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Old 08-03-2011, 08:16 PM
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Rodstar (Rod)
The Glenfallus

Rodstar is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Central Coast, NSW
Posts: 2,702
I have come to this thread late, but for my 2 bobs worth, I have used both a Moonlite focuser and a Feathertouch focuser on my 20"SDM, and I prefer the Feathertouch.

Both are beautiful, so you can't go wrong, however, for mine, there is a perceptible difference.

The Moonlite has a heavier, more solid feel. It is probably more beautiful to look at. However, over time mine showed considerable wear and tear in the shaft, to the extent that there were intendations that caused the feel to become increasingly clunky and stiff. It may be reflective of a very intense period of observing over several years, and also perhaps it may have received a bump when I flew over a road bump through Binnaway on the way to Coonabarabran for an observing week!

The Feathertouch is buttery smooth, and shows no sign of any wear or tear at the moment. Sometimes I find the fit tight when putting in two inch EPs, but with a bit of a wiggle, there is not a problem. I find it very easy to snap into focus, perhaps a little more distinctly than with the Moonlite. The Feathertouch has two tightening screws for more secure grip of the EP compared with only one screw for the Moonlite.

When I had the Moonlite, I loved it. Everyone else I know has also loved theirs. It is line ball, and probably some of my experiences may not be replicated by others, so you would not be going wrong with a Moonlite if that was your choice.

I think the config you need yours for is different from mine, so there may be other issues as play that I am not aware of.

Hope that is of some use.
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