antares vs celestron focal reducerantares vs celestron focal reducer

2.2 Using a Focal Reducer at the Working Distance, 2.3 Adjusting the Reduction Factor of a Focal Reducer, 3.3 Focal Reducers for Compound Telescopes, 3.5 Focal Reducers for Ritchey-Chretien and Field Flattened Scopes, 3.6 Focal Reducers in 1.25" and 2" Barrel Formats, 4. If you place your camera at a different working distance, you will get a different reduction factor and perhaps unwanted distortion in the image. Great report and verifies what I had thought all along, Fortunately, my neighbors are not out in their backyards at 11 pm, or they may have thought I was torturing a small mammal. But while the image gets brighter, the size of the image circle gets proportionately smaller. However, I noticed immediately that the Antares had a bit more of an heft to it, giving it a solid feel the Celestron didnt possess. The focus barely shifts between filters and I suspect any shifts I do get are down to the filters and changes in temp. Read our guide! Thanks for pointing this out. They are designed (assuming you are referring to the f/6.3 version) for the f/10 light cone. It has only one cover, which surprised me. It was also a little brighter in the center of the field with subtle darkening in the outer 20% or so. As a consequence, the standard f/6.3 and f/3.3 focal reducers for SCT scopes do not work. Once focused it's pretty good. When you said, "in some cases" a focal reducer also works as a flattener/corrector, are you saying that not all focal reducers are flatteners/corrector? However, these will not impact optical performance. This focal reducer is made to attach to the rear cell of Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes. (Note: Using the simple equations above, the focal length of this reducer can be estimated to be about 350mm). Thanks guys, I'm trying to get my ZWO ASI120MC-S to work with my 90mm Meade. Figure 6 shows a 1.25" focal reducer from GSO configured with a ZWO ASI224MC camera. A slight nod to the Antares for heft and higher transmission, but points to the Celestron for nice threads and better contrast. We will be glad to help. No small animals were harmed in making these observations. I wish there was. By I've never found my 0.63 reducer causing CA when used with my SCT. If I had to guess, the difference is maybe 10-15 grams. Given past experience with them, I decided not to include the Meade version in my little experiment, as I have never met one I liked from getting one of the too-short focal length models, to one with some overflow cement in the doublet, to focus difficulties with some eyepieces. Celestron or Antares f/6.3 focal reducer for SCT? The lens has a knurled surface, providing a tremendous gripping surface for threading/unthreading. However, it will not thread into William Optics accessories, and with GSO it is a hit or miss. Shipping will be via the cheapest shipping method which will vary depending on the items in your order. The female end attaches to the rear cell of the telescope. Photographically you also get a wider field and much shorter exposures. Community Forum Software by IP.BoardLicensed to: Cloudy Nights, E of San Francisco Bay and W of the Awahnee, This is not recommended for shared computers, reviews here that suggest a coating problem, Back to Celestron Computerized Telescopes, Looking for advice on first refractor and camera. These reducers can also be used for visual observing with SCT scopes with eyepieces with a field stop as large as 24-27mm. This should not be the case if they have their purportedly different focal lengths. Sign up for OPT news, exclusive offers, and updates on the latest gear! The most popular accessories for your new telescope! The author finds differences in throughput and color balance, but then says he thinks the lenses are identical and he reaches his conclusions based on very long observing session. No idea what the issue is. On the camera side, the focal reducer has male M42x0.75 or M48x0.75 threads that attach directly to the T-ring (with an M42-M48 adapter if necessary). We tested GSO's 1.25" 0.5x focal reducer at a variety of operating distances and calculated the field of view through a telescope to derive the actual reduction factor that is plotted below. The problem with those SCT reducers is that they cause chromatic aberration and require refocusing when using parfocal RGB/other filters. Your mileage may vary. I've seen some older threads saying that the Celestron, Meade and Antares FRs are all the same and manufactured in the same factory. We only send interesting emails and will never sell your data. All rights reserved. Learn more about extra solar planets imagery, 3D Star rendering, observation planning, telescope control, multiple-panel printing, and much more. Focal reducers for many SCTs and their flat-field equivalents usually have a back-focus distance of 105mm. The Antares f/6.3 Focal Reducer for Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes is a low-price option for reducing the focal length of your Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope from f/10 to f/6.3. This is the distance at which the reducer must be placed in front of the eyepiece or camera focal plane in order to operate at the design reduction factor. You attach the focal reducer to the rear port on a SCT and can keep it covered. Reducer Lens .7x - EdgeHD 1400 Learn More. Focal Reducer for SCT - ACF - Stargazers Lounge A little longer light path with a 2 Baader click-lock, low profile 1.25 adapter, and the 1.25 diagonal; I have a Raspberry HQ camera, a Sony TV Zoom 12.5-75mm f1.8 and a Astromania 1,25" 0.5x focal reducer. Check out our 2022 telescope buying guide here! Request stock alerts and we'll let you know when the item is back in stock. The nominal design reduction factor of these reducers is typically 0.5x. I wont bother with differences in packaging, caps, etc. Perfect for the serious student, professional scientist and discriminating hobbyist. Torazz