While doing anything regarding astrography, emitting light pollution is a must. For this purpose, light pollution filters are the perfect solution.
Nowadays, the two most famous light pollution filters are the optolong l enhance and extreme. However, people are having a hard time choosing between these two!
So, what’s the better option between the optolong l enhance vs l extreme?
Among the l extreme and l enhance, the l extreme provides better quality images. This is due to the 2 bandpasses with 7nm, fewer than what l enhance possesses. However, l extreme is far more expensive than the l enhance. Both these filters can be used in color cameras and DSLRs.
You may think this information is sufficient, but it’s not! Dive deep in the article to properly differentiate the two filters.
Start reading here!
Brief Comparison
The models of the Optolong light filters are now a controversial topic among astrophotographers.
Hence, the battle between the optolong l-extreme vs l-enhance.
In terms of manufacturing, there are no bad optolong light pollution filters. The enhanced and extreme filters are no exceptions. So, let me help you sort out your priorities!
Here’s a brief comparison between these two optolong light pollution filters-
| Differentiating Factors | Optolong I enhance | Optolong I extreme |
| Band Count | Dual-band | Tri-band |
| Bandpass | H-alpha, H-beta, and O3 | H-alpha and O3 |
| Emission Line Transmission | 90% | 88% |
| Colour Balance | Less | Better |
| Size | 1.25” and 2” | 1.25” and 2” |
| Price | Starts from 179$ | Starts from 239$ |
After reading this table, you’re a bit more clear about your decision, right? If you’re still trying to figure out a better option, don’t worry. You can make a concrete and perfect decision by reading the entire article!
I’ve included every possible comparison detail for the optolong I extreme and optolong l enhance here.
Reading the rest of this article will provide great insights. So, keep reading!
Extended Comparison
In light pollution filters, buying one of the optolong filters will suffice your needs. You will not need multiple filters to sharpen your astrophotography skills.
Since you don’t need multiple light pollution filters, it’s important to buy the best one. I’ll help you with this matter now.
Below, I’ve provided an in-depth comparison. It’ll help you know the difference between optolong l-extreme and enhance. So, let’s get started.
Band passes:
This is one of the important factors of a light pollution filter. The more substances the bandpass has, the more light pollution there will be!
The optolong l enhance 3 bandpasses; H-alpha, H-beta, and O3. These are great reductions of other light pollution as it only allows 3 bandpasses. The effect of 3 bandpasses is quite clear by the astrophotography by the Canon RP.
These light pollution filters are dual-band and tri-band. And although the H-beta is not quite significant in images, it’s an important factor. The nebula and supernova remnants have quite a lot of H-betas to capture!
The optolong l extreme only has 2 bandpasses; the H-alpha and the O3. So it is better in the sense that it’s omitting the H-beta frequency.
Winner: In the bandpass category, the l extreme is the winner!
Wavelength:
When we’re talking about light pollution filters, the wavelength is a super important aspect of it. The wavelengths determine the compactness of these bandpasses.
I’ve previously stated the bandpasses for both these filters. Interestingly enough, the wavelength is the capacity of the bandpasses mentioned.
For the optolong l enhance, the O3 and H-beta have 24nm wavelengths. Also, the H-alpha has only 10 nm of wavelength.
On the contrary, the optolong l extreme has a tighter wavelength than the enhance. The H-alpha and O3 bandpasses both have a 7nm wavelength. This measurement is better than what the l enhance has.
As a result, the astrography will be better! The overall contrast and vividness will be really nice with the l extreme.
Here, the l extreme has the capacity to isolate the wavelengths more specifically. It’s also the reason the l extreme’s the best among optolong l-pro vs l-enhance vs l-extreme.
Winner: In terms of wavelengths, the l extreme wins.
Price Point:
Budget is always a limiting and a determining factor for anything you’re purchasing. And that’s not an exception for these optolong filters in any way.
The optolong l enhance has two sizes, 1.25 inches, and 2 inches. The 1.25 inches variant starts from 179$ while the 2 inches start from 230$.
On the other hand, the optolong l extreme has similar sizes. The 1.25” variant of the l extreme starts from 239$. Also, the 2 inches variant is priced at 309$.
The size of these two filters is similar to the differences between eyepieces of 2”/1.25”. For the filters and eyepieces, the sizes can change the price point quite a lot.
It’s true that when these ultimate specs compare, the l extreme may offer more. However, from the price-to-value ratio, the l enhanced surely offers a groundbreaking deal!
So, regarding the price point, the l extreme comes in higher when compared to the l enhance.
Winner: The l enhanced wins the price point category for being the cheaper option between the two!
Camera Compatibility:
Although these filters are made with the same materials, you cannot use them with every camera.
You can use 3 specific cameras with the l extreme. The 3 cameras are; DSLR cameras, monochrome CCD cameras, and color cameras. Using these cameras can extract the optimal images.
Apart from the DSLRs, the monochrome’s better than a color camera. It captures the details more firmly! Don’t get me wrong though, the color cameras are decent too.
On the other hand, quite conveniently the l enhance also has the same camera compatibility. You can use the same camera with the l enhance.
Using any camera other than these 3 may hinder the quality of your images! Among the 3, the DSLR is the easiest to use.
Here are some high-spec and high-quality DSLR recommendations for you-
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
These DSLRs are not limited to astrophotography. You can use these on other photography occasions as well!
Winner: It’s a draw between the l enhance and l extreme regarding camera compatibility.
Which One Should You Go for?
You can clearly see that both these light pollution filters have tremendous capabilities. However, only one can be suitable for you. So, which one will it be?
If you’re looking for the clearest pictures, l extreme is the better choice for you. The pictures of l extreme will provide vividness and great contrast.
It has the lesser bandpasses. Also, It has the shortest wavelengths among these 2 filters. Still, the l extreme is a pretty expensive option.
On the contrary, if you’re aiming for a ‘bang for the buck’, l enhance is for you. The l enhance can offer a good deal at a good price. It captures 3 bandpasses only and emits the rest.
Regarding the downside, the l enhance has greater wavelengths compared to the l extreme. As a result, the image you get will be a bit less in quality.
FAQs
Do light pollution filters work with LED lights?
No, light pollution filters do not work well with LED lights. The continuous spectrum created from the LEDs disrupts the light pollution filter’s effects. This spectrum contains blue and red peaks that basically make the narrowband filters dysfunctional. As a result, the pollution filter does not work.
Are CLS filters good for galaxies?
CLS filters are not good or helpful for galaxies. By using the CLS, the galaxy and sky will be dimmer and there can be lacking light. On top of that, the SNR will not improve. This happens because the pollution in cities make is anti-monochromatic. As a result, the CLS filters do not work.
Are UHC filters good for astrophotography?
Yes, UHC filters are pretty decent for astrophotography. UHC stands for ultra-high contrast and it reduces artificial lighting when taking photographs. Additionally, it increases the contrast in astrophotography. The details are more vibrant, sharp, and accurate when using the UHC filters.
The Final Words
This is the end of this article. Hopefully, now you know the suitable choice between the optolong l enhance vs l extreme.
Note that, whichever option you choose, it’ll always be a good deal. It all depends on your priorities and skills in astrophotography.
Wishing you all the best.
