Our high performance Aluma® CCD Series cameras offer capabilities and features not available in any other scientific-grade imaging camera. This lightweight (2.2 lbs) and compact (4.5″ x 4.5″ x 4″ with handles) camera includes two-stage cooling, USB 2.0 interface, ultra-reliable even-illumination shutter, and fast low-noise readout.
The Aluma CCD series supports a wide range of accessories, including the 8-position AFW-8-36R filter wheel.
The Aluma CCD77-00 has an extremely high sensitivity, 260,000 pixel back-illuminated CCD sensor with 24 micron pixels. These are research-grade cameras designed for longer focal length instruments typically with apertures greater than 40 cm.
Aluma CCD is a new generation of research cameras tuned for even better performance. Over two years of collaboration with university researchers helped us bring you an enhanced new Aluma CCD series that represent the ultimate in a high-performance mid-sized 16-bit CCD detector. Using E2V’s best-in-class research grade back-illuminated sensors, the Aluma CCD77-00 gives you the high sensitivity, low noise, and high well depth needed for the most demanding research applications.
Aluma CCD Features include:
High-performance CCD imaging sensors currently manufactured by SONY and Teledyne E2V
Light weight, compact design
Centered optical axis for optimum instrument balance
Included 110V / 220V power supply and optional 12VDC operation
User-rechargeable desiccant plug
Built-in 1/4-20 tripod mount
Support for high precision 8-position filter wheels
Bulletproof firmware update capability – virtually impossible to “brick”
Software Included
All Aluma CCD models ship with MaxIm LT for Windows – a special version of MaxIm DL specific to our cameras. Aluma CCD also supports third-party applications through ASCOM and native drivers.
Compact and Lightweight Design
Aluma CCD cameras measure just 4.25″ x 4.25″ x 4.0″ with handles (3.5″ without handles) and weigh just 2.2 lbs (1 kg).
Even-Illumination Shutter
All Aluma CCD cameras include a mechanical shutter, which is used for both dark/bias calibration frames and for shuttering exposures on full frame sensors. Rather than using a complex iris shutter, which are prone to failure, the Aluma CCD uses a twin vane shutter and direct drive motor for high repeatability, reliability, and extremely long life. The shutter is designed to be “even illumination” for the best accuracy in photometric measurements.
The left image shows a flat field image taken with a camera using an iris type shutter. The right image is a flat field image taken under the same conditions using our even-illumination shutter.
Extreme Sensitivity CCD 77-00 Image Sensor
The Aluma CCD77-00 uses the 0.26 megapixel E2V CCD 77-00 sensor, featuring peak quantum efficiency (QE) of 93% with midband coatings. This full frame, back-illuminated sensor is designed for the ultimate in sensitivity. We offer Midband coating for the highest quantum efficiency. Other coatings are available on special order.
CCD 77-00 Quantum Efficiency Curves
The CCD 77-00 has 512 x 512 pixels at 24 microns square, for a 12.3 mm square chip size.
This back-illuminated full-frame CCD sensor has extremely low noise and extremely high sensitivity. Combining this high-performance sensor with Aluma CCD’s high cooling performance and low readout noise results in exceptionally clean images.
SmartCoolingTM
All Aluma CCD cameras include our powerful new SmartCooling technology. The two-stage cooler, powerful fans, and advanced heat sink designed using thermal flow simulation combine to produce typical cooling delta from ambient of -50C. This is quite a feat considering the Aluma CCD’s very compact and lightweight package.
SmartCooling automatically adjusts the fan speed to optimize cooler performance and power consumption. The camera’s firmware is constantly monitoring the sensor and heat sink temperatures, as well as controlling the cooler power. When full cooling power is needed – when ramping down or running near full power – the fans ramp up to their maximum speed, resulting in the strongest possible cooling. When less cooling power is needed the fans automatically slow to reduce noise levels and power consumption. SmartCooling also prevents any possibility of overheating by backing off power if the heat sink gets too hot – so you don’t need to worry if your camera is baking in a hot observatory during the day.
Advanced Software Included
All Aluma CCD cameras come with our MaxIm LT software – a $249 value! MaxIm LT is a special version of our venerable MaxIm DL software that provides complete control of your camera, filter wheel, and autoguider, plus advanced image processing capabilities. If you wish you can upgrade to MaxIm DL Pro to get complete observatory integration and even more processing and analysis capabilities.
Included Accessories
Each Aluma CCD camera package includes:
MaxIm LT software
Deluxe carrying case
Universal power supply (110V / 220V, 50-60 Hz)
2″ Nosepiece adapter
USB flash drive containing software, drivers, and documentation
15 foot (4.5 m) USB cable
Optional Filter Wheel
The optional AFW-8-36R 8-position filter wheel provides a fast, quiet, and low-cost option. It holds standard 36 mm filters, and inserts are available for 1-1/4″ filters, which are suitable for smaller format CCD sensors.
The optional AFW-16-36R filter wheel, attached via AFW to Small Format Camera Adapter, provides for a full sixteen 36 mm filters. Please note that the AFW wheels work with large format accessories, and do not accommodate screw-in 1-1/4″ filters due to their height.
Colour eyepiece filters are essential for observing the moon and planets. They effectively reduce glare and light scattering, improve contrast through selective filtration, and enhance definition and resolution.
Bintel's filters are constructed with top-notch, uniform glass and are coated to minimize reflections and ghosting. They are threaded to fit 1.25" eyepieces and provide a generous 26mm clear aperture.
#12 Yellow Filter
The #12 yellow filter enhances Jupiter’s cloud bands, particularly the lighter zones and the Great Red Spot, improves Mars' surface details, such as polar ice caps and dust storms, and sharpens contrast on the Moon, highlighting the maria and highlands.
#15A Dark Yellow Filter
The #15A dark yellow filter improves contrast on Jupiter's cloud belts, especially in the darker equatorial regions and the Great Red Spot, reveals surface features on Mars such as ridges and valleys, and enhances the details of lunar craters and shadows along the terminator.
#21 Orange Filter
The #21 orange filter helps define the atmospheric cloud structures on Jupiter and Saturn, enhancing features like the Great Red Spot and Saturn’s cloud bands, sharpens the visibility of Mars’ dust storms and polar ice caps, and brings out lunar surface details, particularly in shadowed areas.
#23A Light Red Filter
The #23A light red filter enhances the contrast of surface features on Mars, such as ice caps, dust storms, and topography, improves the visibility of Jupiter’s cloud belts and storms like the Great Red Spot, and highlights the Moon’s surface features along the terminator, including craters and maria.
#29 Dark Red Filter
The #29 dark red filter significantly enhances the contrast of Mars’ surface features like its ice caps, dust storms, and valleys, brings out darker regions and bands in Jupiter's atmosphere, and improves lunar contrast, especially in low-light areas and the terminator.
