Starizona LensSlider User manual

Starizona LensSlider Instructions
LensSlider shown with optional camera and lens
Warning: Some Canon EF-S and Nikon DX and compatible lenses for APS-C sensor cameras
protrude uite a bit behind the lens flange and could possibly interfere with a filter. Use caution
when installing a lens for the first time.
The Starizona LensSlider offers an easy way to attach compatible DSLR lenses to a CCD camera
and integrates our popular Filter Slider for easily switching filters. Models are a ailable for both
Canon and Nikon lenses. Use your CCD camera with a camera lens and open a new world of wide-
field astrophotography!
The constellation of Orion captured with an Atik 490EX monochrome camera, LensSlider and Sigma
18-35mm f/1.8 lens. Lens was set to 18mm at f/4. Filters used were H-alpha, red, green and blue.
Total exposure time 3.5 hours.

Attaching a Lens
The LensSlider has 3 petals on the front inside diameter that clamp down onto the mating flange
petals of the camera lens. Unlike with a camera body, the lens can be inserted in any of 3 possible
orientations on the LensSlider. Any of these orientations will work.
Start by loosening the scalloped lock ring. This only needs to be loosened about ½ turn.
Align the flange petals on the camera lens between the petals on the LensSlider and insert
the flange until it seats against the black lip abo e the red lock ring.
Twist the lens clockwise (Canon) or counterclockwise (Nikon) and you will feel it stop
when fully engaged.
Tighten the lock ring and the lens is securely mounted to the LensSlider.
Attaching a CCD Camera
Any camera with a 17.5mm backfocus and 42mm T-threads will attach directly to the LensSlider
and work correctly. This includes Starlight Xpress, ZWO and some QHY cameras. Atik cameras,
which ha e a 13mm backfocus distance, will require an optional 4.5mm spacer to set the correct
distance from the lens to the camera. Another optional adapter is a ailable for cameras with a
CS-mount, including the Starlight Xpress Lodestar and Ultrastar, and some Mallincam models.
To attach a camera, simply remo e the nosepiece from the camera and thread it onto the male
threads on the Filter Slider or appropriate spacer.

Installing Filters
The Filter Slider has a remo able drawer that can hold a standard 2” mounted filter. Step rings
are a ailable to allow the use of 1.25”, 31mm or 36mm filters.
The drawer is held in by magnets and easily snaps into place during use. Remo e the drawer and
thread the filter into the drawer.
Extra drawers are a ailable to allow you to lea e your filters each mounted in a separate drawer
for easy switching during the night.
Orienting the Camera and Filter Slider
The 3 thumb screws around the outside of the LensSlider allow for rotation of the camera to set
the orientation of the sensor. Howe er, because of the mounting base, there are some
orientations where the Filter Slider drawer could be blocked.
In this case, simply rotate the camera 180 degrees and you can get the same orientation of the
long axis of the CCD while making the drawer accessible.
Mounting the LensSlider on a Mount or Telescope
The LensSlider with camera and lens may not weigh enough to easily balance on a mount by
itself. In that case, it is probably easiest to piggyback the lens setup on top of a telescope.
To attach the LensSlider to a top do etail on a telescope, we recommend the Losmandy DVA
clamp. This allows a 1/4”-20 screw to go into the base of the LensSlider and then clamp onto a
Losmandy or Vixen style do etail plate.
To attach the LensSlider directly to an equatorial mount, a Losmandy DUP or VUP uni ersal
do etail plate can be used for Losmandy or Vixen style mount saddles, respecti ely.

Setting the Lens F-Stop
Note: Lens manufacturers probably do not recommend actually doing this, but we have had no
trouble with it. But if it breaks your lens, remember we said not to really do it.
Most fast lenses will ha e to be stopped down to gi e the best performance. Normally when a
lens is remo ed from the camera body, the aperture automatically re erts to its wide open
position.
To set the f-stop on the lens for use with a CCD camera requires setting it on a DSLR body first.
Attach the lens as normal to the DSLR body and turn the camera on. Make sure the camera is in
“aperture priority” mode, usually by setting the dial on top to “A.” Use the appropriate controls to
set the desired f-stop.
Now, hold down the “depth of field pre iew” button, located on the camera body near the base of
the lens, usually on the left from the photographer's perspecti e. While holding this button down,
remo e the lens from the camera body. This takes a little dexterity to hold the depth of field
button while also pressing the lens release button and twisting the lens off. The lens will now be
stopped down.
To re ert to the fully open position, simply reattach the lens to the DSLR body and power it up.
Now take it off normally and it will be wide open again.

Speci ications
Models available for Canon or Nikon and compatible lenses
1/4"-20 base mounting thread
Weight: 0.75 lbs.
Height from base to lens optical axis: 2.50"
Total height (with thumb screw): 4.81"
Anodized aluminum construction
Stainless steel hardware
Made in USA
STARIZONA
5757 N. Oracle Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85704
520-292-5010
www.starizona.com