Photographic and CCD Accessories

Some of these links will take you to different pages, others will link further down this page.

Guidescope Accessories

Optical Accessories

Adapters for Optical Accessories

Electronic Focusing Control for Astro-Physics Focusers

Related Photographic / Imaging Accessories

Custom Adapters
We are continually expanding our selection of adapters. However, there will always be the need for specialized adapters to meet custom requirements. We recommend the company, PreciseParts, for those occasions.


Guidescope Accessories

10 x 60 Vario-Finder with Quick Release Guider Bracket Kit (1060VGKIT)

The Astro-Physics designed Guider Bracket greatly expands the versatility and functionality of the Baader 10 x 60 Vario-Finder Scope.  By removing the Finder Scope’s 45° prism and reticle-eyepiece and substituting T-2 extension tubes, the finder transforms into a straight-through guidescope.  This unique Guider Bracket provides the robust, flexure-free structure to hold even the heaviest guide cameras.   Whether you use a feather-light camera, such as the SBIG ST-i, QHY5L-II and Starlight Xpress Lodestar, or a heavy-weight, such as the SBIG SG-4, this Guider Bracket will help you master autoguiding.

An enlarged Quick-Release Base (QRBASEG) provides the rigid foundation on which the bracket rests.  The male dovetail base-rail allows the bracket to be positioned for proper balance, while providing an attachment point for the stabilizing guide ring.  The guide ring is the key to rigidly holding the focuser’s draw tube and the guide camera flexure-free.

Important note: Purchasing this Vario-Finder Guider Kit also includes the 45° prism and reticle-eyepiece which allows you to use the guider as a finder! All that is needed is to remove the rear ring of the guider bracket (a single screw secures it) when making the switch. See image at right.

Starting in early October of 2013, we started to ship bases that were approximately 3/8" (9.5 mm) taller, so that the guide bracket rail will more easily clear the mounting rings of our refractors. This will allow the scope to rotate without interferance.

As your Astro-Physics mount precisely tracks around the sky, the protective felt lining of your telescope’s rings can allow a minute amount of scope flexure, affecting the otherwise perfect star shapes.  Because this entire guidescope configuration is attached directly to your telescope (rather than the scope’s rings), guiding will follow your scope’s movement, not that of the scope’s rings and mounting plates.  This will ensure that you get the imaging results you seek.

The Guider Bracket rail can be directly attached to many Vixen-style and D-style universal dovetail plates for mounting convenience. See this link for the attachment hole pattern.

Please click this link for a clearance diagram.

The image to the right shows the SBIG ST-i used as a guide camera. It is a very light weight camera configuration.


The image to the left shows a heavier SBIG ST-402 camera being used as a guide camera. Inspite of the weight, the Guider Bracket rigidly supports the drawtube without flexure. Using an SBIG SG-4 Stand-alone Autoguider and a DSLR on the main scope makes for a superb, computer-free imaging setup!



Vario-Finder and Guider Bracket Kit includes:

  • 10 x 60 Baader Vario-Finder, includes the Finder's 45° erecting prism and reticle eyepiece for use as a finder.
  • 10 x 60 Quick Release Guider Bracket (S1060QRGB)
  • Base for Quick Release Guider Bracket (QRBASEG)
  • T-2 Extension Tubes - 40 mm (BP25B) and 15 mm (BP25A)

  Weight: 2 lb. 5.7 oz. (1.07 kg)

 
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10 x 60 Quick Release Guider Bracket (S1060QRGB)

If you already own the Baader 10 x 60 Vario- Finder (1060VQ), or a similar size guidescope, then this Guider Bracket will be perfect for improving your autoguiding technique.  It is lightweight, yet provides a flexure-free mounting configuration that removes the problem of flexure in your guide scope’s focuser. The bracket is shown with the QRBASEG, purchased separately.

The Guider Bracket can also be used with any guidescope that has a body length of at least 3 1/4"  (83 mm) and a diameter between 2 1/4" (60 mm) and 2 5/8" (67 mm), allowing room for adjustability.


Above photo shows Guide Bracket
with QRBASEG (sold separately).

The Base for Quick Release Guider Bracket (QRBASEG), shown with the bracket, is the recommended attachment method so that guiding will follow your scope’s movement, not that of the scope’s rings and mounting plate.  However, the dovetail base-rail has ¼"-20 tapped holes for attaching to our 7" and 10" Sliding Bars (SB0800 and SB1000), our 15" Sliding Bar (SB1500), a Losmandy Adapter (LMDVA), or to many D-style and Vixen-style universal dovetail plates should these mounting methods be necessary. See this link for the attachment hole pattern.

Please click this link for a clearance diagram.

Additional accessories needed may include a 40 mm T-2 Extension Tube (BP25B) and/or a 15 mm T-2 Extension Tube (BP25A), depending on the guidescope and camera you use.

Weight: 9.9 oz. (.28 kg)

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Base for Quick Release Guider Bracket (QRBASEG)

This base is designed with a dual-radius curve in order to fit onto the predrilled holes of all Astro-Physics refractors or other commercial telescopes that utilizes the same hole spacing. Fortunately, the spacing between the holes of most finder brackets is the same. The dovetail design of this base accepts these items:

  • 10 x 60 Quick Release Guider Bracket (S1060QRGB)
  • 10 x 60 Quick Release Finder Bracket (S1060QRM)
  • 8 x 50 Quick Release Finder Bracket (S850QRM) - discontinued
  • Male Dovetail Base (A3251-B and earlier versions) along with whatever accessory you have attached
  • Modified TeleVue StarBeam (STARFMD) or modified Qwik Point finder, which already include our part #A3251-B male dovetail piece

The bracket is attached via two screws. The second set of attachment holes is provided for shifting the base forward or backward as needed. The base can be rotated 180° for either right-handed or left-handed use. Additionally, we have provided a central locking screw hole so that our traditional finder brackets can be used with this base (simply shift the forward thumbscrew back). The included stop screw can then be installed at the end of the base for use with these brackets (it is not used with the Guider Bracket).

Starting in early October of 2013, we started to ship bases that were approximately 3/8" (9.5 mm) taller, so that the guide bracket rail will more easily clear the mounting rings of our refractors. This will allow the scope to rotate without interference.

The mounting hole spacing is approximately 1 3/8" (34.9 mm) side-to-side and uses 10-32 x 5/8" Phillips Pan Head screws for attachment. The length is 2.30" (58.4 mm) and the height of the bottom of the dovetail above the radius of the base's foot is 1.25" (31.8 mm). A 1/4"-20 tapped hole on the bottom of the QRBASEG can be used to attach it to a dovetail plate.

Weight: 4.4 oz. (.13 kg)

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Takahashi Adapter for Astro-Physics Quick Release Bases (QRBATAK-A)

We have designed this Takahashi Adapter to allow our Guider and Finder Brackets to be used with Takahashi and other brands of telescopes that require flat surface attachment, as well as with custom applications.  The adapter can also be mounted to almost any brand of universal dovetail plate (or flat surface), allowing our Guider and Finder Brackets to be quickly removed / installed when transporting.  Please reference the hole-pattern diagram when choosing this adapter. 

Once the adapter has been secured to your Takahashi scope or other flat surface, the following Quick Release Bases can be attached to the top of the contoured base: 

  • Base for Quick Release Guider Bracket (QRBASEG)
  • Base for Quick Release Finder Brackets (QRBASEM)
  • Base for Quick Release Finder Bracket - previous models that you may already own.

Photo shows the older QRBATAK and Guider Bracket mounted on a Takahashi FSQ-ED for reference. Note: The QRBATAK is shown as silver for easy identification. It and the newer QRBATAK-A are annodized black as a finished product.

Use with Guider Bracket
Owners of Takahashi refractors (yes, this includes the FSQ) can now create their perfect imaging / guiding system…compact and precise!  For guiding, order the QRBATAK-A with the following items:

  • QRBASEG - purchase individually if you already own the S1060QRGB bracket 
  • 10x60 Vario-Finder with Quick Release Guider Bracket Kit (1060VGKIT) - includes the QRBASEG, S1060QRGB guider bracket, 10x60 Vario-Finder, and two T-2 extensions (15mm and 40mm).