#38A Dark Blue Filter
The #38A dark blue filter enhances Jupiter’s cloud details, especially the lighter and darker zones and the Great Red Spot, improves the visibility of cloud layers on Saturn, and helps to bring out surface features such as the polar ice caps as well as dust storms on Mars by enhancing atmospheric contrasts.
#47 Violet Filter
The #47 violet filter brings out atmospheric features on Jupiter, such as cloud bands and storm systems, enhances the visibility of cloud layers on Saturn, and improves the contrast of Venus' upper atmosphere, revealing subtle cloud structures and atmospheric patterns.
#58A Dark Green Filter
The #58A dark green filter increases contrast in Jupiter’s cloud bands and atmospheric details, such as the Great Red Spot and polar regions, enhances Saturn’s ring details and cloud structures, improves the visibility of Mars’ surface features like polar ice caps and dust storms, and sharpens Venus’ cloud patterns.
TheSaxon 12" DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescopefeatures a powerhouse telescope with amazing light-gathering capabilities that's easy to use and transport.
This telescope is the retractable twin to the full-tubesaxon 12" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescopeand comes with the same specs of 305mm aperture and a focal length of 1500mm. Featuring a collapsible truss-tube dobsonian design, the optical tube can be retracted into a shorter length and locked down to ensure secure and easy transportation. This scope also comes with a paraboloidal primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration allowing you to see wide-field views of the Moon, constellations and deep sky objects such as the Great Orion Nebula.
Assembly of the telescope requires no additional tools. You'll be pleased with how easy it is to use thesaxon 12" DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescopewith its Dobsonian mount. Simply swivel the telescope to the direction of your intended object and look through the eyepiece. This scope's Teflon bearing system in both axes with tension control handle means you'll be able to smoothly move your telescope to a precise location.
The DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescopes series comes in three sizes -8",10"and 12".
What is a Dobsonian telescope and why the tension control handle?
A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.
The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.
The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.
These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.
By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.
The Saxon 10" DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescope （254/1200） features a powerhouse telescope with amazing light-gathering capabilities that's easy to use and transport.
This telescope is the retractable twin to the full-tube Saxon 10" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope and comes with the same specs of 254mm aperture and a focal length of 1200mm. Featuring a collapsible truss-tube dobsonian design, the optical tube can be retracted into a shorter length and locked down to ensure secure and easy transportation. This scope also comes with a paraboloidal primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration allowing you to see wide-field views of the Moon, constellations and deep sky objects such as the Great Orion Nebula.
Assembly of the telescope requires no additional tools. You'll be pleased with how easy it is to use the Saxon 10" DeepSky Collapsible Dobsonian Telescopewith its Dobsonian mount. Simply swivel the telescope to the direction of your intended object and look through the eyepiece. This scope's Teflon bearing system in both axes with tension control handle means you'll be able to smoothly move your telescope to a precise location.
What is a Dobsonian telescope and why the tension control handle?
A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.
The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.
The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.
These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.
By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.
Thesaxon 8" DeepSky CT Dobsonian Telescope （203/1200） features a powerhouse telescope with amazing light-gathering capabilities that's easy to use and transport.
This beginner telescope is the retractable twin to the full-tubesaxon 8" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescopeand comes with the same specs of 203mm aperture and a focal length of 1200mm. Featuring a collapsible truss-tube dobsonian design, the optical tube can be retracted into a shorter length and locked down to ensure secure and easy transportation. This scope also comes with a paraboloidal primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration allowing you to see wide-field views of the Moon, constellations and deep sky objects such as the Great Orion Nebula.
Assembly of the telescope requires no additional tools. You'll be pleased with how easy it is to use the saxon 8" DeepSky Collapsible Dobsonian Telescopewith its Dobsonian mount. Simply swivel the telescope to the direction of your intended object and look through the eyepiece. This scope's Teflon bearing system in both axes with tension control handle means you'll be able to smoothly move your telescope to a precise location.
What is a Dobsonian telescope and why the tension control handle?
A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.
The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.
The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.
These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.
By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.
The Saxon 12" DeepSky （305/1500）Dobsonian Telescope is the perfect partner to begin your astronomy adventure with. This affordable telescope comes with a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary-mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick) to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss.
This telescope comes with an aperture of 305mm and a focal length of 1500mm in a 12" tube. This scope features quality parts and accessories - the special roller-bearing construction, Crayford focuser, eyepieces and finderscope are all designed to aid with your observing experience. Once assembled and with a little practice, you'll soon be able to find and view the rocky surfaces of the Moon, planets in the Solar System as well as deep sky objects such as star clusters, double stars, nebulae and galaxies.
The Saxon 12" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope requires no additional tools during assembly and is incredibly easy to use, making it the perfect scope for beginner astronomers.
What is Dobsonian Telescope and Why the Tension Control Handle?
A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.
The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.
The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.
These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.
By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.
Saxon Cielo HD eyepieces feature a wide 60 degree field of view for clear and well-corrected images. With extra low-dispersion glass and six elements, the Cielo HD series guarantees high performance. All seven Cielo HD eyepieces sport 16mm of comfortable eye relief, making them easy on the eye. What's more the twist up eyecups make it easy to switch between eyepieces in the Cielo HD range, making it a versatile and reliable choice for any stargazing adventure.
The Saxon 10" DeepSky (254/1200）Dobsonian Telescope is the perfect partner to begin your astronomy adventure with. This affordable telescope comes with a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary-mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick) to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss.
This telescope comes with an aperture of 254mm and a focal length of 1200mm in a 10" tube. This scope features quality parts and accessories - the special roller-bearing construction, Crayford focuser, eyepieces and finderscope are all designed to aid with your observing experience. Once assembled and with a little practice, you'll soon be able to find and view the rocky surfaces of the Moon, planets in the Solar System as well as deep sky objects such as star clusters, double stars, nebulae and galaxies.
The Saxon 10" DeepSky Dobsonian Telescope requires no additional tools during assembly and is incredibly easy to use, making it the perfect scope for beginner astronomers.
What is Dobsonian Telescope and Why the Tension Control Handle?
A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swivelled on a base in azimuth.
The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.
The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization.
These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction. The objective of the saxon Tension Control Handle invention is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount.
By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.
After years of R&D we have developed a new solar film that has the optical quality of glass with the advantages of impregnated polymer. Will never develop pinholes or scratches that can let in light and ruin a filter. Other advantages: lightweight and does not require re-balancing tube assembly, will not break, consistent yellow-orange solar image, even density with any aperture, flat surface compared to other thin film filters that have wrinkles and creases. Will not tear or puncture. Stronger than any other solar film on the market. Also available in sheets. Guaranteed 15 years.
