Feathertouch focuser question

[traveller (Bo)]

Hi all, I am thinking of getting a Feathertouch focuser, 2" back and 2" travel http://starlightinstruments.com/stor...&product_id=52
I currently have a Bintel Crayford 10:1 on my Celestron Nexstar 8SE OTA. I'd appreciate your thoughts on the following:
1. Will the FT be a big improvement over my current Bintel/GSO Crayford?
2. Do I need extra adapter or will the FT fit straight on the back of the C8 OTA?
I tried on the starlight website, but found the info a bit confusing.
Thanks in advance.
Bo

[casstony]

I'd say it's only worth spending the money if your current crayford is not doing what you need it to do.
My preference in this line of focusers is the 0.8" travel feathertouch since it chews up less back focus (ads about 68mm from the flat part of the rear cell).
All of the FT focusers use an extra adapter to mate to the telescope.

[traveller (Bo)]

Thanks Tony. The reason for a FT is that I plan to get an ED refractor later this year, most likely a North Group ED102. By all accounts the OEM focuser is sub optimal, so I figure that I need a FT with decent draw travel.
So I plan to the FT with 2" travel, with the C8 adapter now and then get a separate adapter for the ED 102 once I have it and then put my Bintel 10:1 back on the C8.
sounds a good compromise?
Bo

[casstony]

I'd recommend that you buy the focuser best suited to a particular scope rather than trying to use one with too much travel on a SCT or too little travel on the refractor. (imho).

[Paul Haese]

Bo, the FT focusors are simply superb and will be a quantum step up from what you have so far experienced with your current focusor.

I'd recommend using the contact link on the site and tell them what you have in mind and they will give you the link to the best focusor for your scope. The service I have received from them is exemplary and I am sure they will continue to do likewise for you.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Originally Posted by Paul Haese

Bo, the FT focusors are simply superb and will be a quantum step up from what you have so far experienced with your current focusor.

I'd recommend using the contact link on the site and tell them what you have in mind and they will give you the link to the best focusor for your scope. The service I have received from them is exemplary and I am sure they will continue to do likewise for you.

This is sound advice...my experience with FT gear has been great. Having said that for a little less money the Moonlite gear is good as well and a step up from what you have. I have some of each and while I rate the FT above the Moonlite it toois quite good.

[traveller (Bo)]

Thanks Paul and Scott,
Using their online selector, I will need a focuser with a 1" draw for my C8 OTA, refractor will require a separate focuser. FT is still thie first choice, followed by Moonlite.
Cheers, Bo

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Hi Bo,

I own 3 telescopes with Feathertouch focusers, albeit they are newtonians. The Feathertouch focusers are simply superb. It gets no better. The Moonlite focusers are very good and a major step up over the OEM focusers supplied with these scopes. They are a clear second choice, but not in the class of the Feathertouch for mine and not all that much cheaper. The Feathertouch focusers are worth the extra dollars every time for mine.

Cheers,
John B