Although the QRBATAK-A can also be mounted to dovetail plates, we don’t recommend this option for critical guiding.  Instead, we recommend attaching the QRBATAK-A directly to the imaging scope rather than an accessory plate, whenever possible.

Please click this link for a clearance diagram.

Use with Finder Bracket
The QRBATAK-A will also allow you to use any Astro-Physics finder bracket (past or present) that utilizes the QRBASE, QRBASES QRBASES-A, orQRBASES adapters. When ordering, choose from the following:
  • QRBASEM, if you don’t already have one. These bases are not included with the items below.
  • QRBASEG - can also be used with the finder brackets, though for most applications, it is larger than necessary.

     AND

  • 1060VQ - 10x60 Vario-Finder with 10x60 Quick Release Bracket
  • S1060QRM - 10x60 Quick Release Finder Bracket, use with your own finder
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Baader T-2 Extension Tubes (BP25A, BP25B and BP25C)

The Baader T-2 Extension Tubes are available in three lengths: 40 mm (BP25B), 15 mm (BP25A) and 7.5 mm (BP25C). A combination of these extension tubes will be necessary when the 10 x 60 Baader Vario Finder is converted into its guidescope configuration.  Depending on the back focus spacing of your autoguider camera, you will most likely need to use the BP25B and/or the BP25A extension tubes.  We have found that the two combined provides the optimal spacing distance for the cameras that we use (your system may differ).

15mm T-2 Extension 40mm T-2 Extension 7.5mm T-2 Extension
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Optical Accessories

2" Advanced Convertible Barlow (BARADV)

Our Advanced Convertible Barlow has a unique design that provides several configurations to increase the focal length of your telescope. It was designed to match the characteristics of small and medium size CCD chips. It is also ideal for high-power visual observation and lunar-planetary-solar photography. This redesigned optic features a flatter field, allowing it to be used for deep-sky photography when increased magnification of smaller objects is desired.


Features:

  • Flat field for imaging and visual
  • Very effective high-tech coatings eliminate ghost images
  • Screws into front nosepiece of cameras and diagonals
  • Ideal for medium size CCD sensors
  • Greater than 98% light transmission
  • Large field optic eliminates vignetting even with f/6 optics

The Barlow’s flat field is optimized for APS-C and smaller sensors (such as the 8300 and 3200 sensors). Using this Barlow with an f/8 refractor provides round stars over 90% of the field and over 80% of the field with an f/6.3 refractor.

Please click this link for additional information and sample images taken with this fine optic.

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Fluorite Flatfield Converter Barlow (BPFFC) and FFC System from Baader Planetarium
The Baader Planetarium Fluorite Flatfield Converter System (BPFFC) is another option for taking images at magnitudes up to 8x. The fully coated optics provide an apochromatic flat field over a 90 mm circle format.

More information about this product is available clicking the thumbnail to the right or the links below.

Baader Flatfield Converter Barlow
Baader FFC Basic System
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Photographic-Visual Telecompressor (0.75x) (27TVPH)
We have increased the versatility of our telecompressor (also called a focal reducer) by designing a variety of accessories for photographic, CCD and visual applications. The effective focal length will be approximately 0.75 times the focal length of the instrument, i.e. our f6 refractors will operate at a very fast f/4.5! Deep-sky objects are recorded on film in a fraction of the time needed at prime focus. In addition, you can more effectively capture a large object or cluster of objects with the telecompressor. For instance, if you photograph at prime focus with a 35 mm camera on a 130mm f/6 StarFire, you will achieve a 1.7 x 2.4 degree field. If you use the telecompressor, the field size increases to 2.3 x 3.3 degrees at f/4.5. This greatly increases the versatility of your refractor for imaging a wide variety of objects.

This well-corrected accessory lens preserves the high contrast and superb color correction of the main objective. While the telecompressor flattens the field to a certain degree, you may still notice some slightly elongated stars in the corners. This is less of an issue with CCD imaging when the chip size is smaller than a 35 mm negative. For the very best edge star images, we recommend the prime focus 2.7" or 4" field flatteners, which have been specifically designed for each focal length of our StarFire refractors. If you own one of our 175, 160, 155 or 140 StarFires and plan to take CCD images, we suggest our dedicated CCD Telecompressor Correctors that are optimally corrected for these scopes.

Here are a few examples of images from our gallery that were taken with our telecompressor:

M42, 105 mm Traveler at f/4.5 taken by Ray Gralak with an SBIG ST8E.
Gamma Cygnus Region, 105 mm Traveler at f/4.5 taken by Ray Gralak with an SBIG ST8E.
M8, 130 mm StarFire EDFS at f/4.5 imaged by Loke Tan with an SBIG ST10E.
IC 5070 - The Pelican Nebula, 155 mm StarFire EDFS at f/5.2 taken by Ray Gralak with SBIG ST-10XE

IMPORTANT INFO: We designed the telecompressor so that it threads directly into the drawtube, thus placing the optics forward in the optical system. As a result, the telecompressor can only be used with Astro-Physics 2.7" and 4" focusers (27FOC3E-FT and 4FOC3E-FT) and Starlight Instruments 3" and 3.5" focusers that have an end-cap adapter for Astro-Physics 2.7" accessories. Two additional adapters greatly increase the versatility of this Photo-Visual Telecompressor. The 2.7" adapters that thread onto the 3.25" rear plates of larger Meade and Celestron SCT's (ADASCTLM27 and ADASCTLC27) make this telecompressor available to owners of Meade and Celestron SCT's.

Note: Celestron EdgeHD scopes recommend a 146 mm back spacing distance (reference Celestron Tech information). Contact Celestron for further information.

In addition to our refractors, Astro-Physics focusers are featured in several popular Ritchey-Chretiens (the telecompressor produces very fine results with these scopes) and are available for telescope makers.

The 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter (ADA2767), introduced in August, 2008 allows larger imaging platforms like the SBIG STL Series cameras or full frame DSLR's to be attached to the Photo-Visual Telecompressor without the vignetting effects of a 2" nosepiece or a T-ring and allow rotating the camera!

You may prefer a sturdier cover than the included plastic plug. Astro-Physics also offers an optional aluminum cover that will accommodate this part, depending on your storage needs. Please review the information regarding the Threaded Cover for AP 2.7" Drawtubes and Accessories with 2.7" Female Threads (A1005). More information can be found on our Accessory Reference Chart for 2.7" Threaded Covers.

Diagram and Magnification Info:
The focal length of the Photo-Visual Telecompressor is 27.6" (700 mm). In order to obtain approximately 0.75x, please refer to the exploded diagram for various configurations. To calculate the compression factor and coverage for your particular setup, please refer to our Telecompressor Spacing, Compression Calculation and Coverage document or to the CCDT67 & 27TVPH Telecompression Graph.

Applications:

35 mm Camera - Either our Canon EOS Camera Adapter (PFCLEOS) or our 35mm Camera Adapter (PFCT---) and your favorite 35 mm camera will produce very fine images in no time at all. They are both optimally spaced for 0.75x compression. If you desire a bit less compression, use our 2"/T-2 Secure-Grip Nosepiece (AP16T) in place of the Prime Focus Camera Adapter for closer to 0.8x compression.

CCD Camera - Choose the appropriate adapter (A3502-A, A3503-A, A3504-A, A3505, A3506, A1008-A) to space the telecompressor properly with your CCD camera for up to 0.75x compression.

Visual - Slip in a 2" diagonal, such as our MaxBright Diagonal (PMDMAX), with most eyepieces (some eyepieces may not focus). While it is fun to use the telecompressor in this manner, your best wide field results will be obtained with a high-quality eyepiece rather than a telecompressor/eyepiece combination.

The telecompressor is threaded for 58 mm filters.


