Bahtinov Focusing Masks
This innovative focus mask concept was invented by a Russian amatuer astronomer - Paul Bahtinov. The Bahtinov mask allows digital astrophotographers and visual observers to get razor sharp focus in seconds!
The method is very fast and incredibly sensitive. There is no guessing when you are focused during times of poor to moderate seeing. Simply put the mask and the status of your focus will become immediately apparent. The masks have a series of slots that create a unique diffraction pattern that can be used to quickly bring your telescope to focus with an absolute minimum of fuss.
About 3 times brighter than traditional metal type!
Bahtinov Focusing Masks for Astrophotography
How to Use a Bahtinov Focusing Mask
First of all, the masks come with three adjustable rubber bumpers. This allows them to fit to a wide variety of tube diameters. Simply push the bumper to the desired location on the slot to ensure that the mask is properly centred over your optic. Then focus:
- Attach the mask to your telescope and slew the telescope to a bright star.
- Turn on your camera and watch your selected star on the live view screen.
- If the image isn´t yet in focus, the central line of the Bahtinov pattern is shifted. Adjust your focuser until this very line sits exactly inbetween the other two lines.
- Now you have achieved optimal focus. Remove the mask from your optics and you can start the exposure of your object.
The Bahtinov Mask is probably the easiest product on the market to achieve tight focus for visual use and for digital astrophotographers, regardless of whether you use a DSLR or CCD camera. This short YouTube video will show you how to choose the right size and how to use the mask under the stars