Quote:
Originally Posted by leon
I think this is just going to far, focus is focus, and I can achieve this with ease without any use of any software or other device, and I'm nearly 60.
Just use your eyes. this image is achievable by sight alone
Leon
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Hi Leon
Well, I just could not let this one go by!
I suspect that each person has their own story on the usefulness and benefits of Pavel Bahtinov’s focusing mask, or otherwise!
I have found the mask to be very useful in the following applications:
- DSLR focusing via Live View with my Canon 40D.
- Rapidly converging to the correct focus for CCD imaging with my SBIG ST7.
- Obtaining accurate focus with my DMK/DBK CCD’s, particularly when using Powermates or Barlow’s from x2.5 to x4.
DSLR: Prior to the combination of Live View and the Bahtinov Mask, many of my images lacked critical focus and simply not knowing if I had the best focus before embarking on an imaging run was very unsatisfactory; often producing that nagging, unpleasant feeling of “I’m wasting my time”!
With my ST7, as I have to set up and tear down each time and use different optical tubes and Reducer/Flatteners, it was often frustrating establishing which side of focus I was at. Now, Pavel’s Mask has solved that problem and I can converge to the optimum focus rapidly and confidently and have this point confirmed by the software assisted focusing aids in the camera control software, CCDSoft.
When using my DMK/DBK webcams with PowerMates or Barlow’s I was often left wondering “was I at best focus?” because I could sit and twiddle with the motorized focuser for minutes at a time, trying to establish what I thought was the optimal focus. Now, using Pavel’s mask, I can zero in very rapidly and confidently, thus removing one of the more dreary elements of this type of astro photography.
So there you have it; Pavel is my hero and his mask is a constant companion on my outings! Now I’m not sure if makes me anal, or classifies me as a compulsive, obsessive type, but I certainly produce accurately focused images and enjoy that elusive peace of mind, once I have dialed in the focus using my Bahtinov Mask!
Cheers
Dennis
PS – I commend you on your youthful, 60 year old eyes. What is your secret?
