This innovative focus mask concept was invented by a Russian amatuer astronomer, Paul Bahtinov, and Kendrick is producing these masks with his permission. The Bahtinov mask allows digital astrophotographers and visual observers to get razor sharp focus in seconds!
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.
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.
BM-6001-GS Bahtinov Mask for 50mm Guide scope
BM-6001-CM Bahtinov Focusing mask for 60mm Scopes and cameral lenses with a 60mm diameter optic
BM-6002-CM Bahtinov Focusing mask for cameral lens with 67mm diameter optic
BM-6003-CM Bahtinov Focusing mask for cameral lens with 77mm diameter optic
BM-6004 Bahtinov Focusing mask for 80 mm optic
BM-6006 Bahtinov Focusing mask for 90 to 105 mm optic
BM-6007 Bahtinov Focusing mask for 105mm to 115 mm optic
BM-6008-SC Bahtinov Focusing mask for 115mm to 125 mm optic (For C5 SCTs & Mak Cassegrains)
BM-6008 Bahtinov Focusing mask for 120 mm to 130 mm optic
BM-6011 Bahtinov Focusing mask for 150 mm to 165 mm optic
BM-6013 Bahtinov Focusing mask for 8" SCT
BM-6013-R Bahtinov Focusing for Celestron 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
BM-6015 Bahtinov Focusing mask for Celestron C9.25 SCT
BM-6016 Bahtinov Focusing mask for Meade: 10" SCT
BM-6017 Bahtinov Focusing mask for Celestron C11 SCT
BM-6017-R Bahtinov Focusing Mask for Celestron 11” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
BM-6018 Bahtinov Focusing mask for Meade 12" SCT
BM-6020 Bahtinov Focusing mask for Celestron C14 and Meade 14
