Home Product Information How It Works Main Features Models Series IV 'Stiletto' Focusers for 35mm Digital SLRs
You'll find that the wonderful thing about new digital 35mm SLR cameras is that they were designed with standards in mind in the first place. This makes it relatively easy for manufacturers of astronomy accessories like STI to develop products which really work well with them - and in our case, great Series IV 'Stiletto' focusers!
This same standardization that allows interchangeable 35mm lenses to fit and properly reach infinity focus on different models is the key to it all.
Instead of a war among themselves that resulted in incompatible mounts and lenses on their 35mm manual cameras, this time around these 35mm manufacturers are standardizing even more to avoid this. The result is that the premier digital SLR cameras on the market today fall into three major groups: (1)those employing a Nikon bayonet attachment, (2) those using a Canon EOS bayonet attachment, and (3) those employing a Pentax-K mount. A new Four Thirds standard is also being developed to bring all manufacturers together using a common mount. If you look at the line-up below though, right now it looks like EOS against the world!
In the Nikon group are all the digital SLR camera models manufactured by Fuji, Kodak, and Nikon..
A Series IV 35mm focuser for Nikon works perfectly with all
Group
Cameras.
A Series IV 35mm focuser for Canon EOS works perfectly with all
EOS Group Cameras.
A Series IV 35mm focuser for Pentax-K works with all
group cameras, including the Sigma SD models and the Pentax *IST.
.
A Series IV 35mm focuser for
works with all EVOLT DSLR models using an OM converter ring. Other camera brands using the new Four Thirds standard will be supported as they are introduced.
So, just choose a Series IV 'Stiletto' Standard, Deluxe, or Pro Edition model for Nikon, EOS, or Pentax to get going. Hover over the model names below to see which one might be right for you, or click here.
Series IV Pro Edition All
Thoughts on the Digital Future of Astrophotography
Where is it all heading? My overall bet is that 35mm digital SLRs will come to dominate post-entry level astrophotography. These new cameras with interchangeable lenses are getting technically better and more economical with each passing day. Some of these are now incorporating dark frame compensation and B settings. They allow a means to do prime focus, eyepiece projection, and wide-field astrophotography with standard accessories and lenses - and at prices equivalent or lower than their astronomical CCD counterparts. And these traditional and well-known 35mm camera manufacturers above all have a long-term vested interest in photography in general.
Right now, the crystal ball shows the following astrophotography user market segments clearly emerging:
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
35mm Film SLRs 35mm Digital SLRs CCD Cameras
And this is really good news. No matter where you may be on this road now or down the line, your Series IV 'Stiletto' focuser will still be there with you - upgradeable and affordable!
