Do you own a Canon EOS digital camera (List of compatibel cameras) and also use it for astro-imaging? Then you have surely encountered the following problems:

• Large filters for large camera lens objectives are very expensive
• If you place a filter holder between your camera body and lens you loose the ability to focus to infinity
• For very fast (low f/ number) telescopes like the Vixen R200SS or the Takahashi “Epsilon” astrograph, a filter drawer or a filter wheel cannot be used since the distance to the corrector lenses would be changed.
• With long exposure times your camera’s sensor chip is exposed to more dust
  

With the Astronomik Clip-Filter System you can immediately take care of all of these problems!

The patented Astronomik Clip-Filter System is black anodized aluminum and laser-cut on state-of-the-art modern machines. It can be inserted within seconds directly into the EOS camera body. There are no changes necessary and all lens functions (focus, screen, image stabilization) remain functional!

Almost all Canon system lenses (with the exception of the EF-S series) and all M42 and T2 lens adapters, can be used with the Astronomik Clip-Filter System. The Clip-Filter System also acts as an outstanding dust shield, which prevents the possibility of dust settling on the sensor during long time exposure (The MC-Clear filter does not have a filter effect and only acts as a dust shield.)

Questions and answers about the Astronomik Clip-Filter System

List of compatible Canon EOS cameras:

Important: Not suitable are cameras offered before 2003 and all varieties of the Canon EOS 1D and Canon EOS 5D.

Mounting the Astronomik Clip-Filter:

Removing the Clip-Filter

Questions and answers about the Astronomik Clip-Filter System:

Question:
Can I use my existing 1.25 " or 2 " eyepiece filters in the Astronomik EOS Clip-Filter System?

Answer:
This is not possible since the clamp has no threads. The Astronomik Clip-Filter System is only 2mm thick, including the integrated filter, and is therefore not compatible with conventional screw threaded filters.

Question:
Does the lens autofocus still function with the Astronomik Clip-Filter System installed?

Answer:
Yes, autofocus, exposure measurement, and image stabilization control functions are still useable. The Astronomik Clip-Filter System does not limit any of these functions.

Question:
How is the Clip-Filter System in the housing of my Canon DSLR fastened? Must I make any camera body modifications?

Answer:
The Astronomik Clip-Filter System can be inserted without any changes to the housing of your Canon DSLR. No tools are necessary ­ you simply insert or remove with your fingers.

Question:
When I use the Clip-Filter Systems do I still have to make other modifications to my Canon EOS digital camera for astro-imaging? Specifically, removing the camera’s OEM IR-blocking filter over the sensor?

Answer:
The Astronomik Clip-Filter System does not have anything directly to do with a digital camera’s “IR-band blocking filter”.
Regular photographic digital camera sensors have a very small sensitivity in the H-alpha line portion of the spectrum which is bad for regular photographs but very important for astro-imaging. Hence, Canon sells it’s cameras with an internal “IR-blocking filter” over the sensor to remove the over abundance of ‘red’ due to Infrared from ordinary photos.
For astro-imaging, sensitivity in the red (the H-alpha line) is desired and is achieved by the removal of the camera’s internal IR blocking filter.

The Clip-Filter System has no idea if Canon’s IR-blocking filter is installed or whether it has been removed. The Clip-Filter System can be used with both converted and with un-converted cameras with equal results.. (While the idea of not having to remove the IR-blocking filter in the first place would be welcomed, a filter used in front of the lens which increases IR red sensitivity is not available yet!... )

Question:
Can I use my regular camera lenses with the Astronomik Clip-Filter System?

Answer:
Yes, you can use all the normal Canon EF bayonet lenses, either Canon OEM or non OEM such as Tamron, Sigma, etc.. All lens functions will remain operational.

Question:
I have some the EF-S lenses for APS format sensor cameras. Can I use these together with the Astronomik Clip-Filter System?

Answer:
No. Unfortunately the Clip-Filter System does not function with the EF-S series lenses. The EF-S series lenses extend further into the camera so that it is not possible to fit a filter between the lens and the camera.

Question:
Can I use the Clip-Filter System with my EOS/T2 and 2 " adapters to the telescope?

Answer:
Yes, that is possible! In this case there are no restrictions. First insert the Clip-Filter into your camera and then install the desired lens adapters. The Clip-Filter fits in such a way that it cannot unintentionally fall out. At the same time, the integrated filter represents an outstanding dust shield for the sensor during long time exposures.

Question:
I have a full-format camera from Canon. Can I use the Clip-Filter-System?

Answer:
No, that´s not possible. Due to the design of the full-format cameras it is impossible to mount any filters like the Clip-Filter-System. The Clip-Filter System can be used with all APS-format Cameras from Canon (300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 500D, 1000D, 20D, 20D(a), 30D, 40D, 50D)

If you have any more qustions about the Astronomik Clip-Filter system, please contact us.