How to get Perfect Focus with a Bahtinov Mask for Astrophotography

Let's look at a simple and affordable solution that takes the guess work out of focusing your telescope and lens. The Bahtinov Mask has helped me get sharp focus time after time when imaging the night sky and I’m going to show you how it works and why you should get one to use for astrophotography. If you enjoy this video, please like it, subscribe to this channel, and let me know about your experience with the Bahtinov mask or any questions you may have in the comment section below.
Bahtinov Mask Shown in Video:
www.amazon.com...
#bahtinov #focus #astrophotography
Music: "Lazy Walk" by Cheel
“The heavens declare the glory of God”-Psalm 19:1
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[@benroutledge6126]

As a total astronomy/astrophotography newbie, this is incredibly helpful. Thank you for the clarity and simplicity

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@willissutherland1494]

same here...Thank you Sir@@LateNightAstronomy

[@miket2961]

Thank you! I just heard about this and was unsure about which size is needed for my 95mm diameter lens for my DSLR. Your description and example was perfect.

[@KafshakTashtak]

Wow, it's mindblowing how such a simple design has a complex idea behind it.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

I couldn't agree more. Was out last night imaging the Leo Triplett and used it to get sharp focus.

[@JazzLowrider]

Clear right to the point explanation, I am shopping for a tool like this for shooting the Milkyway, I usually focus in the daytime on a far away object and tape the focusing ring so it won’t move, but this method seems more accurate thank you.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

I hope this works well for you! Take care and let me know if you end up getting one.

[@RawSpaceVideos]

Fascinating, and ingenious tool! Thank you for the explanation.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Glad you liked it!

[@nickedwards9186]

Gamechanger! Thanks so much. I also (stupidly) didn't realise I could zoom in on my live view, which will help!

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@nickedwards9186]

If only all "how to" videos were as clear and to the point! And thanks for the tip on using the zoom - I completely forgot my camera screen did that.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

I really appreciate you letting me know that! Clear Skies!

[@DavidWilson-uf5mv]

Thanks for such clear and concise explanations. As a former teacher I appreciate your presentations. Also, I like how you recommend equipment that most people can afford. Keep up the good work.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

That's exactly what I'm going for with these videos. Your kind words mean a lot! Astronomy can definitely be an expensive hobby but you don't need to spend thousands of dollars right out of the gate to see and image incredible things!

[@Cornz38]

Just got mine today. Should make it MUCH easier to focus now using my Bresser cam and laptop. Enjoyed the vid. Thanks.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

It was a big improvement for my astrophotography.

[@Cornz38]

The only thing i need now is cloudless night skies and in the UK there are about 4 a year!!!@@LateNightAstronomy

[@paulengle5784]

Fantastic video. Thank you for sharing your experience/expertise.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

My pleasure! Clear Skies!

[@avt_astro206]

Nice Tips !! I use Craters On The Moon To Get Perfect Focus. If those Craters Are Sharp Then I know It it Perfect !! 😄👍🔭🌟

[@LateNightAstronomy]

That's a nice practical solution to the problem as well. Good advice!

[@demosloizides2060]

Great info! Although I've been an amateur astronomer since 1969, I'm new as an astrophotographer.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

It is an exciting part of this incredible hobby!

[@chebhou]

this is an awesome trick, thank you! that mask can easily be 3d printed or laser cut too

[@LateNightAstronomy]

It has been a great tool for me with astrophotography!

[@nameismetatoo4591]

Just 3d printed one myself. Looking forward to testing it out once this storm passes. It'll be great to test the different varieties of masks without having to invest a fortune.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

How did it work out for you?@@nameismetatoo4591

[@richardrodriguez9005]

I was about to sell my samyang 135 f2, bacause its difficult to focus and cannot reach the infinity. Good thing i saw your video. Im going to buy one , hopefully it works. Thank you👍👍

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Perfect focus for me with the Samyang 135mm f2 is just a bit shy of infinity. I've got a full review of the lens I just posted as well if you are interested. Glad you found it helpful and let me know if you have anymore questions.

[@mikehardy8247]

Samyang, Rokinon 135 is very frustratingly difficult to focus. So you can focus in live view, and not have to take hundreds of pictures like I did. All to knock the lens out of focus.

