[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

Originally Posted by Mokusatsu

Visual astronomer here who has never had a need of a field flattener, hence the possibly unsophisticated question...

I've acquired a gorgeous William Optics FLT 132 refractor from a deceased estate. It's a scope that would take some extremely pretty pictures if I were to go down that route.

William Optics have a few field flatteners and reducers which they promote as compatible with the scope.

https://www.testar.com.au/products/f...56-gt102-gt153

https://www.testar.com.au/products/f...-flt132-flt156

https://www.testar.com.au/products/f...-flt132-flt156


Question: are field flatteners very specific to specific makes and models of scopes, so if I need a field flattener I should buy the WO one, or would there be a variety of models I could choose from?

"Are field flatteners very specific to specific makes and models of scopes" Answer .. yes and no. I believe the WO FLT 132 has a native Focal Ration of F7 which is common amongst APO's. You can look at what TEC has on offer or look at the Riccardi 0.75x APO Reducer and Flattener. The issue is adapting the Reducer/Flattener to the scope. Staying with the WO Brands would reduce that headache. What is your motivation for looking beyond what WO has on offer? Price? or Just testing the waters? WO has a good range and the Testar prices seem really good. You can have a Flattener and keep the native F7 or you can have a 0.72X or 0.8X Reducer/Flattener. One question you do need to ask yourself before you chose is what Camera would I be using with the FLT132. Just my 2 cents worth. Happy hunting.