I have a made in Japan 6.3 R/C and a made in China 6.3 R/C. Thks for that and its not for visual it for astrophotography. I doubt there is any difference between the Antares and the Celestron except price. I am new to these optic topics, and I want to ask you what happens with Masutov like SW or Celestron 4 or 7 inches. Yellow and orange members of open clusters stood out a bit more as the various stars displayed their individuality. No rainchecks will be issued for items out of stock at OPTcorp.com to match a competitor's price. These reducers can also be used for visual observing with SCT scopes with eyepieces with a field stop as large as 24-27mm. Again, to my surprise, there was absolutely no difference between the Celestron and Antares on any star. Optically, it consists of a four-element lens that is fully multi-coated for high contrast and resolution. It might work but it does not tell us anything about how well or to what extent the product works to correct the field of an SCT. So, this past week I challenged the Antares and Celestron models to a head-to-hear on my C8 on some decent nights of good seeing and transparency in my Bortle 5-6 urban skies. Manish holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. It must be in stock at the time of Price Match for us to make a guarantee. However, manufacturers virtually never provide this specification. In terms of reduction and correction which are what reducer/correctors are supposed to do both are superb. For this shoot-out, I used a standard Celestron C8 with Starbright coatings. The click-lock with a 2 dielectric diagonal with a somewhat shorter light path, using both a 2 ES 28mm/68 and the same low-profile adapter with a 1.25 ES 24mm/68. In every configuration, there were essentially parfocal, requiring only a tiny fine focus adjustment when changing correctors. Can these economical focal reducers from GSO and other vendors result in good images? The Celestron f/6.3 is ~150 compared to the Antares at ~70. I even lost track of which reducer I was using. Antares or Celestron? On the trail, at the job site, in the classroom, or simply sitting at home relaxing the Celestron Elements ThermoTank 3 will keep your hands toasty. Article Agena AstroProducts, 2019. Because of their distinct optical design, slower Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (SCT) with focal ratios of f/10 require a different design of focal reducer compared to refractors. If used before or beyond the working distance, unwanted image distortion may result, especially when using cameras with larger sensors. Manish Panjwani has been an active amateur astronomer since before Halley's Comet last flew by our neighborhood. Well done. Ive owned Celestron, Meade, and Antares models over the years at least a couple of each. The f/6.3 reducer is operating at f/5-f/5.5 with a 2" diagonal, depending on the back focus length of the diagonal. To calculate how much back focus spacing you need to add, take the thickness of the filter and divide it by 3. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality. I think there may be some confusion here, because Antares makes a variety of reducers for eyepieces and scopes in addition to this SCT R/C but this definitely is a reducer/corrector. I happily cycle through LRGB filters to build the image rather than do a whole run of one filter at a time. Or, when the distance of the focal reducer to the focal plane of the objective d1 equals the focal length of the focal reducer FR, the reduction factor MR = 0.5x. Great for home, classroom, or home-school use, this kit includes all the essential items youll need to begin exploring the wonders of the microscopic world. An f/6.3 reducer is designed to reduce the focal ratio of an f/10 SCT to f/6.3. Imagine having two telescopes in one a long focal length instrument for lunar and planetary work and a short focal length scope for deep sky observing and astrophotography. When you said, "in some cases" a focal reducer also works as a flattener/corrector, are you saying that not all focal reducers are flatteners/corrector? He tested this on an 8 Celestron , I have a Celestron 6SE. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. You can probably eke out 1.2 without noticing serious vignetting, which is a field stop of 31.5mm. Therefore, a 55mm back focus with a filter that is 3mm thick added to the imaging train would become 56mm. Details: The item must be the identical item, brand name, size, weight, color, quantity and model number. I'd favor the Japanese Celestron version over the others that are commercially available. Check out our 2022 telescope buying guide here! As a real-world example plot showing the above relationships, let's look at the 1.25" GSO focal reducer that provides a design reduction factor of 0.5x. Reducer Lens .7x - EdgeHD 925 Thanks for any advice or experience you could share. This should not be the case if they have their purportedly different focal lengths. For me, I was looking for, and planning to keep, the one that yielded the greatest reduction. At least these two units I tested make the answer - whatever. - thanks. I wonder whether, for example, Antares focal reducer for SCT belongs