What Size Do I Order?
To ensure the best fit for your application, it’s essential to measure the outside diameter (O.D.) of your telescope or lens. We cannotrecommend a filter size based on the model number of your telescope/lens, so please take the following steps to find the correct size:
Remove the protective cap/cover that covers the objective glass on the end of your telescope/lens.
Measure the O.D. of your telescope tube or binocular barrel at its widest point, taking into account any obstructions/taper within 1 1/4in from the end of the tube.
Select the appropriate O.D. range for your measurement using the dropdown menu above. The dropdown menu lists the O.D. ranges available for our filter sizes and will point you to the correct part # for your O.D.
Note: The O.D. ranges account for the minimum clearance require for the filter to fit.
Alternatively:
Choose the closest cell O.D. that is at least 1/16″ (1.58mm) larger than the O.D. measurement of your instrument. For example, if your O.D. measurement is 4″(101.6mm), choose a cell with an O.D. of 4-1/4″(107.9mm) part # S-4250.
Avoid selecting a size that is the same as your O.D., since it will be too tight
Note: The 1/16″ of clearance is factored into the O.D. ranges in the dropdown menu above.
The solar filter comes with self-adhesive felt for custom fitting, but you can also find additional felt, Velcro, or other materials at most fabric or home improvement stores.
Please use the size chart below to select the appropriate size for your application. The chart lists sizes by clear aperture (filter size in the center of the cell) and O.D. of the aluminum cell (inside cell wall that fits over and around telescope tube). Please note that we cannot take orders for felt.
OPEN TRUSS TELESCOPES:
If the solar filter is to be used on an open truss telescope, the open area from front (secondary mirror) to back (primary mirror) must be covered. No direct sunlight should enter the optical path or the concentrated beam from the mirror can focus on the back of the solar filter film and cause damage and void warranty.
The case offers reliable protection against all kinds of weather and wet conditions, is comfortable to carry and enables fast readiness of the spotting scope for use.
The caps for the eyepiece and the objective lens can be securely attached to the case to prevent loss.
Dive into astrophotography with the Saxon T-Mount, precision-engineered for your Olympus Micro 4/3rds mirrorless camera. Constructed from high-grade CNC-machined anodized aluminum, this adapter promises both longevity and a flawless fit. It's been thoughtfully designed to maintain the correct backfocus, thereby eliminating the need for additional spacers and streamlining your setup.
With this adapter, you're equipped to attach your camera directly to a telescope and capture the night sky's awe-inspiring beauty with clarity and precision. The robust material ensures a secure connection to your imaging equipment, while the precise backfocus distance guarantees that you'll achieve sharp, focused images across the board.
Perfect for both novice astronomers and seasoned stargazers, our adapter is the bridge between your Olympus Micro 4/3rds camera and the wonders of the universe. Simplify your astrophotography experience with this essential, no-fuss tool that stands up to the rigors of night sky exploration.
The Sky-Watcher NEQ6/EQ6-R and HEQ5 counterweight is a precision-crafted accessory designed to balance your telescope setup perfectly on the NEQ6 and HEQ5 equatorial mounts. Constructed from durable, high-quality materials, this counterweight ensures stability and smooth tracking during astrophotography or visual observing sessions.
Its adjustable design allows for optimal balancing of various telescope payloads, enhancing the performance of your mount. With an easy-to-grip tightening knob, it securely locks into place on the mount’s counterweight shaft, providing confidence in your setup even during extended use.
Whether you're balancing a lightweight optical tube or a more substantial astrophotography rig, the Sky-Watcher NEQ6/EQ6-R and HEQ5 counterweight is an essential tool for achieving precision and stability in your astronomical pursuits.
The ASI2600MC/MM Duo combines imaging and guiding sensors in one compact body. The main sensor is the Sony IMX571 coming with a native 16-bit ADC,14stops dynamic range, and a 3.76um square pixel array. The readout noise is as low as 1.0e, and the full well capacity reaches an incredible level of 73ke. And it has no amp glow!
The guide sensor is the Type 1/1.8 SC2210 with excellent NIR sensitivity. The sensor size is 7.68mm x 4.32mm. It has 4umx4um pixels with an array of 1920×1080 and a full depth of 8780e.
The stars on the corner of the guide images affected by reducers back focus distance might not be very round. It is not due to the sensor tilt and will not affect normal use.
Two-in-one design
Thanks to the compact design, the ASI2600MC/MM Duo only needs one USB cable for control. It reduces potential cabling issues and improves setup speeds. You don’t need a separate OAG and guide camera.
Tilt Adjustment from Rear （Optional）
The 3 points from the rear make tilt adjustment much easier without the trouble of removing the tilt plate from the camera.
Performance improvement comparison
Guide sensor
The SC2210 sensor taken from the ASI220MM Mini camera features very high sensitivity. The QE peak value reaches 92% at 500nm. The readout noise is as low as 0.6e. As the new generation of guide sensor, it has achieved great results in guiding, proved by hundreds of astrophotographers.
Main sensor
The main sensor IMX571 features an APS-C format and 26MP total pixels. The size is 23.5mm in width x 15.7mm in height, and the diagonal is 28.3mm. The 3.76um x 3.76um small pixel size accommodates an impressive full depth of 50ke. With the new hardware technology, it is even extended to 73ke.
STARVIS technology
ASI2600MC/MM DUO is based on Sony STARVIS technology. Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS image sensor improves sensitivity and noise reduction – the key factors to enhancing image quality.
Camera performance
Native 16bit ADC
This 16-bit ADC is not a CCD 16-bit ADC. It can really achieve a dynamic range output of 14stops, which will significantly improve the image sharpness and contrast, and also create smoother and more natural color transitions.
FPS
ASI2600MC/MM Duo’s max FPS in RAW 8 mode at full resolution is 15FPS, which is even quicker compared to ASI2600MC/MM Pro.
Extended full well mode
The full well capacity of ASI2600MC/MM Duo is extended to 73ke when the gain value is set to -25.
USB 3.0 & 512MB DDR3 buffer
No amp-glow
Traditional CMOS sensors produce a weak infrared light source during operation quite often seen in the corner of uncalibrated images. It is the tell-tale sign of amp glow. As the ASI2600MC/MM Duo uses zero-amp glow circuitry, you won’t have to worry about amp glow even when using high gain, long exposure imaging.
QE (Quantum efficiency)
Based on our testing results, the QE peak value of ASI2600MC Duo is over 80%, the QE peak value of ASI2600MM Duo is over 91%.
Two-stage TEC cooling
Thanks to the two-stage TEC cooling, ASI2600MC/MM Duo can lower the CMOS sensor temperature to more than 30-35 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, which can greatly reduce dark current generation and sensor noise even during extended exposure times.
