About this product
Model: daystar_int_elim_t
Part Number: MG0408
Photographers imaging in monochromatic light, such as Hydrogen Alpha, using an electronic sensor frequently encounter a wavy pattern of light and dark lines superimposed over their images. These lines are called interference fringes, interference patterns, or Newton's Rings. In long focal ratio applications, the nearly parallel light can internally reflect inside the image sensor or camera, causing an addition or subtraction of the light waves, resulting in the observed pattern.
The Interference Eliminator solves this problem by tilting the camera off normal while keeping the center of the image sensor stationary, so that focus, framing, and vignetting are not changed with the tilt. The tilt changes the angle of incidence and optical path lengths inside the image sensor, mitigating the interference.
Left: Normal, showing interference pattern. Right: With Interference Eliminator.
(Telescope/filter: DayStar SolaREDi, tuned off band. Camera: Canon EOS 5D.)
Installation & Use:
Installation: The Interference Eliminator should be placed directly in front of the camera in the optical train. For proper operation, the distance from the flange of the male T thread to the camera focal plane should be 55mm. On a DSLR with a T ring, no spacers are required, the T ring sets the distance to 55mm. On a CCD camera or Webcam, male to female T ring spacers may be required to bring the distance to 55mm. If the distance is significantly different from 55mm, the camera will move off boresight and the focus position will shift while adjusting the Interference Eliminator tilt setting.
Use: Slightly loosen the thumbscrews and slide the two halves of the Interference Eliminator apart, such that the camera tilts. Take a few images with the camera to check for the interference pattern. Slide further apart if the pattern is still evident. Tilt it the minimum amount to eliminate fringes - too far and focus could be lost at the top and bottom of the image, especially in fast focal ratio systems. If maximum tilt is reached without satisfactory effect, try full tilt in the opposite direction. In some severe instances the interference pattern may not be completely removable, but it will be reduced to where other techniques such as flatfielding or compositing can make the image acceptable.
Notes: On large sensors such as full frame 36x24mm DSLR cameras, some vignetting is possible at full tilt due to the camera structure and the inside diameter of the T thread. With imaging cameras or or DSLRs with 1.5-1.6x crop sensors no vignetting will occur.
Specifications:
Camera compatibility: Cameras such as Canon, Nikon, and or DSLR cameras. Also astro-imaging cameras that utilise the T thread.
Telescope/filter compatibility: Recommended for long focal ratios (F/30) such as DayStar Filters.
Thread: Male/Female 'T' thread, M42x0.75.
Dimensions: 60x83mm ellipse, 22mm thick.
Additional back focus required: 15mm.
Radius of curvature: 65mm.
Recommended distance to focal plane: 55mm from male T flange. (Exact for Canon/Nikon DSLR cameras with standard T ring).
Range of motion: +/- 5 degrees.
Weight: 0.1kg (0.2 lb) CNC machined aluminum.
Maximum camera weight: 3.5kg (7.7lb)
Customer reviews
| Average Rating (3 Reviews): | |
5 seconds and Newton rings gone! 29 May 2024 | Edward
I actually did it twice because I couldn't believe my eyes (well, my monitor). So 10 seconds.
Loosen the screws, slide camera slightly in one hand, Newton rings gone. Tighten screws with free hand. It's that simple and that quick.
The device is essentially two curved surfaces that slide over each other. Simple and very effective.
I bought a PlayerOne camera specifically because it has tilt screws built in. I spent about an hour fine tuning the 6 screws (3 sets of 2 push-pull screws).
My patience wore thin very quickly under the hot Sun with a tiny Allen wrench. I got there eventually.
Then I transferred my cam to a different scope (from f/8 to f/11) and the flipping Newton rings were back. Arrggghhhh!
You just dont need this hassle in UK when the tempestuous Sun makes a rare appearance between days of cloud during Solar Max!!
So I threw in the towel and ordered this Daystar gadget. Absolutely chuffed with it. Well done Daystar.
Considering the niche product it is I think it very fairly priced.
The T2 threads both sides makes it easily usable.
I unscrewed the 1.25"/T2 nose from my PlayerOne cam, screwed the Eliminator onto the cam, screwed the 1.25"/T2 nose onto the other side of the Eliminator, and I was ready.
I would deeply regret missing moments of this Solar Cycle faffing about and have to wait 11 years for the next one. All for the sake of a few quid.
I'm very glad I parted with my few quid.
22 September 2020 | Andrew
I own Rowan tilt adapter and also this interference eliminator from Daystar. Although this is expensive and both will do the same job, the Daystar interference adapter is so intuitive and easy to use- loosen screws and simply move back and fore whilst imaging sun until get miminal angle required to get rid of the fringes without distorting the image plane too much. Other adapters such as Rowan require mucking around with screws - ie taking it off adjust put back view and repeat until happy - complex, disruptive, annoying. I just wish this Daystar version wasn't so ridiculously expensive!
13 June 2020 | Rodger
Thanks FLO for fast and efficient service as usual.
As per normal as soon as I opened the box all the clouds jumped out and I have had to wait to try this out!!! - well their sticker does warn you.
But seriously it is very well machined, rock solid in use yet easy to adjust. The two knurled screws are large and even my thick fingers can get to them. (they do need a little lithium grease to prevent slight binding)
In use even a slight tilt (on my set up anyway;solar) completely eliminates newtons' rings with no light leaks at all. My other tilt adaptor leaks light for a pastime even with silver foil wrapped around it in full sun. As such for solar imaging full contrast is maintained. Other just don't do this.
If you are a serious solar photographer this is the one to get - forget the exceptionally high price tag! Compared with the price of Ha solar kit and maintaining contrast it is a small price to pay.
Stay safe and clear skies
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