What is the ZWO T2-CS adapter used for?
The ZWO T2-CS adapter connects a C-mount or CS-mount lens (commonly used in security and machine vision) to an astronomy camera that has standard M42 T2-threads. This allows you to use compact, fast lenses for applications like autoguiding, all-sky imaging, or wide-field astrophotography.
How does the ZWO T2-CS adapter handle both C and CS lenses?
The adapter physically accepts both C and CS-mount threads. The resulting back focus distance changes depending on which type of lens you attach. With a C-mount lens, the back focus is 17.5mm. With a CS-mount lens, the back focus is 12.5mm. You must ensure your camera's sensor-to-flange distance is compatible with these values.
What is the optical path length of the ZWO T2-CS adapter?
The adapter itself has a physical thickness, or optical path length, of exactly 7mm. This dimension must be included in your back focus calculations when building your imaging train.
Can I use the ZWO T2-CS adapter to attach a security camera lens to my ASI120MM Mini for guiding?
Yes, this is an ideal application. The ASI120MM Mini has a 12.5mm back focus, which perfectly matches the 12.5mm back focus achieved when using a CS-mount lens with this adapter. This combination creates an extremely compact and effective autoguiding system.
Will the ZWO T2-CS adapter let me connect an f/1.4 C-mount lens to my ASI585MC for meteor imaging?
Yes. The ZWO T2-CS adapter connects the C-mount lens to the M42 threads on the ASI585MC. However, the ASI585MC has a back focus of 6.5mm or 17.5mm. To use a C-mount lens, which requires 17.5mm of back focus with this adapter, you would need to ensure you are using the camera configuration that provides that exact spacing.
Are there any other adapters needed to use the ZWO T2-CS adapter?
No, this is a direct, one-piece adapter. One side threads into your camera's M42 T2-threads, and the other side threads onto your C or CS-mount lens. No other parts are required for the connection itself.