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CCD Telecompressor (CCDT67)

Images Taken with the CCDT67
Barnard 86
Peter Ward
AP 155 StarFire EDF
M57
Roland Christen
AP 10"f/14.6 Maksutov-Cassegrain at f/9.7
Helix Nebula
Gerald Miller
RCOS 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien
NGC 7582, 7590
and 7599

Daniel Verschatse
RCOS 14.5" Ritchey-Chretien with CCDT67 working at f/6.56
Keyhole

Keyhole Nebula
Peter Ridgway
Celestron C14 EdgeHD
with CCDT67

Originally developed to tame the focal length of our 10" f/14.6 Mak-Cass, this telecompressor is optimized for scopes ranging from f/9 to f/18 focal ratio. The 2-element cemented design transmits close to 99% of the incoming light over the range of 420 to 700 nm. The focal length of the telecompressor optics is 12".  For refractors, the field is compressed by 0.67x.  If you have a moving mirror system, the native focal ratio will increase.  

This optic is not recommended for telescopes with f/ratios below about f/8-9. For faster instruments, we recommend the Photographic-Visual Telecompressor (27TVPH).

The CCDT67 design allows full corner-to-corner illumination up to an 8300 or APS-C size chip with most catadioptric telescopes.  This design does not add coma to the wavefront, and thus, can be used with all flat-field and coma-free telescopes such as Maksutov-Cassegrains, Schmidt-Cassegrains, Ritchey-Chretiens and refractors.  The inherent resolution of the telescope is not compromised when using this compressor.

Please review the exploded diagram to see how this item will fit into your imaging system. If you want a higher compression ratio, you can add one or more of the 2" Barrel Extension w/ 48 mm Threads (A3703) between the CCDT67 and the nosepiece of your camera. This has the advantage of inserting the CCDT67 forward in the light cone so that in-travel requirements are reduced.  Please note that as you increase compression, you decrease the size of the image circle at the focus point. At 0.67x, the CCDT67 will have a 29 mm image circle.  It will not cover a full-frame size chip.

  • Clear aperture is 1.75", designed to screw onto our 2" Secure-Grip Nosepiece (AP16T) or any other 2" nosepiece with 48 mm threads that is designed for CCD cameras.
  • Optimized for 0.67x compression with a fully illuminated circle of 29 mm when the back spacing distance is 85 mm from the rear flange to the camera sensor is used
  • Expect a 0.75x compression with a fully illuminated circle of 34 mm when the back spacing distance is 50 mm from the rear flange to the camera sensor
  • Approximately 5 inches of focuser in-travel is needed to achieve focus on the CCD chip.
  • The focal length of the CDD Telecompressor is 12" (305 mm)
  • Insertion depth of CCDT67 is 1.45" (36.8 mm)
  • Net insertion depth of 2.47" (62.8 mm) when used on the AP16T nosepiece
  • There are 48 mm filter threads on the front of the CCDT67. Be sure that you have sufficient insertion depth when adding a filter. The rear of the CCDT67 has 48 mm male threads.

To calculate the compression factor and coverage for your particular setup, please refer to our Telecompressor Spacing, Compression Calculation and Coverage document or to the CCDT67 & 27TVPH Telecompression Graph.

We highly recommend our 2" Secure-Grip Nosepiece (AP16T) for your CCD camera. When used with the brass locking ring of most of our adapters, this unique barrel will seat your valuable CCD camera squarely and solidly into place. Even a single thumbscrew interface will be improved. Note: If you are using the older style thin 2" adapter (part # ADA2013), we suggest that you use the 2" nosepiece that came with your camera or the 2" nosepiece from Baader Planetarium (we offer as part #BP16). The current style 2" Thin Adapter (ADA20132) works perfectly with the AP16T.

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0.72x Quad Telecompressor Corrector for:
** 130 StarFire GTX and EDFGT (with 3.5" Focuser) Refractors (QUADTCC-AP130)
** 140/160/180 Telescope Engineering Company Refractor (QUADTCC-TEC140/160/180)

Expand your field!   Reduce your f/value, speeding up the collection of photons!  And do it with pin-point stars all the way to the corners of your full frame 35 mm sensor!

The new Quad TCC (four element Telecompressor Corrector) when coupled with the Astro-Physics 130 Starfire GTX is an imaging machine at f/4.5 and a focal length of 585 mm.  It covers an approximate 3.5 x 2.4 degree field when using a full frame 35 mm sensor and an amazing 3.5 x 3.5 degrees when using a 16803 sensor!  There will be no need to mosaic your images, but when you do…Wow! 

Four carefully matched glass elements are carefully figured and then coated with the very latest multi-coatings to produce this optical wonder.  All mechanical parts, including the covers, are CNC machined and black anodized with a lustrous finish.

The Quad TCC takes advantage of our new 3.5” focuser to provide coverage of a full frame sensor.  130 Starfire EDFGT owners can celebrate with the knowledge that their 2.7” focusers can be upgraded with the 3.5” focuser and then also use the Quad TCC.

 

We believe in spreading the imaging fun around.  The Quad TCC will also work with Telescope Engineering Company’s APO 140ED f/7 scope, making it a 700 mm, f/5 flat-field imaging scope!  No fancy modifications are needed…simply attach our Drawtube Endcap (S35RFAA) to TEC’s Starlight Instrument focuser, then slip in the Quad TCC and you’re ready to go.  The TEC 160 and TEC 180 scopes with the Starlight Instruments 3.5” focuser can also employ the Quad TCC (a different backfocus spacer will need to be used).  The fun just goes on!

QuadTCC above shown with scope Backfocus Spacer.


The backfocus spacing (as measured from the rear flange of the backfocus spacer) is
80.8 mm +/- 1.0 mm.

Schematic showing Backfocus Spacer and Adapter spacing.


Don’t be left behind in the stellar dust…
...image it faster than ever before!

  The male threads are 3.270" x 16.
Field of View with 130 Starfire GTX (at f/4.5):

Fully Illuminated Circle
KAF-8300
APS-C
35 mm Full Frame CCD
KAF-16803

2.0” (50 mm)
18.0 x 13.5 mm
22.3 x 14.9 mm
36 x 24 mm
36.8 x 36.8 mm

4.9° (294 min.)
1.8° x 1.3° (106 x 79 min.)
2.2° x 1.5° (131 x 88 min.)
3.5° x 2.4° (211 x 145 min.) 3.5° x 3.5° (211 x 211 min.)

Click Image for larger view.

Field of View with TEC APO140ED (at f/5):

Fully Illuminated Circle
KAF-8300
APS-C
35 mm Full Frame CCD
KAF-16803

2.0” (50 mm)
18.0 x 13.5 mm
22.3 x 14.9 mm
36 x 24 mm
36.8 x 36.8 mm
4.1° (245 min.)
1.5° x 1.1° (88 x 63 min.)
1.8 ° x 1.2° (110 x 73 min.)
3.0° x 2.0° (177 x 121 min.)
3.0° x 3.0° (177 x 177 min.)
Click Image for larger view.

Scope Part Code Backfocus Spacer Spacing with Bf. S. Spacing without Bf. S.
AP 130 GTX QUADTCC-AP130 22.1 mm 80.8 mm 102.9 mm
TEC 140 QUADTCC-TEC140 18.3 mm 80.8 mm 99.1 mm
TEC 160 QUADTCC-TEC160 17.0 mm 80.8 mm 97.8 mm
TEC 180 QUADTCC-TEC180 16.0 mm 80.8 mm 96.8 mm
Important Note: When purchasing the QuadTCC the proper length Backfocus Spacer is included for the scope specified. However, when ordering the QuadTCC for a TEC scope you will also need to order a Drawtube Endcap (S35RFAA) for the focuser (see part listing below). This only applies to the TEC focusers. This part is integral to the Astro-Physics 3.5" focusers and is not needed as a separate purchase. The S35RFAA screws onto the drawtube's 4.100" x 24 thread (same as Starlight Instrument's 3.5" focuser endcap thread).

