21 replies to this topic

[mmalik]

Only refractor I have truly and extensively used over the years (...for imaging) has been a very large 254mm TMB APO in an observatory setting.

 

 

My search for a quality backyard imaging refractor started with a comparative analysis of 130mm refractors but the discussion and decision didn't go well.

 

 

Without much affection or predilection (...at the time) for 130mm Starfire GTX, I 'did' get in the queue over a decade ago. What became of it, more on that later...

 

 

Then I turned my research to FSQ-106EDXIII... long ago; I hesitated, procrastinated, questioned my choice. So it never transpired for one reason or another.

 

 

To quell my thirst for a smaller, portable refractor refractor, I turned to 51mm CAT.... It was a good small scope but was not a TAK.

 

 

Then I heard about Radian Raptor and was left in dismay for lack of a better word.

 

 

Finally I turned to FSQ-85EDX w/Flattener for backyard use; when I decided to get one, of course none were in stock. So I placed the order and waited few months and here it is now . Yes that's Japanese packaging, not to mention a ton of packing peanuts not in the pic.

 

 

More on adapting challenges for imaging in coming posts...

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Edited by mmalik, 14 January 2021 - 03:21 AM.

[mmalik]

The Scope...

 

 

Note: Scope doesn't come with a view finder, or holder rings

 

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Edited by mmalik, 13 January 2021 - 10:17 PM.

[mmalik]

The Flattener...

 

 

Note: Flattener comes in a box, and unmounted

 

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[mmalik]

The Works...

 

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[mmalik]

The Plaque..

 

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Edited by mmalik, 13 January 2021 - 10:29 PM.

[leviathan]

Congrats with Baby-Q ! It's a very nice scope for imaging and 1.01x flattener makes it even better.

[Oyaji]

Love my Baby Q. 

 

What else is there to say?  

[mmalik]

Imaging platforms I would like to attach/test with FSQ-85EDX w/F are as follows...

 

 

 

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Edited by mmalik, 14 January 2021 - 02:18 AM.

[mmalik]

Backfocus can be an arduous task, especially when a flattener is involved. While scope documentation makes indirect and passing remark to 56.2mm, the flattener documentation makes NO such reference. Matter of fact flattener documentation does NOT cover any of the camera platforms mentioned above. Just pointing out some of the documentation lapses. Regards

 

 

 

[mmalik]

Flattener-MILC adaptation seems straightforward, thanks to pre-configured TAK adapter (T2-NEX). Regards

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Edited by mmalik, 14 January 2021 - 03:12 AM.

[noisejammer]

Moving to Beginning Deep Sky Imaging for a better fit.

[mmalik]

T2-NEX can take a 48mm mounted filter as needed. Regards

 

 

Note: Filter attached T2-NEX can easily be mated with the flattener; there is adequate spacing inside the flattener housing

 

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[mmalik]

Flattener-MILC adaption...

 

 

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[mmalik]

Flattener-CMOS adaptation...

 

 

Note: Backfocus distance accounting based on the thickness of intervening filters is beyond the scope of this writing, pending future testing...

 

 

 

Edited by mmalik, 14 January 2021 - 03:20 AM.

[Delta608]

Congrats on the scope..Welcome to the world of Tak rings, adapters, spacers, ect...!!

[dhaval]

Aren't FSQs Petzval design? Shouldn't it already be corrected for field flatness? What am I missing?

 

CS!

[StarDust1]

Aren't FSQs Petzval design? Shouldn't it already be corrected for field flatness? What am I missing?

CS!

FSQ85 should give corrected field with the new Flattener for the full frame sensor. Without the flattner it should be fine for APS sensor size.

MMalik, Congratulations with your FSQ85! Looking forward to your first light!

[StarDust1]

Here is my FSQ-85EDP with flattener, ZWO EAF, ZWO OAG and ASI2600MC. I will add the new 2" ZWO filter drawer with a clear filter or Baader IR filter... Then the metal back distance should be around 56.2mm.

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Edited by StarDust1, 14 January 2021 - 09:12 AM.

[mmalik]

What's the difference between EDX and EDP? Is it just the flattener or something more? Regards

[StarDust1]

What's the difference between EDX and EDP? Is it just the flattener or something more? Regards

The only change that I'm aware of for the FSQ85 is the new Flattener and the color scheme from green to blue. Otherwise the FSQ85 is still the same scope optically and mechanically when it was first introduced. The naming EDX and EDP might have something to do with the introduction (including) of the Flattener with the FSQ85.

[matthisk]

Flattener-CMOS adaptation...

 

 

Note: Backfocus distance accounting based on the thickness of intervening filters is beyond the scope of this writing, pending future testing...

 

 

 

Did you include the change of focus position because you will be using filters? E.g. Baaders are 3mm thick so you would be off by 1mm in your calc.

[mmalik]

Did you include the change of focus position because you will be using filters? E.g. Baaders are 3mm thick so you would be off by 1mm in your calc.

 
Adaptation math doesn't end there...


...of course; was going to post, sorry for the delay. Regards

 

...you need 0.3mm for each 1mm thickness (...of filters) i.e. Astrodon is shy of 3mm, whilst Chroma is 3mm, then it's 0.9mm needed extra...


18.7mm + 0.9mm = 19.6mm with tilt adapter
23.7mm + 0.9mm = 24.6mm without tilt adapter