Why use the Baader M68 100mm Extension Tube instead of a standard 2" extension?
A standard 2" extension with a compression ring or thumbscrew is prone to tilt, especially with a long or heavy accessory load. The Baader M68 100mm Extension Tube uses a large-diameter thread for a direct, rigid connection that completely eliminates this flexure, ensuring your camera sensor remains perfectly orthogonal to the optical axis.
What is the Baader M68 Tele-Compendium system this 100mm tube belongs to?
The M68 Tele-Compendium is a modular system of extension tubes, adapters, and focusers all based on the robust M68 thread. It allows you to build a completely rigid, threaded optical train of nearly any length, tailored to the specific backfocus requirements of your camera and accessories.
I'm using a Telecentric System for H-alpha solar imaging. Will the Baader M68 100mm Extension Tube prevent tilt?
Yes, absolutely. Telecentric systems are often long and can exert significant leverage on a focuser, making them a prime candidate for tilt-induced issues. Using the Baader M68 100mm Extension Tube as part of your imaging train provides the rigid, threaded support needed to keep the entire telecentric assembly perfectly aligned for high-contrast solar imaging.
How does the Baader M68 100mm tube help when imaging planets with a heavy Fluorite Flatfield Converter (FFC) and camera?
A Baader FFC combined with a planetary camera creates a long, heavy imaging train that is very susceptible to flexure. The Baader M68 100mm Extension Tube provides a secure, threaded pathway that supports this weight without sagging. This ensures the planetary image remains centered and sharp across the sensor, which is critical for high-resolution work on targets like Jupiter or Saturn.
Can I stack multiple Baader M68 extension tubes?
Yes. The entire M68 system is designed for modularity. You can thread multiple Baader M68 extension tubes of different lengths together to achieve precise, custom spacing for your specific optical setup while maintaining a rigid, flex-free connection from the focuser to the camera.
Does the Baader M68 100mm Extension Tube help reduce stray light?
Yes. It serves a dual purpose as a rigid spacer and a light shield. Its length and carefully blackened interior walls act as a baffle, preventing off-axis stray light from reaching your sensor and improving the overall contrast of your images.
