Need a new focuser

[lineout]

This is an opinion question.

What is the best (and most reasonably priced) Crayford focuser for a Meade LX-90? Budget is about $300-$400

Cheers

[astronut (John)]

Moonlite Focusers are regarded as one of the best on the market.
Here's a link to their site
http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman....cgi&category=4
By the time you add postage it will come in at the top end of your budget.
Well worth it though.

[astronut (John)]

I can also recommend the Crayford style focuser that Andrews communication has for $149, very smooth to operate.

[marki]

I can also recommend the Moonlite (I have 2). They are solid as a brick and will take anything you throw at it as well as being super smooth and very well made. Ron is great to deal with and will make any changes you require to suit your purpose.

Mark

[allan gould]

Have tried the Andrews (GSO) focussers. Dont bother, although they are not bad - get yourself a Moonlight focuser. Once you have tried one you will insist on nothing else. I love mine.

[rider]

I'm also looking at the Moonlight (doesn't that send you mad?) for my 250mm neut.
Does anyone know if they can be installed using the bolt holes for the standard focuser on SW Black diamond reflectors.
(The BD focusers are a different configuration to the traditional Skywatcher reflector focuser.)

Rider

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Hi,

Another option you might want to consider is the Williams Optics

http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com....cusers_sct.htm

http://www.williamoptics.com/accesso...er_feature.php

This is 95% as good as the Moonlite for a bit less money. It is a quantum leap ahead of the GSO in every respect.

Cheers,
John B

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Originally Posted by rider

I'm also looking at the Moonlight (doesn't that send you mad?) for my 250mm neut.
Does anyone know if they can be installed using the bolt holes for the standard focuser on SW Black diamond reflectors.
(The BD focusers are a different configuration to the traditional Skywatcher reflector focuser.)

Rider

If you are interested in a Moonlite (I have 2 of them) I'd recommend giving Ron (the owner) a call or e-mail. I found him to be helpful and responsive.

They have a number of "kits" ready to go to swap out old focusers some of which can be used with the old holes (some can't) but Ron can tell you.

[lineout]

Thanks for the help. I checked out the Moonlite website. They look nice and there seems to be a lot of choice.

I'll do do somemore research before I decide.

Cheers

[Starlighter]

I have a Moonlite two-speed installed on a 102mm Celestron achromat. I love it. It's just as good as the Feathertouch which I also own. Ron builds his focusers incredibly well. They look even more impressive in person than in photos. The focusing action is incredibly smooth. I think it's even smoother than the FT.

[Chippy (Nick)]

Welcome Starlighter. Good to see you made it down under to the forums here at IceInSpace!

Nick.

[CoombellKid]

Originally Posted by astronut

I can also recommend the Crayford style focuser that Andrews communication has for $149, very smooth to operate.

As long as you dont use heavy EP's in them they are fine. I've just
swapped out mine for that very reason. If a 31mm t5 is on your future
wishlist, then so will a new focuser.

regards,CS

[Glenhuon (Bill)]

I have 2 of the GSO ones. The one on my 102 refractor is good but the 150 newt one had to be mounted with the adjusting knobs at the top as the weight of the 300D caused it to "droop" the other way round. No amount of adjustment seemed to help. I'll consider the WO or Moonlight next time.

Bill

[mat,v]

I also use the W/O focuser,,Once adjusted correctly they are a pleasure to use,,,Best investment I've made yet,,,,,,MAT