11 replies to this topic

[RCLARK28]

Looking for information on Celestron DX5 and adding a .63 reducer corrector.

Celestron DX5 SCT 127mm 5” StarSense

Thoughts good, bad and the ugly.

Would appreciate any feedback.

Edited by RCLARK28, 07 June 2025 - 06:45 PM.

[Daveatvt01]

I have a C5+ (different mount) and really like using the reducer/corrector with it. It allows a wider view with 1.25" eyepieces, which keeps weight down and doesn't interfere with the focus knob. It also flattens the field a bit. The reducer/corrector stays on the C5 almost all the time. 

It's a bit of a personal preference though- some people like them, others don't.

[SeattleScott]

The normal downside is you tend to lose a little planetary contrast with the reducer, and it is a pain to keep swapping it on and off.

[RCLARK28]

Thanks for the replies. The DX5 has performed much better than I could hope for. We have a C5 up at our cottage and both really hit the mark for my use. 

*I may take the plunge later and test out the reducer/corrector.

[Dave Skywatcher]

It's a bit of a personal preference though- some people like them, others don't.

It's definitely my personal preference. I have a C8 for the f/10 views, and a 127mm Mak f/12 as well. I really like the wider view in the C5 with the .63 corrector and like you I leave the it on.

[RCLARK28]

It's definitely my personal preference. I have a C8 for the f/10 views, and a 127mm Mak f/12 as well. I really like the wider view in the C5 with the .63 corrector and like you I leave the it on.

Thanks for the input.

My granddaughters club has x2 of their DX5's with a .63 corrector and I had a chance to compare. I am leaning towards doing the upgrade. I love my DX5 but sometimes the SCT 127mm 5” seems like searching the sky with a micro-scope.

*I am old and new at all this but loving every minute so forgive this next question.

 

*For Lunar views would I get any better results with the corrector?

[RCLARK28]

*I am old and new at all this but loving every minute so forgive this next question.

 

*For Lunar views would I get any better results with the corrector?

 

For Lunar viewing all I have is a AT80ED, C5 and a DX5 for now. (Both SCT's with no corrector)

I love my DX5 but sometimes the SCT 127mm 5” seems like searching the sky with a micro-scope.

Edited by RCLARK28, 11 June 2025 - 06:54 AM.

[vtornado]

*For Lunar views would I get any better results with the corrector?

 

I don't think so, maybe it would help with field curvature if you wanted a flatter full eyepiece view.  For my lunar viewing I am usually concentrating on extremely small details.

 

I usually take my corrector off for high power.   See post #3

[SeattleScott]

Yeah, if anything the reducer will make lunar views worse.

[RCLARK28]

Yeah, if anything the reducer will make lunar views worse.

I do have Starsense on my DX5. Much easier to locate objects. Just started to use it last fall. Love it. Getting pretty good at locating objects through the narrow field of view without Starsense. When I got the courage to learn Starsense it really made a difference. Old dudes can learn and enjoy the night sky.

Sevenofnine got me started with several books and I am having a blast.

I am saving for a AD10 so my budget is tight.

I fell in love with my AT80ED but want to see if I can learn the DOB and get more aperture. There is a used AD12 coming up for sale this coming August. If I can't get that one, I will get new.

Appreciate all the replies.

[Dave Skywatcher]

When I have the C5 on my mount (with the reducer), I just use a higher power eyepiece for greater magnification, and I've not not had any issues with that. Or you can use a lower power eyepiece with a Barlow lens as well (I will often use a 2X Barlow with my my 32mm and 25mm eyepieces - I like the greater eye relief since I wear glasses).

[Neanderthal]

I've been experimenting with the .63x Reducer/Corrector on the C5 (with what miniscule observing time I have been able to get) and here are my initial thoughts:

 

1. At it's native f/10 operation, the C5 gives me an almost identical FOV as my 10" Dob (with the same eyepiece). So the FOV factor is a moot point, for me, I'm used to the FOV being the same as the Dob and I'm fine with that.

 

2. Problem with using the R/C is that it also brightens the background along with the DSO, literally a "wash".

 

3. I don't want to use a Barlow, so that means I need a shorter EP or two to get the higher magnification I had without the R/C in place.

 

4. It's sort of inconvienent to swap the R/C on/off. So for me, I decide beforehand if I'm going to be observing over 121x for the evening (my current EP's are Morpheus 6.5mm - 17.5mm, the 6.5mm gives me 121x with the R/C installed). If I anticipate I'll want more than 121x, I leave the R/C in the case.

 

5. I use the PiFinder for obtaining targets, so needing a wide FOV as a finder EP is not required. The PiFinder easily puts the scope with a 12mm EP on target, and maybe, sometimes, a slight nudge if using the 6.5mm.

 

So why would I want to use the R/C? Well..... using it gives all my EP's a nice, easy exit pupil (1.03 / 1.43 / 1.98 / 2.78). Without the R/C, it results in exit pupils of 0.65 / 0.9 / 1.25 / 1.75.  Supposedly it also corrects at the edge, but I haven't noticed a problem, perhaps I would after more time with it. Maybe bullet point #2 would be a non-issue under darker skies? I have yet to try the R/C at our dark site (21.7-ish mag per LightPollutionAtlas).