Description
The Nightfall Astro Ring Platform is a fully integrated mounting platform for use with a Rokinon 135mm F2.0 lens for widefield astrophotography. This mounting platform allows the easy attachment of the following components to create a fully automated imaging system which can be used locally or at a remote observatory.
- ZWO Electronic Auto Focuser (EAF)
- Guidescope
- Filter Wheel
- ASIAIR or miniPC
- Power distribution unit
- Piggy back camera using the optional ballhead adapter plate
Background
As an astrophotographer, I have been using the Rokinon 135mm lens for almost 10 years, first using homebuilt and then commercially purchased mounting systems. I was never quite satisfied with the quality of the store purchased mounting systems I used. The rings were mostly undersized, prone to breaking especially in areas where mounting screws were being tightened, and overall just too small to mount all the accessories I wanted to use. This was especially true when using the Rokinon 135mm for a fully remote system where not only a miniPC was required, but also a power distribution unit. Another common complaint, especially in high humidity regions, was that the dew heaters were often inadequate being installed directly on the lens hood. The lens hood is made of plastic, a poor thermal conductor, and it is difficult at best to get efficient warming of the optical glass elements with a lens heater attached to only this lens hood.
The design of this 135mm ring platform was designed with the following improvements over existing available ring systems:
- Front ring mount is forward mounted allowing the installation of a dew heater directly on the metal body of the lens and providing an efficient thermal path to heat the optical components of the lens.
- Heavy duty ring mounts - No wimpy ring mounts that are prone to breaking or flexure
- Larger ring mounts provide more overall space to mount external components such as a miniPC, power distribution module, or USB hub.
- The spacing between front and rear ring mount is maximized to increase the size of the accessory plates, and thus allow more space for adding additional components to the ring platform.
The Rokinon 135mm - King of Widefield Imaging
The Rokinon 135mm remains the king of widefield imaging. An affordable price point and spectacular performance make this lens very popular and accessible to nearly everyone. The 135mm focal length also makes it the perfect instrument for capturing many of the most beautiful objects in the sky including the Rho Ophiuchi nebula shown in the above image.
Achieving the Perfect Focus - The Key to Great Astrophotography
I've been doing astrophotography for nearly 30 years and from experience, I've learned focusing has always been the most difficult and challenging aspect of astrophotography especially with fast lenses where the critical focus range is so narrow. With an integrated autofocus system using the ZWO EAF focuser and a backlash-free belt, you can now get perfect focus all the time and throughout the entire night especially when temperatures are rapidly changing.
Designed for Remote Operation
Integrating a ZWO EAF focuser, guidescope, and ASIAIR or miniPC, you can now have a fully automated system suitable for full remote operation on the otherside of the world. Imagine photographying the Milkyway with a widefield set-up in the high deserts of Chile, in Namibia in Southern Africa, or at one of the many remote observatories here in the United States.
Specifications and Compatibility
Nightfall Ring Platforms are designed, engineered, and manufactured here in the USA, with components 3D printed using advanced thermoplastics including PETG and PLA+(tough) which are water-resistant and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions in temperatures from below freezing at -15F up to +175F. All hardware used is 18-8 stainless steel with thumbscrews being red, anodized aluminum.
Important note: This ring platform is only compatible with dedicated astro cameras such as the ZWO ASI series. Because the ZWO EAF module is rear mounted, there is not enough clearance to attach a DSLR. This was a trade-off when designing the spacing between our front and rear ring supports. However, as a high performance lens, nearly all astrophotographers *will* be using a dedicated cooled astro camera.
This Nightfall Astro Ring Platform is compatible with the following lenses:
- Rokinon 135mm F2.0
- Samyang 135mm F2.0
What's included in the standard mounting kit:
- Two (2) heavy-duty mounting rings
- Vixen accessory saddle rail
- Two (2) anodized red thumbscrews for accessory saddle
- Two (2) anodicated red thumbscrews for mounting rings
- Misc. 18-8 stainless steel mounting screws
- Two (2) M6 socket screws for mounting rings to a dovetail bar
What's included in the ZWO EAF mounting kit:
- Everything in the above list
- Focus gear assembly
- Timing belt
- Timing pulley
- ZWO EAF mounting bracket with stainless steel mounting screw
Terms and Conditions
For complete Terms and Conditions, please click here.