antares vs celestron focal reducer

We reserve the right to verify a competitor's advertised price and the availability of the item. It's important to match the back focus to within a millimeter or two to get an optimal image, especially with cameras with larger sensors. Enter it during checkout! I'm going with the Celestron. Anyway, when purchased my R/C the "original" Celestron unit was not readily available and was offered instead the one sold under the shop's own label (in my case Tecnosky, but I saw the same product offered under TS label). Looking forward to the day when I can do a shoot-out between a Japan and China Celestron, just for kicks. As mentioned in Section 2.3, the reduction factor for these focal reducers can be varied by adding spacers to move the reducer further from the camera sensor or eyepiece. I even lost track of which reducer I was using. It must be in stock at the time of Price Match for us to make a guarantee. 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. One of the most important factors in a telescope is its transmissionthe percentage of light that reaches the focal plane. No rainchecks will be issued for items out of stock at OPTcorp.com to match a competitor's price. And when used in some refractors, the field flattening is not as accurate as it is in the f/10 SCTs. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. Fumbling around in the dark, fine threads might be a problem. Some manufacturers will specify the working distance from the middle of the rear lens surface, and this number must then be converted into a practical working distance number by subtracting the amount by which the rear lens surface is recessed in its housing. Again, to my surprise, there was absolutely no difference between the Celestron and Antares on any star. The lens is housed in machined aluminum for are machined aluminum black anodized. Celestron's EdgeHD reducers feature a custom 5 element optical design engineered to maintain the flat-field performance of our award-winning EdgeHD optical system. It's highly unlikely that they could be so precisely identical unless they were. Even though they may have been slightly dimmer, galaxies were a bit easier to tease out of the urban light soup I deal with. It's an either/or proposition: reducer and 1.25", or 2", but not 2" and reducer. The reducer features fully coated optics in an anodized aluminum filter ring with an ergonomic rubber grip. This "speeds up" the optical train by reducing the focal length and magnification of the scope, requiring less time to integrate the same signal. For this shoot-out, I used a standard Celestron C8 with Starbright coatings. Sign up for OPT news, exclusive offers, and updates on the latest gear! 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. You attach the focal reducer to the rear port on a SCT and can keep it covered. For example, a 0.8x reducer placed at the working distance provides a reduction of (1 0.8) x 100 = 20%. Still not sure what is the right gear for you? ), ASI Air Plus - Connected items are 'greyed out', Cost of ordering used equipment U.S. - Can can more than double figure, Tuthill Isostatic Mount and Star Trap Power Module. Not one detectable iota of discernable difference. But the smaller image circle means there is a limit to the field stop of an eyepiece that can achieve an unvignetted image. 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. The Celestron f/6.3 is ~150 compared to the Antares at ~70. However, doesn't fit in the telescope and even if it did wouldn't work. Get ready for a night of astroimaging with your mount faster than previously thought possible with All-Star Polar Alignment. Celestron makes a series of focal reducers for the Edge HD line that are matched to the 8", 9.25", 11", and 14" apertures of these scopes. 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. Place the plastic covers on the lens when not in use to reduce the dust collection. You may need spacers or a T-adapter to ensure the correcting working distance. 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. Whereas the Celestron threaded smoothly onto the scope, the Antares chattered and squeaked a bit more so when being removed. Is there likely to be any differences in performance between using these on an 8 or something smaller like my 6SE? They usually have a 2" barrel that slides into the telescope focuser. 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. This appendix summarizes how this works based on simple equations from the book Telescope Optics by Rutten and van Venrooij. They are commonly available in 1.25" and 2" threaded cells that conveniently thread into the nosepiece of a compatible camera or the barrel of an eyepiece. Designed distancing using the reducer with a 1.25 visual back and 1.25 Televue mirror diagonal; SKU: CEL-94245. For example, with a 0.8x focal reducer, a telescope with a focal length of 800mm will operate at 800 x 0.8 = 640mm when the reducer is placed at the working distance specified by the manufacturer. You don't need to follow these equations to use a focal reducer, but they do show how the reduction factor changes with the placement of the reducer. 