

@rgsII. Maybe you think it is amusing. And, sure do so. For me, that never ever have heard about a clip on filter this was news. And I wanted to know what they are good for. And also know if the (theoretical) dangers I see is for real.

Now I know and am a bit wiser. Which I find amusing.

I still am not 100% sure why such a filter could not be on the lens or on the ocular/eyepiece. Which sounds a more common solution.

If you put the filter on the sensor, then that camera is not all that useful for other stuff than astro.

Dec 23, 2016*permalink

Roland, there is a greater chance of reflection from the film and front element as opposed to over the sensor.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Just ordered one for my D610... can't wait!

Dec 23, 2016*permalink

Wow! That is good news for me! I am using a Nikon D610 for astrophotography with some interesting results. Actually using Custom Astronomik CLS filter into my Nikkor lenses in not an easy task (tape). Also using Hutech LPS-D1 clip filter for a Nikon D5500a (modified) but with some trouble (making a colour shift for blue wavelength) but the problem is not coming form the clip filter but form the Kolari Vision modification). I will order this Cyclops Optics filter and let you know.

Dec 22, 2016permalink

PeaceKeeper

Nikon used to have removable AA filters WAY back in the day. This is not as huge as concern for the camera and sensor as you are all making it out to be.

Dec 22, 2016permalink

Enginel

which models?

Dec 23, 2016permalink

I think it is a bit exciting to snap this thing to the sensor. Lets say something goes wrong and it is hit by the shutter. The camera is then bound to need repair. Or - how about dust?

Dec 22, 2016permalink

Hello Roland,
Actual Clip filters are not doing any damaged to the mirror. Clip filters prevent camera sensor to get dust too. You should try if you are into astrophotography.
Mario

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Regarding damage, I was not talking about the sensor or mirror. I was talking about the shutter. The shutter is just in front of the sensor. Some very few mm. If the shutter closes and the clip on filter is not correctly attached, or loosens, the shutter will be broken, big time.

Regarding dust. Yes, the clip on thing protects the sensor stack against dust. But, you need to do the attachment dust free, both on the sensor stack and on the filter.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Hello Roland,
I am astrophotographer using Clip Filters from Hutech. With experience in my hands, I can tell you that I have never experienced any trouble with the shutter. The same goes with other astrophotographers friends. For the dust, same again, the clip filter is helping prevents dust from going on the sensor and it is much easier cleaning the clip filter than the sensor.
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/2833624202/photos/3562745/heart-soul-nebula-st-z-non-20160903-dp

Dec 23, 2016permalink

OK - thanks for the info.

Dec 23, 2016permalink

barrym1966

Clip over the sensor what could possibly go wrong

Dec 22, 2016permalink

IainD

I would be concerned about scratching the sensor.

Dec 22, 2016permalink

I would be concerned regarding damaging the shutter.

Dec 22, 2016*permalink

Favorable Exponynt

It goes in front of the mirror
https://cdn6.bigcommerce.com/s-9ezuz/products/244/images/1286/STC-Clip-Flter_04_1000__53838.1470336741.1280.1280.jpg

look carefully, it is a bit rusty

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Tons o Glass 0 Class

There's also one for Canon cameras: https://www.cyclopsoptics.com/filters/stc-astro-multispectra-clip-filter-canon-full-frame/

And one for those of you who want to put it on the front of a lens instead:
https://www.cyclopsoptics.com/filters/stc-astro-multispectra-filter/

Dec 22, 2016permalink

No! Better between the lens and the sensor, not in front of the lens!... get informed!
Mario

Dec 23, 2016permalink

WillWeaverRVA

The sample photos are nice enough, but I'm still skeptical about this without seeing any real-world testing.

Dec 22, 2016permalink

physicsbob

Yes but for those of us that also attach our cameras to our telescope, this should work well for both telescope and lens astro photography.

Dec 22, 2016permalink

Absolutely!

Dec 23, 2016permalink

rev32

How well does it work? Has anyone tested this thing? I'd be interested if it really works well...

Dec 22, 2016permalink

I just ordered one today. I will let you know as soon as I can.
Mario

Dec 23, 2016permalink

rev32

would appreciate!

Dec 23, 2016permalink

Can anyone tell me- Why do this filter need to be attached to the sensor? Why not a filter on the lens?

And also - what do it really do?

Dec 22, 2016*permalink

Tons o Glass 0 Class

This filter can be used when the camera is attached to either a telescope or a lens. And according to the company producing this filter, placing it closer to the sensor "reduces color shift that may occur at the peripheral areas of the image."

As to what it really does, it filters out specific wavelengths of light that are typically associated with light pollution. https://cdn6.bigcommerce.com/s-9ezuz/product_images/uploaded_images/stc-astro-multispectra-spectrum.jpg?t=1459278156.

Dec 22, 2016permalink

Thanx! That is clear and concise! It is a filter with several narrow band pass or block. Some kind of interference filter. For this to work properly light has to hit it at a small angle.

Dec 22, 2016*permalink

Pretty much a broadband filter much like the old Deep Sky filter from Lumicon. It lets in the OIII, H Alpha and Beta lines while blocking sodium and mercury vapour lighting. Works well and is more natural than some of the narrowband filters like the OIII filter.

Dec 22, 2016permalink

There are new lights comoing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceramic_discharge_metal-halide_lamp

Dec 22, 2016permalink

weihaowang

The true reason is that interference filters like this do not do well on light coming with large angles. If the light ray does not enter the filter perpendicularly, the filter profile will shift, making the filter act slightly differently. If you put such a filter in front of a wide-angle lens, the field center and corners will appear to have different filtering effect, and this does not look good at all. So typically, light-pollution filters are recommended to be used on lenses longer than 85mm, or better, longer than 135mm.

A filter that goes between the lens and the sensor offers a potential solution. Even with a wide-angle lens, the light rays enter the sensor with more perpendicular angles, unlike the light rays entering the lens. This reduces the effect I mentioned above.

For pure astronomical uses with telescopes, there exist standard-size filters that can be attached to either the telescope or the camera adapter, so there is no need for such clip-in filters.

Dec 25, 2016permalink