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View Full Version here: : eyepieces and focal reducer for refractor


Mark Blackford
08-11-2007, 02:40 PM
Hi All,

while the exchange rate is in my favor I thought I'd buy a few quality optical accessories for my 4" f9 Vixen fluorite refractor. A 13mm T6 Nagler and a 2.5x Powermate are on the shopping list but I need a little advice for my third item.

Instead of a second eyepiece for lower magnification I am considering a focal reducer to act as a sort of "negative" barlow.

Are focal reducers available for refractors and if so where (and how) do they fit in the optical train? Before the star diagonal or after it. Also, how well do they work?

Initially this will be for visual astronomy but down the track I'll want to photograph through the telescope (when I replace the mount).

I Look forward to your replies,

Mark

Geoff45
08-11-2007, 02:52 PM
Hi Mark
I have a William Optics field flattener for my refractor. Hoping to try it out at Wiruna this weekend, so if you're coming down I can show it to you. This one is definitely a photographic accessory only, there is no way that you could use it with an eyepiece without some modification. It accepts a T-ring on one end to attach the camera and the other end slips into the (2") focuser.
Geoff

Mark Blackford
08-11-2007, 02:56 PM
Hi Geoff,

can't make it to Wiruna this weekend as I'm in Chicago until Nov 23rd, hope to get to the December New Moon weekend. Cheers,

Mark