 

 

Endcap (S35RFAA) for TEC Scopes and Starlight Instruments 3.5" focusers. 3.5" Adapter for 4" Focusers (ADA435)

 

 

If you have multiple scopes from the list above and wish to purchase a Backfocus Spacer separately in order to use the QuadTCC on the different scopes, below are the spacers listed by length (reference the table above) and corresponding part number.
Backfocus Spacer Length Part Number
22.1 mm A5020
18.3 mm A2680
17.0 mm A5022
16.0 mm A5023

 

 

Optical Spacer Ring Set for Telecompressor Corrector (A5025SET)

In most imaging setups it will not be necessary to modify the spacing distance.  However, there may be some sensor/camera combinations that can benefit by making slight changes to this spacing.  

A set of three 1 mm thick spacer rings is being offered that can be used in special circumstances to modify the backfocus spacing of the Telecompressor Corrector.

 

One can increase the spacing by adding one, two or three spacer rings to the rear threads of the Telecompressor Corrector.  Reducing the distance is done by switching to a shorter Backfocus Spacer (22.1 mm, 18.3 mm, 17 mm and 16 mm are available).  Adding rings to the 18.3 mm adapter will make the differences toward the 22.1 mm adapter. 

These rings are designed to slip over the 3.270" thread of the Telecompressor Correctors and CCD Field Flatteners.

How to determining how much spacing change is needed - shorter or longer.
 
Adapters for CCD Field Flatteners and Telecompressor Correctors (ADATCC1, ADATCC2, ADATCC3, A3513-A, ADATCCEOS and ADATCCNIK)
 

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0.76x CCD Telecompressor Correctors for the 175, 160, 155 and 140 StarFire EDF Refractors and Corresponding Adapters

160 Telecompressor Corrector

Dedicated Telecompressor Correctors are available for the 160 f/7.5, 175 f/8 , 155 f/7 and 140 StarFire f/7.5 StarFire EDF refractors. They were originally designed with the requirements of CCD imaging in mind, however they can be used with any kind of camera including modern SLR and DSLR cameras and even video cameras as long as the proper adapter is employed. They were designed to use with the 4" Focuser. Please refer to the detailed information at the links below.
F/6.1 CCD Telecompressor Corrector for the 175 f/8 StarFire EDF (175TCC)
F/5.7 CCD Telecompressor Corrector for the 160 f/7.5 StarFire EDF (160TCC)
F/5.3 CCD Telecompressor Corrector for the 155 f/7 StarFire EDF (155TCC)
F/5.7 CCD Telecompressor Corrector for the 140 f/7.5 StarFire EDF (155TCC)
 
Adapters for CCD Field Flatteners and Telecompressor Correctors (ADATCC1, ADATCC2, ADATCC3, A3513-A, ADATCCEOS and ADATCCNIK)
 

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2.7" Prime Focus Field Flattener (67PF462, 67PF562, 67PF582, 67PF69, 67PF79)



67PF582

Our 2.7" Field Flattener can be coupled to a variety of different cameras for truly superb photographs or images with your StarFire refractor. Each field flattener is designed for a particular focal length for optimal results. They are not interchangeable.

The backfocus spacing for these flatteners (as measured from the rear flange) is 3.4" +/- 1/10" (86.4 mm +/- 2.5 mm).

The bayonet male thread size at the rear is 3.725" x 24.

Use the bayonet locking ring to secure your camera into position after you have framed your image. This allows you to rotate the camera to achieve your desired composition.



67PF462 / 67PF562

Please choose the appropriate field flattener for your Astro-Physics refractor:

  • 67PF462 - 105 f/6 Traveler
  • 67PF562 - 130 f/6 StarFire EDFS, 130 f/6.3 StarFire EDF Gran Turismo (note: if you have the 130 f/6.3 StarFire GTX or GT with 3.5" focuser, consider the 13035FF)
  • 67PF582 - 140 f/7.5 StarFire EDF, 130 f/8.35 StarFire EDT, 155 f/7 StarFire EDFS, Star130ED, Star12ED, 5" f/8 StarFire, 5" f/8 Standard
  • 67PF69 - 155 StarFire EDT, previous 6" f/9 and Star155ED - DISCONTINUED
  • 67PF79 - 180 StarFire EDT, 7" f/9 StarFire - DISCONTINUED


Starting in August 2009, all 2.7" field flatteners are now shipped with machined aluminum covers for both sides of the unit. If you already own one of these flatteners and would like a set of covers, please refer to the cover set listed below.


Covered Field Flattener

Applications:
35 mm SLR or DSLR Camera
- use 67RT-- adapters (specify the t-ring that you need) to interface with the field flattener for optimum results in 35 mm film formats. Click here to see the field flattener with our 2.7" focuser and 35 mm camera. For full frame Canon and Nikon DSLR's, we also offer the Large 1.875" diameter SLR Adapter with Canon EOS and Nikon Bayonets (67RLEOS and 67RLNIK).

CCD Camera - Choose the appropriate adapter A1260, A1261, A1262, A1263 or A1265 to space the field flattener properly with your CCD camera.  For SBIG STL Series cameras we also offer the ADA671 and ADA672 Adapters which couple directly to the STL's accessory block for an unvignetted light path.

Diagrams and Instruction Sheets:
Astro-Physics Prime Focus Field Flatteners - Exploded diagram showing the field flatteners with a variety of accessories. Note that this is a PDF file. Installing the CCD Adapter to Use the 2.7" or 4" Field Flatteners with a CCD Camera - Instruction sheet in PDF format. Important Note: These flatteners will no longer fit the outer bayonet of the original Pentax 6x7 camera.

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3.5" Prime Focus Field Flattener for 130 StarFire GTX (13035FF)

The new 3.5” Field Flattener for the 130 Starfire GTX is a redesigned housing that utilizes the superb optics of the 67PF562.  It provides pin point stars to the very corners of your CCD or DSLR sensor. The 130 GTX images at f/6.7 with the Flattener. It accommodates today’s largest sensors (even the KAF-50100).

Conveniently, it uses the same camera adapters as the Quad TCC (and those of the flatteners and TCCs of the 160 and 175 Starfires).  We also recommend Precise Parts for custom adapters for every camera and filter wheel combination.  Machined aluminum covers are included.

Schematic showing Backfocus Spacer and Adapter spacing. The backfocus spacing from the rear flange is:
With Backfocus Spacer - 80.8 mm +/- 2.5 mm
Without Backfocus Spacer - 102.9 mm +/- 2.5 mm
Field of View with 130 Starfire GTX and 3.5" Field Flattener:  

Fully Illuminated Circle
KAF-8300
APS-C
35 mm Full Frame CCD
KAF-16803

2.6” (65 mm)
18.0 x 13.5 mm
22.3 x 14.9 mm
36 x 24 mm
36.8 x 36.8 mm

4.3° (256 min.)
1.2° x .88° (71 x 53 min.)
1.5 ° x .98° (88 x 59 min.)
2.4° x 1.6° (142 x 97 min.)
2.4° x 2.4° (146 x 146 min.)

 
Adapters for CCD Field Flatteners and Telecompressor Correctors (ADATCC1, ADATCC2, ADATCC3, A3513-A, ADATCCEOS and ADATCCNIK)
 

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CCD Field Flattener for the 175 and 160 StarFire EDF Refractors and Corresponding Adapters
160 Field Flattener

Dedicated field flatteners are available for the 160 f/7.5 and 175 f/8 StarFire EDF refractors. They were originally designed with the requirements of CCD imaging in mind, however they can be used with any kind of camera including modern SLR and DSLR cameras and even video cameras as long as the proper adapter is employed. They were designed to use with the 4" Focuser. Please refer to the detailed information at the links below.
F/7.7 CCD Field Flattener for 160 f/7.5 StarFire EDF (160FF)
F/8.3 CCD Field Flattener for 175 f/8 StarFire EDF (175FF) - included with purchase of the 175 f/8 StarFire EDF refractor
 
Adapters for CCD Field Flatteners and Telecompressor Correctors (ADATCC1, ADATCC2, ADATCC3, A3513-A, ADATCCEOS and ADATCCNIK)
 

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Adapters for Optical Accessories

2" Barrel Extension w/ 48 mm Threads (A3703)

This 2" x ½" Barrel Extension is a more robust version of T-thread extension tubes. It uses 48 mm threads at both ends (female and male) instead of the smaller 42 mm T-threads. Its internal light baffles are painted flat-black to avoid reflections. Use more than one to increase spacing distance and/or telecompression in 1/2" (12.7 mm) increments. This extension has a net spacing distance of 0.5" (12.7 mm).

