Spike-a^TM Bahtinov Mask

Let's face it. Acheiving a good focus for astrophotography is a boring waste of time. Wouldn't you rather be spending your time choosing your objects and creating great images? With a Spike-a Bahtinov Mask, you can.

How does it work?

Set up your telescope and imaging equipment as normal. Then simply locate a bright star (maybe Spica?) with your telescope, attach the Spike-a Bahtinov mask to your telescope and watch the diffraction spike pattern around the star as you adjust the focus. When the middle diffraction spike is centered in the outer spikes, you're in focus. Very little focusing travel is required to move the inner diffraction spike, which means the focus is extremely accurate. Seeing conditions will not significantly affect the diffraction spike pattern, which means the Spike-a is even useful for visual work.

A Better Focusing Mask

Unlike a Hartmann Mask which provides no visual cues on the direction of travel needed for focusing, the Spike-a mask is a Bahtinov mask which clearly shows the direction of travel needed to achieve focus. Also, a Hartmann mask doesn't provide the precision of the Spike-a. The pattern displayed in a Hartmann just gets slightly more in focus, which means the true focus may be off by a significant degree. The Spike-a mask shows you exactly where the perfect focus point is every time, regardless of seeing conditions. This unique design also allows more light gathering than a Hartmann mask allowing you to focus on a much dimmer star.

Save Time AND Money

Don't spend hundreds of dollars on a focusing solution which only works with one type of camera, or even more for a complicated computerized focusing solution. All of our masks cost less than $100.

Quality Materials and Workmanship

The Spike-a Bahtinov mask is made from quality light weight aluminum and machined with precision tools, then coated flat black to eliminate light reflection. The Spike-a attaches securely to your scope using nylon screws to ensure the finish of your telescope is protected. The Spike-a mask will last you for a lifetime of imaging.

Tired of Bloated Stars? Order Your Spike-a^TM Bahtinov Mask Today!

Spike-a Model Choose the correct size 4 inch US$69.95 5 inch US$69.95 6 inch US$69.95 7 inch US$79.95 8 inch US$79.95 9 inch US$89.95 10 inch US$89.95 11 inch US$99.95 12 inch US$99.95 13 inch US$99.95 14 inch US$99.95 New lower prices! All sizes now in stock! You may also mail or fax your order to us. Click Here for a printable order form. Note that orders will be processed by All-Pro Software, LLC. Contact information: All-Pro Software P.O. Box 149 Mineral Point, WI 53565 (800) 776-7859 spike-a@allprosoftware.com