The Bahtinov mask has become the preferred method of focusing a telescope visually or when imaging with a CCD camera, DSLR or webcam. Precise and repeatable focus can be achieved in under a minute, even in poor seeing conditions.
The mask displays a unique diffraction profile; one part of the diffraction pattern moves in response to changes in focus and displays an error as a displacement from a clearly defined point.
Credit goes to Russian amateur astronomer Pavel Bahtinov for creating the Bahtinov and for making it available to the astronomy community.
Average Rating (48 Reviews): | |
17 December 2023 | Kim
Not used in anger yet as all my FLO astrogear checks so far have been indoors I’m sorry to say. However, it seems well made/printed and will hopefully work as expected when I venture outside! I’m just a bit concerned about it ‘hanging’ off the end of the ‘scope on two bolts (hence 4 star rating for the time being) although it seems well located when the elevation is polar orientated and above. Carefully packed along with other items in one FLO shipment as expected.
29 October 2023 | Derek
This is well made and works as it should because it's made for a C8, not generic
Recommended
27 August 2023 | Darrell
Needed to replace my old one which was eaten by the dog !! Works a treat, perfect for my celestron edge HD 8 👍
11 August 2023 | MR
Had question about the product's suitability for my telescope, quickly answered by FLO. Ordered on the back of the answer, quickly dispatched and received. Why would you go anywhere else for astroomy products.
Haven't used the mask in anger yet, but it is sturdy enough and Im sure it will do its job just fine.
16 April 2023 | James
Great turn around thank FLO
23 March 2023 | Aaron
Mask itself seems as mentioned but I ravaged all of my packaging 3 times, ripped every bit of plastic and cardboard where the mounting screws could have gotten but to no avail. Mine did not come with anything to mount it with so yeah, hard to say anything about it working... A good paperweight though!
Response:
We are sorry to hear the bolts have been lost - please get in touch and we will send out replacements asap.
10 February 2023 | Richard
FlO were very helpful, fast delivery, and a great product..recommend.
22 December 2022 | Andrew
The mask has 3 holes and 2 screw in pins. This gives you the choice to have the diffraction spikes either vertical or horizontal. Which ever suites your eye best. The small label on the mask shows which way is which. Simply hang on the front of the telescope and focusing is made simple and incredibly accurate. Works even better with a Crayford focuser.
15 September 2022 | Andrew
Poor, simple hang off the end mask with 2 plastic bolts. Mine doesn't even sit centred. Sits almost 1cm too low.
Case of buy cheap buy twice here.
Response:
They are designed to hang on the end like this - this works perfectly in practice and bahtinov masks do not need to sit centred to work.
You don't mention the functionality at all but you will find the mask works perfectly and offers a cost effective solution.
Works well, but feels like this item is missing a 3rd plastic skrew for attachement 09 September 2022 | Joakim
Everything as expected, but as there are three holes but only two plastic screws included, it would sit better on the telescope with three plastic screws. The material seems slightly simple, but appears to do the job well.
Response:
If there were three bolts then one of them would never be in use - these are designed to hang on top of the telescope using two bolts. There are three holes to allow for adjustment / choice of orientation and where the reflective strip is.
Read all 48 customer reviews...