[Astro_Bot]

Originally Posted by redbeard

In my current setup, I'm using the standard Meade adapter with a Hirsch 6.3 focal reducer screwed on to the adapter, I then have the Meade standard zero shift focuser connected to the Hirsch focal reducer via the 3 thumb screws. I then have my Canon 450D with T-ring and nosepiece, (about 1 inch in length), connected to the focuser. My question is, with the Moonlight focuser, will I still be able to connect the Camera to the back of the focuser as I have been doing or will I have to add the draw tube as well making the camera sit a lot further away using the 3 1/4" flange. (With the focal reducer in the focuser).

The drawtube is an integral part of the focuser, with standard 2" brass compression ring fitting - see the Moonlite website for detailed photos and descriptions. Assuming your T-adapter nosepiece is 2", it'll slot perfectly into the focuser's drawtube. I've found the drawtube in my setup to be very solid.

You might mean an extension piece to get proper backfocus distance. Since the Meade mirror moves as well as the focuser, I don't see how you'll need an extension piece as well without a FR, but I'm no expert with imaging with one of these things, and with a FR, you need the correct distance between FR and sensor ... but I think that's pretty much catered for in the focuser design, though it will pay to check.

I currently get vignetting when I take shots, so will I be worse off with the 3 1/4" flange or worse off with the 2" to meade adapter. Also is the amount of light that gets through even applicable as to whether I use 3 1/4" or 2"?

I can't see how you'll be worse off with the 3 1/4" compared to 40mm ID of the Meade SCT adapter. As for illumination, I can only comment on visual use - IMHO, it makes a noticeable difference. What is the internal diameter of the Hirsch FR? Will that be the limiting factor given its position in the imaging train? I don't know.

Either way, I have a horrible wobbly setup as is and I like the way the Moonlite has a solid thread to attach to the scope without the thumb screws.

The Moonlite is rock solid even with >1kg of payload in the drawtube.

I also have an eye opener if that makes any difference that I use when I'm not using the focal reducer and the focuser then attaches to that via thumbscrews.

I don't have either, so can't really offer any advice. I thought the zero image shift focuser screwed onto the adapter though?