*The Delta T 30-35℃ is tested at 30℃ ambient temperature. It might get down when the cooling system is working for a long time. Also, as the ambient temperature falls, the Delta T would decrease.
Dark current noise
Anti-Dew heater
There is a polyimide heater completely fitting the protective window in the ASI2600MC/MM Duo camera. It can help avoid any potential annoying dew or icing issues depending on the environment in which you capture images.
The power of the heater is around 5W. If you want to save battery, you can always turn it off in your photography software.
The Chroma Technology R-Bessell Filter is a precision-crafted astronomical filter designed for photometric research and astrophotography. Built to meet the stringent standards of the Bessell photometric system, this filter isolates the red (R) band, providing accurate data for scientific observations and vivid imagery of celestial objects.
Featuring advanced multi-layer dielectric coatings, the R-Bessell filter offers exceptional transmission in the red spectrum while minimizing out-of-band interference. It is ideal for capturing the rich hues and intensities of stars, nebulae, and galaxies, ensuring reliable photometric measurements and breathtaking astrophotographic results.
Engineered for durability and consistent performance, the Chroma R-Bessell Filter resists environmental wear, maintaining its precision across diverse imaging conditions. Whether used for detailed photometric analysis or enhancing your astrophotography workflow, this filter is an indispensable tool for delivering accurate and high-quality results in the red band.
The Chroma Technology V-Bessell Filter is a high-precision astronomical filter specifically designed for photometric studies and astrophotography. Adhering to the Bessell photometric system's specifications, this filter isolates the visual (V) band, enabling accurate measurements and stunning visual representations of celestial objects.
Engineered with advanced multi-layer dielectric coatings, the V-Bessell filter ensures optimal transmission in the visual spectrum while effectively blocking out-of-band light. It is particularly suited for capturing the true brightness and color of stars, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena, making it a valuable tool for both scientific research and astrophotographic imaging.
Crafted for reliability and durability, the Chroma V-Bessell Filter withstands environmental challenges and delivers consistent performance across various observing conditions. Whether you're conducting detailed photometric analyses or enhancing your imaging setup, this filter provides exceptional accuracy and clarity in the visual band, making it an essential component for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Chroma Technology B-Bessell Filter is a precision-engineered astronomical filter tailored for photometric applications and astrophotography. Designed to meet the standards of the Bessell photometric system, this filter isolates the blue (B) band, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection for scientific observations and vivid imaging of celestial objects.
With advanced multi-layer dielectric coatings, the B-Bessell filter offers exceptional transmission in the blue band while effectively suppressing out-of-band light. This makes it ideal for capturing the true colors and intensities of stars, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects, ensuring high-fidelity photometric measurements and visually stunning results.
Built for durability and consistent performance, the Chroma B-Bessell Filter is resistant to environmental wear and designed to perform under a range of imaging conditions. Whether you're conducting precise photometric studies or enhancing your astrophotography, this filter is an essential tool for achieving accurate and high-quality results in the blue spectrum.
The Chroma Technology U-Bessell Filter is a high-precision astronomical filter designed to meet the rigorous requirements of photometric observations and astrophotography. It adheres to the Bessell photometric system's specifications, isolating the ultraviolet (U) band for capturing accurate data in scientific studies and delivering stunning images of celestial objects.
This filter is crafted with premium materials and advanced multi-layer dielectric coatings, ensuring exceptional transmission in the U-band while minimizing unwanted light from adjacent bands. Its precise spectral profile makes it ideal for measuring the ultraviolet emission from stars, galaxies, and other astronomical objects, enabling astrophotographers and researchers to gather accurate color and intensity data.
Durable and reliable, the Chroma U-Bessell Filter resists environmental degradation and delivers consistent performance under various imaging conditions. Whether you're conducting photometric studies or enhancing your imaging setup, this filter is an indispensable tool for achieving accurate and high-quality results in ultraviolet astronomy.
Our 1,25" (M28,5) filters fit perfectly in all 1,25" (M28,5) filter wheels of the brands ZWO, QHY, QSI, Starlight Xpress, SBIG, Moravian and Atik.
The orientation of the filter in the filter wheel does not matter. It does not change the optical performance.
Dark Filter 2 inch
Our 2" (M48) filters fit perfectly in all 2" (M48) filter wheels of the brands ZWO, QHY, QSI, Starlight Xpress, SBIG, Moravian and Atik.
The orientation of the filter in the filter wheel does not matter. It does not change the optical performance.
Dark filter 31mm
Our 31mm filters fit perfectly in all 31mm filter wheels of the brands ZWO, QHY, QSI, Starlight Xpress, SBIG, Moravian and Atik. The design with protective ring and blackened filter edges prevents stray light, the filters are mechanically protected and easier to handle.
The orientation of the filter in the filter wheel does not matter. It does not change the optical performance.
Dark filter 36mm
Our 36mm filters fit perfectly in all 36mm filter wheels of the brands ZWO, QHY, QSI, Starlight Xpress, SBIG, Moravian and Atik. The design with protective ring and blackened filter edges prevents stray light, the filters are mechanically protected and easier to handle.
The orientation of the filter in the filter wheel does not matter. It does not change the optical performance.
The Astronomik SII-CCD filter is a narrow-band-filter for CCD photography.The filter lets the light of the ionized sulfur (SII) pass, and blocks nearly the whole remainder of the visual spectrum as well as IR, in which the CCD is sensitive.
The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 12nm is optimal suitable for common CCD cameras and allows the use of very fast optics. The range of application extends from 1:2.8 to 1:15. Transmission losses and chromatic distortions, which arise with other filters, only occur with Astronomik filters when extremely bright aperture ratios of 1:2 and more come into play. It should be noted, that the filter has a transmission of up to 99%.
Another advantage of the 12nm filters is the good availability of guiding stars for cameras with a built-in-autoguider (SBIG). If you use a very strong filter like our 6nm filter you often won't find a usable guidestar.
The Astronomik SII CCD filter increases the contrast between objects, in this case between those with SII emission lines and the skyglow background. Also, our Astronomik SII-CCD filter completely suppresses the emission lines of artificial lighting (mercury (Hg) and sodium (Na)) and skyglow.
Main use
The Astronomik SII CCD increases the contrast between objects, in this case between the SII emission line and the skyglow background. Our Astronomik SII CCD completely suppresses the emission lines of artificial lighting (mercury (Hg) and sodium (Na)) and skyglow. Due to the high optical quality of the Astronomik H-alpha-CCD substrate you will see the same needle-sharp stars as you would from your regular telescope.
