
( Brand: Kase ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 1118100062 ), ( Part Type: Light ), ( Photo Filter Effect Type: Light Pollution Reduction ), ( Photo Filter Size: 95.0 ), ( Coating Description: No Coating ), ( Material: Tempered Optical Glass / Magnetized Aluminum Alloy ), ( UPC: 840337502699 ), ( Package Dimensions Lxwxh: 5.25x5.25x0.7 Inches ), ( Weight: 0.3 Pounds )
The **Kase 1118100062 Wolverine 95mm Magnetic Neutral Night Didymium Light Pollution Filter** is a high-performance optical accessory meticulously designed for astrophotographers, deep-sky observers, and astronomy enthusiasts who demand the finest clarity and contrast in their celestial imaging. Engineered with precision, this filter combines the advanced properties of **Neutral Night (NN) technology** with a **didymium coating**, creating a versatile tool that excels in both urban and light-polluted skies while maintaining exceptional color fidelity. The **95mm diameter** ensures compatibility with a wide range of telescopes, refractors, and camera setups, including popular DSLRs, DSLR adapters, and dedicated astrophotography rigs, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned astronomers.
At its core, the **Neutral Night coating** is a sophisticated multi-layered dielectric filter that selectively suppresses the most pervasive forms of light pollution namely, the **sodium (589nm) and mercury (435nm and 404nm) spectral lines** while allowing the full spectrum of natural starlight and deep-sky nebulae to pass through with minimal distortion. This results in significantly darker skies, enhanced contrast, and more detailed views of faint celestial objects like galaxies, star clusters, and emission nebulae, even when observing from locations plagued by artificial lighting. The filter s **neutral density** ensures that the overall brightness of the image remains balanced, preventing overexposure while preserving the natural tones of the cosmos.
What sets this filter apart is its integration of **didymium (Dy2O3) technology**, a rare-earth element coating that further refines performance by mitigating the **orange glow** often associated with sodium vapor lights a common issue in urban environments. The didymium layer absorbs excess orange wavelengths, resulting in a more natural black-and-white contrast and reducing the "orange haze" that can otherwise degrade the appearance of deep-sky objects. This dual-layer approach Neutral Night for broad-spectrum light pollution suppression and didymium for targeted sodium rejection delivers a cleaner, more authentic view of the night sky, making it particularly valuable for those capturing wide-field images or conducting visual observations under challenging lighting conditions.
The **magnetic mounting system** is both a practical and innovative feature, allowing for quick and hassle-free installation and removal without the need for additional adapters or screws. This design ensures that the filter can be easily swapped in and out of the optical path, making it ideal for astrophotographers who frequently adjust their setup or use multiple filters. The magnetic edge is precision-engineered to maintain perfect alignment with the optical axis of the telescope or camera, minimizing vignetting and ensuring that the full 95mm aperture is utilized for optimal light transmission and image quality. Additionally, the filter s **durable, anti-reflective coating** reduces internal reflections and ghosting, further enhancing contrast and sharpness in captured images.
Constructed from **high-quality optical glass**, the Wolverine filter is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use, including exposure to varying temperatures and humidity levels, which is particularly important for field astronomers or those operating in outdoor conditions. The robust yet lightweight design ensures stability during long-exposure astrophotography sessions, while the **non-reflective black matte finish** on the edges prevents stray light from scattering and compromising image quality. Whether used in conjunction with a camera s native sensor or paired with a dedicated astronomy camera, this filter consistently delivers **superior contrast, reduced light pollution, and vibrant deep-sky details**, making it a staple in any serious astrophotographer s toolkit.
In summary, the **Kase 1118100062 Wolverine 95mm Magnetic Neutral Night Didymium Light Pollution Filter** is a cutting-edge solution for astronomers seeking to push the boundaries of their observations and imaging capabilities. By combining the strengths of Neutral Night and didymium coatings with a user-friendly magnetic mount, this filter not only enhances the visibility of faint celestial objects but also preserves the integrity of color and contrast in both visual and photographic applications. Whether you're capturing the Andromeda Galaxy, the Veil Nebula, or simply enjoying the beauty of a star-studded night sky, this filter ensures that you experience the universe with clarity, precision, and unparalleled detail.
