
1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
- Until_then-Goodnight!
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1089
- Thank you received: 12
1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6 was created by Until_then-Goodnight!
Some of you may know that I have an Orion XT6. In other words, it is a f/8 150mm Newtonian Reflector on a Dobsonian base. I purchased it two years ago, and I love it. Thanks to recommendations by some IFAS members I upgraded some of the hardware on the scope. For example, last year I replaced the red dot finder with a 10X50 finder scope, and a Telrad. Both items have greatly enhanced my experience at the eyepiece.
This year I'd like to upgrade the 'rack and pin' focuser that came with the scope. I have spent the past few weeks reading around on 1.25" focusers for the XT6, and I am considering upgrading to this focuser:
www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_inf...h-T2-connection.html
If anyone as any thoughts with regards to upgrading the focuser, I'd love to hear from you.
Clear skies,
Darren.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- lunartic_old
-
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1954
- Thank you received: 976
Replied by lunartic_old on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
I had to perform a little surgery on my tube, because the holes did not line up exactly, it was a simple job using a drill to make new holes.
Why are you going for the 1.25" focuser? I would recommend the 2" version, that way you can employ 2" eyepieces and this allows you to have a wider field of view. It is a little more expensive because you have to buy the base plate extra, but in my opinion it is worth the extra expense for the greater variety of eyepieces that open up to you.
Hope this helps.
Paul.
Rich Cook
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Until_then-Goodnight!
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1089
- Thank you received: 12
Replied by Until_then-Goodnight! on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
Very many thanks for your reply - I really appreciate it. I was opting for the 1.25" because I only saw one scope on CN that fitted a 2" focuser. It looked amazing, and that observer raved about how it performed. It seemed like a bit of work to get it right though. More importantly, some people were saying that there are illumination issues because of the size of the secondary mirror in the XT6. I saw some detail figures on the size of one's scope, the focuser, and illumination percentage. As I am not entirely sure what all the details meant the whole thing scared me off, but your message has encouraged me to take a closer look. I'd love a 2" focuser for the reasons you have outlined.
Some might say that I should go up to a bigger scope. I'm just not there at the moment. I feel there is still plenty for me to see with the 6" mirror. And truth be told, I don't think I'd ever sell the XT6.
I had another great session with it this morning.... More about that shortly!
Clear skies,
Darren.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- lunartic_old
-
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1954
- Thank you received: 976
Replied by lunartic_old on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
They say the best scope you have is the one you use, there is no need to change your scope, a 6" will show so much .
I'm as confused as you about illumination percentage and all that, go for the 1.25" focuser and enjoy.
Let us know how you get in.
Paul
Rich Cook
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- flt158
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 2397
- Thank you received: 25
Replied by flt158 on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
You will never regret it!!
Clear skies,
Aubrey.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Until_then-Goodnight!
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1089
- Thank you received: 12
Replied by Until_then-Goodnight! on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
Thanks a million for your supportive messages... I'm not sure what to do. Unlike your last suggestions (the 10X50, and the Telrad), I won't be buying both. Can you imagine what mounting both focusers would look like on the scope

I'll keep you posted.
Thanks again,
Darren.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- flt158
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 2397
- Thank you received: 25
Replied by flt158 on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
If you do go for a 2" focuser, you will discover there are plenty of 2" reasonably priced eyepieces available.
Clear skies,
Aubrey.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- michael_murphy
-
- Offline
- Administrator
-
- Posts: 1190
- Thank you received: 0
Replied by michael_murphy on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
I have a 2" focuser going spare. It was given to me by Roy Stewart (I think) so it's yours if you want it.
You are in Dundrum near the town center arn't you? I can drop it over to you if you like.
Michael.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Until_then-Goodnight!
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1089
- Thank you received: 12
Replied by Until_then-Goodnight! on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
Hi Darren.
If you do go for a 2" focuser, you will discover there are plenty of 2" reasonably priced eyepieces available.
Clear skies,
Aubrey.
Hi Aubrey,
That's great to know, and now that Michael's kind offer I'm looking forward to checking them out!
Clear skies,
Darren.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Until_then-Goodnight!
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1089
- Thank you received: 12
Replied by Until_then-Goodnight! on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
Hi Darren,
I have a 2" focuser going spare. It was given to me by Roy Stewart (I think) so it's yours if you want it.
You are in Dundrum near the town center arn't you? I can drop it over to you if you like.
Michael.
Hi Michael,
That is very kind of you to offer, and I'm more than happy to pay for it.
I'm not sure if you have my mobile, so here it is: 085 7222 934.
Once again, thanks a million!
Darren.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Until_then-Goodnight!
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1089
- Thank you received: 12
Replied by Until_then-Goodnight! on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
Very many thanks for dropping over last night with the focuser. It was great catching-up again, and we must do it again soon.
I'm in the process of contacting a few companies about installations kits, and I plan to give Stephen a call in Ktech tomorrow.
I'll keep you all posted on how this pans out.
Thanks again,
Darren.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- michael_murphy
-
- Offline
- Administrator
-
- Posts: 1190
- Thank you received: 0
Replied by michael_murphy on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
Good to see you as well. I hope you manage to get the adapter.
If not, I can pop over again and we can have another 3 hour chat!! We should invite more people the next time

Michael.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Until_then-Goodnight!
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1089
- Thank you received: 12
Replied by Until_then-Goodnight! on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- stepryan
- Offline
- Red Giant
-
- Posts: 745
- Thank you received: 2
Replied by stepryan on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Until_then-Goodnight!
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- Super Giant
-
- Posts: 1089
- Thank you received: 12
Replied by Until_then-Goodnight! on topic 1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6
Very many thanks for the additional information. The other night when Michael dropped round he spoke about various types of 'trade-offs' we make when upgrading. And your message articulates this particular trade-off very well indeed.
I never got to chance to phone Stephen in Ktech yesterday as I got bogged-down on some work stuff. So, I'll call him tomorrow.
It'll be interesting to get his take on things too.
Chat soon,
Darren.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.