HIGHLIGHTS
- Also known as Bahtinov masks, Orion PinPoint Focusing Masks will help you achieve precise focus in seconds
- This PinPoint Mask fits telescope tubes with a range of outer diameters
- Orion PinPoint Focusing Masks produce a distinct, intersecting 3-line pattern once accurate focus is achieved
- Three Orion-exclusive adjustable padded pegs provide a secure grip once installed on a telescope
- Compatible with any type of telescope, and especially useful for astrophotography setups
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Please see the Specifications tab for sizing details. This innovative focus mask concept was invented by a Russian amateur astronomer, Paul Bahtinov. The Bahtinov mask allows digital astrophotographers and visual observers to get razor sharp focus in seconds! The difference in focuser position between the four pictures shown below is very small, a few tenths of a mm. 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. |
 Above is an example of our Orion Bahtinov Masks. Lightweight, precision CNC cut, non flexing and with adjustable rubber tabs to get a quick and easy fit.
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How to Use a Bahtinov 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 centered over your optic. The plastic masks will require the user to devise a method of attachment. We suggest masking tape. Then focus. The graphic below describes visually what you will see on either side of being focused. This graphic represents movement of the focuser in very small amounts (fractions of a mm). It is extremely sensitive. 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. |
• greatly facilitates focusing for astrophotography
• is more sensitive to defocus than digital methods (FWHM, FocusMax, Robofocus etc.)
• a universal system for attaching the mask on the tube
• made on a digital machine tool made of resistant plastic