CCD Focus - Extension tube?

[codemonkey]

Hey guys,

I'll finally be receiving my Atik 314e back (warranty claim, DOA) within the next couple of weeks and I'm wanting to be ready to go when it arrives.

I've been made aware that I need something to increase the distance from the scope to the camera sensor in order to achieve focus, but I'm not sure exactly what I need.

Scope in question is the SkyWatcher Black Diamond ED80. Is this the sort of thing I should be looking for?

https://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-080B

[troypiggo]

Depends on how much focus travel it has. I had that scope, although I swapped the focuser for one a little more robust than the original/factory one.

That being said, rather than getting just an extension tube, I think you'll be after some sort of field flattener as you'll find the stars in the corners look like seagulls. I'd recommend the Orion Field Flattener - cheap and does a good job in my opinion. You just need to tweak the spacing between the flattener and your camera's sensor. Might need a spacer in there - can vary depending on equipment combo - mine was about 30mm.