I would like to install Antares 6.3 focal reducer on my 10" LX50. I enjoy the use of 36mm, 24mm, 17mm and 13mm EWF e.p's. Respectively the magnifications are, 69x, 104x, 147x and 192x. The focal reducer will give me magnifications of 44x, 66x, 94x and 123x. My question is, will the lower powers give me wider fields of view in arc degrees or does the focal reducer have a negitive effect on the field of view?

Thanks, Randy

The field of view will be wider.  However, the 36mm eyepiece will probably vignette when used with the focal reducer.

Dave Mitsky

 

What is the current focal ratio of your 10" telescope? It should work fine with a SCT, and is probably what you want if you intend on getting into photography. It should help with Deep Sky Object such as the Andromeda Galaxy, NA Nebula and other large objects that you would otherwise look right through with the narrower FOV.

Is the vignette effect caused by the quality of the optics and if so, is there a higher quality focal reducer that would work with my 10" Meade LX50 f10 worth paying the price for. Just for the record, my 36mm is a Baader Aspheric Hyperion.

Thanks, Randy

It is my understanding that this reducer creates a F6.3 from my F10 system. The lense was specifically designed to do that. The effect it might generate when coupled with other optical systems is anybodys guess. It's also my understanding that the quality of the optics can effect the vignetting issue. But hey, what do I know. That's why I'm asking the questions?

Thanks for your interest

Randy

To the best of my knowledge, the occurence of widefield 2" eyepiece vignetting when using a focal reducer with an SCT is more a matter of the diameter of the exit aperture of the telescope, not the optical quality of the reducer.

link 1

link 2

link 3

Dave Mitsky

Thanks for the information. Recently, I bored out my visual back from a 1.5 inch I.D. to 1.8 inches. The tube wall is .070 thick now, which in my opinion is still quite strong enough to support the weight of anything I might have to hang off of it. I had understood that the choke point was caused by Meade being too lazy to provide a larger exit hole on their bigger scopes.

Thanks again, Randy

One more question as it relates to incorporating a focal reducer to my system. I'm using a crayford style focuser to reduce vibrations when focusing. This focuser adds an additional 2" to the light path. Is there a chance that I may not be able to come to focus with the reducer? My intensions are to install a Meade Zero Image-shift Microfocuser when the funds become available. If I don't have enough back focus travel with the crayford, I'll wait to get the reducer when I can afford the focuser. Is there a way of checking to see if I have enough travel, or is backfocus length not an issue with a reducer?

Randy

i never worried about the FR, in the 9.25 and smaller the rearcell opening is smaller, in the C11 and larger-- its larger, it never bothered me, however i only use 1 -2" EP as i prefer 1.25, myself- im not sure id want to put alot of money into an older LX50 though

Sir, I would recommend asking Nick, It seems like he is the expert in this field. I've asked him quiet a few tech qest and he has never faild to answer. Good Luck