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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.

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Baader Planetarium FFC All-in-One T-2 Set – 3–4x magnification for 1.25" and T-2 cameras

UGC BAA-2458281
Prix d'origine $1,180.00 - Prix d'origine $1,180.00
Prix d'origine
$1,180.00
$1,180.00 - $1,180.00
Prix actuel $1,180.00
Égalisation de prix!
  • Variable Magnification: 3x to 8x+
  • Optical Design: 4-Element with 2x CaF2 Fluorite Lenses
  • Image Circle: 90mm Flat Field at 4x Magnification
  • Set Magnification Range: 3x to 4x
  • Connectivity: Baader T-2 System
  • Compatibility: 1.25" Eyepieces and T-2 Threaded Cameras
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty
  • FFC All-in-One T-2 Set – 3–4x magnification for 1.25" and T-2 cameras

    The Baader Fluorite-Flatfield-Converter (FFC) All-in-One T-2 Set is an uncompromising projection system, built around a 4-element optical core that includes two genuine fluorite (CaF2) crystals to achieve unparalleled sharpness. It delivers a variable magnification from 3x up to 8x, producing a perfectly flat field across a massive 90mm image circle at its optimal 4x setting. This complete set provides all the necessary T-2 adapters to achieve a 3x to 4x magnification range with both 1.25" eyepieces and T-2 threaded cameras.

    A 4-Element, Dual-Fluorite Design for Ultimate Sharpness

    Developed in 1997 with a designer of the legendary Zeiss APQ lenses, the FFC was conceived as the ultimate projection system for high-resolution imaging. Its 4-element, 2-group design incorporates two calcium fluorite (CaF2) lenses—an extreme glass type that enables apochromatic correction across a very broad spectral range. The result is a uniquely transparent and sharp optical system with a claimed line resolution ten times that of a Zeiss Abbe eyepiece.

    While extremely difficult to produce and coat, the fluorite elements are the key to the FFC's performance. For planetary, lunar, and solar imagers, this design translates to the highest possible contrast and resolution, capturing details limited only by your telescope and atmospheric seeing.

    Variable 3x–8x Magnification Across a 90mm Flat Field

    The FFC's magnification is not fixed; it is determined by the distance between the optics and the focal plane of your eyepiece or camera sensor. This set includes the necessary T-2 extension tubes to achieve approximately 3x magnification at a 96mm distance and 4x at a 150mm distance. With additional T-2 extensions (sold separately), magnification can be pushed to 8x and beyond.

    At its design-optimized 4x magnification, the FFC projects a tack-sharp, completely flat image across an enormous 90mm circle. This fully illuminates even the largest commercially available astronomy camera sensors without compromise, making it a definitive choice for imagers who require perfect edge-to-edge performance on large-format chips.

    The All-in-One T-2 System for 1.25" Eyepieces and Cameras

    This set integrates the FFC optic into Baader's Astro T-2 System, providing a complete solution for both visual and photographic use. Two included T-2 quick changers allow you to instantly switch between an eyepiece and a camera, or swap between different extension tube configurations for different magnifications. The system is built around these key components:

    • T-2 Extension Tubes: These are used to precisely set the optical distance required to achieve your desired magnification between 3x and 4x.
    • Baader ClickLock Clamp: Securely holds any 1.25" eyepiece or accessory with a simple twist, preventing slippage or marring of barrels, even with heavy equipment.
    • T-2 Quick Changers: Allow for rapid changes between imaging and visual setups and provide a point of rotation for camera framing.
    • 2" Nosepiece: Provides the necessary optical path length to reach focus in most telescopes without requiring a star diagonal.

    Handling CaF2: Acclimatizing from +20°C to -20°C

    The FFC's exceptional optical properties are due to its genuine fluorite lenses, which are sensitive to thermal shock. Sudden, large temperature changes can cause stress within the crystal. You must not take the FFC directly from a warm +20°C house into an icy -20°C winter night without allowing it to acclimate slowly.

    To prevent damage, the FFC's transport case is designed to act as a thermal buffer. When setting up your telescope, leave the FFC in its closed case for up to an hour to allow it to cool down gradually with the ambient air. This simple procedure protects the sensitive optics and ensures a lifetime of uncompromising performance.

  • What makes the Baader FFC different from a standard Barlow lens?

    The Baader FFC is a more complex optical system designed as a flat-field apochromatic projector, not a simple magnifier. It uses four lens elements, including two fluorite (CaF2) crystals, to deliver exceptional sharpness across a very wide, flat 90mm image circle. Standard Barlows typically use two or three non-fluorite lenses and are not corrected for a large, flat field.

    How do I change the magnification with the FFC All-in-One T-2 Set?

    You change magnification by altering the distance from the FFC optics to your camera sensor or eyepiece. The Baader FFC All-in-One T-2 Set includes a system of T-2 extension tubes to accomplish this. For approximately 3x magnification, you need a distance of 96mm, and for 4x, a distance of 150mm. The included T-2 quick changers allow you to easily swap between different extension tube combinations.

    Can I use the Baader FFC All-in-One Set with my large-format camera?

    Absolutely. The Baader FFC is specifically designed for this purpose. At its optimal 4x magnification, it produces a perfectly flat, fully illuminated 90mm image circle. This is large enough to cover the biggest astronomy sensors on the market with no vignetting or loss of edge sharpness, making it an ideal choice for serious imagers.

    Why is there a special warning about temperature for the Baader FFC?

    The Baader FFC's two fluorite (CaF2) lenses are sensitive to thermal shock. A rapid change in temperature (e.g., from a warm house to a freezing night) can cause internal stress in the lens elements. To protect the optics, you must allow the FFC to acclimate slowly inside its protective case for up to an hour before use in extreme temperature differences.

    What do the T-2 quick changers in the FFC All-in-One Set allow me to do?

    The two T-2 quick changers provide significant operational flexibility. They allow you to:

    • Instantly switch between a visual setup (with the 1.25" ClickLock) and an imaging setup (with a T-2 camera).
    • Easily rotate your camera for perfect framing without loosening any threaded connections.
    • Quickly swap between pre-assembled stacks of extension tubes to change magnification factors.

    How would I use the Baader FFC All-in-One Set for high-resolution imaging of Jupiter with my T-2 planetary camera?

    For imaging Jupiter with a planetary camera, you would assemble the Baader FFC and T-2 extension tubes to achieve a focal ratio between f/20 and f/25. You would start by inserting the 2" nosepiece into your telescope's focuser, followed by the FFC housing. Then, you would add T-2 extension tubes to reach the ~150mm distance for 4x magnification (or adjust as needed) before attaching your T-2 camera. The T-2 quick changer allows you to easily rotate the camera to align with Jupiter's cloud belts.

  • Magnification Range (System) 3x – 8x+
    Magnification Range (Included Set) 3x – 4x
    Optical Design 4-Element / 2-Group Fluorite-Flatfield-Converter (FFC)
    Key Optical Elements 2x Calcium Fluorite (CaF2) Lenses
    Illuminated Field (at 4x) 90 mm (Flat Field)
    System Connectivity Baader Astro T-2 System, 2" Barrel
    Compatibility 1.25" Eyepieces, T-2 Threaded Cameras
    Country of Origin Germany
    Focal Length -54, 797 mm
    AR-Coating High transmission multi-coated (HT-MC)
    Threaded for filters No
    Outer Connection (eyepiece/-camera-sided) M42 x 0.75 (T-2)
    Inner Connection (lens sided) M42 x 0.75 (T-2)
    Outer Connection (lens sided) ø 2" (50.8mm)
  • Baader Planetarium Warranty