William Optics FLT98 with Feathertouch & Reducer IV

[FLO]

We are now offering the highly regarded William Optics FLT98 Triplet as a package with 3-inch Feathertouch focuser and the William Optics 0.8x Reducer-Flattener IV.

This combination compares favourably with the very best yet is available at a surprisingly low price!

(Photos courtesy of Johninderby)

[steppenwolf]

..... and what a stunning combination they make too!

[MickD]

Ahh. Does that mean my one is on its way?

Mick

[FLO]

They should be leaving Taiwan today or tomorrow so there is a chance they will arrive before Christmas, if not then soon after. Hope that is okay

[MickD]

I was going to use the arrival of the new scope a reason to limit my Pub visits over Xmas – so if it’s late you could be responsible for a large bar bill & severe liver damage…..

Mick

[FLO]

We'll do our best

[Steve 1962]

If (just supposing ) I was in the market for one of these, what mono CCD / Filter Wheel Combination would people recommend??

[Whirlwind]

That all depends on how much you want to spend! With the reducer you can definately accommodate up to a Kodak 4022 sensor and likely a KAF8300 sensor (I can't say for sure on the last one as i have not tried one, but is advertised as being able to accommodate this sensor size). Though you have to be careful as some may need larger 2" filters. As for the make there's plenty to choose from, ATIK, Starlight Xpress, SBIG, QSI to name but a few. I have a QSI540wsg which i can recommend, it also includes a built in OAG and filter wheel and happily uses 1.25" filters. I've also used a Atik 16HR (I think the 314L now?) and truetek filter wheel and that worked well too but had more a limited field of view (however you probably wouldn't need the flattener for this chip).

Hope this helps

Ian

[Steve 1962]

Thanks Ian - that's very helpful - I like the look of the QSI with the built in FW and OAG

[Tim]

Ooooooh, now thats an attractive option! I have tried a WO combination like this visually on a neighbours pitch at Kelling and can say that the Feathertouch was quite simply astonishingly smooth, a pure joy in itself.

[PNJ]

hi all

i have this telescope combo and use a qsi 583. and it works wonderfull, focuser and reducer is great.

paul j

photos attached

[Anweniel]

Wow Paul what a lovely setup!

[Steve 1962]

I have this telescope combo

..Thanks PNJ - does it give a good flat field across the whole chip?

I don't suppose you have any images to share by any chance please?

Thanks

Steve

[ollypenrice]

This is certainly a combination that I'd look at hard and long if I didn't have the Tak FSQ. It would be good to know the size of image circle it can cover, too. Paul knows what he's talking about and may well have an answer.

The Feathertouch is great and is a mighty plus for this scope. I have yet to meet an FLT98 but it will happen and, no doubt, be a most pleasant encounter!

Olly

[Steve 1962]

It would be good to know the size of image circle it can cover, too

The William Optics website for the Reducer IV says this ......"35mm for full illuminated imaging circle."

What does that mean??

[PNJ]

hi all

i will try find some suitable images and post here and yes its a good flat field across the whole chip and you can adjust the flantner to ccd chip distance in real time.

Not used it much lately as i been using a 5 inch refractor.

paul j

[ollypenrice]

The William Optics website for the Reducer IV says this ......"35mm for full illuminated imaging circle."

What does that mean??

Normally that means that the diameter of the useful light cone is 35mm. Compare this with the diagonal measurement of your chip and if that diagonal measurement exceeds 35mm then you are out of the best of the light cone. 35mm is not bad but not exceptional. I think our Tak Baby Q is about 44mm from memory but the net is too painful tonight to verify that!!

Olly

[Steve 1962]

Thanks Olly

So it's fine with an APS-C chip (diagonal of 26.7mm) and a KAF 8300 (diagonal of 22.5!)

Great news - guess what Martin at FLO has just written my name on?

Steve