ED80, DSI II Pro, Focal reducer

[Lee]

About to re-enter imaging (and observing).... I think I'm going to try a focal reducer with the ED80 and DSI Pro - probably the Bintel 0.5 job.
Will this work all right? Is anyone using a similar set-up?

[ballaratdragons]

Yep Lee. I do.

Here is an example of the same objects with and without the FR.

Same gear as yours: ED80 and camera equal to 6mm EP FOV. (DSI, LPI, Toucam, Neximage etc).

You will also notice that you will capture better colour at shorter exposures with a Focal Reducer :thumbsup:

1. M83 normal ED80.
2. M83 with Focal Reducer in ED80
3. Trifid normal ED80
4. Trifid with Focal Reducer in ED80

[Lee]

Thanks Ken, just the info I needed. :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Lee,
they aren't good examples of quality of image. They haven't been processed. I used those images coz they were the first I could find of the same objects showing the FOV difference of the 2 methods. :thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Lee I've used both the Bintel one and the Steve Massey one and much prefer the Steve Massey one. If at some stage you decide to get a DSLR I can thoroughly recommend the WO 0.8 Field Flattener and reducer. I've just given it a week of trials out at Qld Astrofest and I'm very happy for a moderately priced FR and flattener.

[Lee]

What is the "Steve Massey" one Paul? Haven't heard of that one.

[[1ponders]]

My sorries Lee, it should have been the Steve Mogg :doh:
http://webcaddy.com.au/astro/ProductList.asp?cat=reducer
http://webcaddy.com.au/astro/F-066FR-pics.htm



My only excuse is too many 3:00 - 4:30 mornings during the week :whistle:

Btw the bintel one is only 0.5x if you add the extension (same with the Mogg one). Be careful with it, you may not be able to come to focus with it. I know with my ED80 with the WO 10:1 focuser I have only just enough in travel with the extension tube and only just enough on the outfocus without the extension tube. It's np on an SCT though.

[Lee]

Do you know if the WO focuser has more or less in travel than the standard???

[[1ponders]]

The WO comes to focus np at all. It is designed for 66 - 80 mm refractors. It slots into the 2" focal tube and screws to a T thread for your canon or other CCD camera

[Lee]

Excuse my bumping.....

The WO FR and an ED80 - what f/ratio will I get???
Is it correct to say f/7.5 x 0.8 = f/6??
cheers..... :)

[iceman]

Yes, that's right Lee.

FL will be 480mm, aperture is still 80mm, F/R = FL/Ap = f/6.