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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
ZWO Sensor Tilt Plate - M42

ZWO Sensor Tilt Plate - M42

by ZWO
SKU ZWO-M42-Plate
$29.00 - $29.00
$29.00
$29.00 - $29.00
$29.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Corrects sensor tilt for flat fields and sharp stars edge-to-edge
  • Adds only 5mm of thickness to the optical path
  • M42x0.75 threads for direct connection to APS-C cameras like the ASI2600
  • Enables connection of ZWO M68 OAG and 2" EFW to M42 focusers
1 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in CONUS on orders over $350.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • ZWO M42 Sensor Tilt Plate

    The ZWO M42 Sensor Tilt Plate corrects optical plane misalignment with a minimal 5mm profile, making it an essential tool for imagers using APS-C format cameras like the ZWO ASI2600. This plate ensures your camera sensor is perfectly orthogonal to the light path, eliminating corner star elongation and achieving a uniformly sharp field from edge to edge.

    Eliminate Corner Elongation with 5mm of Adjustment

    Sensor tilt is a common source of frustration in astrophotography, causing stars in one corner of your frame to appear sharp while others are elongated or out of focus. This 5mm thick plate allows you to make micro-adjustments to the sensor's angle, precisely compensating for any tilt within your focuser or imaging train. For fast optical systems and large sensors like the APS-C format in the ASI2600, this level of control is not a luxury—it's critical for capturing professional-grade images.

    M42 Interface for Complex Imaging Trains

    Beyond tilt correction, this adapter serves as a key connector for building a robust imaging system. It provides the M42x0.75 interface needed to attach a ZWO M68 Off-Axis Guider (OAG) and a 2" Electronic Filter Wheel (EFW) to a telescope focuser that terminates in M42 threads. This creates a rigid, threaded connection that prevents flexure while maintaining the correct back focus for your system.

    • CNC Machined: The adapter is machined from a single block of aluminum for maximum rigidity and precise tolerances, ensuring no unwanted movement.
    • Matte Black Finish: Anodized with a non-reflective matte black finish to absorb stray light and prevent internal reflections from degrading image contrast.

  • How do I know if I need the ZWO M42 Sensor Tilt Plate?

    If you notice that stars are sharp in the center of your images but appear stretched or out of focus in one or more corners, you likely have sensor tilt. This is most apparent in telescopes with fast focal ratios (f/5 or lower) and with larger sensors like the APS-C format found in the ZWO ASI2600. The M42 tilt plate provides the necessary adjustments to correct this and achieve a perfectly flat field.

    Can I use the ZWO M42 plate to connect my M68 OAG to a refractor with an M42 focuser?

    Yes, this is one of its primary functions. The ZWO M42 Sensor Tilt Plate is specifically designed to bridge the connection between ZWO's M68 OAG and a telescope that has a male M42x0.75 thread on the focuser drawtube. It allows you to build a fully threaded imaging train for guiding and filtering.

    How much back focus does the ZWO M42 Sensor Tilt Plate consume?

    The plate itself has a thickness of 5mm. You must account for this 5mm in your total back focus calculation. For ZWO cameras that typically have a 55mm back focus requirement, this plate will be one component of that total distance.

    Is this plate compatible with cameras other than the ZWO ASI2600?

    Yes. While it is designed with the ASI2600 in mind, it is compatible with any camera that has female M42x0.75 (T2) threads and would benefit from tilt adjustment. It is particularly useful for any camera with an APS-C or smaller sensor.

    How do you adjust the tilt on the ZWO M42 plate?

    The plate uses a push-pull screw system. You will typically see sets of small screws around the perimeter of the plate. To make an adjustment, you slightly loosen one screw (the "pull" screw) and then gently tighten the opposing screw (the "push" screw) to tilt the plate in that direction. The process involves taking test exposures and making small, iterative adjustments until the corner stars are sharp across the entire field.

    Will the ZWO M42 Sensor Tilt Plate cause vignetting with a full-frame sensor?

    Yes, it is likely to cause vignetting with full-frame (36mm x 24mm) sensors. The M42 (42mm) clear aperture is optimized for APS-C sensors (around 28mm diagonal) and smaller. For full-frame cameras, you should use a tilt plate with a larger M48 or M54 aperture to avoid darkening the corners of your images.

  • SKU ZWO-M42-PLATE
    MPN ZWO M42-Plate
    Threads M42x0.75 (T2)
    Optical Thickness 5mm
    Compatibility ZWO ASI2600, M68 OAG, 2" EFW
    Warranty 2 Years

    • ZWO M42 Sensor Tilt Plate

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  • ZWO 2-Year Limited Warranty