Other uses
Using the new H-alpha-CCD and the new SII-CCD filters you can obtain three-color images of emission line objects (gas nebulae) from locations with very strong light pollution. To do so, you would take an image in three different wavelengths, select each one as a color-channel in Photoshop and paste them together as one single color image.
If you plan to create color images from emission line data, our CLS-CCD filter is a great choice for the Luminance channel.
Suitability
Visual observation (dark skies): Unsuitable
Visual observation (urban skies): Unsuitable
Film photography: It depends, but very long exposure times
CCD photography: Very good, huge contrast enhancement at S II-emission nebulas
DSLR photography (original): Unsuitable
DSLR photography (astro modified): Very good, huge contrast enhancement at S II-emission nebulas
DSLR photography (MC modified): Very good, huge contrast enhancement at S II-emission nebulas
Webcam / Video (Planets): Unsuitable
Webcam / Video (Deep Sky): Unsuitable
Technical Data
typ. transmission of 95% at both SII lines (671,7nm und 673,0nm)
Complete blocking of all disturbing wavelength ranges in the infrared
Parfocal with other Astronomik filters
Glass thickness: 1mm
Completely resistant against high humidity, scratches and aging effects
Diffraction limited, the filter will not reduce the optical performance of your telescope!
Astronomik filters are delivered in a high-quality, long lasting, filter box
Since 2008 we do ship filters with a completely new design. Any kind of halo or strange reflection is a matter of past
The Astronomik H-alpha filter is a narrow band filter for CCD photography. The filter lets the H-alpha light of emission nebulae pass and blocks nearly the whole remainder of the spectrum where the CCD is sensitive.
The full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 12nm is optimized for the use with common CCD cameras and allows the use of very fast optics. It should be noted that the filter has a transmission of up to 99%.Another advantage of the 12nm filters is the availability of guiding stars for cameras with a built-in-autoguider (SBIG). If you use a very strong filter like our 6nm filter you often won’t find a usable guidestar.The range of application extends from 1:2.8 to 1:15. Transmission losses and chromatic distortions, which arise with other filters, only occur with Astronomik filters when extremely bright aperture ratios of 1:2 and more come into play.
Main use
The Astronomik H-alpha-CCD (12nm version) increases the contrast between objects, in this case between the H-alpha emission line and the skyglow background. Our Astronomik H-alpha-CCD (12nm version) completely suppresses the emission lines of artificial lighting (mercury (Hg) and sodium (Na)) and skyglow.
Other uses
When using the OIII CCD and the SII-CCD filters you can obtain three-color images of emission line objects (gas nebulae) from locations with very strong light pollution. To do so, you would take an image in three different wavelengths, select each one as a color-channel in Photoshop and paste them together as a color image.
The Astronomik H-Alpha filters may NOT be used for solar observation.
If you plan to create color images from emission line data, our CLS-CCD filter is a great choice for the Luminance channel.
Suitability
Visual observation (dark skies): Unsuitable
Visual observation (urban skies): Unsuitable
Film photography: Reasonable, but very long exposure times
CCD photography: Very good, huge contrast enhancement at H II-emission nebulas
DSLR photography (original): Good, reduced sensitivity in the H-alpha band
DSLR photography (astro modified): Very good, huge contrast enhancement at H II-emission nebulas
DSLR photography (MC modified): Very good, huge contrast enhancement at H II-emission nebulas
Webcam / Video (Planets): Unsuitable
Webcam / Video (Deep Sky): Good, good contrast enhancement with bright objects
Technical Data
typ. transmission of more then 95% at the H-alpha line (656nm)
Complete blocking from all disturbing wavelengths in the infrared
Parfocal with other Astronomik filters
Glass thickness: 1mm
Completely resistant against high humidity, scratches and aging effects
Diffraction limited, the filter will not reduce the optical performance of your telescope!
Astronomik filters are delivered in a high-quality, long lasting, filter box
Since 2008 we do ship filters with a completely new design. Any kind of halo or strange reflection is a matter of past
All Astronomik Filters are perfect for modern cameras, including both CMOS and CCD based cameras, allowing you to capture the very best images possible with your instruments. Sharpness, contrast and the absence of any reflections is guaranteed.
Each and every Astronomik filter has to pass a complex quality control process before being suitable for delivery to our customers. Each and every emission line filter is measured with a high-end Perkin-Elmer spectral-photometer to make sure that every single filter is up to the specifications published on our website.
On the back of each filter-box you will find a label that details the precise sensitivity and band pass measurements for that individual filter inside the box: You will see the max transmission and the recommended range of focal ratio were the filter will give you the best performance.
Thus Astronomik OIII CCD filter is a narrow band emission-line-filter for CCD photography. The filter lets the light of double ionized Oxygen of emission nebulae pass and blocks nearly the whole remainder of the spectrum where the CCD is sensitive.
The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 12 nm is optimal suitable for common CCD cameras and allows the use of very fast optics The optimal aperture ratio for the use of the filter is 1:3 to 1:15 with apertures of more than 6" (150mm). It should be noted that the filter has a transmission of up to 99%, which cannot be attained by stacking more narrow-band filters. A further note, which led to selecting the half width (FWHM), is the dark current of common CCD imagers. Exposures with a CCD cooled to -15°C are limited by the dark current of the CCD, even in large cities with a bright background.
Another advantage of the 12 nm filter is the better availability of guiding stars for cameras with a built-in-autoguider (SBIG). If you use a very strong filter like our H-alpha 6nm filter you often won’t find a usable guidestar.
Together with our other three Astronomik emission-line filters you can do great color images even from very light polluted places!
Main use
The Astronomik OIII CCD increases the contrast between objects, in this case between the OIII emission line and the skyglow background. Our Astronomik OIII CCD completely suppresses the emission lines of artificial lighting (mercury (Hg) and sodium (Na)) and skyglow. Transmission losses and chromatic distortions, which arise with other filters, only occur with Astronomik filters when extremely bright aperture ratios of 1:2 and more come into play. The filter has a built-in IR-blocker up to 1150nm. You don’t need an additional IR-blocker with this filter.
Other uses
When using the Astronomik OIII CCD filter togther with the H-alpha, OIII CCD and the SII CCD filters you can obtain three-color images of emission line objects (gas nebulae) from locations with very strong light pollution. To do so, you would take an image in three different wavelengths, select each one as a color-channel in Photoshop and paste them together as one single color image.
If you plan to create color images from emission line data, our CLS CCD filter is a great choice for the Luminance channel
The OIII CCD is also great for visual observation. If you plan to get filters for visual observation and for astrophotography get the CCD filter: You may use this filter visual as well as in front of you camera. The built-in IR-blocker doesn’t disturb visual observation but you need an additional IR-blocker if you want to use the visual filter with your camera.
