[ATMoB-discuss] New Omega filter

[mmotta at massmed.org]

Hello all,

   As many of you know, I am an avid
galaxy hunter and observer. Therefore,
with the hype in S&T by Omega filters
new product the GCE filter (Galactic
contrast enhancement), I placed an order
last December, finally arriving a few
weeks ago. Last week and earlier this
week, I used it, and did a direct
comparison with my older Lumicon deep
sky filter.
  I was underwhelmed. I used it with my
32 inch scope, and I live under
reasonably dark sky. With both there was
a very minor amount of contrast
enhancement. (The background very minor
darkening, but no real increase in any
detail seen). I finally "blinded" myself
to the filters, and tried them randomly
on various galaxies. I ended up picking
the lumicon as a better view most of the
time.
  So, my conclusions are: neither very
helpful, the older Lumicon was superior
(marginal). This is not like the lumicon
O3 filter, I swear by that for nebulae.
Possibly if tried under more light
pollution, more of an effect, but... I
never found the lumicon much value even
back in lynnfield under poor skies, so I
doubt it.

   Just FYI for all on a waste of my
funds.

Mario Motta