ZWO EFW Mini 5 x 1.25 Filter Wheel
The ZWO Electronic Filter Wheel Mini weighs only 300 grams, it is CNC machined and the optical thickness is only 20mm. It supports 5 x 1.25" filters or 5 x 31mm filters. The power absorption of the EFW is only 120mAh @ 5V so any USB cable can power it up. The distance between the filter and sensor of the Pro cameras, like the ASI 1600, is about 10mm. This close distance prevents any vignetting with 1.25′′ filters for telescopes up to f/5. For f/2 lenses or telescopes it is necessary to use 31mm filters.
The ZWO Electronic Filter Wheel Mini weighs only 300 grams, it is CNC machined and the optical thickness is only 20mm. It supports 5 x 1.25" filters or 5 x 31mm filters. The power absorption of the EFW is only 120mAh @ 5V so any USB cable can power it up. The distance between the filter and sensor of the Pro cameras, like the ASI 1600, is about 10mm. This close distance prevents any vignetting with 1.25′′ filters for telescopes up to f/5. For f/2 lenses or telescopes it is necessary to use 31mm filters.
The ZWO Electronic Filter Wheel Mini weighs only 300 grams, it is CNC machined and the optical thickness is only 20mm. It supports 5 x 1.25" filters or 5 x 31mm filters. The power absorption of the EFW is only 120mAh @ 5V so any USB cable can power it up. The distance between the filter and sensor of the Pro cameras, like the ASI 1600, is about 10mm. This close distance prevents any vignetting with 1.25′′ filters for telescopes up to f/5. For f/2 lenses or telescopes it is necessary to use 31mm filters.
The ZWO Electronic Filter Wheel Mini weighs only 300 grams, it is CNC machined and the optical thickness is only 20mm. It supports 5 x 1.25" filters or 5 x 31mm filters. The power absorption of the EFW is only 120mAh @ 5V so any USB cable can power it up. The distance between the filter and sensor of the Pro cameras, like the ASI 1600, is about 10mm. This close distance prevents any vignetting with 1.25′′ filters for telescopes up to f/5. For f/2 lenses or telescopes it is necessary to use 31mm filters.
in 4 offers
The lowest price for ZWO EFW Mini 5 x 1.25 Filter Wheel right now is $299.95 at binocentral.com.au, compared across 4 retailers.
The all-time low was $260.10 on 22 Nov 2023 — today's price is 15% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 18 Sept 2026.
Last updated at 18/09/2026 07:57:22
ZWO 5 x 1.25" Mini Electronic Filter Wheel (1.25 inch)
Delivery between 23–28 Sept $14.58
ZWO EFW Mini
ZWO EFW Mini 5x1.25-inch Mini Electronic Filter Wheel
Delivery between 23–28 Sept $15.31
ZWO EFW mini (5 x 1.25"or 5 x 31mm)
Free delivery between Sat – Wed
originally posted on Highpoint Scientific
I HAVE A 9 POSITION ATIK FILTER WHEEL THAT I HAS THE USB CONNECTOR COME OFF WITH A CABLE SNAG. I WILL TAKE WEEKS TO GET IT REPAIRED SO I BOUGHT THIS ZWO MINI TO GET ME RUNNING AGAIN. BOTH UNITS WORK PERFECTLY THE BIG DIFFERENCE IS THE ZWO MINI IS SMALLER AND LIGHTER, ONLY 5 POSITIONS BUT FOR NARROW BAND I ONLY NEED 4, THE 5TH I USE FOR MY MULTIBAND COLOR [CAMERA FILTER, MY 9 POSITION FILTER WHEEL ALSO HELD MY LRGB FILTERS WHICH I NEVER SEAM TO USE ANYMORE WITH HA,OIII,AND SII BEING MY PRIMARY GOTO FILTERS. I WAS GOING TO USE THE ZWO ONLY TILL MY ATIK WAS FIXED, BUT NOW I THINK IT WILL BE MY PRIMARY. I WISH I DIDN’T OVER THINK THE 9 POSITION WIYH 5 BEING