  • Spacer for the 0.67 CCD Telecompressor (CCDT67) to achieve precise and/or additional telecompression
  • Moves the CCDT67 further into the optical path, requiring less focuser in-travel
  • Use with our 1.25" Adapter (ADA125) when using 2" filters and needing more space for long barrel eyepieces, so as to not strike the filter
  • Extends the eyepiece barrel length of 1.25"/2" eyepieces for use with 2" filters
  • Use with the Advanced Convertible Barlow (BARADV) in front of the MaxBright Diagonal (PMDMAX) for increased magnification
  • Facilitates focus with short focuser-travel systems like Newtonians
  • Use with parfocal rings (obtained elsewhere) to accommodate eyepiece parfocality
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Threaded 2.7" Extension with Internal T-thread (A3511)

Realize the full potential of your Fluorite Flatfield Converter (BPFFC) or 2" Advanced Convertible Barlow (BARADV) when imaging by using this extension. The internal T-thread on this extension allows you to attach your BPFFC, BARADV or other accessory with male T-threads INSIDE the 2.7" extension tube. In this way, the camera, filter wheel, off-axis guider, and/or other accessories are all supported by the much more robust and rigid 2.7" tube system, and the Barlow only needs to support its own weight inside the extension tube. This is particularly important when imaging at some of the higher magnification factors achievable with the BPFFC where over a foot of extension may be used between the Barlow optic and the focal plane. The maximum OD of the T-thread accessory is 2.5". Please see this A3511 System Chart for component options.

This 2.7" extension has a net spacing distance of 0.75" (19.05 mm).

It has a net spacing distance of 0.9" (22.86 mm) for the internal optic.

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Cover Set for Astro-Physics 2.7" Field Flatteners (CSET27FF)

For Astro-Physics customers who have already purchased our 2.7" field flatteners, we are now offering machined aluminum covers to protect their optics. These covers will fit any Astro-Physics 2.7" field flattener. This will replace the red plastic plugs that were previously shipped with all field flatteners.

You do not need to purchase these covers separately if you are ordering a new field flattener. They have been included with all new 2.7" field flattener purchased since summer 2009.

The set includes one each of the following:

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Felted Cover for Astro-Physics 2.7" Field Flatteners - Bayonet Side (A1226F)

Felted cover

This aluminum cover is felted along its inside edge. Order it to replace a red plastic plug or a cover that has been lost or damaged. Depending on your storage needs, it may also be used as a slip-on cover for any accessory with a 3.9" outer diameter, including the 2.7" to 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter (ADA2767).

If you purchased a 2.7" field flattener that included red plastic plugs, this cover is available as part of a set along with the threaded cover you will need for the other side of your flattener. Review our information above regarding the Cover Set for Astro-Physics 2.7" Field Flatteners (CSET27FF). It is included with all new field flattener purchases, so there is no need to purchase any covers if you are ordering a flattener.

Please note that this cover should be gently pulled to remove it from your field flattener and not "unthreaded." While attempting to unthread it, you will actually be unthreading the bayonet lock ring from the field flattener body.

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Threaded Cover for Astro-Physics 2.7" Field Flatteners and Accessories with 2.7" Male Threads (A1225)
Threaded cover

This machined aluminum cover has a 2.7" female thread for attaching to the focuser side of any 2.7" Astro-Physics Prime Focus Field Flattener. Purchase as a replacement for a red plastic plug or a cover that may have been lost or damaged.

If you purchased a 2.7" field flattener that included red plastic plugs, this cover is available as part of a set along with the felted cover you will need for the other side of your flattener. Review our information above regarding the Cover Set for Astro-Physics 2.7" Field Flatteners (CSET27FF). It is included with all new field flattener purchases, so there is no need to purchase any covers if you are ordering a flattener.

This part may also be used on any adapter, extension, or accessory that has a 2.7" male thread. Wondering if this will work with a specific part? Review the Accessory Reference Chart for 2.7" Threaded Covers.

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2.7" to 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter (ADA2767)
This adapter greatly increases the versatility and functionality of your imaging system. It was designed to couple larger format CCD cameras like the SBIG STL series and full frame DSLR’s (such as Canon and Nikon) to focusers and accessories that have the female Astro-Physics 2.7" thread. These include all Astro-Physics focusers, any other focuser that has an adapter with our 2.7" female thread, large Celestron and Meade SCTs with our ADASCTLC27 and ADASCTLM27 adapters or the Photo-Visual Telecompressor (27TVPH). These are the advantages:
  • Allows the Photo-Visual Telecompressor (27TVPH) to be used with a wide variety of digital and CCD cameras.
  • Maintains the full 2.7" unobstructed light path and does not vignette. This is particularly useful when combined with the Telecompressor (27TVPH) for connection to cameras.
  • Allows rotation for easy framing of your image with hard-coupled configurations to DSLR and CCD cameras.
  • Allows the use of the Astro-Physics adapters that were designed for the Pentax 6x7 bayonet system (used with our Field Flatteners) to be used without an Astro-Physics Field Flattener. Important Note: This adapter will no longer fit the outer bayonet of the original Pentax 6x7 camera (consider the ADA67P instead).

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 0.20" (5.08 mm).

The ADA2767 is black anodized, and the inner 2.7" clear opening has knife edge baffles that are painted flat black. The adapter is approximately 0.85" in overall length, but adds just 0.20" to the light path.

Diagram and General Instructions for Use of the 2.7" to 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter (ADA2767):
There are a full range of accessories and adapters that interface with the ADA2767. These are shown and described on this exploded diagram: 2.7" to 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter in PDF format. We suggest that you review this diagram carefully when determining how to best utilize this adapter for your particular imaging needs.

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Adapters to use 2.7" or 4" Field Flatteners with your Favorite
CCD and DSLR Cameras or Accessories (A1260, A1262, A1263, A1265)

The most discriminating CCD imagers with large chips may wish to use our field flatteners for the best possible results at the edge of the field. These adapters will preserve the correct spacing from the field flattener to the focal plane of your CCD camera. Choose the correct length for your system. Spacing distance can be refined by adding one of our many Thread-on Extensions. For owners of the SBIG STL Series of large format CCD cameras, we suggest the special STL Series adapters (ADA671 & ADA672) below for both perfect spacing and minimal vignetting.

Important: There are now a huge variety of CCD cameras, filter wheels and other accessories on the market, and all of them have different dimensions in terms of their optical backfocus or light path distance. Even different filter choices will affect the optical distance because of the indexing effect of the filter itself. It is important that you know the specifications of your own particular equipment before deciding on an adapter. The information below provides guidelines - NOT inviolable laws.

Diagrams and Instruction Sheets:
Astro-Physics Prime Focus Field Flatteners
- Exploded diagram showing these CCD adapters with the field flatteners and a variety of other accessories. Note that this is a PDF file. Read hint for viewing this two-page diagram.
Installing the CCD Adapter to Use the 2.7" or 4" Field Flatteners with a CCD Camera
- Instruction sheet in PDF format.

A1260
CCD Adapter to use our 2.7" or 4" Field Flattener with 2.7" accessories. It is generally used in combination with our 2.7" extensions to match spacing requirements for CCD cameras. ADA2003 or ADA20132 Thumbscrew Adapters can be used to accept the 2" nosepiece of cameras. (Originally intended to use with your SBIG ST-series CCD cameras with a gap of approximately 0.25" between the Color Filter Wheel and the camera.)

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 0.47" (11.9 mm).
   
