DayStar Camera Quark H-a Solar Filter w/ Nikon Mount Chromosphere Model DSZTNC



1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

  • A simple, all-in-one camera filter to view and image the Sun in H-alpha using your Nikon telephoto lens.
  • Chromosphere model - features a bandpass of 0.3 - 0.5 Å. Best for all-round views of the Sun. Will show great surface detail and some broad prominences.
  • Camera lens can be used as an H-alpha telescope using additional accessories.
  • Focus and zoom functions are controlled manually via the camera lens.

DayStar's new Camera Quark # DSZTNC turns your Nikon SLR lens into a Hydrogen Alpha Solar Camera or Telescope! Meant for mechanical use with Nikon F lens mounts. Does not support auto-focus or electronic aperture control. No electronic pass-through.

The new, all-in-one design of the Quark marries high quality components of a telecentric barlow, adapters, snouts (nosepiece barrels), and Daystar hydrogen alpha filter into one simple assembly. Through design efficiency and optimization, users can now enjoy the known high quality optics of DayStar at an affordable price on ordinary telephoto camera lenses.

1. How is this configured?

The DayStar Camera Quark has a Canon or Nikon lens mount and directly attaches to lenses on the front side. To use your telephoto lens as a H-alpha solar camera, simply attach your camera body to the rear of the Quark using the integrated camera body mount.

To use your telephoto lens as an H-alpha solar telescope, you need to remove the camera body mount exposing the integrated 1.25" eyepiece holder. Insert a diagonal and eyepiece (not included) into this holder to convert your lens into a telescope. Camera Quark accepts all of the universal DayStar Quark accessories so it may be used as a telescope with an eyepiece.

The entire setup is focused by focusing your camera lens. Using the zoom features of camera lenses allows you to explore wide-field to high-power views without changing the set-up or configuration.

The patent pending QUARK contains a custom Daystar Instruments 4.2X telecentric barlow teleconverter lens fully optimized in coatings and optical design specifically for the Hydrogen Alpha wavelength. Baffles have been added to increase contrast and AR coatings are optimized for the 656nm wavelength. This highly specialized telecentric lens offers superior field flatness. It's all combined in one lightweight device. Quark can now operate all day with optional small, palm-sized,battery pack. Note that all Quarks require a power source and time to warm up before you can view or re-tune the H-alpha filter.

2. Chromosphere or Prominence Model - Which one should I buy?

The H-Alpha Quark is offered in two versions - the Chromosphere Model (this item) or the Prominence Model (sold separately). With this, observers can buy a filter based on their desired observing goal. Either way, you will be able to see amazing, high-powered views of the Sun in H-alpha in the telephoto lens you already own.

  • The surface or Chromosphere model contains an etalon with a bandpass in the range of 0.3 - 0.5 Å (angstroms). Choose this model if want to see details on the Sun's surface. The Chromosphere model will show the highest contrast on the solar surface, and will show some broad prominences, although not in detail.
  • The Prominence model contains an etalon with a wider bandpass in the range of 0.6 - 0.8 Å. Choose this model if want to see prominences in all their fine glory. This model will show some surface features as well.

Note that the exact bandpass of the Quark you receive will be in the range mentioned above, but it can be anything within that range. For example, a Chromosphere Quark you receive might have a bandpass of 0.3 Å or 0.5 Å or anything in-between. DayStar does not mark individual units with their specific FWHM bandpass, and we cannot test and cherry-pick specific Quarks for customers.

Using DayStar's superior etalon technology, double-stacking is not required to reach narrow bandpass for chromosphere or prominences. If you have to choose one Quark, pick the Chromosphere model since it allows you to view a wider variety of solar features.

3. How do I use a DayStar Quark?

As mentioned above, just mount the Quark between your camera lens and camera body, warm it up, and enjoy low-powered views of the Sun.

The Quark requires a power source for operation and it needs to be plugged in and warmed up for about 10 minutes before you can use it. A wall-mounted AC adapter is included for this. They have even reduced power consumption, so the Quark can now operate all day off a small, palm-sized optional battery pack.

Note that retuning the Quark requires a few more minutes for the unit to stabilize before you get the best views of the Sun again.

