ZWO 2" Filters and ASI6200 - not 100% coverage

roysalisbury

I finally got my ASI6200 camera package (FW, filters, oag, ect) and am disappointed in the shipped filters. They DO NOT cover the entire chip. There are noticeable shadows on the corners, and visible rings on the edges. The 2" filters in the holders is just a bit two small. These should have been 50mm unmounted filters for this FW and camera combination.

Does ZWO have a plan to address this? I would suggest that ZWO offer a replacement set for the 2" filters (a swap). Selling this camera with these filters is a dishonest service to the customer who expects all the pieces to work together.

Roy

moson

Sorry about this, that's because the 2“ filters have metal frame. And the size of metal frame is 50mm, so the actual size of the filter is only 48mm.

So, when you use 2" filters on a full frame cameras, it's normal to see shadows on the corners.

roysalisbury

I was say it's not "normal" to sell things that are known to have issues. Especially in this market where image perfection is the key. It should have shipped with 50mm (or 68mm) UNMOUNTED filters. It went out with 2" mounted filters because someone was lazy when they bundled the system together.

How can I return JUST THE FILTERS for a refund?

moson

We are very sorry about this! We have the size map of the filter on our website. And we suggest that you mount the filter closer to the sensor to reduce the vignetting/shadows. And we have to say sorry again that the filters can not be returned.

roysalisbury

I cant mount the filters closer to the camera sensor .. It's YOUR FILTER WHEEL. It can't get any closer.

moson

Maybe you could calibration the vignetting/shadows by the flat frames.

ken82

RoySalisbury wrote:

I cant mount the filters closer to the camera sensor .. It's YOUR FILTER WHEEL. It can't get any closer.

I also had this problem Roy and had to swap the mounted filters for 50mm unmounted. This is a big problem for anyone using an f5 scope or faster. I complained to my vendor that this camera shouldn’t be sold with these filters or at least advised to use 50mm before purchasing.

It’s not just a matter of correcting the shadow with flats. If a star is reflecting off the metal filter mount you will get substantial reflections.

Maybe zwo can pay the beta testers lol 😆

ken82

RoySalisbury wrote:

I cant mount the filters closer to the camera sensor .. It's YOUR FILTER WHEEL. It can't get any closer.

It’s not just a matter of correcting the shadow with flats. If a star is reflecting off the metal filter mount you will get substantial reflections.

Maybe zwo can pay the beta testers lol 😆

roysalisbury

Ken82 wrote:

I also had this problem Roy and had to swap the mounted filters for 50mm unmounted. This is a big problem for anyone using an f5 scope or faster. I complained to my vendor that this camera shouldn’t be sold with these filters or at least advised to use 50mm before purchasing.

It’s not just a matter of correcting the shadow with flats. If a star is reflecting off the metal filter mount you will get substantial reflections.

I also had the reflection issues. Could not figure out what it was. I tried everything. Eventually when I got my new Chroma filters (50mm unmounted) ,all my problems went away. And wow.. these are excellent filters. Costly, by worth it. I'll try selling my ZWO filters on astromart .. but doubt anyone would want them.

ken82

Can you not contact your vendor as I think it’s wrong these filters are sold with this camera ? Who did you buy it from ? For me First light optics FLO had no problem at all changing to the larger 50mm. Still waiting for my chroma to arrive.

For anyone reading this it’s only an issue if your using a scope that is F5 or faster.

wvreeven

I use an F5 scope (Esprit 80ED) with the ASI6200 and 2" ZWO filters and have no issues whatsoever. No reflections at all. Yes, the corners of my images are dark but that's nothing that flats have not been able to solve.

The only thing I noticed is that despite the camera having been screwed tightly on to the filter wheel, there seems to be a bit of light leaking in. I tried taking darks during day time and that didn'1 go well. When I wrapped the camera and filter wheel carefully in a black towel, the problem went away.

FYI I disassembled the filter wheel and screwed the back of the filter wheel on to the camera with 4 screws. I think using a threaded ring will make it light tight.

Clear skies, Wouter

ken82

Interesting Wouter,

I guess it could also be to do with the light cone of the scope and or the particular type of filters used. Some of the baader ones for example have a jagged edge.

For me at least it was definitely the filters as I placed a star off axis with a filter in place and could see a huge reflection like in my picture. When I rotated the FW the problem was gone.

I’m using a takahashi fsq 106 at F5 and 2”mounted baader filters. These filters have a clear aperture of 45.4mm. What is the clear aperture of the zwo mounted filters ? If they are larger then that may also be a reason.

Anyway I’ve got some unmounted ones on the way :)

Support@ZWO

ZWO mount 2" filter has a 46mm clear aperture.

rqkimball

I agree with all of the individuals above. The 2" mounted filters should not be sold with this ASI6200 camera. The vignetting is terrible. I would like to return mine and have them rep[laced with 2" inch unmounted filters. This would be fair, and quite frankly would mean nothing to you, but for me exchanging filter is very expensive.

Also, I am finding the my filters are not perfectly aligned with the camera window causing even more vignetting on one side. Ealier in the string of messages, you mention it was possible to change this alignment. Please help.