Recommend a 2" Diagonal for me.

[Poita]

Can anyone suggest a good quality 2" diagonal for use with my 10" ACF and ED80 scope?
I don't want to break the bank, but don't want to end up replacing it in 6 months either.
There are so many available at so many different price points that any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Brundah1]

From my experience the GSO 2" Quartz SCT diagonal is probably the best value in quality diagonals without going for Big name brands like Televue.
Andrews list this at AUD119.

To use this diagonal for a refractor you need a spare standard GSO 2" EP nosepiece. Just unscrew the SCT adaptor and screw in the nosepiece when you want to use it for a refractor.

However if you want dedicated 2" diagonals for each scope buy the GSO SCT version and the Williams Optics 2" Durabright Diagonal (fits 2" nosepiece only) has the best close tolerance fit eyepieces and camera adaptors. USD149
http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=545

David

[Poita]

Thanks, I'll check them out.

[cookie8]

WO Dielectric.

[casstony]

You only need one refractor style diagonal for both scopes and a new visual back for the 10". Astrophysics sells a visual back which screws onto the large Meade rear cell thread giving you a full 2" opening, avoiding vignetting of low power 2" eyepieces. Baader sells a similar device in a clicklock format.

William Optics diagonals only have 40mm clear aperture and will vignette low power 2" eyepieces. GSO diagonals are decent and have a 46mm clear aperture.

[Poita]

Is the visual back you are talking about the 'Eye Opener' or is it a different one?

[casstony]

The astrophysics visual back is part# ADASCTLM on this page (about 4/5 of the way down the page): http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/focus_adap/focus_adap

It screws onto the 3.25" rear cell threads and has a 2" opening with 3 thumbscrews and compression ring. $60 + shipping

[Poita]

Thanks, that looks like the business.
I now just need to check that it will fit the 10" ACF as I have the microfocuser.

[casstony]

I'm not at all familiar with the microfocuser Peter - I don't know how it fits with other parts.

[Poita]

Thanks for all your help.
Does anyone know if AP has a local dealer?

[Osirisra]

I just recently got the Meade 2” 99% reflectivity dielectric mirror diagonal, with 1.25” adapter for my LX90 and it nice bit of kit for the price. Good views, nice and solid and so far I've been quite happy with it.