Modifying a Sony A7R2 camera for astro

[gregbradley]

I am interested in modifying my Sony A7r2 for astro if I can.
I have been told it can be replaced with a Baader but because Sony A7xxx models from second generation up use an IR unit in the shutter it can get into the modded sensor if the exposures are too long.

I was thinking perhaps a different filter may work better like Astrodon or Astronomik or I believe there is a Canon version.
I just found out about a workaround for the star eater issue of the A7r2 cameras so that makes it even more worthwhile to use. The 42.4mp sensor is amazing so I would like to continue to use it.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Greg.

[Atmos (Colin)]

You could consider sending it to CentralDS to mod for you.

[SimmoW (SIMON)]

Or chat to Mark at JTW Astronomy who did my 7s.

[gregbradley]

Thanks for the replies.

I believe its the A7XX second gen series that has the IR light inside the camera. Seems odd to put a light source in a camera though.

Greg.

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

Originally Posted by gregbradley

I just found out about a workaround for the star eater issue of the A7r2 cameras so that makes it even more worthwhile to use.

Hi Greg. What was this, could you elaborate please?

Cheers Josh

[gregbradley]

Originally Posted by Joshua Bunn

Hi Greg. What was this, could you elaborate please?

Cheers Josh

Very simple, it works on A7r2 and most likely all A7xxx cameras. So far does not work on the A7r3. My use of A7r3 so far shows star eater is not really an issue for nightscapes or telescope use. Pixel shift could be useful for nightscapes. You can process pixel shift images in Photoshop and RAW Therapee as well. There is even a motion detection algorithim in RAW therapee if there is some motion in the 4 pixel shift images.

Here is the star eater workaround:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/60540722

I still have my A7r2 so I intend to do a shot with and without this activated to see how much of a difference it will make.

I think star eater is more of an issue for A7S models as the larger pixels make it more of a target for the algorithim.

Greg.