Motorized Filter Wheels — Made in Canada, Built for Tight Imaging Trains
A motorized filter wheel lets you switch filters automatically during an imaging session—no disassembly, no refocusing surprises, and a cleaner workflow for LRGB, narrowband, and calibration routines. Starfield filter wheels are made in Canada and designed with real-world imaging trains in mind: compact, mechanically clean, and easy to integrate.
Why thin matters: tighter backfocus budgets are common with reducers/flatteners, off-axis guiders, and certain cameras. A compact wheel helps keep your spacing correct while minimizing mechanical interference.
Ultra-Thin Design for Close Coupling (and Special Stacking Builds)
For imaging trains where every millimeter counts, our ultra-thin designs keep the wheel body compact and free of external obstructions. For example, the Starfield Ultra Thin 5×1.25" (V4 High Speed) is listed at 19mm thick and has no motors protruding, specifically to prevent interference with nearby accessories.
That low-profile geometry also enables close-coupling between components—and in special applications, it can allow filter wheels to be stacked when the imaging train design calls for it.
How to Choose the Right Filter Wheel
1) Filter size
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1.25" (threaded) — great for compact systems and smaller sensors
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31mm / 36mm (unmounted) — common for imaging setups where you want a larger clear aperture without 2" filter cells
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2" (cell mounted) — typically chosen for larger sensors or more demanding illumination requirements
2) Number of positions
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5-position — a clean LRGB workflow or a compact narrowband set
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7-position — extra flexibility for mixed narrowband/photometric/filter sets
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8-position — maximum flexibility (LRGB + narrowband + specialty filters)
3) Backfocus budget / mechanical clearance
If your reducer/flattener has a strict spacing requirement, prioritize an ultra-thin wheel. The goal is to maintain required backfocus while keeping connections rigid and free of mechanical collisions.
Shop Filter Wheels
Looking for replacement carousels or accessories? See the parts and add-ons below.
Parts & Accessories
FAQ
What is a motorized filter wheel used for?
It lets you change filters automatically during imaging—essential for LRGB and narrowband workflows, and helpful for consistent automation across sessions.
Why does a “thin” filter wheel matter?
Many imaging trains have limited backfocus. A thinner wheel helps you keep required spacing while reducing the chance of mechanical interference with nearby accessories.
Can a filter wheel be stacked?
In special applications, an ultra-thin, obstruction-free wheel design can allow stacking—provided your backfocus and mechanical clearances support it.