ALL I USE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A ELECTRONIC FILTER WHEEL OVER A MANUAL ONE I WOULD RATHER BE IN THE HOUSE THIS ... MoreI HAVE A 9 POSITION ATIK FILTER WHEEL THAT I HAS THE USB CONNECTOR COME OFF WITH A CABLE SNAG. I WILL TAKE WEEKS TO GET IT REPAIRED SO I BOUGHT THIS ZWO MINI TO GET ME RUNNING AGAIN. BOTH UNITS WORK PERFECTLY THE BIG DIFFERENCE IS THE ZWO MINI IS SMALLER AND LIGHTER, ONLY 5 POSITIONS BUT FOR NARROW BAND I ONLY NEED 4, THE 5TH I USE FOR MY MULTIBAND COLOR [CAMERA FILTER, MY 9 POSITION FILTER WHEEL ALSO HELD MY LRGB FILTERS WHICH I NEVER SEAM TO USE ANYMORE WITH HA,OIII,AND SII BEING MY PRIMARY GOTO FILTERS. I WAS GOING TO USE THE ZWO ONLY TILL MY ATIK WAS FIXED, BUT NOW I THINK IT WILL BE MY PRIMARY. I WISH I DIDN’T OVER THINK THE 9 POSITION WIYH 5 BEING ALL I USE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A ELECTRONIC FILTER WHEEL OVER A MANUAL ONE I WOULD RATHER BE IN THE HOUSE THIS WINTER USING SEQUENCE GENERATOR PRO OR NINA TO CHANGE FILTERS.
originally posted on Highpoint Scientific
This is the perfect replacement for thumbscrews. When setting up any astrophoto equipment, I REALLY want to avoid thumbscrews - whenever possible I always use T2 or larger threaded fittings. This was perfect for very firmly fixing a Lodestar guide camera to a Celestron Off-Axis Guider. This screws right onto the OAG (remove its two thumbscrews) and then the guider or eyepiece can be locked in with no chance of movement. Exactly what I want.There a couple clarifications to make though. 1) The three-point clamp action is just that - "action". There are two axial bars (just visible in the picture) that move inward and clamp the eyepiece against the opposite side, which acts as the third point. It's actually the best way to do it - to have a fixed wall surface assure ... MoreThis is the perfect replacement for thumbscrews. When setting up any astrophoto equipment, I REALLY want to avoid thumbscrews - whenever possible I always use T2 or larger threaded fittings. This was perfect for very firmly fixing a Lodestar guide camera to a Celestron Off-Axis Guider. This screws right onto the OAG (remove its two thumbscrews) and then the guider or eyepiece can be locked in with no chance of movement. Exactly what I want.There a couple clarifications to make though. 1) The three-point clamp action is just that - "action". There are two axial bars (just visible in the picture) that move inward and clamp the eyepiece against the opposite side, which acts as the third point. It's actually the best way to do it - to have a fixed wall surface assure proper alignment. It's just a little vague in the description. 2) The micro-focusing collar IS the removable ring. The top ring/collar screws out and off on very fine (maybe 0.5mm) threads. Screwing it in and out simply provides an adjustable stop for fine-focusing an eyepiece. Removing it exposes the T-2 thread for use with other accessories.Those are just very nit-picky things. Otherwise, it's an excellent item that I'm glad I got. 5 stars.
originally posted on agenaastro.com
Just a beginner, bought this to go along with my ZWO 183 MC, and their EAF. With a combination like this, everything works in sync. Easy to customize filter names, and switch either back or forwards. Camera screws right into housing for a solid unit.