to the latter category. Try & buy if you like - usual mates rates. Just one question. Fumbling around in the dark, fine threads might be a problem. We process your personal data as stated in our. What an enjoyable read and detailed comparison. InternetSales@optcorp.com. Contiguous US Customers:All items we sell ship for free within the Contiguous US. It seems right to put some distance between the camera and the focal reducer, right? Much to my surprise, swapping back and forth between the two correctors using all three diagonal configurations, I also could detect absolutely no change in reduction between the two reducers. Focal Reducer, 2", 0.7X - Antares The faster f/ratio allows you to use slower film or shoot in lower light level situations and still properly expose your subject. Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. How about for visual observers? Normal shipments will resume on Monday, March 6, 2023. nleash the full pointing accuracy of your Celestron computerized telescope with a specialized telescope control software suite. Focal reducers for refractors with focal ratio of f/7 to f/9, roughly, have a design reduction factor of about 0.75x to 0.8x and produce a flat field by correcting for the curvature of the objective lens. It was used strictly for imaging, not visual observing. My application is mostly visual now, but I'm looking to do more astrophotography over time. Specially-designed focal reducers are available for use with these telescopes. Celestrons aplanatic EdgeHD optics revolutionized astroimaging. Reducer Lens .7x - EdgeHD 1400 Practical Considerations of Focal Reducers, 4.2 Back Focus Requirements of Focal Reducers, GSO makes focal reducers for their line of Ritchey-Chretien, Celestron makes a series of focal reducers for the Edge HD line, 0.75x focal reducers for these telescopes, focal reducer for an 8-inch Celestron EdgeHD, A Primer on T-Rings and T-Adapters for Astronomy and Astrophotography, Choosing the Best Telescope for Beginners 2023, Top Night Sky & Astronomy Events in August 2022, Top Night Sky & Astronomy Events in July 2022, Selecting a Baader Planetarium Star Diagonal, A Guide to Choosing Astronomy Eyepieces for Binoviewers, Choosing a Magnifying Finder Scope for Your Telescope, A focal reducer will provide its design reduction factor only when it is placed at the exact working distance from the focal plane of the eyepiece or camera, Reducing the operating distance, that is, moving a focal reducer closer to the eyepiece or camera increases its reduction factor, or conversely reduces the amount of focal reduction. Since the focal plane of an eyepiece is rarely precisely known(except for some brands such as Baader Planetarium and Tele Vue), and because the nosepiece of an eyepiece is of a fixed length, the actual reduction factor will be close to, but not exactly at, its designed reduction factor. And when used in some refractors, the field flattening is not as accurate as it is in the f/10 SCTs. The distances d1 andd2 can also be expressed in terms of the focal length of the focal reducer FR with the lens equation: Using Equation 2, Equation 1 can also be expressed in terms of d2: The focal reduction factor of the focal reducer depends on its focal length and its distance from the focal plane of the objective as shown by Equation 4: Again, for example, when the focal reducer is placed at the original focal plane of the objective, d1=0 and MR=1, which means there is no focal reduction. I found both to be very good. Whereas the Celestron threaded smoothly onto the scope, the Antares chattered and squeaked a bit more so when being removed. Sign up to get exclusive deals, observing tips, and new product announcements. Like many of us with SCTs, I have bought and sold a number of f/6.3 reducer/correctors over the years, and I have always been curious how they really stack up to each other. Hi - most interesting - may I ask .. the brighter guys - "if a camera sensor is too small for a n adaper, will a focal reduer allow me to get greater use from the camera? They provide 0.75x focal reducers for these telescopes that takes an f/8 instrument down to f/6. Benefits limited to hardware and conditions? However, these will not impact optical performance. I've seen some older threads saying that the Celestron, Meade and Antares FRs are all the same and manufactured in the same factory. Edited by Tony Bonanno, 16 April 2021 - 06:44 PM. . Depending on the design of the telescope, they may require separate focal reducers if they require focal reducers at all. As another example,GSO makes focal reducers for their line of Ritchey-Chretien imaging telescopes. Steve Focal Reducers | Celestron However, this also came at a cost, as the sky background in the Antares was slightly brighter. For this test, I used a single configuration R/C, Click-lock, and 1.25 diagonal with the adapter. Some are available in 1.25" barrel format but with C threads. Field stop diameters are one of the specified specs of eyepieces. However, doesn't fit in the telescope and even if it did wouldn't work. Clearly cost is a big factor for satisfied users. The design reduction factor of a focal reducer is the relative amount