[@paigebradley2490]

Thanks for the wonderful info!!

[@LateNightAstronomy]

You are very welcome. It's a wonderful product!

[@ronrotunno522]

Great job as usual! Thank You.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

You are welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@mikelockwood2104]

Excellent video....thank you

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Thanks so much. I'm glad you found it helpful! Clear Skies.

[@BlueBlaster1]

Do you have a link to the mask. I been looking for on for canon lens. Thank you. I been watching your stuff to get started in my astrophotography.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

I just added a link to the description of this video and I'm glad my videos have helped to get you started in astrophotography. Let me know if you ever have and questions!

[@seabeepirate]

Sweet and simple

[@LateNightAstronomy]

That's nice to hear! Clear Skies!

[@blackice5649]

Short and to the point - great video! Quick question - should the tracker be on when you perform this function?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Thank you! I like to have it on to help ensure that the start are sharp for the focusing!

[@Blueyedevil2702]

Very good explanation. Thanks for the video ;)

[@LateNightAstronomy]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@yamlcase230]

Great intro! If this were a 20 minute video.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

I appreciate your feedback! Feel free to skip the intro and clear skies!

[@qzorn4440]

I would like to do some simple 101 astrophotography with a Nikon D3300 Digital SLR with 24.2MP and Celestron 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope. 😎 This is a great camera video. Thanks. Any how to get started suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Check out my playlist on astrophotography. Begin with the video on DSLR settings for astrophotography. I've got videos covering how to connect it to a telescope also for image of the Moon and planets.

[@jusu9621]

The fans were promised merch sir. Where is the late night astronomy shirts!!!

[@LateNightAstronomy]

This is a good question. At 10,000 subs I can put a merch store on the KZbin page. When that number is hit, the Merch will be sold :) I hope you are doing well!

[@jusu9621]

@@LateNightAstronomy consider it done! Hope all is well.

[@syedseed3299]

Hello! I was wondering which bahtinov mask I should get for my 70mm telescope, also I have another question, will using a Barlow lens effect the effect of the bahtinov mask?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

I don't believe using a barlow lens will effect it. Measure the end of your telescope and buy one on amazon.com that is designed for your size scope.

[@quincylee2276]

Excellent video! Quick question, does the star need to be in the centre of the camera's viewing frame?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Great question. I've found that centering the focus star is the best practice unless you know you are going to frame your final object well off center for some reason.

[@alvaroborgesfilho2328]

Excellent video. Does the Bahtinov mask shall have a hole for the secondary mirror to be used on reflector telescopes?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Good question. It should work just fine with a reflector telescope.

[@kaurna1]

69 year old just starting astrophotography. When you have the spikes correct do you lock everything and then commence taking photos?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Yes. That is one of my final steps before finding the target and imaging for the night. Check out my astrophotography playlist and let me know if you have anymore questions!

[@AstroFarsography]

Bahtinov mask: never leave home without mine. Even then, it's a short walk back into the kitchen to grab it.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Very true. Just between you and I (along with everyone else here on youtube) I may have accidently stepped on mine a few nights ago. Thankfully, it's 12 dollar price tag made me not kick myself to much when I reordered it. Now it goes in my pocket when I'm done and not right next to the tracking mount :)

[@FyreMunky69]

Going To Attempt To Make A Mask For A Orion SkyQuest 16xxLG Dob Using A ZWO ASI120mc Camera... Is It Worth The Time And The Trouble...?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

It's worth a shot but it might be difficult to do for that size scope. Let me know how it turns out for you!