ZWO 5 x 1.25" Mini Electronic Filter Wheel (1.25 inch)
Delivery between 23–28 Sept $14.58
ZWO EFW Mini
ZWO EFW Mini 5x1.25-inch Mini Electronic Filter Wheel
Delivery between 23–28 Sept $15.31
ZWO EFW mini (5 x 1.25"or 5 x 31mm)
Free delivery between Sat – Wed
I HAVE A 9 POSITION ATIK FILTER WHEEL THAT I HAS THE USB CONNECTOR COME OFF WITH A CABLE SNAG. I WILL TAKE WEEKS TO GET IT REPAIRED SO I BOUGHT THIS ZWO MINI TO GET ME RUNNING AGAIN. BOTH UNITS WORK PERFECTLY THE BIG DIFFERENCE IS THE ZWO MINI IS SMALLER AND LIGHTER, ONLY 5 POSITIONS BUT FOR NARROW BAND I ONLY NEED 4, THE 5TH I USE FOR MY MULTIBAND COLOR [CAMERA FILTER, MY 9 POSITION FILTER WHEEL ALSO HELD MY LRGB FILTERS WHICH I NEVER SEAM TO USE ANYMORE WITH HA,OIII,AND SII BEING MY PRIMARY GOTO FILTERS. I WAS GOING TO USE THE ZWO ONLY TILL MY ATIK WAS FIXED, BUT NOW I THINK IT WILL BE MY PRIMARY. I WISH I DIDN’T OVER THINK THE 9 POSITION WIYH 5 BEING ALL I USE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A ELECTRONIC FILTER WHEEL OVER A MANUAL ONE I WOULD RATHER BE IN THE HOUSE THIS ... MoreI HAVE A 9 POSITION ATIK FILTER WHEEL THAT I HAS THE USB CONNECTOR COME OFF WITH A CABLE SNAG. I WILL TAKE WEEKS TO GET IT REPAIRED SO I BOUGHT THIS ZWO MINI TO GET ME RUNNING AGAIN. BOTH UNITS WORK PERFECTLY THE BIG DIFFERENCE IS THE ZWO MINI IS SMALLER AND LIGHTER, ONLY 5 POSITIONS BUT FOR NARROW BAND I ONLY NEED 4, THE 5TH I USE FOR MY MULTIBAND COLOR [CAMERA FILTER, MY 9 POSITION FILTER WHEEL ALSO HELD MY LRGB FILTERS WHICH I NEVER SEAM TO USE ANYMORE WITH HA,OIII,AND SII BEING MY PRIMARY GOTO FILTERS. I WAS GOING TO USE THE ZWO ONLY TILL MY ATIK WAS FIXED, BUT NOW I THINK IT WILL BE MY PRIMARY. I WISH I DIDN’T OVER THINK THE 9 POSITION WIYH 5 BEING ALL I USE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A ELECTRONIC FILTER WHEEL OVER A MANUAL ONE I WOULD RATHER BE IN THE HOUSE THIS WINTER USING SEQUENCE GENERATOR PRO OR NINA TO CHANGE FILTERS.
This is the perfect replacement for thumbscrews. When setting up any astrophoto equipment, I REALLY want to avoid thumbscrews - whenever possible I always use T2 or larger threaded fittings. This was perfect for very firmly fixing a Lodestar guide camera to a Celestron Off-Axis Guider. This screws right onto the OAG (remove its two thumbscrews) and then the guider or eyepiece can be locked in with no chance of movement. Exactly what I want.There a couple clarifications to make though. 1) The three-point clamp action is just that - "action". There are two axial bars (just visible in the picture) that move inward and clamp the eyepiece against the opposite side, which acts as the third point. It's actually the best way to do it - to have a fixed wall surface assure ... MoreThis is the perfect replacement for thumbscrews. When setting up any astrophoto equipment, I REALLY want to avoid thumbscrews - whenever possible I always use T2 or larger threaded fittings. This was perfect for very firmly fixing a Lodestar guide camera to a Celestron Off-Axis Guider. This screws right onto the OAG (remove its two thumbscrews) and then the guider or eyepiece can be locked in with no chance of movement. Exactly what I want.There a couple clarifications to make though. 1) The three-point clamp action is just that - "action". There are two axial bars (just visible in the picture) that move inward and clamp the eyepiece against the opposite side, which acts as the third point. It's actually the best way to do it - to have a fixed wall surface assure proper alignment. It's just a little vague in the description. 2) The micro-focusing collar IS the removable ring. The top ring/collar screws out and off on very fine (maybe 0.5mm) threads. Screwing it in and out simply provides an adjustable stop for fine-focusing an eyepiece. Removing it exposes the T-2 thread for use with other accessories.Those are just very nit-picky things. Otherwise, it's an excellent item that I'm glad I got. 5 stars.
Just a beginner, bought this to go along with my ZWO 183 MC, and their EAF. With a combination like this, everything works in sync. Easy to customize filter names, and switch either back or forwards. Camera screws right into housing for a solid unit.
