Skylabs

Focusing a camera lens in the dark represents the most challenging operation for amateurs and professional astrophotographers and night photographers. Traditional Bahtinov masks have been in use for astrophotography in relatively large aperture telescopes. This type of mask delivers a diffraction pattern, creating a set of three fine spike lines around a bright star. Once the three lines are aligned in a single spot the focus is achieved. Unfortunately, these masks are not suitable for small camera lenses and small telescopes due to the low light transmission.

The Skylabs Enhanced Bahtinov mask is based on optical level acrylic material, which offers 92% of light transmission, excellent optical characteristics, light stability and low internal stress levels for consistent performance. The CNC etched surface ensures a very accurate diffraction pattern with a minimal light obstruction. As a result, it delivers the brightest diffraction spikes for achieving an incredibly accurate focus.

This new type of Bahtinov mask is several times brighter than traditional ones, which are made of opaque materials and also have a lot of obstruction.

The Skylabs Enhanced Bahtinov masks are compatible with the most popular square filter formats (Haida, NiSi, Lee, K&F Concept, Cokin, BENRO, Formatt-Hitech, etc.), which also ensures that it can be used across multiple lens sizes.

If you don’t have a square filter holder yet, we suggest considering the 100mm option. The 85mm will give limited compatibility with bigger lenses. The 150mm format is suitable for very wide-angle and fish-eye lenses, like the popular Samyang 14mm f/2.8. If you are using an ED, APO or any other small telescope, consider using Neodymium magnets and Eva foam to hold the mask at the front of the tube.

The Skylabs Enhanced Bahtinov will outperform with bright lenses (low f-number) and long focal lengths. As the f-number grows, the resolution of the diffraction pattern fades out. Avoid stopping-down your lenses while you are evaluating the focus. If you are working with short focal length (<14mm) and high f/number (>2.8) consider pointing to a very bright star or a distant light bulb further than the hyperfocal distance. A torch covered with a foil and a pinhole, will work.

Buy New Zealand (TradeMe)

Buy International (Etsy)

Each order includes:

• Skylabs Enhanced Bahtinov Mask
• Quick Start Guide

Filter holder, adapter ring, telescope, camera or other elements shown in the pictures are not included.