A1263
CCD Adapter to use our 2.7" or 4" Field Flattener with 2.7" accessories. It is generally used in combination with our 2.7" extensions to match spacing requirements for CCD cameras. ADA2003 or ADA20132 Thumbscrew Adapters can be used to accept the 2" nosepiece of cameras.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 0.62" (15.7 mm).
   

A1265
CCD Adapter to use our 2.7" or 4" Field Flattener with 2.7" accessories. It is generally used in combination with our 2.7" extensions to match spacing requirements for CCD cameras. ADA2003 or ADA20132 Thumbscrew Adapters can be used to accept the 2" nosepiece of cameras.


This adapter has a net spacing distance of 0.92" (23.4 mm).

   

A1262
CCD Adapter to use our 2.7" or 4" Field Flattener with 2.7" accessories. It is generally used in combination with our 2.7" extensions to match spacing requirements for CCD cameras. ADA2003 or ADA20132 Thumbscrew Adapters can be used to accept the 2" nosepiece of cameras. (Originally intended to use with your SBIG ST-series CCD cameras without a Color Filter Wheel.)

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.72" (43.7 mm).

 

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Adapters to Attach SBIG STL Series CCD to Astro-Physics 2.7" and 4" Prime Focus Field Flatteners and
STL to the 2.7" to 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter: Short - 1.58" (ADA671) and Long - 1.93" (ADA672)

These adapters were developed with four primary goals in mind:

Two versions were designed to connect your SBIG STL series camera to the Astro-Physics 2.7" and 4" Prime Focus Field Flatteners:

ADA671 - This shorter version, 1.580" in length, was designed specifically for the STL series cameras with the optional FW8-STL, 8-position color filter wheel attached. This preserves the critical spacing of our field flatteners with the larger 8-position wheel.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.58" (40.13 mm).

ADA672 - The longer version, 1.930" in length, is the adapter for the STL series camera with the standard 5-position color filter wheel. It places the STL’s CCD sensor at the perfect 3.4" distance from the field flattener for pinpoint stars across the big CCD chip.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.93" (49.02 mm).

These two adapters were designed to work with all of the 2.7" and 4" Field Flatteners that we have produced: from the Traveler’s 2.7" Field Flattener to the 206EDF’s big 4" model, with the exception of the field flatteners for the 175EDF and 160EDF which have their own separate adapters for the STL series cameras.

Additional Applications:
With these two adapters and the development of the 2.7" to 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter (ADA2767), a whole additional world of opportunities was opened for STL camera owners. You can now have a wide open light path to your STL camera, as well as easy image framing from any scope with an Astro-Physics 2.7" female thread - including large Meade and Celestron SCTs with our ADASCTLM27 and ADASCTLC27 adapter in place of the visual back. Best of all, you can now also use our Photographic-Visual Telecompressor (27TVPH) with your STL camera with the maximum available clear aperture!

Even though these adapters were designed for use with the Astro-Physics Prime Focus Field Flatteners, they both can be used with the 27TVPH Telecompressor or in any light path which does not employ a field flattener, and does not, therefore, have rigid spacing requirements. If critical spacing will never be an issue (i.e. an SCT with the ADASCTLM27 or ADASCTLM27), you might be better off choosing the shorter adapter. It is usually easier to add extensions than to cut the length of your light path!

Click here for detailed instructions on using these adapters.

The adapters are machined from single pieces of aluminum for strength and rigidity and bolt directly to the STL camera’s accessory mounting surface. This allows removal of the 2" nosepiece, and the much larger opening of our adapter leaves the camera's own internal filters as the only possible source of vignetting on the edges of the CCD chip. Clever radius-cut keyhole slots at the bolt attachment positions allow you to safely attach the bolts to the STL first, and then mount the adapter and twist it into position. The ADA671 and ADA672 are precisely machined here in our own CNC facility and black anodized for a rich finish. The internal knife edge baffling is painted flat black to maximize contrast in your images.

The ADA671 and ADA672 adapters each include four 6-32x1/2" socket head cap screws for attachment to the STL series camera.

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Adapter to attach QSI’s 500 and 600 series WSG Cameras to Astro-Physics
2.7" and 4" Prime Focus Field Flatteners (A3512-A)

This adapter is specifically designed to attach AP 2.7" and 4" Field Flatteners to QSI’s 500 and 600 series WSG medium format cameras and to maintain the critical spacing to the focal plane at the perfect 86.4 mm. It utilizes the larger QSI and SBIG STL 2.156" thread size in order to minimize vignetting when using fast focal ratio telescopes. (2" nosepieces and T-threads are often too restrictive for today’s larger sized detector chips when used with fast scopes.)

The versatility of this adapter takes a quantum leap forward when paired with the 2.7" to 6 x 7 Outer Bayonet Adapter (ADA2767):

  • With the A3512 and the ADA2767 together, the QSI camera can be rigidly attached to many Meade and Celestron SCTs using either the Meade adapter (ADASCTLM27) or the Celestron adapter (ADASCTLC27).
  • It can also be attached to the Photographic-Visual Telecompressor (27TVPH) with an added 1.25" extension tube (A3504-A) to produce the proper 0.75x compression. Of course, extensions of other lengths can be used to achieve different compression ratios.
  • When using the 2.7" extension with internal T-thread (A3511) with the BARADV or the Baader FFC Barlow (BPFFC), it can be attached to several combinations of extension tubes, thus achieving various magnifications for lunar or planetary imaging.
  • If not using a Prime Focus Field Flattener, it can be joined to the ADA2767 and attached to the standard 2.5" long extension tube (A1008-A) for direct use with the AP 2.7" focuser drawtube.

All the above options provide greater rigidity and less flexure than using a 2" nosepiece and its associated combinations.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.33" (33.73 mm).

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35 mm Camera Adapter with T-Ring to use with 2.7" and 4" Field Flatteners (67RT---)

Use this adapter with the 2.7" or 4" Prime Focus Field Flatteners to obtain the best possible results with your 35 mm camera - pinpoint from edge to edge. See how this part fits into your photographic system in the exploded diagram (PDF file).

The interior is painted flat black and is threaded for 48 mm filters.

With T-ring


This part can also be used with the 2.7" to 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter (ADA2767), although the required T-ring for camera attachment will not maintain the ADA2767's wide open light path.

Owners of Canon EOS auto-focus 35 mm and digital SLR's will want to consider the larger, 1.875" clear aperture adapter below. (67RLEOS)

Purchase the adapter with or without the T-ring. Note: The three dashes in "67RT---" are replaced by the three first letters of the camera's name. Please specify the T-ring that you wish to use.

Order an extra T-ring if you have two cameras. This part can be used with 2.7" field flatteners shipped after May 1994 and 4" field flatteners from any year.

If you have a field flattener that is an earlier model, please call.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.67" (42.3 mm) with the T-ring.

It has a net spacing distance of 1.24" (31.5 mm) without the T-ring.

Without T-ring

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Extensions that thread into our focuser drawtubes to use with our Telecompressor (27TVPH)
and the SBIG and Fingerlakes Instruments CCD cameras (A3502-A, A3503, and A3504-A)

These extensions thread directly onto our 2.7" focuser drawtube or our 4" to 2.7" adapter and CCD adapters A1260, A1261, and A1262. Available in three sizes, these parts provide the distance needed to get the proper compression for your setup. More information is available by clicking on the individual part numbers listed below.

If you are uncertain how to determine which length extension you need, we recommend you review our Telecompressor Spacing, Compression Calculation and Coverage document.

Thread-on Extension for Astro-Physics Focusers - 0.60" (A3505)
Thread-on Extension for Astro-Physics Focusers - 0.75" (A3503)
Thread-on Extension for Astro-Physics Focusers - 0.90" (A3506)

Thread-on Extension for Astro-Physics Focusers - 1.25" (A3504-A)
Thread-on Extension for Astro-Physics Focusers - 1.75" (A3502-A)
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3.5" Focuser to SBIG STL Camera Adapter (ADA35STL)

This finely-machined STL Camera Adapter was designed for the 3.5" Focuser of the 305 mm f/3.8 Riccardi-Honders Astrograph. It connects securely to the face plate of SBIG STL cameras using the included four 6-32 x 1/2" Sockethead Cap Screws. It then is inserted into the Riccardi-Honders focuser and the focuser's three thumb screws tightened, anchoring securely into the circular dovetail of the adapter.

