This device is like a little magic tube for your Time Machine. Let's explore what it does and if you need one.
Introduction
Let's start with understanding what a Focal Reducer / Field Flattner does. If you haven't read it yet, chekc out this articles on what an FF/FR does. This Celestron 0.63X FF/FR is specifically designed for Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes (SCTs), and reduces turns a long focal length telescope into a faster, shorter focal length instrument while improving the flatness of the field of view.
Key Specifications
- Brand & Model: Celestron
- Type: FF/FR
- Price Range: $185 from Celestron
- Key Features:
- 0.63 Reduction in focal length
- 0.63 Reduction in f-stop
- Threaded so you can keep using existing equipment
- Best For: Wide-field or general astrophotography
Design & Build Quality
- Housed in machined aluminum
- Internal surfaces are blackened for increased contrast
- Knurled surface for gripping threading/unthreading
- Compatible with all non-EdgeHD Celestron SCTs
Performance & Features
This little lens does minor miracles for Astrophotography if you're shooting with a C5, C6, C8, C9.25, C11, or C14 SCT. And since these are among the most popular telescopes ever sold, that encompasses a lot. I use mine for Lunar imaging as well as general astro-imaging of things in the night skies. Along with my Canon 80D DSLR, it's a perfect combination.
It's like a little magic tube for your Time Machine.
The best part is that you can always take it off and go however your scope is normally configured, which means you have two scopes in one. A longer (slower) focal length default, and a shorter (faster) focal length with the FF/FR. Having options is always better than not having options. They're relatively easy to find used as well for less money, but always make sure to see it before you buy it to ensure the optics are in good condition.
Ease of Use
- It easily threads onto the back of your Celestron SCT.
- Visual back or camera equipment easily thread onto the FF/FR once its on your scope.
- There's nothing to adjust, set, align, calibrate, or modify; it just does what it does once it's on the back of your scope. That's an amazingly simple thing in this complex hobby!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to stop using if you change your mind
- Having two scopes in one offers great potential for astrophotography
Cons
- If you drop it in the grass at night, you will lose it
- Make sure you protect the lens surfaces because scratches will show up greatly on any images
Who Should Buy This?
- Ideal for wide-field astrophotography
- Perfect for lunar (or properly protected solar) astrophotography
- Works great for general astrophotography as well
Final Verdict
If you have a supported Celestron SCT, you should get one. It's a small amount of money to add to your gear, but it provides a huge gain in capabilities, decreaess the amount of time it takes to image, and improves the image quality.
Where to Buy
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FAQs
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Q: Will it work with my EdgeHD SCT?
A: No. The EdgeHD has a FF built in to it and different connection threads, so it won't work. -
Q: Is it good terrestrial viewing?
A: It will make things brighter, so it could be useful, but you'll need a right-way-up diagonal so your field of view isn't upside down.