Suitability
Visual observation (dark skies): Very good, huge contrast enhancement at O III-emission nebulas
Visual observation (urban skies): Very good, huge contrast enhancement at O III-emission nebulas
Film photography: It depends, very long exposure time
CCD photography: Very good, huge contrast enhancement at O III-emission nebulas
DSLR photography (original): Very good, huge contrast enhancement at O III-emission nebulas
DSLR photography (astro modified): Very good, huge contrast enhancement at O III-emission nebulas
DSLR photography (MC modified): Very good, huge contrast enhancement at O III-emission nebulas
Webcam / Video (Planets): Unsuitable
Webcam / Video (Deep Sky): Reasonable, if light pollution is a big problem and OIII Objects are beeing observed
Technical Data
typ. 95% transmission at 496nm (OIII)
typ. 95% transmission at 501nm (OIII)
full width at half maximum 12nm
transmission from 494nm to 506nm
Parfocal with other Astronomik filters
Glass thickness: 1mm
Completely resistant against high humidity, scratches and aging effects
Diffraction limited, the filter will not reduce the optical performance of your telescope!
Astronomik filters are delivered in a high-quality, long lasting, filter box
Since 2008 we do ship filters with a completely new design. Any kind of halo or strange reflection is a matter of past
Ideal addition to the Astronomik ProPlanet IR 742 for imaging the moon and planets, with telescopes larger then 10" (250mm) when the seeing is poor.
This filter is an ideal complement to the ProPlanet IR 742 for use with converted DSLR cameras, CCD cameras and Webcams. The effects of seeing are distinctly reduced. It is your entry into previously unknown dimensions of photography of the moon and the planets.
The ProPlanet IR 807 only allows infrared light with wavelengths of more than 807 nm to pass. In this wavelength range the effects of seeing are significantly lower than in the visible spectrum of the human eye. This allows much sharper images than are usually obtained from your device and location. Another advantage is that the sky background of advanced dawn is dark and even allows photography of planets and moon at daylight.
Main use
The Astronomik ProPlanet IR 807 cuts off the visible part of the spectrum and allows the light of wavelengths longer then 807nm to pass. Due to this behavior the part of the spectrum that is most sensitive to bad seeing is rejected. This approach does a big improvement to the imaging of planets and the moon. The image is more steady than the image in the visible light.
Other uses
The Astronomik ProPlanet IR 807 is designed to be an addition to the Astronomik ProPlanet IR 742, if the seeing is extremely bad and a larger telescope is used.
For most cameras the exposure times doubles, compared to the Astronomik ProPlanet IR 742 or imaging in visible light, if the Astronomik ProPlanet IR 807 is used.
Darkens the background during twilight.
Imaging of bright planets, stars and comets by day.
Imaging of young stars in dust clouds and stellar nurseries.
Alternatives
If the seeing is not so bad or if the telescope is smaller than 10" (250mm) we recommend the use of the Astronomik ProPlanet IR 742.
Suitability
Visual observation (dark skies): Unsuitable, the eye is insensitive at this spectrum
Visual observation (urban skies): Unsuitable, the eye is insensitive at this spectrum
Film photography: Unsuitable
CCD photography: Reasonable, for special IR photography (as chlorophyll)
DSLR photography (original): Unsuitable
DSLR photography (astro modified): Unsuitable
DSLR photography (MC modified): Good, for IR daylight photography, longer exposure time
Webcam / Video (Planets): Very good, rejects problems with seeing, particularly with telescopes larger 250 mm aperture
Webcam / Video (Deep Sky): Very good, rejects problems with seeing, particularly with telescopes larger 250 mm aperture
Technical Data
more then 97% transmission for wavelengths of 807nm to 1100nm
blocking of wavelengths between 350nm and 790nm
Parfocal with other Astronomik filters
Glass thickness: 1mm
Completely resistant against high humidity, scratches and aging effects
Diffraction limited, the filter will not reduce the optical performance of your telescope!
Astronomik filters are delivered in a high-quality, long lasting, filter box
Since 2008 we do ship filters with a completely new design. Any kind of halo or strange reflection is a matter of past
Ideal filters for the reception of the moon and planets, notably Mars, with telescopes from 6" (150mm) aperture.
The ProPlanet IR 742 only allows infrared light with wavelengths of more than 742 nm to pass. In this wavelength range the effects of seeing are significantly lower than in the visible spectrum of the human eye. This allows much sharper images than are usually obtained from your device and location. Another advantage is that the sky background of advanced dawn is dark and so the filter even allows photography of the planets and the moon at daylight.
Main use
The Astronomik ProPlanet IR 742 cuts off the visible part of the spectrum and allows the light of wavelengths longer then 742nm to pass. Due to this behavior the part of the spectrum that is most sensitive to bad seeing is rejected. This approach does a big improvement to the imaging of planets and the moon. The image is more steady than the image in the visible light with nearly identical exposure times.
Jupiter, imaged with L-RGB Filtern (left) and Astronomik ProPlanet 742 (right)
Comparing sharpness in IR-R-G-B at Saturn
Comparing L-RGB versus IR-RGB at Saturn
Other uses
Besides astrophotography the filter allows you to get stunning results in nature photography. If an EOS-Clip Filter is used in an MC modified DSLR you get tremendous results imaging the flora. The filter cuts off the part of the spectrum where Chlorophyll looks green and shows its high reflectivety in the near infrared. If trees are photographed in spring and summer under blue skies you get stunning images with white trees and clouds in front of a near black background.
Darkens the background during twilight.
Imaging of bright planets, stars and comets by day.
Imaging of young stars in dust clouds and stellar nurseries.
Alternatives
When the seeing is very bad and the instrument is 10" (250 mm) or larger, the Astronomik ProPlanet IR 807 may be the better choice.
The Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP is the lastest addition to the family of Astromik ProPlanet IR-pass filters. The filter thrills because of it´s wide range of applikations for daylight IR-Photography, high-resolution lunar and planetary imaging and for taking beautifull and deep images of H-alpha regions when used for Astrophotography.
What does BP stand for ?
"BP" are short for "Bandpass": The filter gives you a 200nm spectral window from 642nm to 842nm. Contrary to the other two ProPlanet filters it blocks the longer infrared. Together with the Astronmik ProPlanet 742 and the ProPlanet 807 you can now have three choices to match your needs when imaging in the IR. The Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP will be the right choice for the best image quite often!
The Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP will give you three filters in one single product! Depending on your camera, the Astronomik ProPlanet 642 BP is a great tool either for daylight IR-imaging with your digital camera, or it will reduce seeing effects and enhance contrast when used for lunar- and planetary imaging, and third it will be a very good and low-priced H-alpha Filter for getting started in Deep-Sky Astrophotography of H-alpha regions. Due to our skillfull developement with lot´s of tests we reached the goal to give you a filter which will do a perfect job to deliver amazing images.
