flattener, reducer

[Andymac79]

OK just some quick advice if I may,

I have a zenithstar 80FD, focal length 555 , f6.9

Intending to do DS imaging, guided with DSLR

Will I be best off from the start with a reducer?

Also is there (dare I say it) a cheaper option to the WO IV

I hear bad things about the III.

Thanks in advance, Andy

[Andymac79]

Something under £100 would be very nice, wishful thinking??

Andy

[perfrej]

You will need a flattener and most of them reduce focal length as well. I use the WO FF IV and even though it is very good, it is a tough beast to handle. Some telescopes in combination with IV are extremely sensitive to the chip to lens distance. The IV has an adjustment thing within itself to set this distance and is graded to be correct when using a standard Canon T-adapter.

With the WO FLT-98, there is a recommended setting specified by WO and this works fine. Right now I'm working to find the sweet spot with another camera (SBIG ST8300) that has a different chip position when compared to Canon DSLRs. A missby as much as half a millimeter produces poor flattening and oval stars, so it is obviously very sensitive!

It is, however, very good.

The later model IIIs are supposed to be good as well.

/per

[Capricorn]

Skywatcher do a flattener, it does not reduce the field.

From what I have read it is pretty good.

Good enough that getting hold of one is difficult, they sell out pretty quick.

Think they cost about £80-90, maybe less.

FLO sell them but I think their site says to ring them.

Could be worth asking if they have any, when they may be available and the cost.

They are still advertised on the TS site, so there is the possibility the TS have a supply.

SORRY: TS do not have any on their site. Thought I saw them a few days back.

Sherwood site says they have some £69:

Skywatcher Photo Adapters and Digital Imagers

Suggest a phone call first to make sure they have some in stock.

[Andymac79]

Skywatcher do a flattener, it does not reduce the field.

From what I have read it is pretty good.

Good enough that getting hold of one is difficult, they sell out pretty quick.

Think they cost about £80-90, maybe less.

FLO sell them but I think their site says to ring them.

Could be worth asking if they have any, when they may be available and the cost.

They are still advertised on the TS site, so there is the possibility the TS have a supply.

SORRY: TS do not have any on their site. Thought I saw them a few days back.

Sherwood site says they have some £69:

Skywatcher Photo Adapters and Digital Imagers

Suggest a phone call first to make sure they have some in stock.

I have been looking at that although they state f5.5 to f6, im on f6.9. Also I would like to reduce also.

That WO seems a complex beast to get right...?

Andy

[Capricorn]

Worked on the request of less then £100 if possible.

I (may) need one for a scope and was looking at the SW one. As I don't really need a reducer it looked good and I think the scope I have falls into the range.

Check out the TS site as they do a reasonable number and maybe one will suit.

Also post a general question does anyone has your scope and if they use a flattener/reducer that is good.

[Andymac79]

OK, thanks for that

Andy

[Andymac79]

Perfrej, Think I may follow your advice, Ian king sells the III, I assume it to be the new version for £150 ish

Andy

[perfrej]

Ian King seems to constantly offer good advice! I buy from him even though I live in Sweden. If he says it is good, it most likely is.

/p

[m.tweedy]

what about denebs in the for sale section

[Andymac79]

I dont have access to the for sale section, but if hes reading then by all means pm me......................................