I have not yet used this to image. I plan to use with a ZWO 290mm camera. I have owned a manual ZWO filter wheel for a few years; it works fine but I was looking for more automation. With the manual wheel you rotate the wheel and click in the capture program the color of filter you are using. I installed the four 1.25 inch ZWO color filters. This may not accommodate other manufactures' filters. The color wheel is connected to my laptop with an included USB2 cable and controlled using Fire capture. In Fire capture you click on the filter you want and it rotates to this filter and records this filter color in the capture file data. It seems to work perfectly. I do not know if there is a routine that programs a sequence of video captures. ie automatically take a 60 ... MoreI have not yet used this to image. I plan to use with a ZWO 290mm camera. I have owned a manual ZWO filter wheel for a few years; it works fine but I was looking for more automation. With the manual wheel you rotate the wheel and click in the capture program the color of filter you are using. I installed the four 1.25 inch ZWO color filters. This may not accommodate other manufactures' filters. The color wheel is connected to my laptop with an included USB2 cable and controlled using Fire capture. In Fire capture you click on the filter you want and it rotates to this filter and records this filter color in the capture file data. It seems to work perfectly. I do not know if there is a routine that programs a sequence of video captures. ie automatically take a 60 second video with red filter, stop recording, move to the green filter take another 60 seconds, move to the blue filter and take another 60 second video. If anyone knows of a program to do this I would appreciate learning about it. Jim
A filter wheel makes changing filters a breeze. I do EAA and like to experiment with different LP filters and not be limited to one filter per session. It was always a hassle to change a filter when I had to remove the camera, take off the spacers, remove one filter to put in another and then reset the camera. Many times after doing that, I would want to observe another object that worked better with the filter I just removed. Now I change to whichever is needed easily and only have to refocus if needed.Unlike the manual filter wheel, the EFW is completely enclosed keeping out dust so they are always ready to go.It's a little pricey for this convenience but has been worth it to me.
Lumicon's Oxygen III filter is sure to become a primary weapon in your nebula-observing toolkit. That said, I would probably buy a narrowband filter, such as Lumicon's UHC first, as it is the best choice for a wider range of objects. But that isn't to say that the O III is a slouch.Planetaries are an O III filter specialty. They bring out detail in the large, diffuse planetaries, such as the Helix, and they also help in identifying small, starlike planetaries: pop in this filter, and all the stars fade away, but the planetary shines bright.On extended nebulae, the O III makes an interesting compliment to a UHC. Each filter can reveal structures that the other misses.But let's talk about the Veil. Combine a large scope, a dark sky, and this filter, and the Veil ... MoreLumicon's Oxygen III filter is sure to become a primary weapon in your nebula-observing toolkit. That said, I would probably buy a narrowband filter, such as Lumicon's UHC first, as it is the best choice for a wider range of objects. But that isn't to say that the O III is a slouch.Planetaries are an O III filter specialty. They bring out detail in the large, diffuse planetaries, such as the Helix, and they also help in identifying small, starlike planetaries: pop in this filter, and all the stars fade away, but the planetary shines bright.On extended nebulae, the O III makes an interesting compliment to a UHC. Each filter can reveal structures that the other misses.But let's talk about the Veil. Combine a large scope, a dark sky, and this filter, and the Veil Nebula becomes dazzlingly gorgeous. It is easy to become lost in the intricate maze of streamers that this filter reveals. This one object alone makes the O III a worthwhile purchase.If you haven't bought a nebula filter yet, pick one up. The improvement in contrast is amazing!
