Meade f/3.3 CCD Focal Reducer/Field Flattener and Variable T-Adapter

Comments about Meade f/3.3 CCD Focal Reducer/Field Flattener and Variable T-Adapter:

Having used an f/6.3 reducer and after reading the reviews here I expected this to give me great wide-field photos with my 8" f/10 SCT. Unfortunately that's really asking too much of an f/10 scope. What this is really designed to do is to reduce the available field of view enough to fit it all on a very small CCD imager. For something larger or for a DSLR, the f/6.3 already does about as much as is possible. More importantly, no matter which of the T-adapter spacers I used, I was never able to get a good prime focus with the range of focus supported by my scope, even for the small sensor area that it covered.

The other disappointment with this kit was in the variable T-adapter. The idea was great, but the quality of the parts I received was lacking. While the parts fit together marginally well, only one of the three sections freely threaded onto my T-ring, with the others binding after a turn or two due to shallow threads.

Comments about Meade f/3.3 CCD Focal Reducer/Field Flattener and Variable T-Adapter:

The Meade f/3.3 Focal Reducer/Field flattener has superb optics, and I’ve been able to produce some excellent astrophotos with it, using my Deep Sky Imager. For what it can accomplish it rates five stars. However, I can only give it four stars because of a problem that is hinted at, but not stated specifically in the brochure that came with the unit. The instructions state that there are "focusing limitations" with color filter systems, an off-axis guider, and flip-mirror systems, and that the unit is not recommended for visual observing. In fact, focusing limitations make some types of visual observation difficult, if not impossible. In my scope, with the unit in place, I cannot achieve any focus with a diagonal used with an eyepiece. Focus can only be acquired without a diagonal, that is, in a straight-through configuration. Visual focusing and centering with an eyepiece, prior to astroimaging is highly desirable even with a "go-to" telescope like mine. In contrast, the Meade f/6.3 Focal Reducer (which I also acquired from your firm) can be focused using a diagonal.

Comments about Meade f/3.3 CCD Focal Reducer/Field Flattener and Variable T-Adapter:

Makes imaging easier, Provides a wider field and faster Focal ratio.[...]

Comments about Meade f/3.3 CCD Focal Reducer/Field Flattener and Variable T-Adapter:

I think this is a great prouduct images are better than exspected

Comments about Meade f/3.3 CCD Focal Reducer/Field Flattener and Variable T-Adapter:

The Focal reducer field flattener works well with my Meade DSI. The only drawback for me is the fit on my ETX scope. There are situations where I cannot put it al together because of how tight the space is on the alt/az mount. Since not much can be done about that, it's not really a complaint, more a lament. It's a great excuse to upgrade to the scope on my wish list at some time in the near future.