Focusers from Moonlite

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Originally Posted by Tandum

I see the feathertouch at almost twice the price of the moonlight for the same product.

That's complete and utter drivel. It is this type of comment that gives people completely the wrong idea and to be honest it is better off not being made. You should at least post accurate comments if you're going to post something. The base price of the Moonlite is $US265 and the base price of the Feathertouch is $US275. I wouldn't exactly call that double. When you factor in the cost of the additional options like the brake and the 2"/1.25"adaptor, the Feathertouch works out between 10% and 20% more expensive than the Moonlite, which was exactly what I said in my original post.

To cap it off, they aren't the same product and I doubt you have ever used them if you make that comment. The Feathertouch is a superior product. That's like saying you should pay the same price for a Calais as a Mercedes or the same price for a Skywatcher refractor as Takahashi refractor. It don't quite work that way, you usually get what you pay for.

Cheers,
John B

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I have a tri-knob Moonlite focuser on the Mary Rose (1:10 on one side, 1 on the other), and am very very happy with its performance. It has a very smooth motion, and snaps into focus without effort. Most people who have a play with the Mary Rose comment on how comfortable it is to use.

It is at the same time very robust/ solidly built, and so copes with lots of weight, which is a great help when brandishing Terminaglers, Paracorrs and the like.

It is well worth the extra expense in my opinion to get a higher quality focuser. Nothing is more frustrating than a rough focuser that causes the tube to vibrate, or which will not come to a fine focus without a lot of effort.

Austastronomer's Feathertouch focuser is indeed a treat, and I can understand why he is so emphatic in its praise. I understand it is able to be adjusted with a grub screw to sit at whatever angle you most prefer. That may be something that may appeal to some people.

[EzyStyles (Eric)]

LOL sorry no input on focusers here. Just a funny thread. John, i recalled having an argument with you about eyepieces. Go easy mate. Good that we all share ideas from our experience, but speaking back bluntly doesn't help either. chill

[Starkler (Geoff)]

My position on focusers goes something like this...

If you want the very best and are willing to pay for superb engineering and a lovely tactile experience, buy a feathertouch.

If you just want a focuser that will do the job, buy a gso or wo crayford.
Personally I wouldn't bother with anything in-between unless it comes down to mounting issues.

[casstony]

I looked at getting one of these for my ed100 and one difference is that the Moonlite is available with longer focuser travel (4.5" vs 2.5" for FT).

[gts055 (Mark)]

Hmmm, great to read so many varied, and very focused views in this entertaining thread
Mark