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?
Not directly. The ASI120MM Mini has an 8.5mm back focus and a 1.25" nosepiece style body rather than M42 T2 female threads, so this adapter does not thread onto it. It is intended for ASI cameras with M42 threads whose back focus suits the 17.5mm (C) or 12.5mm (CS) lens requirement.
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. The uncooled ASI585MC has a back focus of 12.5mm, so check that your total spacing matches the 17.5mm a C-mount lens requires.
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.