In brief:
- Adjustable prism for best possible illumination
- Leaves enough space for a filter wheel
- Can be used up to full format
The off-axis guider offers your a simple method of autoguiding your telescope for astrophotography. There is no need to mount a guidescope, rather a guiding camera tracks stars which are deflected from the telescope's optical path close to the imaging camera's sensor.
An advantage of this method is that the guide stars are located within the area of sky close the astrocamera. So you track the stars which are next to your desired object and avoid errors caused by differential flexure and guidescope misalignment.
Fast coupling and three camera positions: The camera adaptors (T2, M48 and M54) are clamped with three knurled screws. Three positions are available, so you can prevent the prism from causing shadowing with larger sensors. In addition, the camera can be separated from the OAG with the adaptor without any annoying screws. The adaptation works like a fast coupling.
Flexible connection to the telescope: The OAG also offers maximum flexibility on the telescope side. The base body has an M54x0.75 internal thread. Reducers to M48x0.75 and M42x0.75 (T2) internal threads are included in the scope of delivery. This allows connection to all common correctors and telescopes.
How do I achieve a working distance of 55 mm with astro cameras with a flange focal distance of 17.5 mm? The flange focal distance always refers to the distance from the connection thread on the telescope side to the sensor. Most astro cameras, for example from ZWO, TS Optics, QHY, Touptec, etc., have a flange focal distance of 17.5 mm.
The off-axis guider has a thickness of 19.5 mm including the connection adapter on the telescope side. With a flange focal distance of 17.5 mm on the camera side, 18 mm must be bridged between the camera and the OAG. This can be done with simple extension tubes (see accessories section) or you can use the space for a filter drawer or a filter wheel. Suitable filter holders are also linked in the accessories section.
Focusing the autoguider made easy: The off-axis guider has a M42x0.75 and 1.25" connection on the side. The OAG is optimised for autoguiders with a 1.25" outer diameter, such as the Lodestar, the ZWO ASi120MINI or similar. Focusing is easy using the microfocus.
Autoguiders with a T2 connection, such as the MGEN from Lacerta, must be used without the 1.25" holder. These guiders are connected directly to the T2 thread on the base.
Scope of delivery:
- off-axis-guider
- Telescope adapter for M48 and T2
- Adjustment ring for M54
- Camera adapter for M54, M48 and T2
