Diagonals on or off?

[Riemann]

I have always left my diagonal and an eyepiece on my SCT when I store it after use.    It just seems like a convenient way of keeping the tube sealed and avoids just one more thing to take apart and put back together each time.

However, it seems some people at least always remove the diagonal after use (and presumably put a stopper in the socket) and I am wondering if I really ought to be doing this and if so why.

Any views?

 

[LukeSkywatcher]

Ive always left the diagonal on the scope and put a lid on it. Never done any harm to scope or diagonal. I wouldnt leave an EP in it though.  I'm sure no harm would come to the EP but i just prefer to keep mine in my case.

[Mak the Night]

I have more than one diagonal and more than one telescope that can utilise diagonals. I strip everything down after a session a stow it separately as safely as possible.

[andrew63]

A diagonal with a 26mm eyepiece is always left on the scope - ready for action at a moments notice !

 

 

andrew

[John]

I leave the diagonals in my refractors. The eyepieces go back in the eyepiece cases.

 

[brantuk]

It doesn't really matter so long as the scope is stored safe. If I take a diagonal off I make sure the visual back is plugged with a stopper and the diag goes in a padded case with it's end caps on. Or I leave the diagonal in the scope duly capped. I might open everything up after a moist session to let it all dry out before capping and storing.

[Frank the Troll]

3 fracs all with their own diagional and left in, less cluter in the lens draw

[Bino Pete]

I think it depends on where you store the scope as well. I store mine in a garden shed where dew could form in the scope. So I take the diagonal off and put this in its place.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/flo-125-2-inch-desiccant-cap.html

[Riemann]

Thanks for all the replies.   I see it can make sense to take them off if you have more than one scope or for storage in a damp place.    But from the replies it seems I am safe carrying on as I am, leaving the diagonal on, storing it inside and like Brantuk letting things have a few minutes drying time in the warmth after use.

This is a small relief as I am building a carry case for my tube and have designed in room for the focal reducer and diagonal - I am determined to have a go in darker skies even though my kit is not the most portable.

I will probably buy a 2 inch diagonal and at least one 2 inch eyepiece later this year and will give some thought about storage if I end up wanting to use both diagonals for any reason.