by which the effective focal length of the telescope is reduced when the focal reducer is used at its specified working distance or back focus. Increasing the operating distance, that is, moving a focal reducer away from the eyepiece or camera reduces its reduction factor, or conversely increases the amount of reduction. The two samples I have PERFORM IDENTICALLY. This telescope control software replaces the hand control and allows the user to remotely control their Celestron computerized telescope from their personal PC or laptop. Given past experience with them, I decided not to include the Meade version in my little experiment, as I have never met one I liked from getting one of the too-short focal length models, to one with some overflow cement in the doublet, to focus difficulties with some eyepieces. Most amateur astronomers are familiar with a Barlow lens (or a focal extender), a negative or diverging lens that effectively increases the focal length and the focal ratio of a telescope's objective lens. Right off the bat, I was struck by how similar the two R/Cs were. For both imaging and visual observing, these reducers also improve image sharpness at the edge of the field by correcting for coma and field curvature. Focal reducers for refractors are easy to use. Perfect for the serious student, professional scientist and discriminating hobbyist. External Focusers for Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes 3.1 The Basics of SCT Threads From the SkyProdigy, a telescope so smart it can align itself, to our high-performance EdgeHD optical system, weve revolutionized the hobby of astronomy for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. The most popular accessories for your new telescope! I use the Celestron version and it seems OK for both visual and imaging. looks virtually identical, except for the lettering. Images in the Celestron tended to appear ever-so-slightly dimmer (maybe? But the smaller image circle means there is a limit to the field stop of an eyepiece that can achieve an unvignetted image. All rights reserved. Get ready for a night of astroimaging with your mount faster than previously thought possible with All-Star Polar Alignment. Most focal reducers are designed to operate optimally at the working distance in the optical path to achieve their specified reduction factor, which is usually between 0.5x and 0.8x. But the diameter of the image circle decreases by a factor of 0.63 to about 24mm. I have the Antares and have no complaints. As one increases, the other decreases. This fully multi-coated lens provides maximum light transmission with near full-field illumination. I have had the Japan unit on the back of my C5 since 1994 or thereabouts. This "speeds up" the optical train by reducing the focal length and magnification of the scope, requiring less time to integrate the same signal. It's easy! The price for an item/offer must be listed and valid at the time of match. I only have the Celestron f/6.3. And, the reality is that every F/6.3 RC out there Celestron, Hirsch, Astromania, etc., etc. With spring galaxy season here, I decided to pick up a couple more to compare in a head-to-head shoot out. Explore Scientific Keys to the Universe Sale. Images made with my ZWO 533 camera testing both show them to be essentially the same. However I've also read that the back focal distance on the Celestron is 105mm while the Antares is 81mm so they couldn't be identical. I own both and concur heartily. Focal Reducer for SCT - ACF - Stargazers Lounge Celestron or Antares? If a stronger level of focal reduction is used, say 0.5x, then the image circle may be too small to fill the sensor of larger cameras. By F6.3 Focal reducer for F/10 or higher telescopes, 43mm aperture, 4-Element, Fully Multicoated. . This is one of our best-selling items, and customers have reported that this product is at least as good as, and probably better than, other leading f/6.3 focal reducers sold on the market for a lot more. Sign up for OPT news, exclusive offers, and updates on the latest gear! That said any comparison reviews are helpful. Very helpful, thanks a lot for this article! In many cases, the answer is yes, especially for electronically-assisted astronomy (EAA). Focal reducers for many SCTs and their flat-field equivalents usually have a back-focus distance of 105mm. Explore Scientific Keys to the Universe Sale, Antares f/6.3 Focal Reducer for Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes, Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. Learn more about extra solar planets imagery, 3D Star rendering, observation planning, telescope control, multiple-panel printing, and much more. These scopes are compatibles with focal reducers. To test this, I used three set-ups: 1. During check-out, you will be presented with several shipping choices and costs. Celestrons FREE planetarium app is an astronomy suite that redefines how you experience the night sky. Never noticed any anomalies with this unit. No negative issues to report. More important, its clear that the Antares is a reducer/corrector, just like the Celestron and not merely a reducer. These 0.63x focal reducers were originally designed to