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Opticstar Off-Axis Guider
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Auto-Guide and Image using just one Telescope
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- Large free aperture (39 mm) on camera side, 45mm on telescope side
- Off-axis camera guide-port can be focused independently (0-15mm range)
- 3-position, 120 degree rotatable design (imaging camera side)
- Included adapters:
- Telescope adapter 48mm(M) to 2" nosepiece, threaded for filters
- 10mm Camera T-extension (M42 x0.75)
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Opticstar Off-Axis Guider
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Outline
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The Opticstar Off-axis Guider is a high quality, low profile off axis guider compatible with
the vast majority of imaging telescopes including Newtonian reflectors. The Kit consists of
the actual Off-axis Guider, a 48mm to 2-inch nosepiece (threaded for filters) and 10mm T-extension,
such accessories are typically not included in competing products.
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Left: Isometric view of the main component. Right: Showing all components that are included in the Off-Axis Guider kit.
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The Opticstar Off-axis Guider has been designed to interface with the vast majority of existing
imaging systems and does not require non-standard adapters, for example existing DSLR T-rings
will do if you plan to use a DSLR camera. Sensors up to 39mm in diagonal can be accommodated,
typical APS type DSLR sensors have a diagonal of around 27mm. Various adapters are available to
attach the Off-axis Guider to a variety of cameras and telescopes in addition to the two such
adapters included in the kit.
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Left: Off-Axis Guider top-down view. Right: Off-Axis Guider side view. All components shown are included.
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Advantages and Disadvantages in using an Off-axis Guider
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Auto-guiding with an Off-axis Guider has certain advantages as a separate guide scope
is not required. This also reduces the weight the mount has to carry and eliminates
possible flexure.
On the other hand the range of suitable guiding stars will be reduced as the guide star
will need to be within the field of view of the main scope which in turn will be relatively
small. For example when one compares the field of view of an 80mm F5 refracting guide scope
to an 8-inch f10 SCT with an off-axis guider the 80mm refractor will have 5 times the field
of view. However, you can overcome this by investing on a more sensitive guide camera.
There is not really a better way but rather what better suits your circumstances.
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Diagram showing the connections of all selected components.
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A T-thread 10mm extension is supplied with the Kit. This serves a number of purposes and may be
necessary to make the two cameras par-focal. It can be used to push the focal plane of the guide camera
or imaging camera by 10mm away from the Off-axis Guider. Alternatively it can be used to push a DSLR
camera away from the Off-axis Guider because the camera’s flash-unit or handle may physically interfere
with the Off-axis Guider or focuser knob of smaller aperture catadioptic telescopes including SCT and Maksutovs.
Off-axis Guider Specification
- 10mm optical path.
- Large free aperture (39 mm) on camera side, 45mm on telescope side.
- Off-axis camera guide-port can be focused independently (0-15mm range).
- 3-position, 120 degree rotatable design (imaging camera side).
- Range of optional adapters available.
Included Adapters
- Telescope adapter 48mm(M) to 2" nosepiece, threaded for filters.
- 10mm Camera T-extension (M42 x0.75).
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Notice
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We are constantly checking the accuracy of the technical data. We are prepared to provide
more detailed information on request. Technical data is subject to change without notice.
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