Astrodymium has come up with a ring solution for
astrophotography using a Samyang 135 mm lens.
That’s the easy part. What makes
the system functional is that you can mount an EAF focuser on one side a ZWO
ASIair Pro or Plus on the other (from this point on we’ll refer to it as the
ASIair ProPlus), and a small guidescope on top.
This makes it the perfect package for astrophotography in the field, and
especially for airline travel. The unit
can be purchased at : https://astrodymium.com/products/astrodymium-ring-system-with-zwo-eaf-adapter-for-samyang-rokinon-135mm-f-2-lens and
costs between $65 to $80 depending on the accessories.
The ring system can be purchased with a mounting bracket
for the EAF focuser on the bottom or the side. The system used in this article
had the EAF on the side and was tested with both a Canon 60Da DSLR, and a ZWO
1600MC pro camera.
IN THE BOX
You’ll need the Astrodymium ring system, A DSLR camera
and Samyang-Rokinon 135mm lens, a vixen mount, the EAF focuser, a guider, and
an ASIAIR ProPlus.
Components before
assembly Ring system in
the box and assembled
ASSEMBLY
Assembly of the ring
system itself is straightforward, and the components fit together very well and
tight. When completed, attach a vixen
mount to the bottom. Open up the
assembly and put the lens in with the rubber ring around
the lens. When assembled correctly the thumb screws should be facing down and
on the left when looking from the back.
The top is all set to add the guider. The EAF would be
mounted on the right side when looking from the back. There are two screw holes where the adapter
is attached and they should be on the front ring on the right side. If installed correctly the words EAF should
be upside down. The rubber ring will be
snug and you may need to help it along the track with a flat screwdriver.
Now let’s work on the left side. There are some holes where you can add an additional mounting plate for an ASIair ProPlus. The mounting plate is flat and a small finderscope adapter bracket should be mounted directly to the plate so the ASIair ProPlus can be installed and removed easily.
THINGS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
Everything you need to mount the accessories is included
with the Astrodymium ring system except for the mounting plate for the
ASIAair Pro. So that part is highly
recommended. We can also add the
following:
Short cables to
connect to the ASAair Pro. Everything here is close so the shorter the cables from the cameras and
the focuser the better the cord management.
CAMERA OPTIONS
The system was set up and tested with both a Canon 60Da and
a ZWO ASIair 1600MC Pro. However, there
were some issues with automatic focus on the ASIair Proplus. It was sporadic at best, but changing the steps
from 30 to 50 in the EAF tab seem to solve the issue. Focus with the hand control was never a
problem and it moved smoothly.
Update: ASI 533 MC Pro now is the camera being used with this setup.
Update: Images taken with this setup late February and early March 2022.
Updated Image 3/30/22
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