One of the most important factors in a telescope is its transmissionthe percentage of light that reaches the focal plane. Also read the reviews here, including those at 4 stars. That is definitely a 2" eyepiece, but it is not a large or long focal length 2" eyepiece. These 0.63x focal reducers were originally designed to optimize for an image circle to match 36mm x 24mm film or its digital equivalent for astrophotography. It works fine but you should stick with 1.25 EPs; or can use 2" EPs without corrector. In such cases, we will be happy to take the item back as per our standard return terms. It also leads to larger (although fainter) images of extended objects like the Moon or planets for astrophotographers or visual observers. This would tell us exactly how well aberrations are corrected. ED stands for "extra-low dispersion," which refers to the composition and optical properties of the glass used for the lenses. Celestron Nexstar+ 127 SLT, several budget plossl eyepieces, Celestron 8-24mm zoom EP and a 12.5mm illuminated double reticle EP, Svbony SV205 camera w/.5 focal reducer, Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 binos on a 40 yr old QuickSet PanHead tripod, Stellarium, Sharpcap and ManyCam on my laptop, SkyView and Nightshift on my phone and a dandy little $9 . Possibly the design of the Antares was changed .. If it's positioned further from the eyepiece or camera and closer to the telescope objective, the reduction factor increases. Newtonian reflectors will seldom be able to accommodate the in-focus travel demanded by focal reducers. I think there may be some confusion here, because Antares makes a variety of reducers for eyepieces and scopes in addition to this SCT R/C but this definitely is a reducer/corrector. Many reducers, such as the Celestron HD focal reducer mentioned above, and many focal reducers for apochromatic refractors, are meant to be used within a few millimeters (or less) of the specified working distance to achieve the best possible image results. That said any comparison reviews are helpful. The equations and argument in the Appendix of this article shows the relationship between the working distance and the reduction factor. Because most modern Newtonians already have relatively fast focal ratios, these telescopes do not usually use focal reducers. The camera side of the focal reducer is threaded for a T-adapter with wide M48 threads, or in some cases, with smaller M42 threads. Thks for that and its not for visual it for astrophotography. Easy solution found a very tiny dab of super lube on the threads and all was well and quiet. If a stronger level of focal reduction is used, say 0.5x, then the image circle may be too small to fill the sensor of larger cameras. Figure 1 shows the relationship between the focal reduction factor MR and the position of the reducer in the optical path. Just one question. I must admit, as well, that I no longer place a lot of stock in the notion that Chinese optics are inferior to Japanese or Taiwanese any longer, as manufacturing technology has really leveled the playing field today, with most Chinese optics being excellent. Free shipping $189.95 3. 800-483-6287 Increase that distance, and greater reduction results and visa versa. There is a way to make subjective data more useful and that way is proper blind, or better still. So it provides a 0.63x design reduction factor when used with an f/10 SCT at the specified working distance. One problem with getting opinions is that most of use do not have both reducers or have never done a side by side comparison. We do not price match competitors if they are out of stock. For Stephen Wilkerson: The ZWO ASI120MC-S does come with a wide angle lens, HOWEVER, it is NOT intended to used when you are using the ASI120 camera attached to your telescope. As mentioned in Section 2 of this guide, the reduction factor of a focal reducer depends on its position in the optical path relative to the eyepiece or camera. I use the Celestron version and it seems OK for both visual and imaging. If you want to use them for visual - try maybe long focal length eyepieces rather than the reducer. Focal reducer for 8SE - Celestron vs. Antares - Cloudy Nights No rainchecks will be issued for items out of stock at OPTcorp.com to match a competitor's price. However, the export of some items may be restricted outside the US due to size or manufacturer restrictions. Most Feather Touch focusers cost between $300-$350. A f/10 focal ratio now achieves a f/6.3, while an f/11 focal ratio now achieves a f/7. If the reducer is placed elsewhere, at a position called the operating distance, the focal reduction factor will not be as advertised. - thanks. Can you help me? I use it on my C8 SCT with a 1000d, and it seems to do everything written on the tin. This article explained the basics of how focal reducers work with various kinds of telescopes and how their working distance affects their reduction factor, and it provided sufficient detail to help amateur astronomer choose and use the right focal reducer for a particular application. Images made with my ZWO 533 camera testing both show them to be essentially the same. Again, to my surprise, there was absolutely no difference between the Celestron and Antares on any star. It's easy! Start Chat Manish holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Edited by Tony Bonanno, 16 April 2021 - 06:44 PM. The Celestron f/6.3 is ~150 compared to the Antares at ~70. which looks like the same one. As one increases, the other decreases. However, some focal reducers can be used over a wider range of working distances, especially those with simpler optical design, and especially when used with cameras with smaller sensors. Scope size might influence choice as well, as a C6 might benefit from the Antares' transparency, while larger scopes might benefit from the Celestron's higher contrast. During check-out, you will be presented with several shipping choices and costs. Again, swapping back and forth