Hi everyone,
When i first thought about getting a NV device, i imagined it into a fully grab-n-go configuration, the one you can hide into a pocket or a small bag, for wild field rides in the sky. Of course i would also use it with my trustful TV 76 when need be, but the priority was to be as simple (and as light) as possible.
Thanks to discussions with CN members (thanks Gave, Eddgie and JoKo), i think i have found a good alternative for an ultimate grab-n-go setup. First, i have gradually abandoned the idea of using a filter wheel because of its lenght (and weight); it wasnt really compatible with my lenses and didnt reach focus to infinity, and then works properly and fully.
see below for an example :
And then (thanks to Eddgie) i heard about TS-Optics T2 Filter Changer, which you can find here for a full description : https://www.teleskop...e-Bauweise.html
With only 18mm optical lenght, 85 mm diameter and a small 100 grams weight, this filter changer accept 1.25 and 2 filters. Ok, this is not a filter wheel and you will have to change of filter, but you dont need to unscrew the lens or adaptator, and thats great to my opinion. I have 3 ‘filter drawer’ : one for 685nm, 12 and 7nm, and it takes a second to insert into the « charger » and change from one to the other.
see below how small it is now :
To get the full set up even shorter, i decided to use M42 lens (here a 135mm f/2.8 OWEN lens) to connect it directly to the TS Charger, and then to the other side of the charger a M42 5mm extension ring (That way, the on/off button of my OVNI-M wont touch the charger) and a M42 to C-Mount adaptater :
The lens+charger part with a filter inside :
for my Nikkor lenses, i have ordered that kind of short adaptator « Nikon to M42 », anyway shorter than my Nikon to C-Mount one :
Hopefully it will works fine... If not, there’s plenty of M42 lenses out there, including light zooms (80-200, F/3.8)
How good it is and does it works ?
I truly hope so, because I still have to test it on a clear night (here in Brittany its pretty bad).
when i get a chance i’ll post more information, but i thought it was a good idea to share the set up for people looking for a filter wheel alternative
// work in progress //
Edited by AllStarez, 17 July 2020 - 06:26 AM.