Upgrading 60mm refractor focuser, will this allow more light?

[Rogering (Stuart)]

Hi guys,
I have a Amasco 60mm Refractor (FL700) and want to know if upgrading the focuser from .965 to 1.25 will improve it's light gathering capabilities, Love to put a 2" but don't think it would fit
any suggestions on the type of focuser, this one is a classic drawtube type.






GSO Newtonian 10" (250mm) F5, Focal length: 1250mm. Manual Dob. Pentax XW 5 & 7mm

[torana68 (Roger)]

no, thats a bit of a cheapie and not worth the effort or cost, its probably better to leave it as a bit of history. The only advantage would be newer lenses in 1.25" but its the glass at the front thats holding you back. You can try the old Unitron lenses they are good quality in .96.

[Stardrifter_WA]

Originally Posted by Rogering

Hi guys,
I have a Amasco 60mm Refractor (FL700) and want to know if upgrading the focuser from .965 to 1.25 will improve it's light gathering capabilities, Love to put a 2" but don't think it would fit
any suggestions on the type of focuser, this one is a classic drawtube type.

The cost of upgrading the focuser, as after market focusers are not cheap, would be better spent upgrading your telescope. For better light gathering you would need more aperture. The larger the aperture the greater the light gathering capacity.

Getting a larger refractor would be beneficial, however, the greater the aperture the higher the cost. This is the reason why reflectors are better, price wise, as, per inch of aperture, they are much cheaper than refractors. You could buy a 4" reflector (Newtonian) or a slightly larger Dobsonian for the price of a good focuser, which can cost anything up to about a grand, depending on manufacturer.

Many great and inexpensive telescopes come up on ICE Trade, so keep a look out there.

Feel free to ask any questions, if you are not sure about anything.