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? It was used strictly for imaging, not visual observing. Add a 0.63x reducer, and the brightness of extended objects increases by (1/0.63)2 = 2.5. 3. Even though the manufacturer did not specify the working distance or focal length of this reducer, it is easy to see from this plot that this item provides its stated reduction of 0.5x when it is placed at a working distance of 51.5mm between the base of the threads on the mount and the focal plane of the eyepiece or camera. Nada. More details are found in the Appendix of this article. Assuming you use the reducer with the stock 1.25" diagonal, it will operate at f/6.3. Because I have not heard any complaints about the made in China R/C. Fastar Technology allows imagers the option of drastically increasing the speed and sensitivity of their Celestron optical tube, allowing bright, detailed images with short exposures. I have the Japanese version and although I haven't used it in quite awhile, the views through it were superb with no internal reflections at all. Yellow and orange members of open clusters stood out a bit more as the various stars displayed their individuality. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. First, I wanted to compare the actual reduction provided by these competitors, as many threads here cite different ideal spacing from the reducer to eyepiece focal plane to achieve the correct f/6.3 result. I've heard and read all kinds of things about the Antares being only a reducer and not a corrector, etc. Meade does not make an equivalent line of focal reducers for the ACF scopes, although some models of Meade ACF are already at f/8, faster than the f/10 ratio of Celestron Edge HD scopes. 2023 Celestron, LLC. InternetSales@optcorp.com. The most popular accessories for your new telescope! When the camera sensor is placed at this distance, the reduction factor of these reducers is 0.75x. We have corrected # (iii) after equations 6 & 7. As I understand it, compared to the old Meade SCT's, the ACF is already "coma corrected", so the standard Meade, Celestron etc F6.3 focal reducers are not suitable and will only worsen the images. Wonder how they would stack up with a Japanese 6.3. I really don't see any difference in the current crop except the "Meade" is usually the cheapest. If the focal reducer is to be used for visual observation, the visual back is threaded onto the eyepiece side of the reducer, and then a star diagonal and eyepiece are installed as usual. The two samples I have PERFORM IDENTICALLY. 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. This is a. Focal reducers also move the effective focal plane of the objective inward, that is, towards the objective (see Figure 1). A former wireless communications consulting engineer and management consultant to various Fortune 500 companies, Manish started Agena AstroProducts in 2003. 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. In this case, an additional T-adapter (with an optical length of 50mm) is needed to get the spacing correct for a DSLR or other camera with a 55mm back focus. These reducers can also be used for visual observing with SCT scopes with eyepieces with a field stop as large as 24-27mm. Free shipping $189.95 Copyright 2003-2022 Agena AstroProducts. Reducer Lens .7x - EdgeHD 800 Learn More. In this configuration, the 29.5mm camera nosepiece and a 6mm extension ring positions the reducer at a working distance of 53.5mm from the camera sensor, which is located 12.5mm inside the front edge of the camera. During check-out, you will be presented with several shipping choices and costs. It also leads to larger (although fainter) images of extended objects like the Moon or planets for astrophotographers or visual observers. The stock Celestron visualback is just under 2 long. The reducer is we might presume designed to correct to some as yet un-measured extent, the image of a standard SCT. A useful thing to know is how far from the objective lens (for a refractor) is the focal reducer located. To calculate how much back focus spacing you need to add, take the thickness of the filter and divide it by 3. To test this, I used three set-ups: 1. Using one on such a scope would make demands on the eyepiece design and increase the exit pupil to an extent that focal reduction on fast Newts is not practical. . control and Sky Viewer display makes selecting your target easy. The Reducer/Corrector is easy to install by threading the unit onto the rear cell of your Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (or the reducer plate of the C11 and C14). control and Sky Viewer display makes selecting your target easy. In some cases, focal reducers also act as field flatteners by correcting for field curvature and coma of the objective lens. I have the Antares and have no complaints. None of this was offensive, nor did it interfere with views in any significant way. The designed reduction factor (0.5x in the case