**Pros and Cons of buying a Kase 1118100062 Wolverine 95mm Magnetic Neutral Night Didymium Light Pollution Filter**
### **Pros**
1. **Effectiveness for Light Pollution Reduction** The filter is designed to block artificial light pollution while preserving natural star colors, making it ideal for astrophotography and deep-sky imaging. The neutral night and didymium coatings help minimize the impact of city lights on your shots.
2. **Magnetic Mounting** The magnetic design allows for easy installation and removal on DSLR or mirrorless cameras with metal lens mounts. This eliminates the need for additional adapters, making it convenient for quick setup and swapping filters.
3. **High-Quality Optics** Kase is known for producing high-quality optical filters with precise coatings. The 95mm size is versatile, fitting many mid-to-large-aperture lenses without vignetting.
4. **Durability** The filter appears to be built to last, with a sturdy construction that can withstand regular use in various environmental conditions.
5. **Compatibility with Common Lens Sizes** At 95mm, it works well with a wide range of lenses, including those used in astrophotography, landscape, and general photography.
6. **Minimal Color Shift** Unlike some cheaper filters, the Wolverine series is designed to maintain color accuracy while blocking unwanted light, which is crucial for both astro and general photography.
7. **Easy to Clean** The smooth, glass surface is easier to clean compared to some textured or multi-coated filters, reducing the risk of scratches.
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### **Cons**
1. **Price** Optical filters, especially high-quality ones like this, can be expensive. If you're on a tight budget, you might find cheaper alternatives with similar claims, though quality may vary.
2. **Potential Vignetting on Wide-Angle Lenses** While 95mm is a standard size, very wide-angle lenses (e.g., ultra-grand-angle) might still experience slight vignetting unless the filter is perfectly centered.
3. **Magnetic Strength Variability** Magnetic filters rely on the strength of the camera s lens mount. If your lens has a weak or non-magnetic mount, the filter may not stay securely attached, requiring additional support (e.g., a filter holder).
4. **Limited Use for Daytime Photography** Light pollution filters are primarily designed for nighttime or low-light conditions. Using them during the day may not provide noticeable benefits and could even reduce contrast in some cases.
5. **Brand Reputation (Mixed Reviews)** While Kase is a well-known brand, some users report inconsistencies in filter performance or durability compared to more established brands like Baader or Astronomik. Researching specific reviews for this model is advisable.
6. **No UV/IR Cutoff** This filter focuses on light pollution reduction but does not block UV or infrared light. If you need a filter that addresses these issues, you may need to pair it with a separate UV/IR cutoff filter.
7. **Potential for Overuse** Some photographers find that excessive use of light pollution filters can reduce overall image sharpness or introduce slight color casts if not properly calibrated.
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### **Conclusion**
The Kase 1118100062 Wolverine 95mm Magnetic Neutral Night Didymium Light Pollution Filter is a solid choice for astrophotographers and photographers dealing with significant light pollution. Its magnetic mounting, effectiveness in blocking unwanted light, and compatibility with standard lens sizes make it a practical addition to an astro photography setup. However, its cost, potential compatibility issues with certain lenses, and the need for careful handling (to avoid vignetting or misalignment) are factors to consider.
If you prioritize reducing light pollution in your nighttime shots and have a camera/lens setup that supports magnetic filters, this filter is worth considering. For those on a budget or needing additional features (like UV/IR protection), exploring alternatives or complementary filters may be necessary.
### **Recommendation**
**Buy if:**- You shoot in areas with significant light pollution and need to minimize its impact on your astro or night photography.
- You prefer the convenience of magnetic mounting and own a camera/lens with a compatible metal mount.
- You re willing to invest in a high-quality filter that balances performance and durability.
**Avoid if:**- You re working with ultra-wide-angle lenses that may cause vignetting.
- You need a filter that also blocks UV/IR radiation (consider pairing it with a separate UV/IR filter).
- You re concerned about the cost and want to test the waters with a cheaper alternative first.
For the best results, pair this filter with proper astrophotography techniques, such as using a sturdy tripod, remote shutter release, and dark sky locations when possible. Always clean the filter gently with a microfiber cloth and avoid touching the optical surface.
Up to 4 Wolverine Filters can be Stacked. Includes storage Case. No Color Cast, Swap Filter Super Fast. Extremely Lightweight.
Color Coded Filter Ring: Green, Neutral Night, Includes 95mm Conventional Screw Thread System Adapter, Shockproof Tempered Optical Glass. Weighs Around 1.5oz. Extremely Durable and Easy to Clean.