Filter Wheels
A filter wheel is what makes monochrome imaging practical. Without one, every channel change means touching the telescope, breaking focus and losing framing; with one, the sequence runs unattended all night while you sleep. David Astro carries filter wheels in Canada in manual and motorized designs across the common filter sizes, held in our Canadian warehouse.
Wheel choice is constrained by your filter size, your camera and the back-focus you have available. Send us all three and we will specify the combination.
Filters
Askar Multifunctional Filter Drawer
Integrates telescope and camera adapters to reduce complexity Accepts five common filter formats in a single system Supports 1.25" and 2" mounted ...
View full detailsBaader Double T-Filterholder - 1.25"
Holds two standard 1.25" filters Enables rapid switching between filters T-2 (M42x0.75) threads on both sides Minimal back focus consumption Ideal...
View full detailsBaader DSLR-2" Filter Holder - M48/SP54
Adapts 2" astronomical filters with M48 threads for use on standard DSLR camera lenses Provides a standard SP54 female thread for connection to va...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium 1.25" Filter Holder for T-2 and 2" Filter Threads
Securely holds standard 1.25" filters Integrates directly into T-2 (M42x0.75) threaded systems Prevents accessory tilt common with drop-in filter ...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium FCCT 1 Filter Holder for RASA 8" & 77mm QHY Cameras
Designed for the Celestron RASA 8" Astrograph Enables filter use in a fast f/2 optical system Maintains the RASA's critical back focus distance Co...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium FCCT Filter Holder Set: 4x – 3D-printed
Set of 4 individual filter holders Designed for the Baader FCCT system Available for unmounted 31mm, 36mm (2mm thick) or 2-inch (Ø 47.4 mm) filter...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium FCCT Filter Holder – 3D-printed
Designed for the Baader FCCT System Available for unmounted 31mm, 36mm and 2" (Ø 47.4mm) filters Integrated Neodymium magnets for secure, repeatab...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium Filter Crown Tool for Baader Filters
Safely Removes Stuck Baader Filters – Versions for 1.25" & 2" Filters Engages with Baader's Proprietary "Filter Crown" Notch Prevents Deformat...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium UFC Protection – Dark-Slider, 3D-printed
STL files for 3D printing Designed for the Baader UFC System Creates a light-tight dark slide Essential for dark frame calibration Free download w...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium UFC Protection – Slider-Seal, 3D-printed
Free to download STL files for 3D printing Designed for the Baader Planetarium UFC System Protects filter sliders from dust and damage Licensed un...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium UFC S70 Base Connector – Optical height: 2 mm
Connects multiple Baader UFC filter bases Adds only 2 mm of optical height to the imaging train Provides a camera-side S70 dovetail co...
View full detailsBaader Stackable Filter Box
Modular, interlocking design Connects vertically and horizontally Individual drawer for each filter Front-facing space for labeling Creates a stur...
View full detailsBaader UFC AUX Filter-Holder - D 31mm (requires UFC-RD50)
Designed for 31mm Unmounted Filters Integrates with the Baader UFC-RD50 Filter Slider Enables Dual-Filter Stacking in the UFC System Component of ...
View full detailsBaader UFC AUX Filter-Holder - D 36mm (requires UFC-RD50)
Holds one 36mm unmounted filter Designed for the Baader UFC System Requires the UFC-RD50 Filter Slider (#2459113) Enables rapid filter changes in ...
View full detailsBaader UFC AUX Mounted Filter-Holder - 1.25" (requires UFC-RD50)
Holds standard 1.25" threaded filters Designed for the Baader Universal Filter Changer (UFC) system Mounts inside the UFC-RD50 Filter Slider Enabl...
View full detailsBaader UFC Filter Slider - for 50mm Square Filters
Accommodates one 50x50mm unmounted square filter Designed for the Baader Planetarium UFC (Universal Filter Changer) System Enables quick, tool-fre...
View full detailsBaader UFC Filter Slider - for 2" Mounted Filters
Enables use of standard 2" mounted filters in the UFC system Allows for rapid, tool-free filter changes Maintains a consistent optical path for pa...
