Diagonals
A star diagonal turns an unusable viewing angle into a comfortable one, and in doing so becomes one more optical surface between your objective and your eye. How good that surface is determines whether you keep the contrast the telescope worked to produce. David Astro carries diagonals in Canada — dielectric mirrors, prisms and Amici designs in 1.25" and 2" — in stock and shipping from Canada.
The mirror-versus-prism question has a real answer, and it depends on your telescope's focal ratio. Tell us the telescope and we will make a recommendation you can rely on.
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APM Dielectric Mirror Star Diagonal - 2"
APM 2 inch star diagonal mirror with 99% di-electric coating with fast-lockThe diagonal mirror is produced by APM-Telescopes with highest qualityOp...
View full detailsAskar 2” High-Precision Dielectric Diagonal
2-inch Barrel Diameter High-Reflectivity Dielectric Mirror Coating Accepts both 2" and 1.25" Eyepieces Compatible with SCT and Refractor/Reflector...
View full detailsBaader 45° Amici Prism Diagonal w/ 24mm Clear Aperture - 1.25"
Provides a correctly oriented, erect image for terrestrial viewing Comfortable 45° viewing angle Full 24mm clear aperture prevents vignetting with...
View full detailsBaader 45° Amici Prism Diagonal 45° - 2" SCT Thread
Provides a fully corrected, upright, and non-reversed image Comfortable 45° viewing angle for terrestrial observation Attaches directly to 2" SCT ...
View full detailsBaader 90° Astro-Grade Amici Prism w/ BBHS Coating - 2" ClickLock
Provides a fully corrected, non-reversed and non-inverted image Comfortable 90° viewing angle 44 mm clear aperture Sealed BBHS® hard-silver coatin...
View full detailsBaader 90° Astro-Grade Amici Prism w/ BBHS Coating - T-2
Provides erect, non-reversed images at a 90° viewing angle 31 mm clear aperture Baader BBHS® silver and Phantom Group® anti-reflection coatings 47...
View full detailsBaader 90° Erecting Prism Diagonal - 2"
Provides a fully erect, non-reversed image 90° viewing angle for comfortable observing 2" barrel for use with large focusers Includes a 2" to 1.25...
View full detailsBaader 90° Prism Diagonal w/ 32mm Prism - T-2
90° comfortable viewing angle Large 32mm prism for full field illumination Baader T-2 thread system for modular connections Excellent for use with...
View full detailsBaader 90° Zenith Prism Diagonal w/ 32mm Prism - 1.25"
90° Zenith Prism Diagonal Oversized 32mm Prism 1.25" Barrel Format Baader T-2 System Threads Includes 1.25" Eyepiece Holder & Nosepiece Des...
View full detailsBaader BBHS Prism Adjustable Star Diagonal - 2"
90° prism diagonal for comfortable viewing BaK4 prism with sealed Broad Band Hard Silver (BBHS®) coating Baader 2-inch ClickLock® self-centering e...
View full detailsBaader FlipMirror II Star Diagonal
Instantly switch between three different instrument ports Straight-through port for primary camera or spectrograph 90° mirrored port for visual ob...
View full detailsBaader Maxbright Mirror Diagonal - T-2
T-2 (M42x0.75) threads on telescope and eyepiece sides for full modularity 99% reflectivity dielectrically coated mirror with 1/10 lambda surface ...
View full detailsBaader Mirror Diagonal - 2" ClickLock
90° mirror diagonal for a comfortable viewing angle Baader 2" ClickLock clamp Oversized dielectric mirror with 1/10 wave surface precision 46.6mm ...
View full detailsBaader Mirror Diagonal w/ BBHS Coating - T-2
90° mirror diagonal for astronomical use Broadband Hard Silver (BBHS®) coating, 98-99% reflection from 390nm to 2000nm Female T-2 (M42x0.75) eyepi...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium 2" BBHS® Mirror – Adjustable Star Diagonal
Broad Band Hard Silver (BBHS®) coated mirror, 98-99% reflection from 390nm to 2000nm 47mm clear aperture Secure 2-inch ClickLock self-centering ey...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium M68 ClickLock® Mirror Diagonal
2-inch ClickLock Eyepiece Clamp M68 x 1mm Male Threaded Telescope Connection 51mm Clear Aperture 109mm Optical Length Dielectrically Coated λ/10 M...
View full detailsBaader Star Diagonal Prism w/ Zeiss Spec Prism & BBHS Coating - T-2
Zeiss-Specification Right-Angle Prism with 90° Deflection BBHS® (Broadband Hard Silver) Sealed Reflective Coating T-2 (M42x0.75) Threads on Telesc...