I bought this product with the ASI 290. It worked great. I loaded 31 mm filters and the overlapping scheme to install the filters with the retainers did work fine. You will need some patience, good vision, and a steady hand, but it is fine. The drivers worked fine, and with multiple capture SW tools, the selection of the correct filter worked just fine. I was pleased with the rotation to just the right spot, and did not have any problems with imaging.1) After doing the math for all of my imaging needs, I found that 25mm filters will suffice for both the ASI 290 and the ASI 1600.2) I had buyer's remorse months later, as I ended up getting an 8 position EFW for DSOs. I will use the mini for LRGB planets, and the 8 position for LRGB, Ha, OIII, and SII. If you only ... MoreI bought this product with the ASI 290. It worked great. I loaded 31 mm filters and the overlapping scheme to install the filters with the retainers did work fine. You will need some patience, good vision, and a steady hand, but it is fine. The drivers worked fine, and with multiple capture SW tools, the selection of the correct filter worked just fine. I was pleased with the rotation to just the right spot, and did not have any problems with imaging.1) After doing the math for all of my imaging needs, I found that 25mm filters will suffice for both the ASI 290 and the ASI 1600.2) I had buyer's remorse months later, as I ended up getting an 8 position EFW for DSOs. I will use the mini for LRGB planets, and the 8 position for LRGB, Ha, OIII, and SII. If you only want one EFW get the 7 or 8.OPT was great to work with when ordering.
The filter wheel is built very well and is extremely quiet. One feature it lacks is visual or audible feedback that it is moving or is done moving so you have to rely on software feedback. I am glad it comes with an option to only go in one direction like all of the expensive manufacturers in order to all but eliminate backlash for better repeatability at the cost of lost filter changes (not much longer). It is pretty quick and I would like to repeat silent. That's big for most people, me not being one of them. ZWO filters do vignette the 1600 at a F/ of 6 from my experience but thinner profile (with a smaller locking ring) should do better even though the gignetting is easy to flat field out due to it being small. Overall very impressed. Native support in theskyX ... MoreThe filter wheel is built very well and is extremely quiet. One feature it lacks is visual or audible feedback that it is moving or is done moving so you have to rely on software feedback. I am glad it comes with an option to only go in one direction like all of the expensive manufacturers in order to all but eliminate backlash for better repeatability at the cost of lost filter changes (not much longer). It is pretty quick and I would like to repeat silent. That's big for most people, me not being one of them. ZWO filters do vignette the 1600 at a F/ of 6 from my experience but thinner profile (with a smaller locking ring) should do better even though the gignetting is easy to flat field out due to it being small. Overall very impressed. Native support in theskyX and ascom support in Maxim dl as well as others. But, I can confirm those two. Definitely a top contender when paired with the 1600 or smaller sensor.
The body looks to be well made, CNC'ed out of aluminum. You have to remove the top cover to install filters (you might be able to fish them in and out one at a time but I wouldn't try). Filter installation is straightforward, assuming your filters are relatively well made. With the first set of really cheap filters from a eyepiece/filter kit that I tried, the green was too tall and I couldn't get the cover back on without the green one contacting the housing. I bought a set of better LRGB filters and they fit perfectly.The wheel is quiet in operation and takes about a second to advance to the next filter. It has T-thread in and out, although there isn't a lot of clearance to thread something in because it's low profile. It comes with 1.25" eyepiece adapters in and ... MoreThe body looks to be well made, CNC'ed out of aluminum. You have to remove the top cover to install filters (you might be able to fish them in and out one at a time but I wouldn't try). Filter installation is straightforward, assuming your filters are relatively well made. With the first set of really cheap filters from a eyepiece/filter kit that I tried, the green was too tall and I couldn't get the cover back on without the green one contacting the housing. I bought a set of better LRGB filters and they fit perfectly.The wheel is quiet in operation and takes about a second to advance to the next filter. It has T-thread in and out, although there isn't a lot of clearance to thread something in because it's low profile. It comes with 1.25" eyepiece adapters in and out for connection, as well as a low profile T-to-T adapter for connecting the camera side.It worked first try in SharpCap after I installed the ZWO driver. I expect I will eventually upgrade to the 7 or 8 filter wheel and won't hesitate based on my experience with the 5. Seems to be a well built and well executed product.
This is a very well made filter wheel. And it works really well. At first I thought I wasn't doing its job because I expected some whirring sound of some sort. But it is absolutely quiet and, most importantly, no vibration whatsoever. It is as smooth as silk. Mounting the filters is a bit of a puzzle because how it is shown in the manual is not how it is mounted in reality. In the manual they have little red tabs that hold the filters in place. In the box you will find a set of rings with 3 screw holes in them and also a bag of tiny screws. In my opinion that actually works better because now the filter is held in place all around instead of just 3 places. One screw needs to hold 2 rings because the rings overlap
