Eyepiece adaptors with brass compression ring

[Riv39]

I have a new set of Vixen LVW eyepieces on the way and I'm loathed to put them into my standard 1.25" adaptor that came with my 200mm Sky Watcher Newtonian. Note that this scope requires an adaptor at the focuser before you can use any eyepiece and comes with two, a 2" and a 1.25".

I have been looking into using a Baader 2" to 1.25" adaptor that has two thumb screws acting on a brass compression ring in combination with the 2" adaptor that came with the scope.

The Baader adaptor seems well engineered and I have found some good reviews however I have also heard that the brass compression ring can be a pain when changing eyepieces as it can grip the groove in the eyepiece. I am also slightly concerned with how far this will place the eyepiece away from the focuser as opposed to using the original 1.25" adaptor.

Has anybody had any experience with the Baader adaptor or using this type of adaptor with Vixen LVW eyepieces?

BTW I'm also trying to get an adaptor that has less slop then the original 1.25" to improve collimating.

[erick]

I recommend this adapter:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=50200

http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=651

But if you stay with the brass compression ring and are annoyed with a barrel undercut being caught, there is a solution:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=58498

I have only applied it to my 2" barrel eyepieces since I always use my 1.25" eyepieces in the Antares adapter which has smooth sides.

EDIT - I should mention that the Antares adapter does lift the eyepiece somewhat further out of the focuser draw tube than simpler adapters. Harder to try and get eyepieces parfocal - 2" compared with 1.25" in adapters

[Riv39]

Thanks Eric, any idea where to buy them?

[barx1963]

I have seen them here

http://www.scopecity.com/detail.cfm?ProductID=8306&pn=Antares 2 inch to 1.25

but not sure if they ship to Oz

Malcolm

[erick]

Try these folks:-

http://agenaastro.com/antares-2-to-1-25-twist-lock-eyepiece-adapter.html

I have bought successfully from them before.

[Riv39]

Thanks Mslcolm snd Eric I will send emails to these suppliers. I hsve also sent an email to ScopeStuff in the US as they have them as well.

[Riv39]

Ordered from Agena Astro using the cheap US$6.48 postage, wow the exchange rate is good ATM approx A$36 delivered!

[Riv39]

The Antares adaptor turned up today. It was posted on the 19th so not bad given the very cheap postage from the US. Great service from Agena AstroProducts BTW, I would also recommend them.

The adaptor itself is well engineered and manufactured in Canada. It holds the Vixen LVW's very well indeed with absolutely no problem with the undercut.

Thanks Erik for suggesting this adaptor and Agena.

[erick]

:thumbsup: But now you'll find you need a couple more and wonder why you didn't order them at the same time :sadeyes:

[Riv39]

At that price your probably right ;) mind it probably won't be the last thing I order from them so I can always slip one in next time.

Hmm, I might see what they have by way of illuminated reticle eyepieces