4. Additional Specifications / Features

  • Nikon style bayonet mount for snap-lock mounting to selected lens type
  • Comes standard with corresponding Nikon style camera body adapter
  • Focus and clearances are not guaranteed for 100% of Nikon or Canon style lenses
  • Does not support auto-focus or electronic aperture control. No electronic pass-through
  • Camera body and lens not included
  • Requires USB power, 5v 1.5amp
  • Includes reversible combination lens foot with 1/4-20 tripod holes and standard Vixen style dovetail mount for telescope mounts
  • Includes 90-240V AC wall adapter with international plug adapters
  • Includes additional focal extender spacer ring to ensure compatibility with a wide variety of lenses
  • Includes 1.25" drawtube adapter
  • Tuning knob allows wing shifting +/- 0.5Å with detents at every 0.1Å
  • LED indicator for power, warming, ready, fault
  • 5 year US warranty
  • Optional 8-hour battery pack available
  • Integrated, fully baffled 2 element telecentric 4.2X barlow optimized for 656nm
  • Full disk viewing possible on lenses up to ~450mm focal length
  • Ships in convenient twist-case for safe, dust-free storage
  • Daystar recommends use of red, orange or yellow colored glass lens front filters such as Cokin, Hoya brand, etc. or similar on lenses above 80mm in aperture
  • Diagonal and eyepieces not included
  • Uniformity: SE (Standard Edition)

5. Important note about cosmetic finish of new Quarks

Please note that many new Quarks may have what some will consider to be a cosmetic blemish on the red anodizing on the Quark barrel. These artifacts (mottling) are a product of the anodizing process that DayStar uses, and they do not indicate a defective, used or blemished Quark.

United States

Note: Occasionally, the product you receive might have a slightly different cosmetic appearance or labeling than what is shown. This can often change from batch to batch according to the whims of the manufacturer. However, you will always receive a brand new, original product as described above.

Description copyright: Agena AstroProducts - Reproduction without permission prohibited.

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2. ORDERING INFORMATION

A. Payment: You can pay via any payment method that eBay accepts.

B. Shipping Method: United States Postal Service (USPS) or United Parcel Service (UPS) at your choice and expense (our choice if the item has free shipping option). eBay orders for items over $1,500 can only ship via UPS.

C. Order Processing Time: Orders received by 12 noon Mon – Fri US Pacific Time generally ship on the same business day. Orders received after 12 noon PT or on weekends/holidays will ship by the next business day.

D. Checkout: Please pay for the item(s) within 3 days from your account on eBay or by using the link in the email you receive from eBay.

E. Shipping Discount: We offer combined shipping if you order multiple quantities/items and if items can be combined. eBay will automatically show you the correct combined/discounted shipping costs when you check-out.

F. Combining Purchases: You can combine shipping for items purchased from us on eBay within 3 days. Buy the items individually and check out together for all items. eBay will combine the shipping weights and show you the discounted shipping cost. You must check out for all items together via eBay for this. We cannot combine shipping costs if you check out individually for your purchases.

G. Sales Tax/VAT: Sales tax or VAT may be charged and collected by eBay as required by law based on your ship-to address and local tax/VAT rates. Please check with eBay.

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3. US SHIPPING

A. Delivery Time:

  • USPS First Class shipments will generally take 3-5 business days to arrive after we ship it. Priority Mail shipments will generally take 2-3 business days. However, these delivery times are NOT guaranteed by the USPS. Delays of up to 2 (or sometimes even 3) weeks can occur in about 5% of the shipments due to Covid, operational, or other issues.
  • UPS shipments will generally take between 1 and 6 business days to be delivered depending on the method you select.

USPS and UPS do NOT offer any refunds for shipping/delivery delays for ANY reason (except for UPS Next Day Air service). Delays are out of our control once your order ships.

B. Tracking/Delivery Confirmation:eBay will update you once your order ships. You can see the order status or tracking information/link from your eBay account at any time.

C. USPS Tracking Limitations: Please note that is common for USPS tracking to show “Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item” or “Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending” even several days after your order ships. This does not mean that there is a problem with your order or that we have not handed over your package to USPS yet. This simply means that your package is en route without an outbound scan and tracking will not be updated until the package reaches a distribution center at your end several days later.

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4. INTERNATIONAL ORDERING / SHIPPING

At this time, we do not ship this item outside the US for eBay sales. Sorry.

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5. RETURN/EXCHANGE POLICY

A. US Orders: Returns must be shipped back within 30 days. All returned items must be in brand new, resalable condition with original manufacturer’s packaging. A minimum restocking fee of 10% will be deducted if there is any evidence of use or wear, dirt, scratches, missing packaging/parts, etc. We may levy a larger restocking fee if the condition warrants it, or even refuse returns entirely if returned in heavily used/abused condition. Shipping fees are non-refundable (for items with free or discounted fixed shipping, the actual outbound S&H cost we incurred will be deducted) and you are responsible for all return shipping costs. Please contact us first before returning an item.

B. International Orders: No returns/exchanges accepted unless the item we shipped is defective. Please research the product and ask us any questions BEFORE you purchase to make sure you are buying the correct item for your needs.

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