crayford focusers

[Sheap]

ive been looking around at crayford focusers to replace the rack and pinion my telescope came with, myastroshop has one for $140, and bintel has theirs for $99, both are 2", would there be a significant difference in quality?

[ballaratdragons]

Howdy Sheap,

I can't be 100% positive but they are usually all the same make. Maybe someone who has seen both in the flesh can answer correctly.

Sometimes the price also reflects 'backup' service. But could also mean a discount due to the shop ordering in bulk.

[stephenmcnelley]

Hi sheap, there are both Crayford focuser's and basic Crayford style focusers out there.
My 25cm Bintel Dob come with a Crayford type one, i dont know where it was made but it would be the same as the $99 Bintel offering i would guess.
Mine works a treat, way ahead of rack and pinion.

[janoskiss]

there are two types of "cheap" crayfords from GSO. One with 10:1 fine/micro-focus, one without. Get the one with the fine focus. Otherwise they are all the same Andrews/Bintel/MAS/etc. Wherever you get it from ask for best price.

[rmcpb]

Make sure you are talking about the same focuser ie. GSO and ensure you get the 10:1 as they will make focusing even better than the standard Crayford.

Cheers

[Omaroo]

I just updated my 8" SkyWatcher's focusser with the Bintel 10:1 unit. It costs $119.00 inc GST. I can't believe how much sharper I'm able to focus and it's very smooth so I don't get that "notchy" overrun in either direction. A great upgrade.:thumbsup:

[saturn c]

u need a crayford!

[cahullian]

I got the 10:1 focuser for my 8" Dob and the difference is amazing. I got mine from andrews and it cost $119 compared to $99 for the standard unit, well worth the extra $20.

Gazz

[paninaro]

I think crayford's with 10:1 should be standard on all serious scopes, I cannot pull correct focus on anything but these focusers, sure I use others, but I am never totally sure that I am pulling bang-on focus (even 1% off is going to degrade an image heavily)