Upgrading 60mm refractor focuser, will this allow more light?

[Rogering1]

Hi guys,

I have a Amasco 60mm Refractor (FL700) and want to know if upgrading the focuser from .965 to 1.25 will improve it's light gathering capabilities, Love to put a 2" but don't think it would fit

any suggestions on the type of focuser, this one is a classic drawtube type.

[nightfisher]

I believe it can be done with a crawmach focuser from the USA, but the cost would be high, you would be better getting a new refractor

[NGC 1502]

Upgrading the focuser won't improve the light gathering ability. A new focuser may be nicer to use however, and would allow use of easy to get 1.25" eyepieces instead of hard to find 0.965" EPs.

A simple option would be this adaptor, this would enable use of 1.25" eyepieces. Only snag could be that you may get vignetting (darkening of edge of field) at lowest powers.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quality-Aluminium-Telescope-Eyepiece-Adapter/dp/B005EBAPI2

Regards, Ed.

[ronin]

It will not improve the light gathering, that is determined by the objective.

A new focuser will allow you to use a bigger range of eyepieces simply as there are not many 0.965" eyepieces.

[moriniboy]

I have ordered a 0.965 x 1.25" mirror diagonal from the US, will let you know how l get on

[moriniboy]

Ok so the diagonal has just arrived from the US (Agena Astro) with no dreaded £8 Royal Mail levy

Initial impressions are that it is just a standard 1.25" diagonal with a 0.965" sleve inserted where the 1.25" would normally go (not really a surprise though)

The 0.965" sleve is blackened but could probably do with some flocking, the internal end is still chrome however and will need painting.

The diagonal body however is a different matter, it looks like no attempt has been made to reduce light scatter as there is shiny plastic visible everywhere. Once again some flocking should sort out.

No first light yet, will report shortly

[John]

Ok so the diagonal has just arrived from the US (Agena Astro) with no dreaded £8 Royal Mail levy

Initial impressions are that it is just a standard 1.25" diagonal with a 0.965" sleve inserted where the 1.25" would normally go (not really a surprise though)

The 0.965" sleve is blackened but could probably do with some flocking, the internal end is still chrome however and will need painting.

The diagonal body however is a different matter, it looks like no attempt has been made to reduce light scatter as there is shiny plastic visible everywhere. Once again some flocking should sort out.

No first light yet, will report shortly

What scope will you be using it with ?

[moriniboy]

It will be used on my sons £8, Astro Astronomical 60mm x 700mm refractor (with circle T optics) so I'm hoping that there will be a noticable improvement.