Orion
®
Variable
Polarizing Filter
#5560 1.25" Version
#5562 2" Version
The Orion variable polarizing filter
reduces the amount of light enter-
ing your eyepiece from your tele-
scope. You can dim the view when
observing a bright object, such as
the Moon or a planet. The var iable polarizing filter will not change
the color of the object being viewed, and will prevent eye fatigue
and loss of night vision.
Assembly
The 1.25" variable polarizing filter comes in two halves; the upper
half, with the knurled ring, and the lower half, with the logo. To
assemble, simply thread the lower half into the upper half until it
is finger tight (Figure 1). The top ring of the filter should now turn
freely without unthreading the two halves. You can look through
the filter at a source of light while turning the ring to see the effect
it has in reducing light. To separate the two halves, hold the filter
by the knurled ring on the upper half and unthread the lower half.
The 2" variable polarizing filter comes already assembled in its
case.
To use the filter in a telescope, simply thread the assembled filter
into any telescope eyepiece that accepts 1.25"(for #5560) or 2"
(for #5562) filter threads, such as any Orion eyepiece. Thread the
filter into the eyepiece until it is finger tight.
You may also “stack” other filters by threading them into the bot-
tom of the variable polarizer.
Using the Polarizing Filter
Insert the eyepiece with the filter attached into the telescope and
focus the image. If the image is too bright or too dark, then
remove the eyepiece and rotate the ring on the filter a small
amount. Don’t turn it too much, as the filter goes from its maxi-
mum light transmission to its minimum transmission in just a 1/4
turn of the ring. Re-insert the eyepiece and check the image
again. Repeat this process until you have the desired level of
brightness.
Terrestrial Viewing
The variable polarizing filter can be used during the day to reduce
sunlight glare from lakes, oceans, or window glass. Simply
unthread the lower half from the upper half of the filter and thread
either half into a eyepiece. Once the eyepiece is returned to the
telescope and focused, rotate it in the focuser to reduce glare. You
will not be able to reduce overall brightness by using only one
filter, but you will be surprised at how much control you have over
reflected light.
Cleaning & Maintenance
When not in use, the variable polarizing filter should be kept in its
original padded case. Given proper care and storage, the filter
should last a lifetime. Should the filter need cleaning for any rea-
son, use the following directions to clean the filter without damag-
ing it.
Any quality optical lens cleaning tissue and optical lens cleaning
fluid specifically designed for multi-coated optics can be used to
clean the glass surfaces of your filter. Never use regular glass
cleaner or cleaning fluid designed for eyeglasses.
Before cleaning with fluid and tissue, blow any loose particles off
the surface with a blower bulb or compressed air. Then apply
some cleaning fluid to a tissue, never directly on the optics. Wipe
the lens gently in a circular motion, then remove any excess fluid
with a fresh lens tissue. Oily fingerprints and smudges may be
removed using this method. Use caution; rubbing too hard may
scratch the glass.
Specifications
Filter Material: Polarized optical glass
Coatings: Coated with MgF
2
to reduce reflections
Maximum Transmission: 40%
Minimum Transmission: 1%
Housing: Anodized aluminum
IN 006 Rev. D 03/09
Customer Support (800) 676-1343
E-mail: [email protected]
Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
Figure 1.
Assembling the 1.25" Variable Polarizing Filter.
One-Year Limited Warranty
The Orion Variable Polarizing Filter is warranted against defects in mate-
rials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. During
this warranty period Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will repair or replace,
at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective, pro-
vided it is returned postage paid to: Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way,
Watsonville, CA 95076. If the product is not registered, proof of purchase
(such as a copy of the original invoice) is required.
This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has
been abused, mishandled, or modified, nor does it apply to normal wear
and tear. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also
have other rights, which vary from state to state. For further warranty service
information, contact: Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes &
Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076; (800) 676-1343.