Daylight IR-imaging:
contrasty images with a great rendition of colors
Clear "Wood-Effect" images
Not Hot-Spot from longer IR!
Short exposure times, about the same as normal VIS-imaging
perfect choice for Infrared-Videos
High-resolution Lunar and planetary imaging:
short Exposure times
effective reduction of Seeing
enhanced contrast
no ghosts and best sharpness due to blocking the longer IR
Deep-Sky Astrophotography of HII regions:
best transmission of the H-alpha line at 656nm
about 40nm FWHM with astro-modified DSLRs
amazing contrast under lightpolluted skies or moonlight
low priced filter for getting started in H-alpha imaging
easy focussing using camera display plus LiveView!
Guiding for Astrophotography:
installing the 642BP in front of your autoguider-camera dramatically improves guiding quality, as image-motion from one frame to the next is minimized.
Technical Data
more then 96% transmission for wavelengths of 642nm to 840nm
blocking of wavelengths between 350nm and 630nm
Parfocal with other Astronomik filters
Glass thickness: 1mm
Completely resistant against high humidity, scratches and aging effects
Diffraction limited, the filter will not reduce the optical performance of your telescope!
Astronomik filters are delivered in a high-quality, long lasting, filter box
Since 2008 we do ship filters with a completely new design. Any kind of halo or strange reflection is a matter of past
Astronomik now offers you a range of three different UV+IR blockers as Luminance filters. The different spectral window of each new Luminance filters is designed to tune your setup to get the sharpest image from any optical design and any camera.
The Luminance channel is probably the most important for a great final image! You want as much signal as possible so the filter should have the highest transmission possible with a wide spectral bandpass. This combination provides the greatest sensitivity and gives you the highest photon counts on your pixels. While the high transmission level is a great aspect of the new Astronomik Luminance filters, not all optical instruments or additional optical elements like correctors, field-flatteners or reducers, have perfect colour correction so it can be the width of the spectral band pass of the Luminance filter that can cause problems. A band pass that is too wide will allow the transmission of incompletely focused light (Chromatic aberration), making stars appear soft or bloated. In such cases image processing can become difficult, so having a slightly narrowed spectral window in your Luminance filter can reduce or eliminate this damaging effect.
To give you all the tools to gather the best data possible we have expanded our line of Luminance filters: Now you can select a Luminance filter perfectly matched to the kind of telescope you use, to get the highest signal and sharpest image for the Luminance channel! Depending on the color correction of your scope you may use a wider spectral window for the Luminance data. The L1 filter has the widest spectral window, the L2 is about the same as our current L-Filter and the L3 is much narrower. If you use an optical system that is completely free of any chromatic aberration you should get an L1 filter for your setup. For general use the L2 filter is well suited to most optical systems with a corrector, flattener or reducer in the optical train while the L3 filter is designed for users of refractors with a less-than-perfect color correction and in combination with the new Deep-Sky RGB filters, the L3 filter will minimise the problem of bluish halos around stars.
The transmission curve characteristics and coatings on the new Luminance filters have been designed and engineered in such a way that no halos or reflections will be visible. Even with bright stars in the field of view you will be able to reveal the faintest structures in nebulas or galaxies.
Like all Astronomik Filters, the new Luminance filters are made using an extremely durable and scratch resistant coating, deposited on the finest polished optical substrate, which is free of any striae or internal strains. All substrates are made to exactly the same thickness, so all of our filters are parfocal.
Additional note for observers working under light polluted skies: If your observing site suffers from light pollution you should try to use our CLS-CCD as a replacement for the Luminance filter. The transmission curve of the CLS-CCD will give you approximately the same amount of energy in all three colour channels while blocking nearly all unwanted artifical light pollution. Customers who replaced the Lx filter with the CLS-CCD are amazed by the increased quality of their data. This small change gives you the opportunity to take much deeper images from your current observing site.
Astronomik now offers you a range of three different UV+IR blockers as Luminance filters. The different spectral window of each new Luminance filters is designed to tune your setup to get the sharpest image from any optical design and any camera.
The Luminance channel is probably the most important for a great final image! You want as much signal as possible so the filter should have the highest transmission possible with a wide spectral bandpass. This combination provides the greatest sensitivity and gives you the highest photon counts on your pixels. While the high transmission level is a great aspect of the new Astronomik Luminance filters, not all optical instruments or additional optical elements like correctors, field-flatteners or reducers, have perfect colour correction so it can be the width of the spectral band pass of the Luminance filter that can cause problems. A band pass that is too wide will allow the transmission of incompletely focused light (Chromatic aberration), making stars appear soft or bloated. In such cases image processing can become difficult, so having a slightly narrowed spectral window in your Luminance filter can reduce or eliminate this damaging effect.
To give you all the tools to gather the best data possible we have expanded our line of Luminance filters: Now you can select a Luminance filter perfectly matched to the kind of telescope you use, to get the highest signal and sharpest image for the Luminance channel! Depending on the color correction of your scope you may use a wider spectral window for the Luminance data. The L1 filter has the widest spectral window, the L2 is about the same as our current L-Filter and the L3 is much narrower. If you use an optical system that is completely free of any chromatic aberration you should get an L1 filter for your setup. For general use the L2 filter is well suited to most optical systems with a corrector, flattener or reducer in the optical train while the L3 filter is designed for users of refractors with a less-than-perfect color correction and in combination with the new Deep-Sky RGB filters, the L3 filter will minimise the problem of bluish halos around stars.
The transmission curve characteristics and coatings on the new Luminance filters have been designed and engineered in such a way that no halos or reflections will be visible. Even with bright stars in the field of view you will be able to reveal the faintest structures in nebulas or galaxies.
Like all Astronomik Filters, the new Luminance filters are made using an extremely durable and scratch resistant coating, deposited on the finest polished optical substrate, which is free of any striae or internal strains. All substrates are made to exactly the same thickness, so all of our filters are parfocal.
Additional note for observers working under light polluted skies: If your observing site suffers from light pollution you should try to use our CLS-CCD as a replacement for the Luminance filter. The transmission curve of the CLS-CCD will give you approximately the same amount of energy in all three colour channels while blocking nearly all unwanted artifical light pollution. Customers who replaced the Lx filter with the CLS-CCD are amazed by the increased quality of their data. This small change gives you the opportunity to take much deeper images from your current observing site.
Astronomik now offers you a range of three different UV+IR blockers as Luminance filters. The different spectral window of each new Luminance filters is designed to tune your setup to get the sharpest image from any optical design and any camera.
