Wanderer Snowflake Filter Wheel – 8-Slot Series
The Wanderer Snowflake Filter Wheel is a precision-engineered, ultra-low-profile electronic filter wheel designed for modern astrophotography systems with tight back-focus requirements. This product page covers all three variants:
- Wanderer Snowflake Filter Wheel 8×50mm (2" compatible)
- Wanderer Snowflake Filter Wheel 8×50mm Super Low-profile
- Wanderer Snowflake Filter Wheel 8×36mm Super Low-profile
Feature Highlights
- Eight-slot design with dedicated 8th slot for unmounted or dark filter
- Ultra low-profile: 14mm (SFW50S / SFW36S) and 16mm (SFW50)
- One-piece filter mask eliminates light leaks
- Conventional individual filter masks included
- Fully enclosed design with refined, professional finish
- No need to disassemble the filter disk during camera installation
- Compatible with ZWO, QHYCCD, ToupTek and Player One cameras
- Reliable operation down to −30 °C
Ultra-Thin Design & Optical Advantages
With an ultra-thin body starting at just 14 mm, the Snowflake filter wheel is ideal for imaging systems with extremely limited back focus or focus travel, particularly when using a CAA or ETA. The reduced distance between filters and sensor increases the effective filter aperture, helping to minimise vignetting.
Back-focus spacers are included as standard, allowing thickness to be increased up to 20 mm. The 16 mm model includes two 2 mm spacers, while the 14 mm models include three.
Filter Configuration & Installation
The specially designed 8th slot supports either an additional unmounted filter or the included dedicated dark filter, enabling dark frame capture at any time.
The unique shape of the 8th slot allows mounting screws to pass directly through the filter disk into the camera body, removing the need to disassemble the filter disk during installation.
Mechanical Precision & Rigidity
The Snowflake filter wheel uses a gear-driven system with a damping anti-backlash mechanism. High-precision sensors ensure excellent positioning repeatability and long-term flat-frame consistency.
A central mounting screw reinforces the structure, reducing deformation by up to 50% compared to conventional perimeter-only designs—effectively doubling rigidity.
Sealing & Build Quality
The fully enclosed design prevents stray light intrusion and protects internal components. Stepped light-blocking grooves and a one-piece filter mask provide excellent light sealing.
A self-adhesive foam sealing ring is included for cameras that require additional light blocking.
Compatibility
Compatible with ZWO, QHYCCD, ToupTek and Player One APS-C and full-frame cameras, as well as most compatible off-axis guiders. A recessed mounting groove allows direct QHYCCD installation without increasing back focus.
What’s Included
