Read these 4 Focal Reducers Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Telescopes tips and hundreds of other topics.
Good focal reducers allow the astronomer to get more bang for their buck. Focal reducers essentially create a dual focal ratio scope without sacrificing image quality.
The focal reducer placement is simple. This Meade focal reducer threads onto the rear cell of any Meade mirror-lens telescope or to other Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope brands (followed by the Off-Axis Guider or T-Adapter).
A focal reducer reduces the telescope's focal ratio by a factor depending on the reducer itself. Simultaneously, the lens system helps to flatten the field, significantly improving edge-of-field corrections. For example, an f/6.3 focal reducer allows a reduction of photographic exposure times by about 50%, while producing an actual field diameter of 1.5" at the film plane.
A UV focal reducer works exactly the same way any focal reducer works on a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. The additional UV coating on the lens protects the lens and reduces glare.
Guru Spotlight |
Candi Wingate |