The Luminance channel is probably the most important for a great final image! You want as much signal as possible so the filter should have the highest transmission possible with a wide spectral bandpass. This combination provides the greatest sensitivity and gives you the highest photon counts on your pixels. While the high transmission level is a great aspect of the new Astronomik Luminance filters, not all optical instruments or additional optical elements like correctors, field-flatteners or reducers, have perfect colour correction so it can be the width of the spectral band pass of the Luminance filter that can cause problems. A band pass that is too wide will allow the transmission of incompletely focused light (Chromatic aberration), making stars appear soft or bloated. In such cases image processing can become difficult, so having a slightly narrowed spectral window in your Luminance filter can reduce or eliminate this damaging effect.
To give you all the tools to gather the best data possible we have expanded our line of Luminance filters: Now you can select a Luminance filter perfectly matched to the kind of telescope you use, to get the highest signal and sharpest image for the Luminance channel! Depending on the color correction of your scope you may use a wider spectral window for the Luminance data. The L1 filter has the widest spectral window, the L2 is about the same as our current L-Filter and the L3 is much narrower. If you use an optical system that is completely free of any chromatic aberration you should get an L1 filter for your setup. For general use the L2 filter is well suited to most optical systems with a corrector, flattener or reducer in the optical train while the L3 filter is designed for users of refractors with a less-than-perfect color correction and in combination with the new Deep-Sky RGB filters, the L3 filter will minimise the problem of bluish halos around stars.
The transmission curve characteristics and coatings on the new Luminance filters have been designed and engineered in such a way that no halos or reflections will be visible. Even with bright stars in the field of view you will be able to reveal the faintest structures in nebulas or galaxies.
Like all Astronomik Filters, the new Luminance filters are made using an extremely durable and scratch resistant coating, deposited on the finest polished optical substrate, which is free of any striae or internal strains. All substrates are made to exactly the same thickness, so all of our filters are parfocal.
Additional note for observers working under light polluted skies: If your observing site suffers from light pollution you should try to use our CLS-CCD as a replacement for the Luminance filter. The transmission curve of the CLS-CCD will give you approximately the same amount of energy in all three colour channels while blocking nearly all unwanted artifical light pollution. Customers who replaced the Lx filter with the CLS-CCD are amazed by the increased quality of their data. This small change gives you the opportunity to take much deeper images from your current observing site.
The new Astronomik Deep-Sky RGB filters are the result of a long and detailed process of research and development. We have created the most advanced set of RGB filters for Deep-Sky imaging available today. The transmission curves of the three filters are designed to give you strong and vivid colors with a strong reinforcement of the most important emission lines. Data taken with the new Astronomik Deep-Sky RGB filters is easier to process into a beautiful final masterpiece.
Feedback from our test-users and the first customers is really exciting. All of them reported smaller, sharper stars and this was one of our design goals, so these filters are designed to give you the best contrast and the smallest stars possible!
During the design of the Deep-Sky RGB filters we took a close look at the sensitivity curves of today’s popular CCD cameras. The result was we found a way to make one set of filters for all kind of sensors ranging from KAF- and KAI-sensors, to the chips made by Sony, meaning you can do 1:1:1 ratio RGB exposures with all sensors, with only minimal tweaking necessary during processing to achieve perfect colours in your image!
The transmission curve characteristics and coatings on the new Deep Sky RGB filters have been designed and engineered in such a way that no halos or reflections will be visible. Even with bright stars in the field of view you will be able to reveal the faintest structures in nebulas or galaxies
Additional to the Deep-Sky RGB filters Astronomik now offers you three different Luminance filters. The different spectral window of each new Luminance filters is designed to tune your setup to get the sharpest image from any optical design and any camera, even with instruments with less-than-perfect colour correction. (Link einfügen)
Like all Astronomik Filters, the new Deep-Sky RGB filters are made using an extremely durable and scratch resistant coating, deposited on the finest polished optical substrate, which is free of any striae or internal strains. All substrates are made to exactly the same thickness, so all of our filters are parfocal.
Astronomik Deep-Sky RGB Key features:
Maximum transmission of up to 95%
Ultra-Sharp, pinpoint star images
High contrast
Easy to process data for vivid colours in the final image
Optimized spectral windows for max photon counts on the sensor
Made on finest, opticaly polished glass
Extremly durable, scratch resistant coating
MFR Coating technique for a wide range of focal ratios
The Astronomik CLS CCD is suitable under light-polluted skies for DSLR Cameras, which have been remodeled for astronomical use. The filter enhances the contrast between all deep-sky objects and the background.
The CLS-CCD Filter enhances the contrast between astronomical objects and the background. Due to the wider transmission curve compared to UHC filters, a greater amount of light will pass the filter. Stars will be less dimmed. This filter has been optimized to block as much spurious light as possible and simultaneously provide the best performance for 'useful' light. A good filter for DSLR-, CCD- and film b/w-photography as well as observation of deep-sky-objects with telescopes or photo lenses of all aperture f/2 and above.
Main use
The filter blocks completely emission lines of artificial light sources like streetlights (e.g. sodium- and mercury-vapor) as well as the airglow. All 'important' emission lines as well as the spectral range of the night-adapted eye are beeing passed. The supplementary IR-blocking layer allows the use for DSLR- and Webcams without an integrated IR-block filter.
Other uses
Easier resolution of Double Stars.
With the EOS-Clip model, photography with DSLR cameras is feasible even unter extreme light-polluting conditions without shifting the white balance.
The 1,25" and 2" socket models can be used for observations from light-polluted areas.
If you plan to create color images from emission line data, our CLS-CCD filter is a great choice for the Luminance channel
Alternatives
CLS: For cameras with an integrated IR-filter or for visual observation.
Suitability
Visual observation (dark skies): Good, to reduce light pollution by mercury-vapour lamps (streetlight)
Visual observation (urban skies): Reasonable, an UHC-E or UHC filter is more suitable
Film photography: Very good, colour balance is near perfect
CCD photography: Very good, optimized rejection of light pollution
DSLR photography (original): Good, colour balance shifted but contrast enhanced
DSLR photography (astro modified): Very good, colour balance is near perfect
DSLR photography (MC modified): Very good, colour balance is near perfect
Webcam / Video (Planets): Unsuitable
Webcam / Video (Deep Sky): Very good, if light pollution is a big problem
Technical Data
95% transmission at 486nm (H-beta)
95% transmission at 496nm (OIII)
95% transmission at 501nm (OIII)
97% transmission at 656nm (H-alpha)
pass from 450 to 520nm and from 640 to 690nm
Parfocal with other Astronomik filters
Glass thickness: 1mm
Completely resistant against high humidity, scratches and aging effects
Diffraction limited, the filter will not reduce the optical performance of your telescope!
Astronomik filters are delivered in a high-quality, long lasting, filter box
Since 2008 we do ship filters with a completely new design. Any kind of halo or strange reflection is a matter of past