of the GSO reducer example above) should be considered a rule of thumb or approximate value in most cases, rather than a very precise number. Reducer Lens .7x - EdgeHD 1100 Learn More. That said any comparison reviews are helpful. Most refractor manufacturers such as William Optics, Tele Vue Optics, Explore Scientific, Sky-Watcher, William Optics, and Stellarvue make their own focal reducers optimized for use with their telescopes. There may have been an almost imperceptible difference, but the Antares and Celestron were producing precisely the same reduction. The camera side of the focal reducer is threaded for a T-adapter with wide M48 threads, or in some cases, with smaller M42 threads. Not noticed any optical problems. Never used one, but read the reviews here that suggest a coating problem. The Best Dedicated Astronomy Cameras for Beginners, Astronomik OIII 12nm CCD Filter - T-Threads, Pegasus Astro Dual Motor Focus Controller, 10 Micron 12kg (26.45lbs) Stainless Steel Counterweight- GM 2000, I would like more information regarding stock availability dates. More important, its clear that the Antares is a reducer/corrector, just like the Celestron and not merely a reducer. For visual use, this means you get lower power with the same eyepiece and a wider field of view. My experience is that CN sellers are way above those listing elsewhere. Because most modern Newtonians already have relatively fast focal ratios, these telescopes do not usually use focal reducers. Celestrons FREE planetarium app is an astronomy suite that redefines how you experience the night sky. All Rights Reserved. The C8 has no noticeable vignetting with a 32mm Plssl in the f/6.3 reducer. Equation 6 & 7 item two & three does not make sense, both say increase its reduction (one should say reduce its reduction?). I use it on my C8 SCT with a 1000d, and it seems to do everything written on the tin. This superb fully multi-coated multi-element focal reducer takes advantage of the latest computer aided design techniques to achieve the highest standards of performance set by the brand leaders at a fraction of the cost. Benefits limited to hardware and conditions? Many reducers, such as the Celestron HD focal reducer mentioned above, and many focal reducers for apochromatic refractors, are meant to be used within a few millimeters (or less) of the specified working distance to achieve the best possible image results. The new Lithium Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry has significant advantages over other battery chemistries, great for for those Astronomers on the go. Unlike . Manish holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Stars in the corner of the image frame are indistinguishable between the Antares and the Celestron. The brightness, shape, and distortion of specific stars in the exact same position at the edge of the field was precisely identical in both reducers. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. I have a made in Japan 6.3 R/C and a made in China 6.3 R/C. In terms of reduction and correction which are what reducer/correctors are supposed to do both are superb. The Celestron is both a corrector and focal reducer and the Antares is just a focal reducer. It features a standard male SCT thread (2" OD, 24 TPI) on one side and a standard SCT female thread on the other. Celestron is considered better in terms of QA, less likely to come with free dust, hair or fingerprint. The female end attaches to the rear cell of the telescope. Since the Celestron and Antares are supposed to have different focal lengths and spacing specs, I expected different results. 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. M44 was a perfect target for this, as its large size maxes out the FOV on a C8 with a corrector, and its bright stars make great targets for measuring the very edge of the visible field. 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). Once installed, you can add additional accessories like T-Adapters, 1.25 Visual Back, Star Diagonal, or Off-Axis Guider. Over the course of a several nights of general observing, I swapped back and forth between the Antares and Celestron R/Cs on a wide variety of objects open clusters, brighter galaxies, a couple of nebulae, and globular clusters as well. I'd favor the Japanese Celestron version over the others that are commercially available. I am a purely visual observer, so will evaluate for visual use only. I found both to be very good. October 11, 2010 in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups. Stars had a tiny bit more sparkle and pop. Just point the telescope at any three bright objectsstars, bright planets, or even the Moonand your telescope can orient itself with the night sky. I have the Antares and am not unhappy with it, but for AP I would want more back focal distance if those numbers are accurate. They are also less expensive than many external focusers of similar build quality. I have both the Antares and the Celestron reducers. I wont bother with differences in packaging, caps, etc. He tested this on an 8 Celestron , I have a Celestron 6SE. But in the end they both do pretty much the same thing and it sounds like any performance difference is subtle. Product Details. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For Ritchey-Chretien telescopes such as those manufactured by GSO, there are also dedicated focal reducers with a reduction factor of 0.7x to 0.8x. WiFi technology encircles the globe in a web of connectivity, knowledge, and information. - thanks. Best evidence would by obtained by using a camera and evaluating the image both by eye and with a computer analysis. In this case, d2 = FR/2, which means the back of the focal reducer is located at a distance FR/2 from the camera or eyepiece. 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. looks virtually identical, except for the lettering. Advanced designs for Schmidt-Cassegrain scopes such as the Meade ACF or Celestron Edge HD have optical elements in the tube to correct for coma and field flatness. Can you tell me about the use of reducers in Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes? Generally, views through the Antares seemed a little more transparent and brighter. This should not be the case if they have their purportedly different focal lengths. Regardless, the difference was miniscule and is more than adequate on both and exceeds a 8 or 6 SCTs baffle tube diameter. Take control of your telescope! There are many different types of focal reducers and they all effect. For imaging, a T-adapter is threaded to the camera side of the focal reducer, which in turns connects to the camera with the appropriate hardware. Field stop diameters are one of the specified specs of eyepieces. Figure 1 shows the relationship between the focal reduction factor MR and the position of the reducer in the optical path. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Orders placed after 12:00 PM Pacific Time will be shipped the next business day. Blue Fireball M42 T/T2 Thread Camera Adapter for Prime Focus Photography - 2" # P-06, Celestron T-Ring for Canon EOS Camera # 93419, GSO 2" Crayford Focuser for SCTs - Dual Speed, Length of male SCT thread = 5mm (0.2") but this is preceded by an unthreaded part on the eyepiece side making the total length = 8.8mm (0.35"), Length of female SCT thread = 7.5mm (0.3"). Each focal reducer has a fixed specification called the working distance or required back focus. 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. As another example,GSO makes focal reducers for their line of Ritchey-Chretien imaging telescopes. 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. The Antares is supposed to be pretty comparable. 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. Also read the reviews here, including those at 4 stars. Brightness, color, and contrast were subtly different, but could be as much the day they were coated as any real difference in the two brands. The working distance (backfocus) of the Celestron f/6.3 reducer is specified to be 105mm from the base of the male SCT thread on the camera side. An eyepiece with a 27mm field stop yields a true field of 1.03 in the C6 at f/10. It was also a little brighter in the center of the field with subtle darkening in the outer 20% or so. 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. 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. The resultant reduction factor was measured to be 0.46x. For example, the focal reducer for an 8-inch Celestron EdgeHD telescope has a design reduction factor of 0.7x and a specified working distance (or back focus) of 105mm. This focal reducer is made to attach to the rear cell of Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes. Reducer Lens .7x - EdgeHD 1400 Go behind the scenes with Celestrons product development team and learn more about our award-winning and patented innovations. 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. Edited by bluewater, 05 September 2020 - 11:27 AM. InternetSales@optcorp.com, 800-483-6287 This article explains the basics of how focal reducers work with an astronomy telescope. A few people have reported issues with the male SCT thread diameter on this item being a bit larger than necessary. It has only one cover, which surprised me. However, I noticed immediately that the Antares had a bit more of an heft to it, giving it a solid feel the Celestron didnt possess. Completely stuck, completely frustrated. That means the base of the mounting threads of the focal reducer needs to be 55mm from the camera sensor to achieve the design reduction factor, which is usually 0.8x or 0.85x. Unleash the full pointing accuracy of your Celestron computerized telescope with a specialized telescope control software suite. Figure 2 shows the effective of a focal reducer on the light from a telescope objective. However, because the field curvatures in refractors and SCTs vary a lot, I would predict unpredictable effects inre: field curvature. Manish Panjwani has been an active amateur astronomer since before Halley's Comet last flew by our neighborhood.

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