
( Brand: Desmond Photographic ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: ICE-LIPO-77 ), ( Part Type: Ice Filter Light ), ( UPC: 840337507229 ), ( Size: 77mm )
The **Desmond Photographic Ice-Lipo-77 77mm Lipo Didymium Filter** is a high-performance, broadband light pollution reduction filter designed specifically for astrophotographers and night sky enthusiasts seeking to enhance the contrast and clarity of celestial objects while minimizing the detrimental effects of artificial light pollution. Crafted with precision, this filter employs a **Lipo (Low-Pass Optical) Didymium coating**, a proprietary blend of rare earth elements that effectively suppresses the dominant sodium and mercury vapor emissions commonly found in urban and suburban lighting. Unlike traditional narrowband filters, the Ice-Lipo-77 operates across a broad spectrum, allowing for a more natural and balanced capture of deep-sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters while significantly reducing the overwhelming glow of light pollution. Its **77mm diameter** makes it ideal for use with a wide range of telescopes, DSLR cameras, and astrophotography setups, including those equipped with standard or modified sensors. The filter s **broadband design** ensures minimal color fringing and maintains high transmission efficiency in the visible spectrum, preserving the vibrant hues of celestial targets while delivering superior contrast against the backdrop of polluted skies. Whether used for wide-field imaging, deep-sky photography, or simply enhancing the visibility of faint objects during urban observations, the Desmond Ice-Lipo-77 is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between urban and rural astrophotography, empowering enthusiasts to capture the night sky with greater detail and purity. Built to withstand rigorous use, this filter is housed in a durable, anti-reflective cell, ensuring optical clarity and longevity while maintaining a sleek, low-profile profile that minimizes vignetting. Perfect for both amateur astronomers and seasoned photographers, the Desmond Ice-Lipo-77 is a testament to innovative optical engineering, offering an accessible yet powerful solution for those who refuse to let light pollution dim their passion for the cosmos.
### Pros and Cons of the Desmond Photographic Ice-Lipo-77 (77mm Lipo Didymium Filter for Broadband Light Pollution Reduction)
#### **Pros:**1. **Effective Light Pollution Reduction** The Lipo (Light Pollution Optimized) didymium filter is designed to suppress sodium vapor and mercury light pollution while preserving natural color balance. This makes it particularly useful for urban astrophotography and night photography where artificial light intrusion is common.
2. **Broadband Coverage** Unlike narrowband filters (e.g., those targeting only Na or Hg lines), this filter provides a broader spectrum reduction, making it more versatile for general night photography rather than just astrophotography.
3. **Minimal Color Cast** Didymium filters are known for their ability to reduce the orange/yellow tint caused by sodium vapor lamps without introducing significant color shifts, which is beneficial for maintaining accurate white balance in images.
4. **Good for General Night Photography** If you shoot landscapes, cityscapes, or general night scenes under light-polluted skies, this filter can help reduce the dominance of artificial light while still allowing some natural starlight through.
5. **Durable Construction** The filter appears to be made of high-quality optical glass with a protective coating, which should resist scratches and maintain clarity over time.
6. **Affordable Alternative to High-End Filters** Compared to some specialized astrophotography filters, this is a cost-effective option for those looking to mitigate light pollution without breaking the bank.
7. **Compatibility with DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras** The 77mm size is versatile and can be used with a variety of lenses, though you may need an adapter for smaller sensors.
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#### **Cons:**1. **Limited to Moderate Light Pollution** While effective against sodium and mercury pollution, this filter is not as aggressive as narrowband filters (e.g., Optolong L-Pro or Astronomik CLS). In extremely light-polluted areas, you may still see significant artificial light intrusion.
2. **Not Ideal for Deep-Sky Astrophotography** If your primary goal is capturing faint nebulae or deep-sky objects, a narrowband filter (e.g., H-alpha, O-III, or S-II) would be far more effective. The Lipo filter is better suited for general night photography rather than astrophotography.
3. **Potential Loss of Detail** Some users report that didymium filters can slightly reduce contrast and sharpness due to their broadband nature, though this is subjective and depends on the specific conditions.
4. **Requires Proper Calibration** Like any filter, it may introduce slight color shifts that need to be corrected in post-processing. White balance adjustments may be necessary to avoid unwanted tint.
5. **Not a Silver Bullet for Light Pollution** If your location has heavy artificial light (e.g., bright city centers), you may still need to shoot from darker sites or use additional techniques (e.g., stacking, long exposures with high ISO) to achieve optimal results.
6. **Limited to 77mm Size** While versatile, the 77mm size may not fit all lenses without an adapter, especially if you shoot with a crop-sensor camera or use a wide-angle lens.
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### **Conclusion:**The Desmond Photographic Ice-Lipo-77 is a solid choice for photographers who want to reduce light pollution in their night shots without investing in a specialized astrophotography filter. It excels in urban or moderately light-polluted environments where sodium and mercury lamps dominate the scene. However, it is not as powerful as narrowband filters for deep-sky astrophotography and may not be sufficient for extreme light pollution conditions.
If your primary focus is **general night photography (landscapes, cityscapes, or casual astrophotography)**, this filter is a practical and affordable solution. If you are **serious about deep-sky astrophotography**, you would be better off with a dedicated narrowband filter or a more advanced light pollution reduction tool.
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### **Recommendation:** - **Buy the Desmond Ice-Lipo-77 if:**- You shoot in areas with moderate light pollution (e.g., suburban or semi-urban locations).
- You want to reduce the orange/yellow tint from sodium lamps without sacrificing too much detail.
- You prefer a versatile, all-around filter for night photography rather than a specialized astro tool.
- You are on a budget but still want noticeable improvements over unfiltered shots.
- **Avoid or Consider Alternatives if:**- You shoot in **extremely light-polluted areas** (e.g., bright city centers) and need stronger suppression.
- Your goal is **deep-sky astrophotography** (nebulae, galaxies), in which case a narrowband filter (e.g., Optolong L-Pro, Astronomik CLS) would be more effective.
- You want **maximum contrast and detail** in your night shots, as broadband filters like this may introduce slight softness.
For best results, pair this filter with proper exposure techniques (e.g., bracketing, high ISO, or stacking) and post-processing to compensate for any residual light pollution. If possible, also consider shooting from a darker location when feasible.
ICE brand by Desmond Photographic. Brand New ICE 77mm LiPo Didymium Filter Broadband Light Pollution Reduction for Night Sky/Star Optical Glass, Manufacturer model: ICE-LiPo-77 Reduces Crystal Clear Skies. However, this will not affect the shipping times.: Reduces Light Pollution for Crystal Clear Night Skies Blocks out sky glow without changing the entire color spectrum Optical Glass Filter Double Threaded Frame Allows Stacking / Hoods Caps.
Includes storage Case.