SBIG STF-8300M Self Guiding Package with Mono ST-i, 3326x2504 Pixel Array, 10 MP/Sec Digitization Rate, USB 2.0 Interface,

The SBIG STF-8300M is a second-generation camera using the popular KAF-8300 CCD. Integrated 5-position and 8-position filter wheels are available as well as a new integrated, low profile, wide field off-axis guiding accessory that, along with the ST-i, allows the STF-8300 to act as a self-guiding camera. SBIG offers several packages that include the most popular configurations of these accessories for extra savings when purchased together.

The STF-8300M also continues the SBIG tradition of a user rechargeable desiccant plug and even-illumination, photometric shutter and user-selectable automatic-artifact-repair or raw images for total control in post processing. SBIG's mechanical shutters have been designed for highly reliable, even illumination, of the sensor even at short exposures. Even illumination is especially critical when taking flat fields with exposures of less than a second or even several seconds. This is very common when taking sky flats.

The STF-8300M camera with user-selectable automatic image processing. These 30 second dark frames were taken at room temperature to accentuate the number of warm pixels. The first frame is unprocessed, the second frame has a medium filter and the third frame the most aggressive filter. Each shows fewer bright pixels and each has correspondingly lower noise in the image. The user can select from eight levels of filter strength to suit his needs.

The STF-8300M can be paired with the new low profile, wide field Off-Axis Guider (OAG), which allows self-guiding. The OAG is designed with a 7-element relay lens system that places the position of the guide camera to the side of the main camera and filter wheel, which minimizes the impact on overall back focus. The same lens system also acts as a 0.7x focal reducer that doubles the field of view of the guide camera compared to a typical off-axis system. The OAG adds only 3/4" (19 mm) back focus to the camera and filter wheel. The guide camera can also be rotated in 90-degree increments. The OAG can be used on both mono and color cameras (with appropriate adapter) and is 100% backward compatible with all ST-8300 cameras.