View full detailsBaader UFC Filter Slider - for 50mm Round Unmounted Filters
Designed for the Baader Universal Filter Changer (UFC) System Securely holds one 50mm round unmounted filter Accepts filter diameters from 50mm to...
View full detailsBaader UFC Straylight Shield
Blocks stray light when using the Baader UFC filter system with camera lenses Prevents internal reflections and gradients on long exposures Ensure...
View full detailsBaader Universal Filter Changer (UFC) Base
The foundational component of the Baader Universal Filter Changer (UFC) system Acts as the central chamber for accepting various UFC filter slider...
View full detailsDaystar Solar System Filter Wheel
Houses up to four independent, electronically tuned solar filters Switches between filters in less than three seconds Choose a loaded configuratio...
View full detailsiOptron iEFW-15 5-Position Electronic Filter Wheel for 1.25'' or 31mm Filters
Automates filter changes for astrophotography 5-position carousel Accepts both 1.25" mounted filters Accepts 31mm unmounted filters Enables unatte...
View full detailsiOptron iEFW-18, 8-Filter Electronic Filter Wheel for 1.25'' or 31mm Filters
Holds up to 8 filters Compatible with 1.25" mounted filters Compatible with 31mm unmounted filters Electronic control for automated imaging Des...
View full detailsPegasus Astro Indigo Filter Wheel - 7 x 2"
Holds seven 2-inch mounted or 50mm unmounted filters Ultra-thin 19.0mm CNC-milled aluminum body Stepper motor with optical encoders for precise po...
View full detailsChoosing a Filter Wheel
Three specifications determine whether a wheel works in your system: filter size and count, optical thickness, and how it integrates with your camera and guider.
- Filter size and position count: More positions means fewer swaps, but a larger wheel diameter and often greater thickness. Five to seven positions covers LRGB plus narrowband for most imagers.
- Optical thickness: The wheel consumes back-focus, and this must be included in your corrector spacing calculation. Slim designs exist specifically to conserve it.
- Mounted versus unmounted filters: Wheels are built for one or the other. Unmounted square filters maximize clear aperture for large sensors but need a compatible carrier.
- Motorized versus manual: Motorized wheels are essential for unattended sequences. Manual wheels are cheaper and adequate if you are present and refocusing anyway.
- Off-axis guider integration: Many wheels accept an integrated off-axis guider, keeping the train short and the guide star picked off ahead of the filters.
- Vignetting geometry: Filter size must suit sensor diagonal and the distance from filter to sensor. Too small and the corners darken regardless of the optics.
Why Choose David Astro for Filter Wheels
A filter wheel is a back-focus decision as much as a convenience one.
- Thickness included in the calculation: We provide a complete spacing list with the wheel accounted for, so your corrector still lands on its design distance.
- Filter size verified against your sensor: We calculate the size needed to avoid vignetting rather than assuming the nominal match is adequate.
- Off-axis guider planned together: If you will need one at your focal length, we specify it with the wheel so the geometry works out the first time.
- Authorized dealer: Genuine wheels with manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
- Ships from Canada: No duties or brokerage fees for Canadian orders.
Filter Wheels in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions
- How many filter positions do I need?
- Five covers LRGB plus one narrowband. Seven covers LRGB plus Ha, OIII and SII, which is the complete common set and avoids ever swapping filters by hand.
- What filter size should I use?
- It depends on sensor diagonal and how far the filter sits from the sensor. 36 mm typically suits APS-C in a standard wheel; full frame usually needs 50 mm square or unmounted 2 inch.
- Does the wheel affect my back-focus?
- Yes, significantly — often 20 mm or more of the typical 55 mm budget. It must be included in the calculation along with the camera and any off-axis guider.
- Manual or motorized?
- Motorized if you run unattended sequences, which is most of the point of monochrome imaging. Manual is a reasonable economy only if you are at the telescope throughout the session.
Building a mono imaging train?
Send us your camera, filters and corrector and we will specify the wheel and spacing. Full warranty, shipped from Canada.