Stray light needs dealing with to ensure good background contrast whether using an eyepiece or a camera. In addition to the protective dew shield, the inside of the optical tube is lined with a matt black series of baffles, which helps to do away with unwanted reflections and problems with scattered illumination.
FOCUSER A dependable focuser is a must for astrophotography, and this robust, 2.5inch rack and pinion offering has stainless steel internal reinforcement bars to prevent the drawtube flexing. A screw-on cover protects the fine focuser during transit, and the chunky knobs are easy to use even with cold fingers. Observing or imaging sessions are often frustratingly cut short by problems with dew on the lens, so we were pleased to see that the extending dew shield locks firmly in place with no chance of slipping back. The dew shield extends a full 10cm past the objective lens. Holding the telescope firmly is the job of the supplied black tube rings, complete with a gold Vixen dovetail, which complements the telescope lens cap and tube trim. The rings have threaded holes on top for additional accessories such as a guide camera or finderscope, and are easily adjusted using thumbscrews. DEW SHIELD TUBE RINGS