Canon DSLR APS-C Sensor Astrophotography Modification

  • $169.00
    Unit price per 


 

A DSLR Camera modification for Astrophotography consist of the Hydrogen Alpha wavelength bandpass transmission increase at 656nm emission line and the Sulfur II wavelenght transmission increase at both 671.7nm and 673nm emission lines. The original UV/IR Blocking filter present on stock DSLR Cameras only allows over 25% transmission of H-alpha emission line and over 15% of Sulfur II emission lines. An Astro-Converted DSLR Camera is about 4 and 6 times (H-alpha and Sulfur II respectively) more sensitive to the deep reddish nebulae structure tones. H-alpha objects/sections are also present in all the other galaxies besides the Milky Way. The hydrogen element is present in the entire universe, and many emission nebulae visible on the night sky emanate hydrogen alpha emissions.

 

To read the Full Astro Conversions Types Guide please click here

 

Please check the modification service availability list below for your specific Canon DSLR APS-C model.

 

CONVERSION TYPES:

 

1A. UV/IR blocking filter removal with LPF

(Enhanced Spectrum: Visible + H-Alpha + Sulfur II)

 

This conversion preserves the Low Pass Anti-Aliasing filter with self-cleaning function. The spectral sensitivity of the camera sensor will be Enhanced Spectrum (For a complete description of a ES conversion please read options 2A or 2B), allowing Hydrogen Alpha and Sulfur II wavelength emissions pass but still blocking UV/IR light. The main purpose of the LPF is eliminate moire effect but at the cost of sacrificing sharpness slightly introducing a little blur effect and it also reduces color noise. With the Low Pass Filter only preserved, in most cases the sensor distance to the lens bayonet can be adjusted accordinly to match the diffraction index differential to reach perfect focus to infinity with lenses. The sensor repositioning distance range can be confirmed once the camera is disassembled. Perfect focus of subjects closer than infinity will always be achieved in Live View Mode, but for focus to infinity with lenses capability including autofocus with Pentaprism/Pentamirror mode with DSLR cameras, option 2A is guaranteed for all models and options 2B and 3 are guaranteed for most models. Telescopes will always reach focus to infinity without any problem.


1B. UV/IR blocking filter removal without LPF

(Full Spectrum: Ultraviolet + Visible + H-Alpha + Sulfur II + Infrared)

 

This is the most unexpensive conversion, most recommended to save money. Having the sensor bare or "naked" the camera will become Full Spectrum (For a complete description of a FS conversion please read option 3). With the bare sensor modification, the sensor distance to the lens bayonet will be adjusted to reach focus to infinity and autofocus calibration in Pentaprism/Pentamirror mode with DSLR cameras when a Clip-in body filter like the Astronomik L-2 UV/IR blocking or CLS is attached to the camera body (EF Lenses and telescopes compatible only, not EF-S lenses). Internal UV/IR blocking luminance filter and internal clear glass modifications (Options 2A,2B and 3) are compatible with all lenses (Both EF and EF-S) and telescopes. When combined with a Clip-in filter like the Astronomik L-2 UV/IR blocking or the Clip-in MC Clear glass, the total price of this conversion is less than the internal filters modifications. 

 

Without any glass above the sensor there are no internal reflections coming from a replacement filter. When the stock UV/IR blocking filter is removed, the surface of the sensor is not really naked. There is a layer of glass protecting the micro-lenses and bayer filters on top of the pixels.


2A. Enhanced Spectrum conversion with Baader or Optolong Luminance Filter and LPF (Visible + H-Alpha + Sulfur II)

 

For this conversion, the non-detachable Baader or Optolong UV/IR Cut Anti-Reflective filter (Depending on filter availability) with enhanced H-alpha and Sulfur II sensitivity is permanently installed preserving the Low Pass Anti-Aliasing Filter with self-cleaning function. This is the most convenient modification for wide field astrophotography with lenses because autofocus in Pentamirror/Pentaprism mode and focus to infinity is guaranteed in all Canon DSLR models. The sensor filters configuration of this modification is the same of the Canon EOS 60Da and Canon EOS Ra. This conversion does not require an additional or external UV/IR Cut filter. The camera can be used for daylight photography setting the custom white balance with a gray card shot under the specific light source for "In-Camera" white balance correction or with Adobe Camera Raw white balance presets without the need of additional original white balance filters.

Out of focus NIR: With the Enhanced Spectrum modification, depending on the lens, telescope or optical corrector used, some imagers might experience a little bit bloated stars due to the near infrared light slightly out of focus when a refractive optical system does not have at least one ED (Extra-Low Dispersion glass) element. This chromatic aberration could be mitigated with post processing correction using computer software.


2B. Enhanced Spectrum Conversion with Baader or Optolong Luminance Filter only (Visible + H-Alpha + Sulfur II)

 

On this conversion both Low Pass Anti-Aliasing filter with self-cleaning function and the UV/IR blocking bluish filter are removed and replaced by the non-detachable Baader or Optolong UV/IR Cut Anti-Reflective filter (depending on filter availability or camera model) with enhanced H-alpha and Sulfur II sensitivity. With the permanent installation of this filter, this conversion does not require an additional or external UV/IR Cut filter. Perfect focus to infinity with lenses capability including autofocus with Pentaprism/Pentamirror mode is guaranteed for most cameras models. The camera can be used for daylight photography setting the custom white balance with a gray card shot under the specific light source for "In-Camera" white balance correction or with Adobe Camera Raw white balance presets without the need of additional original white balance filters. With the Low Pass Anti-Aliasing Filter removed, the Camera Sensor performs at native maximum sharpness, which is also great for solar and planetary astrophotography.

