Is changing to a 2" focuser worth it?

Two inch eyepieces allow for a wider field at low power. There is no effect
at medium or high power for most eyepieces. The choice is up to you and
your eyepiece budget. The secondary mirror can stay as it is.

Del Johnson



"Orion" wrote in message
...
I have an 8" F-6 newt with a high-profile R&P 1 1/4" focuser,
1.5" secondary... If I change to a 2" low profile focuser, will I need to
change the secondary size?
Is it worthwhile going to 2" oculars with a 8" mirror?
Thanks!
Cleardarkskies!
Orion



---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.501 / Virus Database: 299 - Release Date: 7/14/2003

"Orion" wrote in message
...

Is it worthwhile going to 2" oculars with a 8" mirror?

Be forewarned that wide field eyepieces require better correction to keep
edge distortions to a minimum. There are lots and lots of people (it seems)
who are willing to go wide field for the sake of having a large window on
the sky, regardless of the edge being distorted... but I'm not one of them.

About the only merit I see in a cheap wide field low power eyepiece is as a
finder, which is reason enough to go the 2" focuser. It is a huge help to
have a 2 degree field of view in the main scope when hunting down faint
fuzzies.

The latest round of 30mm Widescans (the WideScan III, 1rpd ST80, and the BW
Optic) will give you 2 degrees. The BW Optic and the 1rpd are only $95,
which is a super deal for the purpose.

That's my nickel,
Stephen