Crayford focusers

[Rusty Strings]

Can anybody offer advice as to which crayford would be most suitable for my Skywatcher 200, I'm tempted by the moonlite CR 1 or 2, (is the dual speed really necessary or am I just suffering from Rack & pinion fatigue). Alternatively if the single speed moonlite is more than adequate, how about the skywatcher replacement?

John

[daz]

John

Can recommend the CR1 on the 200. Easy to fit and is butter smooth.

[Rusty Strings]

Thanks Daz

Does that buttery smoothness make it easier than the R+P to get images into focus

John

[johninderby]

Hi

Also consider the Baader Steeltrack focuser, it's their "copy" of a Feathertouch and it's nearly as good build quality wise. I just bought one for a new scope and it's actually smoother than my Feathertouch and initial tests show it's got about the same weight handling capacity. Nearly the same price as the Moonlite but looks to be a bit more durable.

One big advantage of a dual speed focuser on a Dob is that when using the slow speed knob it takes such a light touch that there's virtualy no vibration of the scope while focusing.

John

[Rusty Strings]

Thanks John that looks very nice, would my skywatcher 200 ota require a mod to fit it?

By the way where in Derby are you? I'm in Belper.

John

[johninderby]

Hi

I'm in Oakwood, north side of Derby.

I just checked to see if it would fit the Skywatcher and now realise that the Skywatcher has that oversize hole in the OTA for the focuser so while the Baader could be fitted after drilling 4 new mounting holes you would need to make up a cover plate to fit in between the focuser and the OTA to cover up where the hole shows slightly at the sides. The Skywatcher focuser has a square mounting base and the Baader has a rectangular one.

John

(click to enlarge)

[Rusty Strings]

I'll admit I'm reluctant to get into drilling holes if I can avoid it, so it's a question of ease of fitting against performance. That Baader looks mighty fine though.

How's the Oakwood sky on a good night?

John

[johninderby]

Hi

Skies aren't that bad although views are obscured to the south.

I've just noticed that Telescope Service does a base to fit the Baader onto GSO dobs http://www.telescope-service.com/ATM/focusers.html#BASTN2 and they say they can fit some others so you might try contacting them to see if they can fit the Skywatcher.

John

[Black Shuck]

John,

I've also got a single speed CR1 Moonlite fitted to a Celestron Newt 8) - bit expensive but well engineered and I can recommend. No modification or drilling required. If you order from Steve at First Light Optics he will advise so that you get the correct spacer(s) for your needs.

I think Antares also do a dual speed Crayford for Newts which is well regarded: -

http://www.scopesnskies.com/prod/antares/telescope-focuser/newtonian/crayford.hml

http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/detail.php?id=2097

More expensive at Rother Valley but you may want to search SGL or other astro forums regards feedback on Scopes and Skies before you commit . RVO may discount or try to price match if you ask???

HTH

Bill£

[FLO]

Have just finished re-listing the Moonlite focusers. (apologies for the low quality pix, will replace them with better ones soon).

The installation kits ensures a perfect fit using the existing screw holes. Oh, and you can also claim 10% SGL discount

[beamer3.6m]

This is probably too basic for you but if you just want a cheap upgrade to the R+P focuser how about the Skywatcher Crayford which is now supplied with the 200 scope.

I like mine and whilst it may not be a moonlight it is also only £59.00 and guaranteed to fit.

Has a SLR adapter too.

[Rusty Strings]

Yes that ones in the frame too at the moment. Would it be right to assume that dual speed suits imaging more than visual astronomy?

John

[Rusty Strings]

Well deliberation over, just ordered a Moonlite CR2 in black from FLO. Thanks to all for opinions/advice.

John

[Black Shuck]

Good choice - IMHO!!

Bill