Apertura 2" Dark Frame Filter
Capture Your Calibration Data With Ease!
Add calibration collection convenience to your setup! Designed to install alongside your favorite filters, the Apertura 2" dark frame filter makes collecting dark frames as simple as a quick command to your filter wheel. Whether you're orchestrating your astrophoto creation from a remote command center or with an automated script, this calibration companion is for you!
While capturing image data is the most important step in the process of creating an astrophoto, collecting calibration frames help ensure you can make this information shine its brightest; removing imperfections in the optical train or inherent to your gear from the final image! While capturing a dark calibration frame can be as simple as placing the dust cap back on your telescope, coordinating this when your scope is out of reach or operating under automation can be a challenge. That's where the Apertura 2" Dark Frame Filter comes in! Simply installing this filter into your filter wheel allows you to block on the night sky for dark calibration on fly or queued up as a part of your automation script. The Dark Frame Filter's black anodized metal provides robust light blocking, while also being slim enough that it will fit in most popular 2" filter wheels on the market today; coming in at just 3.5 mm when fully installed, and taking up just 49.7 mm in diameter. Combined with threads compatible with the common 2" filter threads used by the industry today, the Apertura Dark Frame Filter can be installed right alongside your existing filters without any headache!
Giving Your Image a Boost: Dark Frame Calibration
What is a dark frame? How does it improve your final images? Simply put, a dark frame captures some of the imperfections the camera sensor adds to your images. Collecting this information is done by collecting an image of an even, dark, surface, highlighting these imperfections and allowing you to suppress them in post processing. While camera technology is constantly improving to control noise, amp glow, and hot pixels in your light frames, when you're looking to create images that "pop" there is still a notable benefit from adding calibration information to your data set! For more information about dark frames and other types of calibration files, be sure to check out our article on Understanding Calibration Frames!
Add Dark Frame Automation to Your Imaging System
With its design and solid construction, the Apertura 2" Dark Frame Filter is a simple but effective way to add convenient or automated dark frame capture capability to your filter wheel setup! With this accessory in your tool kit, running out to put the cap on your scope or installing motorized dust cap solutions to collect darks are a thing of the past!
Dark Frame Capturing Simplified
If you're looking to
switch to dark calibration frame capturing with the tap of a button in your
filter wheel rig, there's no need for extra external equipment! Just install
this simple filter plug in your carousel, and cutting your camera sensor off
from the night sky is as simple as any other filter position change. This is
perfect for remote imaging from your backyard or at a dedicated remote
observatory, and with the automation tools provided by modern imaging suites
can even allow you to capture darks automatically and have them waiting for
processing when you check imaging files in the morning!
Wide Compatibility
When it comes to compatible
electronic filter wheels for the Apertura 2" Dark Frame Filter, you've got
plenty of options! This includes the
ZWO 7 Position Electronic Filter Wheel for 2" Filters
and
QHY CFW3 Medium Color Filter Wheel - 50 mm or 2" 5 Position - Standard
Thickness. For more information on how to integrate filters into your imaging train,
be sure to check out our
Astrophotography Filter Connection Guide. Please Note: All accessories sold separately.
Solid Construction
The Apertura 2" Dark Frame Filter
is a robust option that is designed to last. Made of 1.0 oz. of black
anodized aluminum, this filter comes in at 6 mm thick including the threads;
which comes out to 3.5 mm excluding the threads, when this filter is
installed. The top has been gently sculpted to help with grip when you're
removing the filter, with an additional slot cut for a coin to be used in
situations where in may be difficult to grip the filter or where you need
additional leverage!
Comes with the Apertura Absolute Warranty!
The Apertura Absolute Warranty provides two years of coverage against
product defects. After the initial two-year warranty expires, this product
qualifies for Apertura's Three-Year Accident Replacement Program. In
addition, the Apertura Absolute Warranty is transferrable! Download a copy
of the
Apertura Absolute Warranty
for more information on this program, how to make a claim, and why it is
important to keep your original receipt and the product's original
boxes & packaging!
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
| Understanding Calibration Frames |
| Astrophotography Filter Connection Guide |