FS60CB question

[rcheshire]

It's time to retire the Canon 200mm prime, which, although very good, is no longer cutting the mustard as I gain more experience and see the wide field possibilities.

The Takahashi FS60CB with reducer looks like the ideal wide-wide field instrument for my purposes.

But! How reliable is the focuser with the weight of a DSLR. Should the focuser be upgraded if possible? I guess experience counts here, and I have none with the FS60CB.

Thanks

Rowland.

[DJT]

Hi Rowland

I had no problems with an FS60 and a Canon D60a. Should be fine.

[rcheshire]

Thanks David.

[LewisM]

"Upgrading" a Tak focuser is actually DOWNGRADING - they hold a metric tonne of weight - easily 5kg in a zenith position without any movement. I had a Feathertouch on one FS60, and whilst it made life easy being able to use 2" accessories, it slipped at any angle above about 60° with a 3kg weight on it.

My advice, is leave it as is. The stock focuser is FINE, albeit VERY short travel. You WILL need extension tubes of some sort.

I have a Tak FCT-100, and once that thumb screw is tightened, I cannot move it even by PULLING on it.

[graham.hobart]

I used my FC 60 with the modded Canon 60Da which has a great big TEC cooler on the back - It weighs I reckon 1.5 or more Kgs. That didn't seem to stress it much.
Wish I hadn't sold that scope now!
Graz

[rcheshire]

Thanks Lewis and Garaham. My confidence is greatly increased.