Out of focus NIR: With the Enhanced Spectrum modification, depending on the lens, telescope or optical corrector used, some imagers might experience a little bit bloated stars due to the near infrared light slightly out of focus when a refractive optical system does not have at least one ED (Extra-Low Dispersion glass) element. This chromatic aberration could be mitigated with post processing correction using computer software.


3. Full Spectrum conversion with Astronomik Anti-Reflective Clear Glass only

(Ultraviolet + Visible + H-Alpha + Sulfur II + Infrared)

 

The Full Spectrum modification is the best conversion for planetary astrophotography because the possibility of using infrared isolating filters like the Astronomik ProPlanet 742 IR-pass and 807 IR-pass . The infrared wavelength is significantly less susceptible to poor seeing (atmospheric turbulences) and consequently the resulting images are considerably sharper. Expert planetary imagers process planets photos with single line infrared filters as a luminance channel. 

This is the most versatile conversion, is suitable for UV/IR Photography, Regular Photography and Astrophotography. The camera will capture the entire visible spectrum including Hydrogen Alpha and Sulfur II emissions plus Ultraviolet and Infrared light. Perfect focus to infinity with lenses capability including autofocus with Pentaprism/Pentamirror mode is guaranteed for most cameras models. Both Low Pass Filter with self-cleaning feature and the original UV/IR blocking bluish filter are replaced by the non-detachable Astronomik Multicoated Anti-reflective Clear filter which is permanently installed. With the Low Pass Anti-Aliasing Filter removed, the Camera Sensor performs at native maximum sharpness.

Out of focus Infrared: An additional UV/IR cut filter is required to capture the pictures in visible light. This filter is a must when imaging with telescopes using refractive elements (refractors, catadioptrics, reducers/flatteners, coma correctors, etc.) If light frames are captured without an UV/IR blocking filter you will get bloated stars, because UV and IR light rays focus at different distance from the visible light focal plane.

A luminance, or any narrowband filter will cut off Ultraviolet and Infrared Wavelengths.

For daylight or regular photography an additional Original White Balance filter is required. The Astronomik OWB Clip filter can be used with Canon EF Lenses (EF-S Lenses are not compatible with clip in filters).

 

For more information

If you have any question about the modifications options, or if you are not sure which one is the best for the astrophotography application that you are planning to do, please contact us clicking here

Canon DSLR APS-C Astro-Conversion Service Models Availability:

 

Options 1A to 3:

Rebel XTi (400D)/XSi (450D)/XS (1000D)

Rebel T1i to T8i Series (500D-850D)

Rebel SL1 to SL3 Series (100D-250D) 

40D/50D/60D/70D/77D/80D/90D

7D

7D Mark II

 

Options 1A, 1B, 2B and 3 only:

Rebel T3 to T7 Series (1100D-2000D)

Rebel T100 (4000D) (Excl. sold at Walmart)

 

Options 1B, 2B and 3 only:

Rebel 300D

Rebel XT (350D)

Rebel XTi (400D)

20D/30D

  

Lead Time

The lead time for the modifications is usually 10 business days (Excluding shipping round trip time). Once your modified camera is shipped, a notification with the tracking number will be sent to your email address.

You must purchase your own postage including insurance at your local post office or shipping service store and send your camera to:

ASTROGEAR

10824 Olson Dr Ste C-345

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Packing instructions: Please use a box preferably no larger than 24 cubic inches (i.e. 8 X 8 X 8) to keep our shipping fee expenses at low cost. Wrap the camera body with bubble cushion, foam or packing paper and write down "FRAGILE" over the box or stick a "FRAGILE" label on the box. Send your camera only with its battery fully charged and your order page printed. If you are shipping your camera by airplane delivery, leave the battery outside the camera body. The changes in pressure could cause battery leakage.

Return free shipping is included in the modification price for the Continental US.

 

International Orders:

Customers buying the modification services outside USA will have to purchase the postage from UPS or Fedex on their own to ship their cameras from their location to the United States. The international shipping cost shown on the checkout page includes only the shipping from the United States to the customer's location (one way) and not the shipping from their location to the United States. Custom fees are not included in the international shipping cost. 

International customers are responsible for paying all import duties to their respective local customs office.

 

1 Year conversion Warranty

All cameras are tested prior the Astro-Conversion. If I find any functional problem, I will inform you immediately. The warranty coverage includes camera functionality related to the conversion. Any kind of physical damage, water damage, abuse or misuse of the Astro-converted camera will void the warranty.

Customer Reviews

Based on 45 reviews
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C
Carol Murphy (Los Altos, US)
Canon EOS 80d modification

I am so happy with my astro modification of my EOS 80d. I've only have been able to use it once, but what a difference! Took a picture of Pacman Nebula and could instantly see all the Ha. Thank you to Daniel for providing quick turnaround and clarifying questions I had in emails. I had option 2b modification.

L
Landon

It’s great! It preforms exactly as expected!

J
Joseph

Takes a little time but well worth the wait . Absolutely love the mod . I’m able to catch even the faintest Nebula now 😃😃

J
John McKenna

Canon DSLR APS-C Sensor Astrophotography Modification

T
Todd Blalock (Syracuse, US)
What a difference!

My Canon now has much better red sensitivity. My first test images are impressive. Thanks for the great service!


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