NEW Skywatcher Focal Reducers

[FLO]

Skywatcher have introduced three new 0.85x focal reducers optimized for use with their Evostar ED PRO series of APO refractors.

Effectively reduces the telescopes focal ratio and improves field-edge correction.

When used with the following telescopes:

Skywatcher Evostar 80 ED PRO f7.5 f6.37

Skywatcher Evostar 100 ED PRO f9 f7.65

Skywatcher Evostar 120 ED PRO f7.5 f6.37

We shall make all three available for an SGL review

For details and up-to-date prices of these and other focal reducers please see our website.

[blinky]

So...... will these work OK with the non pro models, thinking specifically of an ED80??

[TheThing]

What about other scopes - e.g. Celstron?

(Probably haven't had much time to look at them as you got sent to bed early!)

[FLO]

Yes, where Synta/SKywatcher have made the designs available to others, like Orion (US) and of course Celestron, then these new focal reducers will be equally as effective. The same too for earlier blue and bronze coloured versions of the same telescopes. The one notable exception is the Equinox 80 which has a different optic.

HTH

[A McEwan]

Would these be considered a visual accessory as well as for photography?

[Dave]

Is there a focal reducer you can use with the Equinox 80?

[FLO]

Would these be considered a visual accessory as well as for photography?

No, sorry.

[FLO]

Is there a focal reducer you can use with the Equinox 80?

Not officially but I hear Televue offer one that works well, others might be able to suggest alternatives.

[harry page]

Hi

Ts do a flattner which works very well but is not e reducer!

To see how good it is look here http://www.harrysastroshed.com/tsflat.html

Harry

[FLO]

If you don't mind a flattener-only then for the Equinox 80 consider the Skywatcher flattener or William Optics Flattener 4

HTH

[NickH]

ED80 you say...:-)

Nice!

BTW...that Hotech collimated the Intes 14" so well, I think we'll be buying it :-)

[FLO]

ED80 you say...:-)

Nice!

Yup, I reckon we'll be selling a few of those

It is good to see them releasing three optimised reducers rather than a single generic type.

BTW...that Hotech collimated the Intes 14" so well, I think we'll be buying it :-)

We thought you'd like it

[jgs001]

Very interesting.... mr bond Steve

[harry page]

Hi

Rumor has it that these reducers are not suitable for the equinox as they are threaded both ends , ie to fit straight onto the ed focuser

Is this right ?

Harry

[FLO]

Our first delivery arrives tomorrow morning, I'll check them over and post some pix

[Marmite]

Keep us posted ASAP!

[FLO]

[FLO]

I have updated the picture in our first post (top of page) to show the front and rear threads.

They are nice and hefty wth a cold metal/glass feel and the multicoating is very well applied.

HTH

[jgs001]

Steve, what's the thread size on the front ? I assume the rear (camera side) is T thread.

[FLO]

I'll check this evening (Fedex collection due soon!).

[harry page]

Hi

Correct me if I am wrong but I think it has a 48mm male one end and a 60mm female thread the other

I Wonder why they do things like that and restrict the market

Harry

[FLO]

Yes, the reducer fits directly to the telescope's focuser drawtube and is locked in place with locking ring. The rear of the reducer is a regular T-thread. Synta/Skywatcher also offer their own Nikon and Canon-fit T-Rings.

HTH

[jgs001]

I'm not sure it'll fit on the C80ED... also, given I have to put a 50mm tube in between the drawtube and the camera... if this attaches directly to the drawtube, is the scope going to focus ?

[FLO]

They have only just arrived so I haven't set one up but they are supplied with step-by-step fitting instructions, complete with photographs, that shows it fitted directly to the drawtube without a focus extender. We'll set one up tomorrow.

[FLO]

I'm not sure it'll fit on the C80ED...

You might be right, we have a C80ED here waiting for collection so I'll check tomorrow and let you know.