[@DavidWilson-uf5mv]

Michael. I have an 8 inch reflector Dobsonian type telescope by Sky Quest. I measured the outside diameter of the tube to be around 24 cm (240mm) inside diameter around 23 cm (230mm). What size Bahtinov mask should I order? All I saw on Amazon were smaller. David

[@LateNightAstronomy]

David. Take a look at the Astromania Bahtinov Mask Focusing Mask for Telescopes - FM200mm for a Tube Outer Diameter (OD) from 215mm-260mm over at amazon.com. It looks like it should work well with an 8inch dobsonian. Let me know how it works out for you. I have an 8 inch dobsonian myself and have thought about picking one up! www.amazon.com/Astromania-Bahtinov-Mask-Focusing-Telescopes/dp/B01M9CIBI9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bahtinov%2Bmask%2B8%2Binch%2Bdobsonian&qid=1613961448&sr=8-1&th=1

[@DavidWilson-uf5mv]

@@LateNightAstronomy Thanks my friend

[@mikehardy8247]

What camera settings are best for using the mask, so you don't overexpose the patern.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

I shoot it on manual using the f/stop I will shoot with later on. Typically I don't have a problem with overexposing the stars.

[@jayhughes1141]

Does it matter how you orientate the mask on the lens/telescope? Or does just placing it on anyway get the same results?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Good question! From my experience the orientation doesn't matter with getting sharp focus!

[@agentdarkboote]

I think I have the same mask as you did in this video... for whatever reason I only get 2 spikes (an X, not a K) unless I'm looking at something crazy bright like Jupiter or Sirius, which unfortunately aren't always in view at my viewing location. Even Vega or Arcturus aren't good enough. And my DSLR (D3200) can't pick up the spikes in live mode so I have to make tiny adjustments, snap an image, check the preview, make another tiny adjustment, etc. It's quite tedious still. Any ideas for how to fix either of these issues?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

What type of telescope are you using it with?

[@agentdarkboote]

@@LateNightAstronomy a not very expensive telephoto lens, 135mm

[@rickbabbitt5014]

What star TRACKER you using ?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

It is the iOptron SkyGuider Pro. It's a solid tracking for lighter weighted equipment. I've got a full review of it on my channel with a lot more details.

[@MrGeert1972]

Can I use same mask in different focal lengths? I first did make one myself from a template but it didn’t work. So now I bought me one from Amazon for 65-87mm lens diameter. Second question, can I attach it directly to the lens or do I need to put the mask on dew shield?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Yes, I believe that should be fine in both regards!

[@_tyler-_-]

I bought the wrong size, instead of hanging it on the outside of the aperture can I rest it on the inside and achieve the same results?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Hmmm. I believe so as long as it is stable and secure.

[@faizanrao3574]

Pls share the detail as I’m also looking one.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

What details are you interested in knowing more about?

[@faizanrao3574]

@@LateNightAstronomy from where I could buy the same.

[@LateNightAstronomy]

@@faizanrao3574 There is a link in the video to the one I own.

[@daveymarkt]

Thanks can you post a link to the mask in the video??

[@LateNightAstronomy]

You got it! I just posted a link to it in the description of the video!

[@daveymarkt]

@@LateNightAstronomy Gracias

[@lisasilver873]

I purchased a Bahtinov mask for my camera lens. But the 3 pegs do not fit in the 3 slots on the mask. The pegs seem too big in diameter. Is this common? Should I return the mask? What are your thoughts?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

My guess is the mask may be slightly too large for that lens. Are there rubber pegs on the mask that allow you to adjust it a bit?

[@lisasilver873]

@Late Night Astronomy it turns out that those pegs have 3 pieces to each - the screw, the hexagonal threaded piece, and a rubber sleeve. Everything went fine when I realized how to take apart the 3 pegs. Thank you so much for your help.

[@jonathanritter7364]

Does the mask have to be perfectly centered on the lense ?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Good question. I believe the closer it is to being centered the better!

[@jerryfortenberry1956]

I ordered one of these. It came with no instructions. Is it supposed to be centered over the lens?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Yes, as best as you can center it to the lens.

[@jerryfortenberry1956]

@@LateNightAstronomy Thanks

[@gerhardmoeller3834]

Should this be plugged in?

[@mitraravenjohn9926]

Seven Sister is the best

[@LateNightAstronomy]

I never get tired of observing or imaging them!

[@leoncorns1450]

I wonder if Mr Bartanov got rich from his brilliant invention?

[@LateNightAstronomy]

That's a good question. I certainly hope so!

[@fernandorivera2395]

So you used this for FOCUSING not COLLIMATION then 🤔

[@LateNightAstronomy]

Correct. I use it for my astrophotography focusing.

[@efx245precor3]

2005? 2008?