What telescopes are compatible with the SharpStar MPCC Full Frame Coma Corrector?
This coma corrector is designed for paraboloid Newtonian reflectors with apertures ranging from 150mm to 600mm and fast focal ratios between f/3 and f/6. It is not suitable for refractors, SCTs, or other telescope designs.
How do I achieve the required 55mm back focus with the SharpStar MPCC?
The 55mm back focus is the industry standard for many imaging systems. A typical DSLR camera with a T-ring has a sensor distance of 55mm. For dedicated astronomy cameras, you will need to use a combination of extension tubes to achieve the precise 55mm distance from the corrector's rear flange to your camera's sensor.
Will the SharpStar MPCC fully illuminate my full-frame camera on a 10" f/4 Newtonian imaging the North American Nebula (NGC 7000)?
Yes. The corrector's 44mm image circle is specifically designed to cover full-frame sensors (which have a ~43mm diagonal) without vignetting. On an f/4 system imaging a large target like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000), you can expect a flat, evenly illuminated field with sharp stars across the entire frame.
Should I get this 1.0x SharpStar MPCC or the 0.95x version?
Choose based on your primary imaging targets:
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1.0x MPCC (this model): Best for maintaining your telescope's native image scale. Ideal for smaller targets like the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) or the Ring Nebula (M57) where you want maximum resolution.
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0.95x Corrector: Best for maximizing your field of view and increasing the speed of your optical system. Ideal for very large targets or mosaics.
Can I use the SharpStar MPCC for visual observing with my 12" f/5 Dobsonian?
While it is optimized for imaging, the corrector will work for visual use and will provide noticeably sharper stars at the edge of the field in a low-power, wide-field eyepiece. However, its primary function is astrophotography. You must also ensure your focuser has enough in-travel to accommodate the corrector's 118.7mm length.
What is the advantage of a 'Quadruplet' design in the SharpStar MPCC?
A quadruplet (4-element) design allows for a higher degree of optical correction than simpler two-element correctors. By using four lenses, including an ED glass element, the SharpStar MPCC can better control coma and other off-axis aberrations across a wide 44mm field, especially in very fast f/3 or f/4 Newtonians.