for a couple of hours on M44, M35, and several brighter stars, I examined the shape of specific stars near the edge of the field with both correctors. I happily cycle through LRGB filters to build the image rather than do a whole run of one filter at a time. Weasner's Meade and Antares Focal Reducers Review The equations in the Appendix show how this all works. The key points are as follows: So just remember that a smaller distance (from the camera or eyepiece) means a lower amount of reduction (and vice versa). The reducer features fully coated optics in an anodized aluminum filter ring with an ergonomic rubber grip. Now, Celestron is using that same technology to allow star gazers to connect to the night sky and enhance their experience of the cosmos in fun and unique ways. 160K views 9 years ago This video is a complete overview of focal reducers and how they function applying to telescopes. Never noticed any anomalies with this unit. Product Details Antares' f/6.3 focal reducer provides a faster f/6.3 system for imaging or visual use when used with an f/10 SCT or other compatible telescopes. Right off the bat, I was struck by how similar the two R/Cs were. A wider field of view and a lower magnification is also useful, with some focal reducers and with some eyepieces, for visual observers with telescopes with long focal ratios. Antares Click Lock Visual Back - Cats & Casses - Cloudy Nights But in the end they both do pretty much the same thing and it sounds like any performance difference is subtle. It's an either/or proposition: reducer and 1.25", or 2", but not 2" and reducer. However, some focal reducers can be used on other models of telescopes, but this is not always possible. He received his first telescope at the age of 5 and completed his first university course in astronomy at the age of 12, eventually receiving a master's degree in the subject. Using this same example of an 8" SCT and a 0.63x reducer, a visual observer can also enjoy brighter images and a wider field of view. The click-lock with a 2 dielectric diagonal with a somewhat shorter light path, using both a 2 ES 28mm/68 and the same low-profile adapter with a 1.25 ES 24mm/68. An image of about 24mm across, approximately, allows an observer to use a 1.25" eyepiece with a maximal field stop. Some manufacturers will specify the working distance from the middle of the rear lens surface, and this number must then be converted into a practical working distance number by subtracting the amount by which the rear lens surface is recessed in its housing. Advanced designs for Schmidt-Cassegrain scopes such as the Meade ACF or Celestron Edge HD have optical elements in the tube to correct for coma and field flatness. Wonder how they would stack up with a Japanese 6.3. Using these numbers in equation 4 in the Appendix, below, we can easily calculate that the focal length of this unit is approximately103mm (it will be 103mm plus the small amount by which the rear lens surface of the reducer is recessed beneath the reducer housing). I would not use the reducer with a 2" diagonal or eyepiece in the C6. The design reduction factor of a focal reducer is the relative amount by which the effective focal length of the telescope is reduced when the focal reducer is used at its specified working distance or back focus. Please Log in to save it permanently. Getting the proper back-focus for your imaging camera is a vital step in getting the best data possible out of your telescope imaging/research rig. Now It only focuses near things, like some kind of macro zoom. I have the Japanese version and although I haven't used it in quite awhile, the views through it were superb with no internal reflections at all. I'd favor the Japanese Celestron version over the others that are commercially available. Celestron Focus Motor for SCT, EdgeHD & 8" RASA, Celestron C6 0.63 reducer/flattener back focus. Sign up to receive sale alerts, news about upcoming celestial events, and telescope tips from our experts! Performance wise what differences might there be using the reducer on a smaller scope. Many focal reducers for refractors have a working distance (or back focus distance) of 55mm. Like many of us with SCTs, I have bought and sold a number of f/6.3 reducer/correctors over the years, and I have always been curious how they really stack up to each other. I was referring to the C6 to answer you specifically. 2. A longer effective focal length leads to higher magnification with a given eyepiece for visual observers. Can you tell me about the use of reducers in Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes? There will be no shipments on 3/1/2023, 3/2/2023, or 3/3/2023 (March 1st - March 3rd, 2023). Such an image circle is still large enough to encompass the relatively large sensor of many deep-sky astronomy cameras. I focus using a moonlight electronic focuser and focusmax. Start here to find the perfect telescope for you! Also, the focusers of most Newtonians do not have enough in-travel to accommodate a focal reducer. But the diameter of the image circle decreases by a factor of 0.63 to about 24mm. Astro-Tech Schmidt-Cassegrain f/6.3 Focal Reducer Field Flattener The Reducer/Corrector can also be used for terrestrial digiscoping. For example, an 8" SCT without a focal reducer has an illuminated field of 38mm at 50% fall-off. Celestron makes a series of focal reducers for the Edge HD line that are matched to the 8", 9.25", 11", and 14" apertures of these scopes. Obviously bright objects like Jupiter or The Moon show the reflections. The Buyer's Guide To Eyepieces at the top of the Eyepieces forum has a column for this spec. Many Ritchey-Chretien telescopes available today are made by GSO. ED glass is specially formulated and contains rare-earth compounds that greatly reduce a visual defect called chromatic aberration. As a Barlow's magnification increases with increasing distance from the Barlow, a focal reducer's reduction increases with increasing distance from the reducer.