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Quick changes between different color filters can often reveal subtle differences in planetary atmospheres. A #47 violet filter, for example, sharpens clouds high in the atmosphere of Mars, while a #58 green filter penetrates more of the atmosphere, sharpening clouds closer to the surface. If a cloud on Mars appears sharper with a green filter, it is probably near the surface. If a violet filter gives superior definition, however, the cloud is at a higher altitude. Using the Orion multiple filter wheel to quickly switch back and forth between filters often makes the sharpness difference much more visible. The Orion filter wheel allows quick switching, something you can’t achieve by laboriously threading and unthreading filters in the chrome barrel of your eyepiece.

For tri-color CCD imaging, changing color filters between exposures is essential. Powered filter wheels are available that change filters automatically, but they are usually specific to certain brands of CCD cameras and cost many times the modest price of the Orion filter wheel. The economical Orion filter wheel will work with any CCD camera that uses 1.25” accessories.

Simply thread any standard 1.25” filters you choose into the filter wheel (you can change filters or reorder their sequence any time you like). The wheel has a 1.25” nosepiece that fits into your scope focuser or rear cell. There’s a 1.25” eyepiece holder on the back side of the wheel to hold your 1.25” star diagonal or CCD camera’s nosepiece. Simply turn the knurled dial on the filter wheel to select the filter you want to use. The filter rotates into the light path and securely clicks into place in line with your diagonal or camera. The filter positions are numbered on the knurled dial so you can keep track of which filter is next in line.

The design of the Orion filter wheel protects your filters from dust, dirt, and impact. It requires an additional 20mm of back focus.