Star diagonal and Skywatcher Quattro 10" - will it focus?

[MikeODay]

Hi

Please forgive the newbie question, but ...

I have balanced my new Skywatcher 10" for imaging - guide scope on top, 30mm DSLR/Coma Corrector attached to the focuser underneath.

During an evening of viewing I would also like to sometimes remove the camera and insert an eypiece for direct viewing - the problem is that I need to be about 3 feet tall and have a hinge in my neck to look into the eyepiece. (Note that I cannot rotate the tube because the guide scope would throw the sytem out of balance - not to mention that it would be a pain to have to re-balance multiple times during a session).

The simple solution would be to buy a star diagonal but I have read that some scopes do not have enough focus travel to work with a diagonal.

Does anyone know if the Skywatcher Quattro 10" will focus when using a diagonal?

Cheers
Mike

[Cornelius Varley]

I don't know, but probably not. Reflectors are not designed for use with a diagonal, you would need a lot of inward focus to allow for the extra length of the diagonal for that.

[MikeODay]

Thank you Peter - it is what I have heard but still hoping that the Skywatcher's focuser has enough travel.

Nice images of the moon in your gallery by the way. I've not tried the moon yet; do you need to use a special filter to reduce the brightness or increase contrast in the shadows?

cheers

Mike

[MikeODay]

Just noticed your login name, sorry if I called you Peter by mistake.

[rwilkey]

Hi Mike, some people prefer to use a Moon filter for visual (I do), an ND96 0.9 (ND = Neutral density) is the best one in my opinion, giving 13% transmission.  Don't know about the astrophotgraphy side though.

[Lonestar70]

Hi Mike,

The quatro scopes are optimised for astrophotography so the focal point is arranged to be further out of the focuser... in the same way as the PDS scopes.

Most pictures I have seen of these appear to have an extension added for use with Eyepieces... therefore, it is just possible that a star diagonal fitted directly into the focuser, rather than the extension, would work.

As Peter has stated though... most Newtonian scopes cannot use a star diagonal...so  you may still have problems with inward focuser travel... can you borrow a diagonal to try it... you may just be lucky.

Hope you find a solution... other than digging a hole to stand in that is    

Best regards.

Sandy.

[Jim Smith]

Baader T2 diagonals have a relatively small optical path length if you can do without maximum field of view...or perhaps a 1.25 diagonal?

[Peter Drew]

A 1.25" fit mirror diagonal has the least light path length, if you have a Barlow with a lens that can be unscrewed then fitting just this to the eyepiece might give you just a bit more focus room without increasing the native magnification too much. 

[Singlin]

I have the same scope and also a Diagonal for my other scope.

As soon as the clouds clear I can finish setting up my Mesu mount and then I will let you know.

[Owmuchonomy]

Thank you Peter - it is what I have heard but still hoping that the Skywatcher's focuser has enough travel.

Nice images of the moon in your gallery by the way. I've not tried the moon yet; do you need to use a special filter to reduce the brightness or increase contrast in the shadows?

cheers

Mike

Hi Mike, I haven't used a filter for my Moon imaging. Example below. Some more experienced folk may chip in and comment though on contrast benefits of doing so.

[Cornelius Varley]

Thank you Peter - it is what I have heard but still hoping that the Skywatcher's focuser has enough travel.

Nice images of the moon in your gallery by the way. I've not tried the moon yet; do you need to use a special filter to reduce the brightness or increase contrast in the shadows?

cheers

Mike

No filters, just careful stacking and tweaking in Photoshop.

Just noticed your login name, sorry if I called you Peter by mistake.

Peter is my name, Cornelius is my great, great, great, great, great uncle. Follow the wiki link for more info on the Varley family.

[MikeODay]

Thank you all for your replies - they are much appreciated.

It sounds like a 1.25" might be an option.

Thanks "StarForming" let me know if If you get a chance to test it .

Cheers

Mike