What is the primary purpose of the Baader S58 to M68i Adapter?
Its primary purpose is to convert the S58 dovetail thread on a Baader Diamond Steeltrack® focuser to the widely used M68i (internal) thread. This allows for the secure, threaded attachment of heavy astrophotography accessories like coma correctors, reducers, and camera systems.
Which focusers is this S58 to M68i Adapter compatible with?
This adapter is designed to be compatible with all Baader Diamond Steeltrack® (BDS) focusers, which feature the S58 dovetail thread on their drawtube.
Why should I convert my Steeltrack focuser to the M68 thread system?
The M68 system provides a large, rigid, and secure connection that is superior to standard 2" compression rings for astrophotography. It prevents flexure and tilt in your imaging train, which is critical for achieving sharp stars across the entire field, especially with heavy cameras or long accessory chains.
What kind of accessories can I attach to my Diamond Steeltrack® focuser using this M68i adapter?
With this adapter, you can attach any accessory that has a male M68 thread. This commonly includes:
- Coma correctors and field flatteners
- Focal reducers
- Off-axis guiders (OAGs)
- Camera rotators and tilters
- M68 extension tubes for achieving precise back focus
Does this Baader adapter provide an internal (M68i) or external (M68a) thread?
This adapter provides an M68i (internal) female thread. This means it is designed to accept accessories that have a male M68 thread.
How does using the Baader S58 to M68i adapter improve astrophotography with a heavy camera setup?
A heavy camera setup, including a filter wheel and guider, can cause sag or tilt when held by a simple compression ring. By creating an all-threaded connection from the focuser drawtube to the camera, the S58 to M68i adapter ensures the entire imaging train remains perfectly aligned with the telescope's optical axis, regardless of its orientation. This leads to consistently sharper images and rounder stars.
