Aurel Clarion lunar filter 2 in

Specifications

Description

The Clarion lunar filter 2 in is a neutral density filter for observing the Moon. It reduces the light reaching the eye evenly across the visible spectrum, so the bright lunar surface can be viewed at high magnification without glare. Peak transmission is about 15 percent, which lowers the apparent brightness of the Moon to roughly one-seventh of its unfiltered value while leaving the colors of the surface largely unchanged.

Lunar filters are most useful near full Moon, when the illuminated surface is brightest and glare can wash out maria and crater rims. At that phase, the filter lowers the intensity of the light entering the eye, which makes fine detail easier to see and reduces eye fatigue during longer sessions. Near the first and last quarter, when the terminator casts long shadows across the surface, many observers omit the filter, since the contrast along the terminator is already high.

The filter threads into the front of a 2 in eyepiece, the nosepiece of a 2 in diagonal, or a 2 in filter adapter. Keep it on the eyepiece side of the light path and do not use it at the objective end of the telescope. This filter is not designed for solar observation and must never be used to view the Sun. Clean the glass only with a soft brush or a lens cloth, and keep it in its case when not in use.

A neutral density filter does not change the apparent size of the Moon or the sharpness of the image, because the optical path is unaltered. Both faces of the glass carry an anti-reflection coating to limit ghost images and maintain contrast. The filter is intended for lunar use and does not replace a dedicated solar filter, so it should not be combined with other filters in the same light path.

About this configuration

All configurations of the Aurel Clarion lunar filter 2 in share the same filter glass design; the options change the grade, the coating, and the case. The standard grade uses the same coating design as the higher grades, with wider tolerances on flatness. Standard grade glass suits visual observing at low and medium magnification. The hard-sputtered coating resists scratches and humidity, so the filter tolerates cleaning better over the years.

The padded pouch protects the filter from knocks and fits in a jacket pocket at the telescope. The 2026 edition carries the glass over unchanged and updates small parts such as the case and the labels. Check the size in the specifications against your eyepiece barrels, star diagonal, or filter wheel before you choose.

What's in the box

• Lunar neutral density filter in 2 in threaded cell
• Padded storage case
• Padded pouch

Compatibility notes

• Threads into 2 in eyepieces, diagonals, and filter adapters (M48 x 0.75).
• Intended for visual lunar observation and not for solar use.