The new circular dovetail style was developed to not only provide a secure method of attaching the extra weight of modern CCD camera systems, but to also provide an easy way to rotate them to any position and then to flawlessly lock attachments with zero tilt.

Unlike the Astro-Physics Prime Focus Field Flatteners, there are no critical spacing requirements with this scope.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.41" (35.92 mm).


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Canon EOS Wide-Mount Camera Adapter with Stainless Steel Bayonet (PFCLEOS)

Our Canon EOS Camera Adapter allows you to attach your DSLR camera to any focuser that accepts 2" slip-in accessories. 

This camera adapter with its large 1.875" (47.6 mm) inside diameter EOS bayonet reduces vignetting on full-frame sensors. Gone is the restrictive 1.5" (38 mm) diameter of the standard T-thread interface. 

It is precision-machined aluminum and anodized black. The bayonet is machined stainless steel with both the body and the bayonet baffled and painted flat black on the inside. The bayonet provides precise and solid camera connection.

The adapter’s nosepiece has a uniquely designed safety taper that will ensure a very orthogonal fit when used with a 2" compression-ring clamp.  For convenience, it includes a 48 mm filter thread to expand your imaging creativity.
 
This nosepiece has a net spacing distance of 1.70" (43.2 mm).  Add the camera’s faceplate to sensor distance of 1.73" (43.9 mm) for a total spacing of 3.43" (87.1 mm).

It has a nose insertion depth of 1.13" (28.6 mm).

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Nikon Camera Adapter with Stainless Steel Bayonet (PFCLNIK)

Our Nikon Camera Adapter allows you to attach your DSLR (or earlier) cameras to any focuser that accepts 2" slip-in accessories.

This camera adapter has an enlarged inside diameter forward of the Nikon bayonet which helps to reduce vignetting, especially when used with fast scopes (steep light cones) and full frame sensors. The limitation is only the camera body’s opening.

It is precision-machined aluminum and anodized black. The bayonet is machined stainless steel with both the body and the bayonet baffled and painted flat black on the inside. The bayonet provides precise and solid camera connection.

The adapter’s nosepiece has a uniquely designed safety taper that will ensure a very orthogonal fit when used with a 2" compression-ring clamp.  For convenience, it includes a 48 mm filter thread to expand your imaging creativity.
 
This nosepiece has a net spacing distance of 1.60" (40.6 mm).  Add the camera’s faceplate to sensor distance of 1.83" (46.5 mm) for a total spacing of 3.43" (87.1 mm).

It has a nose insertion depth of 1.13" (28.6 mm).

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35mm Camera Adapter with T-Ring (PFCT- - -)

(PFCT - - -, substitute 3 letters in place of the dashes to indicate t-ring)

Our camera adapter allows you to attach your 35 mm camera to any focuser that accepts 2" slip-in accessories. It is machined of aluminum, black-anodized and the inside is painted flat black. The I.D. of the opening where your camera attaches is 1.52" (38.6 mm) (some other camera adapters have a thick wall, which reduces the opening to your camera). The camera adapter is threaded for the popular 48 mm filters.

Note the tapered 2" barrel. When used with our brass locking ring (or any locking ring clamp), this unique barrel will seat your valuable camera squarely and solidly into place. Even a single thumbscrew interface will be improved. Purchase the adapter with or without a t-ring. If you order a T-ring, the three dashes in the part number will be replaced by three letters, i.e. PFCTNIK if a Nikon T-ring is included. Please specify the T-ring that you wish to use. Order an extra t-ring if you have two cameras.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.35" (34.3 mm) without T-ring.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.78" (45.2 mm) with T-ring. 
Add the camera’s faceplate to sensor distance of 1.73" (43.9 mm) for a total spacing of 3.51" (89.2 mm).

It has a nose insertion depth of 1.03" (26.2 mm).


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Eyepiece Projection Camera Adapter with T-Ring (EPCT---)

Astro-Physics Eyepiece Projection Camera Adapter is a two-part adapter. Use this unit with your film camera or DSLR to achieve higher powers and closer images of an object. It is particularly useful for photographing the moon or planets. This adapter can also be used in conjunction with a small chip CCD camera when attached to the camera’s T-thread.

The eyepiece projection unit accommodates 1.25" eyepieces with maximum eyepiece housing height of 2.25" and a 1.5" maximum outer diameter. Shorter eyepieces with wider outer diameters may also fit due to the gradual taper of the internal diameter of the unit, from 1.7" to 1.52." Because of the various different eyepieces currently on the market, we are unable to list specific eyepieces that will or will not work with this unit. Some experimenting may be required!

Available as an individual part or pre-assembled with your camera-specific T-ring.

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Baader Protective T-Ring with 2" Nosepiece for Canon EOS

The Baader Protective T-Ring allows Canon EOS cameras to attach to standard 2" eyepiece holders. It is optimized for full-frame sensor cameras (such as the Canon EOS 5D), but can be used with any EOS camera.

One of the unique features of this “T-ring" is that it accepts internal filters (optional).  Baader unmounted 50.4 mm or 50.8 mm and Baader low-profile 2" mounted filters can be installed internally.

Please see this link for more information.

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Canon EOS Wide-Mount Camera Adapter with Stainless Steel Bayonet for Prime Focus Field Flatteners (67RLEOS)

Designed to be used with: Current 2.7” Prime Focus Field Flatteners (67PF462, 67PF562 and 67PF582) and previous 2.7” and 4” Prime Focus Field Flatteners (67PF69, 67PF79 and S155EDFFF)


This DSLR Camera Adapter for Canon EOS cameras with its large 1.875" (47.6 mm) inside diameter bayonet minimizes vignetting on full frame sensors by eliminating the restrictive 1.5" (38 mm) diameter standard T-thread interface. Since the introduction of Canon’s full 35 mm frame DSLR’s, people have been asking for a solution to the vignetting caused by the small clear aperture of the standard T-ring interface that is universally used to connect telescopes to DSLR cameras. This was especially true for Astro-Physics telescope owners who also had either our 2.7" or 4" Field Flatteners. What good were pinpoint stars to the edge of a wide field when the edge of that field was darkened by the T-ring’s vignetting effect? So, in keeping with our commitment to imagers, we introduced a solution!


The adapter body is precision-machined aluminum and is anodized black. The bayonet is machined stainless steel, and both the body and the bayonet are baffled and painted flat black on the inside. The adapter was developed to be used exclusively with 4" and 2.7" Astro-Physics Prime Focus Field Flatteners. (Please note that the Starfire 175EDF, 160EDF and 130GTX CCD Field Flatteners and Telecompressor Correctors have their own large diameter EOS Adapter, the ADATCCEOS).

The 67RLEOS will position the chip (or film) at the correct distance from the Field Flattener optics for pinpoint stars.

A 48 mm internal thread allows the use of a filter in the optical path; however, double-stacking is not possible when used with a flattener.

The optical section of the 2" Advanced Convertible Barlow (BARADV), along with the 2" Barrel Extension w/ 48 mm Threads (A3703) can utilize these internal threads for a 2x magnification with central flat field (flattener not used) when used with an APS-C size sensor. This configuration requires using the 2.7" to 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter (ADA2767).


This adapter and the ADA2767, along with full frame Canon EOS DSLR's, can produce vignette-free, easily framed images with a wide variety of configurations.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.67" (42.4 mm).

The spacing distance from the 48 mm internal threads (when using a BARADV or CCDT67) is 1.35" (34.4 mm).

Note: If you received your 2.7" Field Flattener prior to May 1994, you will need new aluminum parts to use this adapter. Please call Astro-Physics for details.

