The Bahtinov mask has become the preferred method of focusing a telescope, either 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 error as a displacement from a clearly defined point.
Straight sides ensure the focus mask will not roll away when stored on the shelf, matt-black surface prevents reflections and a reflective high visibility corner makes it easy to locate in the dark.
Credit goes to Russian amateur astronomer Pavel Bahtinov for creating the design and making it available to the astronomy community.
Average Rating (38 Reviews): | |
Prime focus made easy - Esprit 100ED Sunday, 12 June 2022 | Ben
It's a rather crude product, but works perfectly. Hang on the end of the OTA, and achieve prime focus in seconds!
Wednesday, 4 May 2022 | Chris
Purchased for the Skywatcher 72ED, works really well and is easy to use.
Tuesday, 19 April 2022 | J
Works....took me a minute of two to figure out that the long plastic screws in the box were for the mask and not for something else in my order also packed in the box
Monday, 28 March 2022 | William
Worked perfectly with ZWO camera. Very quick and simple to use allowing pin sharp imaging by this beginner in astrophotography. Even worked with normal eyepieces which gave a useful check of its accuracy. Quite sturdy.
Monday, 14 February 2022 | Robert
Used it for first time...excellent... I wouldn't be without it now. Ensures your subs in AP are at their optinum focus 
StarSharp Bahtinov mask - Evostar 100ED Wednesday, 2 February 2022 | John
Fast delivery, received after a couple of days. Material is MDF (or the likes but definitely not plastic). Giving it 3 stars as the holes are not in the correct position so you would have to figure something out before you can use it - it is possible that the fixed dew shield for SW Evostar wasn't taken into consideration when putting the holes
Response:
Hi John - the Bahtinov mask is designed to hang on. the front using two bolts at a time so the holes are in the correct place for this.
Tuesday, 30 November 2021 | Alan
I now have peace of mind that I am in perfect focus.
StarSharp Bahtinov Focus Mask Monday, 27 September 2021 | Mark
Excellent piece of kit, makes accurate focus a breeze.
Saturday, 10 April 2021 | Neil
looks great but not had chance to use it yet due to something called cloud
Bahtinov Mask 102mm Refractor Thursday, 28 January 2021 | John
Not used as yet (weather!); But nice solid build quality and swift delivery.
Read all 38 customer reviews...