ED80 Focuser suggestions ??

[Skipper Billy]

I want to upgrade the focuser on my ED80 and when I started looking into it the Baader Steeltrack seemed to be the best value for money - so I go to place my order and its a discontinued item !!

Any suggestions ???  The Moonlite is quite a bit more expensive and is a bit 'blingy' for my tastes.

Any alternatives ?? It will have an Atik 314l+ and a USB filter wheel and a FF/FR hanging off the end.

[Earl]

Its a bit of a long debate when it come to focusers and this scope, Personally id get a Feathertouch 2 inch crayford with 2.5" drawtube, however this is not far off the price of the scope, I did it in the past.

If you get a cosmetic second direct from there website its worth considering. you will also need the adapter for the OTA.

The steeltrack was regarded as good, id look out for a used one on ABS they are not uncommon.

[nicoscy]

Baader still probably makes the steeltrack but as an OEM and it is branded under many other names.

Check this one on Teleskop Express:

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p7003_TS-2--ACU-kurzbauender-Crayford-Auszug-fuer-Refraktor-Teleskope-mit-Edelstahl-Lauff.html

I have it on my Skywatcher 120mm f5 and also the Newtonian version of it on my Dob. Couldn't be happier!

[sloz1664]

I upgraded my ED80 with a TS R&P focuser. Absolutely superb. You could hang a tank off it.

TS R&P technical specifications:

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p5769_TS-2-5--Rack-and-Pinion-Focuser---holds-Acc--up-to-6kg---travel-80mm.html

Steve

[JamesF]

Baader have allegedly been going to replace the Steeltrack for some time.  "Early 2014" was what they were saying about this time last year, as I recall.  It's turning into a repeat of the "BGO replacement" story that they had a couple of years back.  I particularly like the design that includes a motor drive gear on the slow speed knob.

That first TS one looks near-identical.

James

[Sleepy Kiki]

I upgraded mine to a moonlite, the black model isn't as blingy and matches nicely with everything else. Also comes with 2 finder shoes attached.

[nicoscy]

Astroshop.eu has the red moonlite at a very reasonable price if their promotion is still running. About €260...

[Skipper Billy]

Thanks everyone - most helpful.

[nicoscy]

I upgraded my ED80 with a TS R&P focuser. Absolutely superb. You could hang a tank off it.

TS R&P technical specifications:

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p5769_TS-2-5--Rack-and-Pinion-Focuser---holds-Acc--up-to-6kg---travel-80mm.html

Steve

Had this on a previous scope marketed by Stellarvue. It is a very sold focuser and very smooth. Between this and the other TS focuser I would prefer this one for imaging and the other one for visual only.