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Nikon Camera Adapter with Stainless Steel Bayonet for Prime Focus Field Flatteners (67RLNIK)

Designed to be used with: Current 2.7” Prime Focus Field Flatteners (67PF462, 67PF562 and 67PF582) and previous 2.7” and 4” Prime Focus Field Flatteners (67PF69, 67PF79 and S155EDFFF)


This DSLR Camera Adapter for Nikon cameras with its enlarged inside diameter forward of the Nikon bayonet helps minimize vignetting on full frame chips. The limitation is only the camera body’s opening.

The adapter body is precision-machined aluminum and is anodized black. The bayonet is machined stainless steel, and both the body and the bayonet are baffled and painted flat black on the inside. The adapter was developed to be used exclusively with 4" and 2.7" Astro-Physics Prime Focus Field Flatteners. (Please note that the Starfire 175EDF, 160EDF and 130GTX CCD Field Flatteners and Telecompressor Correctors have their own large diameter EOS Adapter, the ADATCCNIK).


The 67RLNIK will position the chip (or film) at the correct distance from the Field Flattener optics for pinpoint stars.

A 48 mm internal thread allows the use of a filter in the optical path; however, double-stacking is not possible when used with a flattener.

The optical section of the 2" Advanced Convertible Barlow (BARADV), along with the 2" Barrel Extension w/ 48 mm Threads (A3703) can utilize these internal threads for a 2x magnification with central flat field (flattener not used) when used with an APS-C size sensor. This configuration requires using the 2.7" to 6x7 Outer Bayonet Adapter (ADA2767).


This adapter and the ADA2767, along with full frame Nikon DSLR's can produce easily framed images with a wide variety of configurations.

This adapter has a net spacing distance of 1.57" (39.9 mm).

The spacing distance from the 48 mm internal threads (when using a BARADV or CCDT67) is 1.26" (31.9 mm).

Note: If you received your 2.7" Field Flattener prior to May 1994, you will need new aluminum parts to use this adapter. Please call Astro-Physics for details.


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6x7 Pentax Camera Adapter for Use with Telecompressor (ADA67P)

Thread this adapter into place, then use the ring shown on the right-hand side of the adapter to lock your camera into position after you have framed your image. This allows you to rotate the camera to achieve your desired composition.

Applications:
Telecompressor - This adapter allows you to use the Telecompressor (27TVPH) with your Pentax 6x7 camera. Your image circle will be approximately 2" fully illuminated. We suggest that you review the exploded diagram (PDF file) showing the telecompressor with a variety of accessories.

To couple scopes that don't need a field flattener to the Pentax 6x7 - Thread directly onto your Astro-Physics 2.7" focuser, 4" focuser, or any focuser drawtube that measures 2.740" I.D. with 24 TPI in order to use a Pentax 6x7 without a field flattener. This is appropriate for our older 6" f9 and 6" f12 scopes, however, a field flattener is needed for the shorter focal lengths to obtain the best results.

Please note: This adapter uses the Pentax 6x7 INNER bayonet and will only attach to a Pentax 6x7 camera. This adapter can NOT be used with our CCD adapters (A1260, A1261, A1262, A1263, & A1265); with our STL series adapters (ADA671 & ADDA672); or with our SLR camera adapters for the field flatteners (67RLEOS, 67RLNIK or 67RTxxx).

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2" Adapter with brass locking ring and 3 large thumbscrews (ADA2003A)

Our 2" adapter with brass locking and three thumbscrews is an essential component to any setup. This adapter is included with all of our telescopes and focuser units.

Read more by clicking here.
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2"/T-2 Secure-Grip Nosepiece (AP16T)

Our 2"/T-2 Secure-Grip Nosepiece for CCD Cameras, Baader Planetarium Mark V Binocular Viewer or any item with T-2 threads. This nosepiece features a design to ensure safety and orthogonality. Attach it to your CCD camera, insert the nosepiece into your 2" adapter and tighten the thumbscrew. The brass locking ring will seat your valuable CCD camera (or other valuable accessory) squarely and solidly into place. The nosepiece has 48 mm filter threads and the interior is painted flat-black. It is compatible with all compression/locking rings of which we are aware. It is not recommended when using our older style 2" Thin Adapter ADA2013 (or prior version ADA201). When using these items, we suggest the BP16 nosepiece. The current style 2" Thin Adapter ADA20132 was specifically designed to work perfectly with the AP16T.

October 2017: current profile introduced.

To see the nosepiece as used with a CCD camera, review the exploded diagram. If you own an Astro-Physics focuser, you also may wish to consider our 2" Adapter (ADA2003A) that features 3 locking screws. The combination of these two accessories will redefine "rock solid."

This nosepiece has a net spacing distance of 0.13" (3.2 mm).

This nosepiece has a net spacing distance of 0.56" (14.2 mm) with T-ring.  Add the camera’s faceplate to sensor distance of 1.73" (43.9 mm) for a total spacing of 2.29" (58.2 mm).

It has a nose insertion depth of 1.13" (28.7 mm).

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2" Nosepiece with 2.156" Threads (A2558)

The A2558 2" Nosepiece is similar to our classic AP16T 2"/T-2 Nosepiece, but with 2.156" threads for QSI and SBIG CCD Cameras.  This nosepiece features a tapered profile that will provide the most robust attachment possible.  Attach it to your CCD camera, insert the nosepiece into your 2" adapter and tighten the thumbscrews.  The brass locking ring will seat your valuable CCD camera squarely and solidly into place.

The nosepiece has 48 mm filter threads and the interior is painted flat-black.  It is compatible with most compression locking rings.  However, it is not recommended for our 92 mm f/5 or f/7 Stowaway, or when using our older style 2" Thin Adapter ADA2013 (or prior version ADA201).  When using these older designs, we suggest the BP16 nosepiece. The current style 2" Thin Adapter ADA20132 will work perfectly with the A2558 nosepiece.

To see the nosepiece as used with a CCD camera, review this exploded diagram PDF file. If you own an Astro-Physics focuser, you also may wish to consider our 2" Adapter (ADA2003A) that features 3 locking screws. The combination of these two accessories will redefine "rock solid."

This nosepiece has a net spacing distance of 0.25" (6.35 mm).

It has a nose insertion depth of 1.125" (28.6 mm).

This nosepiece when used with the CCDT67 has a net insertion depth of 2.57" (65.4 mm) .

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Related Photographic / Imaging Accessories

Losmandy Three-Axis Camera Adapter (LMDVCM2)

 

The Losmandy Three-Axis Camera Adapter is a very robust system for attaching your camera to a D-style (or V-style) dovetail plate.  By utilizing a dovetail plate on the top of your scope rings you will be able to aim your camera in almost any direction. 

The adapter allows +/- 45 degrees of tilt and a full 360 degree rotation.  No tools are required.  Take the wide field constellation photos that you’ve always wanted and image the Milky Way in its splendor!

  • Works with both D- and V-style plates
  • Three axis, 360 deg. camera rotation
  • +/- 45 deg. camera tilt, 360 deg. unit rotation
  • dovetail mounted, no tools needed
  • Ht. from top of dovetail plate to top of camera mount: D plates=3.95"
  • Wt. 2.7 lbs.

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Gelatin Filter Holder for 2.7" Field Flattener (27GEL1, 27GEL2)
Gelatin Filter Holder for 4" Field Flattener (40GEL1)

These two-piece filter holders were designed to hold gelatin filter sheets for deep-sky, tricolor photography. Purchase gelatin filter sheets from a camera store, cut into a circle slightly larger than the opening (be sure to allow enough material to secure the edges) and install. We suggest that you purchase a separate filter holder for each color filter that you plan to use. Placement of the filters is shown in the exploded diagram (PDF file). Read hint for viewing this two-page diagram.

27GEL2 - Fits all current field flatteners and any shipped after May 1994. Clear aperture of the 2.7" filter is 2.35" (60 mm).

27GEL1 - If you have an earlier model (prior to May 1994), we offer part # 27GEL1 with a slightly different thread.

40GEL1 - 4" version designed to fit 4" Field Flatteners.
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This page was last modified: December 14, 2018

Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Rockford, IL  61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513   Fax: 815-282-9847