Which cameras are compatible with the ZWO EFW-Nikon adapter?
This adapter is designed exclusively for ZWO cooled cameras that have a 6.5mm back focus. This includes popular models such as the ASI1600 Pro, ASI183 Pro, ASI294 Pro, and ASI533 Pro. It is not compatible with cameras requiring 17.5mm of back focus.
Which ZWO filter wheels work with this Nikon lens adapter?
The ZWO EFW-Nikon adapter connects via an M42x0.75 thread to ZWO's electronic filter wheels that accept 1.25", 31mm, and 36mm filters. It is not designed for larger 2" filter wheels.
Why is the 6.5mm back focus requirement so important for the ZWO EFW-Nikon adapter?
Camera lenses, unlike telescopes, have a fixed and much shorter back focus distance. This adapter's 20 mm thickness is precisely machined to place the camera sensor at the exact focal plane of the Nikon lens when used with a ZWO EFW and a camera with 6.5mm of back focus. Using a camera with a different back focus will result in an inability to achieve a sharp image.
Can I use the ZWO EFW-Nikon adapter without a filter wheel?
No, this adapter is specifically designed to connect a Nikon lens to a ZWO Electronic Filter Wheel (EFW). It does not provide a direct camera-to-lens connection and relies on the filter wheel body for both threading and correct spacing.
How do I use this Nikon adapter to image the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with my ASI1600?
For a large target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), you could use a 200mm Nikon lens. Attach the lens to the ZWO EFW-Nikon adapter, connect the adapter to your ZWO EFW loaded with LRGB filters, and then thread the EFW onto your ASI1600. This setup gives you a wide field of view perfectly framed for M31, while allowing you to capture full-color data with your monochrome camera.
What is the advantage of using a Nikon lens with the ZWO adapter for the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex?
The Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex is an enormous region of the sky that requires a very wide field of view. Using a fast, wide-angle Nikon lens (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) with the ZWO EFW-Nikon adapter allows you to capture the entire complex in a single frame. This is a field of view that is difficult or impossible to achieve with most telescopes, making this adapter an essential tool for ultra-wide-field astrophotography.