Upgrading Focusser on a Dob

[Stu Ward]

Hi all
I have a 12" Goto Dob, with the standard focusser.
Is it worth upgrading to a 10:1 focusser like the Bintel one ?

Are they easy to install, any pitfalls that i need to be aware of ( collimation etc )

Thanks

Stu

[bmitchell82 (Brendan)]

Some will say the bintel ones are great, and hey some are, but i havn't had a "positive" experience at all with them to the point where it was useless for my aplication (DSLR astrophotography).

If it is just for the dob and will never be used for AP it probably would be fine. Just make sure you get a base plate to match your scope or you may have unsightly holes!

[Stu Ward]

Thanks Brendan

I do actually use my Dob for AP. Nothing serious, just I like to image

Stu

[AndyK (Andy)]

You may want to consider something like the inexpensive (sub $90) Skywatcher Electric Focuser. This makes it much easier to focus if you're doing basic imaging or using high magnification. I've found the standard focuser on my 8" dob more than adequate for visual observing at reasonable magnification.

[Stu Ward]

Good Idea Andy , i'll take a look at that

Stu

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

Cannot comment on their AP uses (though I would suspect they are less than ideal) but for visual use the 10:1 GSO/Bintel focusers are very good for the price. It was a selling point for my current scope against a SW equivalent as I had tried both and the GSO won easily.

Malcolm

[midnight (Darrin)]

I've upgraded my LXD55 8" from the old rack & pinion to a Moonlite 10:1 focuser last month and it's a pleasure to use. Holds my 40D and I now regret not doing this when I first started imaging a year ago.

It came with a matching LXD55/75 base so it used the existing holes and fitted within 5 minutes.

Darrin...

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Originally Posted by AndyK

You may want to consider something like the inexpensive (sub $90) Skywatcher Electric Focuser. This makes it much easier to focus if you're doing basic imaging or using high magnification. I've found the standard focuser on my 8" dob more than adequate for visual observing at reasonable magnification.

I also use an electric focuser, best way to focus, compared to my 80mm triplet with an 10:1 the electric is still better.