optimize for an image circle to match 36mm x 24mm film or its digital equivalent for astrophotography. Assuming you use the reducer with the stock 1.25" diagonal, it will operate at f/6.3. Completely stuck, completely frustrated. which looks like the same one. I wont bother with differences in packaging, caps, etc. Such an image circle is still large enough to encompass the relatively large sensor of many deep-sky astronomy cameras. I was originally hoping to do this with a made in Japan Celestron, but ended up with a newer China version but thats probably better in the end since it is the version now available, with the Japan ones rarer and only available used. . But I am rusty, can you condense a bit for me please? Powered by Invision Community. Please Log in to save it permanently. and you will be fine. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. GSO, for example, has a 0.75x reducer for RC scopes with a back focus of 80mm, which is usually enough room for a wide range of astronomy cameras and accessories and spacers as needed. With this telescope and this focal reducer, it does not help to move to a 2" eyepiece and a 2" diagonal as the visual view will be akin to looking through a porthole within the larger apparent field of view of the eyepiece. Not a bit. No retailers currently carry this product. Have always disliked the crude, noisy SCT threads, but I get it. Here, there was a subtle difference . The Celestron is both a corrector and focal reducer and the Antares is just a focal reducer. The key points are as follows: So just remember that a smaller distance (from the camera or eyepiece) means a lower amount of reduction (and vice versa). Antares Click Lock Visual Back - posted in Cats & Casses: Here is the situation:I bought a Celestron CPC 1100 for visual use.Want to put on the scope simulteanously a6.3 focal reducer, filter wheel, and aneyepiece turret. I am a purely visual observer, so will evaluate for visual use only. As a Barlow's magnification increases with increasing distance from the Barlow, a focal reducer's reduction increases with increasing distance from the reducer. This also resulted in the clear aperture of the Antares being about 39-39.5mm, versus the Celestrons 41mm. The amount of reduction is simply the percentage by which a reducer shortens the effective focal length of a telescope and is calculated as (1 Reduction Factor) x 100%. Will not focus with the stuff I have. If used before or beyond the working distance, unwanted image distortion may result. Increase that distance, and greater reduction results and visa versa. Antares f/6.3 Focal Reducer for Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes - Agena Astro I've seen some older threads saying that the Celestron, Meade and Antares FRs are all the same and manufactured in the same factory. I don't know. When placed in the focal plane in front of a camera or eyepiece, a focal reducer leads to a wider field of view and a brighter image of extended objects, which is important for reducing the exposure times when imaging faint extended objects like nebulae or galaxies. Optically, it consists of a four-element lens that is fully multi-coated for high contrast and resolution. A former wireless communications consulting engineer and management consultant to various Fortune 500 companies, Manish started Agena AstroProducts in 2003. Easy solution found a very tiny dab of super lube on the threads and all was well and quiet. Celestron Focus Motor for SCT, EdgeHD & 8" RASA, Celestron C6 0.63 reducer/flattener back focus. The Antares focal reducer comes in small box. Oceanside Photo & Telescope wants our customers to shop with confidence knowing that you will always get the best deal available. It is not a corrector or flattener. And when d1 = FR, that is, when the focal reducer is placed at a distance from the focal plane of the objective that's equal to the reducer's focal length, the focal length of the combined optical system is Fo, so it acts as a 0.5x reducer. Celestron Reducer Lens .7x - EdgeHD 925 The EdgeHD .7x Focal Reducer Lens makes your EdgeHD 925 one full F-Stop faster than f/10, reducing your exposure time by half to capture the same brightness of object 5-element lens design Maintains similar. Using these numbers in equation 4 in the Appendix, below, we can easily calculate that the focal length of this unit is approximately103mm (it will be 103mm plus the small amount by which the rear lens surface of the reducer is recessed beneath the reducer housing). I was going to measure the difference in grams, but my lovely wife caught me trying to use her precious, high-tech kitchen scale for the cause, and put the kibosh on it. Stars had a tiny bit more sparkle and pop. Because most modern Newtonians already have relatively fast focal ratios, these telescopes do not usually use focal reducers. No small animals were harmed in making these observations. During a twenty-year scientific career, he developed laser systems to detect molecules found in interstellar space and planetary atmospheres, and leveraged his expertise to create laser technology for optical communications networks.
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