Optec vs. Moonlight

[E_ri_k]

Hey guys, just after a quick opinion on the performance/quality difference between the moonlight focusers and the Optec focusers, if anyone here is using either of them. Both are very good I think. I can get an Optec 2" TCF-S for about $800 and a 2.5" Moonlight for the same. Both motorised and compensate for temperature changes. It will be going on a GSO RC10.

Thanks.

Erik.

[Brian Nordstrom]

Hi ya Erik , I would not know , but have you looked at Feather Touch focusers ? I have one on by 127 triplet and it just awsome .

Brian.

[swag72]

I have a Moonlite focuser on my refractor, but haven't tried an Optec. My thoughts on the Moonlite are that it is a well engineered piece of kit, works well and holds a load without any problems. I love it.

.....But ....... Having a scope with a quality R&P as standard, this is better to use than the Moonlight, so as above, I would recommend that you at least look at a Feathertouch. You really can not go wrong with them.

[Brian Nordstrom]

Thanks Sara , my Feather touch FT3035 R&P focuser is the best I have ever used , Beautiful piece if engineering .

Brian.

[syd_malicious]

You're going to struggle to find someone who has both at those prices.

I have an Optec 2" TCF and have been very happy with it. I've never used the temperature feature but it has been rock solid, excellent reproducability in Focusmax and I've had very good support from Optec. Plus they have a good range of adapters to attach to various equipment.

One advanage for me with the TCF is that CCDSoft has native support which cuts out the added layer of trouble that ASCOM can cause.

I'd highly recommend.

[xthestreams]

Old thread but you never know when someone needs advice. I own both, the Optec is a better unit in my opinion despite looking like it was designed in the 70s. It’s one great feature is that it auto homes to the same position after each restart whereas the MoonLite can get confused about where it’s at unless you build a “reset” into your startup routine, which I’ve done with a Perl script. 
the Optec does true temperature compensation in its controller without a computer and finally does not a-pest to,have light leaks around the draw tube the way the MoonLite does. 

i love Ron and his products, but the Optec guys nailed it, pity it looks like a cheap toy.