Astrophotography or “H-Alpha” Conversion

(Enhanced Spectrum: Visible H-Alpha Sulfur II)

On the Astrophotography camera conversion, the spectrum sensitivity is enhanced to increase Hydrogen Alpha wavelength bandpass transmission at the 656nm emission line and the Sulfur II wavelength transmission at both 671.7nm and 673nm emission lines. An Astro-Converted DSLR or Mirrorless 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. This conversion does not require an additional or external UV/IR Cut filter.

To read the Camera Conversions Types Guide please click here. 

Description 

Optolong Luminance Filter Installation

On this conversion the UV/IR blocking bluish filter and the LPF (On models with Low Pass Filter) are removed and replaced by the non-detachable Optolong UV/IR Cut Anti-Reflective filter with enhanced H-alpha and Sulfur II transmission range. The DSLR camera Pentaprism/Pentamirror mode autofocus and focus to infinity with lenses will work as before the conversion. 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. Astrophotography dedicated cooled cameras have the same sensor filter configuration of this conversion having an UV/IR blocking filter with the same transmission range without any low pass filter. 

Regular photography with an Enhanced Spectrum converted camera:

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. To make the automatic white balance work as before the conversion, an Original White Balance (OWB) filter is required. 

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.

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. 

Turaround time

The turnaround time for the modifications is usually 10 business days (Excluding shipping round trip time). In some circumstances, the lead time could take 20 business days if the orders volume increase or if the sensor filters availability is delayed. 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 512 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 body cap and your order page printed. Please do not send: lenses, battery,  battery grips, memory cards, neck strap, tripod mount, L-bracket, etc. 

Return free shipping is included in the modification price for the Contiguos 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.

Warranty 

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.