ZWO Electronic Filter Wheel EFW Gen2 - 7 x 36mm
- Houses seven 36mm unmounted filters
- Adds a minimal 20mm of back focus to the imaging train
- 7-position carousel for LRGB, narrowband, or custom sets
- Powered and controlled via a single USB-C cable
The ZWO EFW Gen2 automates your imaging sequence with a 7-position carousel designed specifically for 36mm unmounted filters. This wheel consumes only 20mm of back focus, making it a slim and efficient core component for APS-C sensor imaging trains. All power and control are handled through a single USB connection, simplifying cable management in the field.
The internal carousel holds up to seven 36mm unmounted filters, providing enough capacity to house a full LRGB set and a 3-filter narrowband SHO set simultaneously. This eliminates the need to swap filters between targets, allowing for fully automated, multi-palette imaging sessions. The 36mm filter size is the optimal choice for cameras with APS-C format sensors, providing full sensor illumination without the cost or vignetting risk of undersized filters, or the unnecessary expense of 2" filters.
This second-generation EFW features a redesigned body focused on eliminating internal reflections and stray light. A new slot-style closure and a fully sealed motor compartment prevent light from entering the housing, while included light-blocking pads replace older filter masks for a more secure, light-tight seal around the filters. These improvements ensure that long exposures, especially with narrowband filters, are protected from gradients and artifacts caused by stray light.
The filter wheel is powered and controlled entirely through its USB-C port, drawing minimal power and requiring no separate 12V supply. This simplifies cable routing and reduces potential failure points at the telescope. ZWO includes both a 0.5 M and a 2 M USB-C cable, giving you flexible options for connecting to an ASIAIR, a camera's USB hub, or a computer.
This 2025 model introduces several key upgrades over the original ZWO EFW design. While both provide reliable filter changes, the Gen2 model is engineered for more demanding imaging applications.
The primary advantage of the Gen2 model is its significantly improved stray light protection. The redesigned body with a slot-style closure, sealed motor compartment, and new light-blocking pads makes it far more resistant to light leaks, which is critical for long-exposure narrowband imaging.
No, this filter wheel is specifically designed for 36mm unmounted filters. Using 1.25" filters would require custom adapters and would likely cause significant vignetting on most sensors the wheel is designed for.
The 20mm back focus is a key measurement for achieving the standard 55mm distance from your flattener/reducer. With an ASI2600MM Pro (which has 17.5mm of back focus), you would typically attach the EFW directly to the camera (20mm + 17.5mm = 37.5mm). You would then add 17.5mm of spacers between the filter wheel and your flattener to reach the 55mm target.
Yes, it's an excellent choice. The 7-position capacity allows you to load Luminance, Red, Green, and Blue filters with three extra slots to spare. You can automate the entire capture sequence for M31 without having to manually change filters, and the 36mm size is ideal for the large sensors found in cameras well-suited for capturing our galactic neighbor.
No, it does not. The ZWO EFW is powered entirely by the USB connection to your ASIAIR, camera USB hub, or computer. This simplifies your setup and reduces cable clutter.
The filter wheel includes a 1.25" nosepiece. You can thread this directly onto the T2 (M42) threads of the filter wheel's front plate, allowing you to insert the entire assembly into any standard 1.25" focuser or visual back.
| SKU | ZWO-EFW-7X36-25 |
| Product Type | Electronic Filter Wheel |
| Supported Filter Size | 36mm |
| Filter Capacity | 7 Positions |
| Filter Mounting | Drop-In (Unmounted) |
| Back Focus Consumption | 20 mm |
| Power Source | USB |
EFW 7x36mm Filter Wheel Body
× 1
M42M-M42M (T2-T2) Adapter
× 1
1.25" Nosepiece
× 1
1.25" Cover & Cap
× 1
0.5 Meter USB-C Cable
× 1
2 Meter USB-C Cable
× 1
Filter Masks
× 10
M2.5x6 Screws
× 6
M2x4 Screws
× 26
M4x12 Screws
× 2
Philips Head Screwdriver
× 1