Sesto Senso 3 LS - Robotic focuser for photo lenses

SESTO SENSO 3 LS - Robotic focusing motor for photo lenses

SESTO SENSO 3 LS is PrimaLuceLab's most advanced robotic fine-tuning engine dedicated to photographic lenses (Canon, Nikon and others). Inherited from versions 1 and 2, it adds exclusive functions designed for astrophotography with lenses, all in a compact all-in-one package integrating the necessary electronics and interfaces.

What's it for?

In astrophotography, the focus (MAP) must remain ultra-stable despite temperature variations, accidental rotation of the MAP ring or mechanical microgames. SESTO SENSO 3 LS automates focusing: you control the lens' MAP ring to the step, from a PC (USB-C), smartphone/tablet (Wi-Fi/Virtual HandPad) or software (PLAY/ASCOM). It also enables return automatically to the previous position if the ring has been touched (Automatic Position Recovery).

What sets it apart from other SESTO SENSO 3s

• VS SESTO SENSO 3 (Crayford/R&P external) The standard version attaches to external eyepiece holders via the SCC2. The LS is designed specifically for photo lenses and drives their MAP ring directly with the Lens Gear Clamp (LGC), without external belt.
• VS SESTO SENSO 3 SC (SC with internal MAP) version SC pilots the internal mirror focusing (Schmidt-Cassegrain/EdgeHD/RASA/MAK180) via the Direct Pulley Clamp (DPC) and offers a automatic calibration mode of travel. The LS is dedicated to manual-ring photo lenses and uses the LGC.

Highlights (LS version)

• All-in-one compact chassis for photo lenses (Canon, Nikon, and others).
• Integrated encoder position tracking, manual movements possible without loss of reference, with Automatic Position Recovery (delay adjustable from 0 to 20 s).
• Lens Gear Clamp (LGC) : gear drive without play, without external belt, for smooth, precise MAP.
• High-resolution engine : 2 million steps to fine-tune the MAP ring on telephoto lenses.
• USB-C for control from a PC (Windows/EAGLE).
• Wi-Fi + Virtual HandPad control from smartphone/tablet, even without a PC.
• PLAY compatibility position control, autofocus, thermal compensation.
• ASCOM drivers for third-party astrophotography software.
• Port ARCO direct connection of the ARCO rotator (data + power supply via a single cable).
• DARK Mode Adjustable LEDs, completely deactivatable.
• GHOST Mode (with EAGLE): operation without USB cable.
• Temperature sensor port for automatic MAP compensation.
• Made in Italy - Weight : 515 g (1.1 lb).

Design and connectivity

Lightweight case with side ports : USB-C (PC/EAGLE), ARCO port (rotator), 12 V power supply (5.5/2.5 mm, center +) and temperature sensor port. Status LEDs are scalable and can be deactivated to avoid stray light during poses.

Simple mounting with Lens Gear Clamp (LGC)

Visit LGC is designed for photo lenses with manual focus ring (Canon, Nikon and others). L’rubber gear directly drives the MAP ring (without belt). Visit clamping Arca-Swiss allows the SESTO SENSO 3 LS to be mounted on a Vixen PLUS bar for easy alignment. MAP is still possible at any time, with the encoder holding the position.

If your lens does not have a L-Bracket with photo thread for attachment to the Vixen PLUS bar, one optional secondary support for photo lenses is available to ensure stability and alignment.

To optimize adhesion on different MAP bushings, two interchangeable rubber gears are supplied: one for rings up to ~18 mm wide and one for thicker rings.

Compatibility examples (not exhaustive) :

• Nikkor Z 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR S
• Nikkor Z 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
• Nikkor Z 24-120 mm f/4 S
• Nikkor Z 24-70 mm f/4 S
• And other telephoto lenses with manual MAP ring

Integrated encoder and automatic recovery

The high-resolution encoder precisely follows the rotation of the motor shaft. You can turn lens ring by hand (LS on) without losing position. The function Automatic Position Recovery can return MAP to previous position after manual/accidental rotation (delay 0-20 s). Note: encoder detects motor rotation, not any possible internal shifts to the lens mechanism.

Technical data

Box contents

• SESTO SENSO 3 LS
• Arca-Swiss necklace (clamp)
• Rubber gears 6 mm and 18 mm
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• 12 V power cable (cigarette-lighter plug)
• Hexagonal wrenches
• Quick installation guide