Skywatcher Quattro - which focuser should it come with?

[carneb (Barry)]

Today I purchased a Skywatcher Quattro 250 Newtonian OTA. When I took it from the box I was surprised to see a standard dual speed Crawford focuser. I was expecting a "linear power" focuser which I believe is the version with a lock knob on top, tension adjustment on the bottom, and a stainless rail that the focuser shaft rides on instead of just a flat on the focuser tube.

Looking online some sites show the standard focuser, some the linear power, some both on the same page! The Aussie skywatcher page shows a photo with the linear power focuser but it's the c.f. version.

Did the steel tube version ever come with the better focuser or was it just for the c.f. tube version? Anyone who's bought one recently what focuser does yours have?

[carneb (Barry)]

I assume nobody has bought one of these lately?

Surprisingly the focuser is holding the weight of the coma corrector, EFW and ASI1600MM without slipping so it's looking good. It's the same mechanism as my Evostar 80ED so I know how to adjust it if needed.

Still disappointed it didn't come with the upgraded focuser though

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

What does it look like? (hint: post a pic)

[carneb (Barry)]

Originally Posted by Camelopardalis

What does it look like? (hint: post a pic)

Standard Focuser

Upgraded Focuser

The shop I bought it from has now updated the descriptions on their website to show the photo of the focuser. It seems the upgraded focuser is only available on the 8" for some reason.

[Benjamin (Ben)]

I bought a second hand CF 8” Quattro a year and half ago with the other focuser. I’m not sure I’d be too disappointed! I have a feeling it will be the first thing to properly upgrade if time and $ permit (Moonlite perhaps). It’s not bad but certainly some play in it and a possible source of tilt.

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

My 8" has the "upgraded" focuser. Seems perfectly decent. Holds the CC, EFW and camera without any issues. I don't use the focus lock and it doesn't slip.

If I was to want for something, it'd be the gearing to be a little higher...at f/4, I find even the fine focuser can make it a little too easy to overshoot.

[carneb (Barry)]

I have a ZWO EAF attached so haven't played with the fine focus, but the EAF works well

[Bluknghtv (Daniel)]

my 305 quattro has the upgraded