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Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more
Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more

Baader Planetarium TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-1363080
CA$561.00 - CA$561.00
CA$561.00
CA$561.00 - CA$561.00
CA$561.00
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  • Creates a parallel beam of light required for H-alpha solar filters
  • Higher magnification factor for using solar filters on faster telescopes
  • Maintains a constant magnification factor regardless of working distance
  • Connects via a standard T-2 thread and a dual 1.25"/2" nosepiece
  • Preserves the native eye relief of visual eyepieces
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Warranty

  • TZ-4S Telecentric System T-2 for SunDancer II and more

    The Baader TZ-4S Telecentric System is engineered to produce a perfectly parallel beam of light, an essential requirement for the etalon in any high-resolution H-alpha solar filter like the SunDancer II. It connects to your camera or eyepiece holder via a rigid T-2 thread and fits any telescope focuser with its dual 1.25" and 2" nosepiece.

    A Parallel Light Path for Uncompromised H-alpha Contrast

    For H-alpha filters with a narrow half-bandwidth, a telecentric optical system is mandatory. Standard Barlow lenses or focal extenders create a converging light cone, which degrades the filter's performance and significantly reduces contrast. The TZ-4S ensures the light rays are perfectly parallel across the entire field before they enter the etalon, allowing the filter to operate at its maximum theoretical contrast and reveal the finest solar details.

    High-Magnification Viewing Without Barlow Lens Drawbacks

    Beyond solar applications, the TZ-4S serves as a superior alternative to a Barlow lens for high-magnification visual observation of the planets. Unlike a Barlow, whose magnification changes with distance, a telecentric system maintains its specified magnification factor and optical quality regardless of the spacing to the eyepiece or camera. This design also preserves the original eye relief of your eyepiece, ensuring comfortable views even at high power.

    Adapting the SunDancer II for Shorter Focal Ratio Telescopes

    The TZ-4S is the key to using the Baader SunDancer II H-alpha filter on telescopes with shorter native focal ratios, such as f/7 or f/8 apochromatic refractors. It provides the necessary magnification to convert the telescope's light cone into the slow, parallel beam required by the SunDancer's etalon. This allows owners of faster instruments to achieve the same stunning solar views as those with longer-focal-length telescopes.

    • Critical User Note: To use the TZ-4S with a SunDancer II filter, you must transfer the 2nm blocking filter from the original 3x telecentric (TZ-3S) supplied with your SunDancer. The blocking filter is not included with the TZ-4S and is not available for separate purchase.

    Secure Connections with a 1.25"/2" Nosepiece and T-2 Thread

    The TZ-4S is built for a secure, tilt-proof fit in any imaging train. The telescope side features a dual-format nosepiece that fits both 1.25" and 2" focusers, machined with safety kerfs for a secure grip without marring the barrel. The camera side features a standard T-2 (M42x0.75) male thread, providing a rigid, direct connection to cameras, filter wheels, or T-2 eyepiece clamps, eliminating the potential for flexure that can plague slip-fit adapters.

    TZ-4S vs. TZ-3S: Choosing the Right Telecentric Magnification

    The primary difference between the TZ-4S and the TZ-3S included with the SunDancer II filter lies in their intended telescope pairing. Each is designed to produce the optimal final focal ratio for the H-alpha etalon.

    • Baader TZ-3S (Standard): This telecentric is optimized for telescopes with longer native focal ratios, such as f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrains. It provides the correct magnification to condition the beam for the SunDancer II etalon.
    • Baader TZ-4S (This Product): With its higher magnification, the TZ-4S is designed for telescopes with faster native focal ratios, such as f/7.5 refractors. It allows these instruments to achieve the same ideal parallel beam, making it the essential upgrade for wide-field telescope owners wanting to perform high-resolution solar imaging.

  • Why is the Baader TZ-4S Telecentric System necessary for H-alpha solar filters?

    Narrow-band H-alpha filters, like the Baader SunDancer II, contain an etalon that only performs correctly when fed a perfectly parallel beam of light. A standard Barlow lens or the telescope's native focal ratio creates a converging cone of light, which significantly degrades the filter's contrast. The TZ-4S is an optical conditioner that creates this necessary parallel beam, unlocking the filter's full performance.

    How is the TZ-4S different from a standard Barlow lens for viewing Jupiter?

    The TZ-4S offers two main advantages for planetary viewing. First, its magnification factor is constant and independent of distance, unlike a Barlow which changes magnification as you move the eyepiece. Second, the TZ-4S preserves the eyepiece's native eye relief, making high-power viewing much more comfortable, especially for eyeglass wearers.

    Can I use the TZ-4S with my SunDancer II H-alpha filter?

    Yes, but with a critical requirement. You must carefully remove the 2nm H-alpha blocking filter from the front of the TZ-3S telecentric that came with your SunDancer II and install it into the TZ-4S. The TZ-4S does not include this filter, and it cannot be purchased separately. This component is essential for the safe and correct operation of the H-alpha system.

    What kind of telescope is the TZ-4S designed for when used with the SunDancer II?

    The TZ-4S is designed for telescopes with shorter native focal ratios, typically in the f/7 to f/8 range, such as apochromatic refractors. The standard TZ-3S is better suited for longer focal ratio instruments like f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrains. The TZ-4S provides the higher magnification needed for faster scopes to achieve the ideal slow focal ratio for the etalon.

    What are the connection options on the TZ-4S Telecentric System?

    The TZ-4S offers flexible and secure connections:

    • Telescope Side: A dual-purpose nosepiece that fits into both 1.25" and 2" focusers.
    • Camera/Eyepiece Side: A standard male T-2 (M42x0.75) thread for a rigid, threaded connection to your camera or other T-2 accessories.

    Will the TZ-4S change the eye relief of my eyepieces?

    No. A key benefit of the telecentric design is that it preserves the original eye relief of any eyepiece you use with it. This is a significant comfort advantage over some other magnification methods, especially during long planetary observing sessions.

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