View full detailsCelestron 45-Degree Erect Image Diagonal
Corrects image orientation for terrestrial viewing Produces right-side-up and left-to-right correct images Comfortable 45-degree viewing ang...
View full detailsCelestron Dielectric Star Diagonal with Twist-Lock - 1.25"
Over 99% reflectivity from 58-layer dielectric mirror coatings 1.25” Twist-Lock holder provides a secure, self-centering grip Diffraction-limited ...
View full detailsCelestron Dielectric Star Diagonal with Twist-Lock - 2"
Delivers over 99% reflectivity with 58 layers of dielectric coatings Secure, self-centering Twist-Lock mechanism for 2" and 1.25" eyepieces Includ...
View full detailsCelestron Mirror Diagonal with XLT Coatings - 2"
Interferometer-tested mirror with 1/10 wave or better surface accuracy Features Celestron's proprietary XLT optical coatings for maximum light tra...
View full detailsCelestron Star Diagonal - 1.25"
Provides a comfortable 90° viewing angle Inserts into any 1.25" telescope focuser or visual back Accepts standard 1.25" eyepieces Corrects image o...
View full detailsDavid Astro 90° Diagonal - 1.25"
The 1.25" Mirror Diagonal is a must-have accessory for astronomers, providing a comfortable viewing angle and improved image quality during telesc...
View full detailsDavid Astro 99% Dielectric Twist-Lock Diagonal - 1.25"
The 1.25" 99% Dielectric Twist-Lock Diagonal is an essential upgrade for astronomers seeking the best in optical performance and convenience. This...
View full detailsMirror Diagonals, Prisms and Optical Path
Every diagonal adds roughly 90 to 130 mm of optical path, which affects whether your telescope reaches focus — a detail that matters more than most buyers expect.
- Dielectric mirror diagonals: Multi-layer coatings exceeding 99% reflectivity across the visible spectrum, with no chromatic effect at any focal ratio. The default choice for most telescopes.
- Prism diagonals: Total internal reflection with excellent light throughput and slightly better scatter control, and they can outperform mirrors at f/10 and slower. In fast refractors they introduce chromatic aberration.
- Amici roof prisms: Produce a correctly oriented image for terrestrial use, at the cost of a diffraction spike on bright stars that makes them poor for astronomy.
- 1.25 inch versus 2 inch: A 2 inch diagonal is required to use 2 inch eyepieces and passes a wider field; a 1.25 inch is lighter and adds less back-focus.
- Compression ring clamping: Even radial grip on the eyepiece barrel rather than a single set screw, which prevents marking and keeps heavy eyepieces square.
- Back-focus consequences: Newtonians rarely accept a diagonal at all; refractors and Cassegrains generally have enough travel. Check before assuming.
Why Choose David Astro for Diagonals
A diagonal is not a neutral component, and the right one depends on the telescope in front of it.
- Focal ratio matched: We recommend a prism only where it will genuinely outperform a dielectric mirror, and never in a fast refractor where it would introduce colour.
- Back-focus checked: We confirm your telescope has the inward travel to reach focus with the diagonal and your eyepiece or camera.
- Weight considered: A heavy 2 inch diagonal plus a heavy eyepiece can unbalance a small refractor, and we will mention it before you discover it in the dark.
- Authorized dealer: Genuine diagonals with verified coatings and manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
- Ships from Canada: No duties or brokerage fees on Canadian orders.
Diagonals in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions
- Dielectric mirror or prism?
- Dielectric for almost all telescopes, and especially anything faster than f/8. A good prism can edge ahead on planetary contrast at f/10 and slower, where its chromatic contribution is negligible.
- Do I need a 2 inch diagonal?
- Only if you want to use 2 inch eyepieces for wide low-power fields. If your widest eyepiece is 1.25 inch, a 2 inch diagonal adds weight and back-focus with no benefit.
- Why does my telescope not reach focus with a diagonal?
- A diagonal adds around 100 mm to the optical path. Newtonians generally lack the inward travel to absorb it. Refractors and Cassegrains are designed with a diagonal in mind and usually have no issue.
- Is an Amici prism suitable for astronomy?
- Not really. It corrects image orientation for terrestrial viewing but produces a diffraction spike across bright stars that is distracting on the Moon and planets.
Choosing a diagonal?
Tell us your telescope and focal ratio and we will recommend mirror or prism. Authorized dealer, Canadian stock.