What is the main benefit of the EdgeHD 1400 .7x Reducer?
The reducer makes the telescope "faster" and "wider." It reduces the focal ratio from f/11 to a faster f/7.7, which cuts your exposure times in half. It also increases the field of view by 43%, allowing you to capture larger deep-sky objects that would not fit in the frame at the native focal length.
How do I set the correct 146mm back focus for my camera?
The 146mm distance is measured from the rear flange of the reducer to your camera's sensor. You will need to use a combination of T-adapters and extension tubes to achieve this precise spacing. You must account for the optical path length of any accessories, such as an off-axis guider or filter wheel, when calculating the required extensions.
Can I use this reducer with a full-frame camera on my EdgeHD 1400?
Yes, absolutely. This reducer is designed to produce a 42mm corrected image circle, which is large enough to cover a standard 35mm full-frame sensor (which has a ~43mm diagonal) without significant vignetting or loss of star quality at the corners.
Will this reducer work on an 11" or 9.25" EdgeHD telescope?
No. Each EdgeHD reducer is optically matched to a specific telescope aperture to maintain the system's flat-field correction. Using the 14" reducer on a smaller EdgeHD telescope will result in poor image quality. You must use the reducer designed for your specific model.
How does the .7x Reducer affect imaging the Orion Nebula (M42) with an EdgeHD 1400?
With the reducer, you can capture the full expanse of the Orion Nebula, including its faint outer wings and the nearby Running Man Nebula (NGC 1977), in a single frame. At the native f/11, you would only be able to frame the core Trapezium region, requiring a multi-panel mosaic to capture the entire complex.
Is the EdgeHD 1400 Reducer compatible with the Fastar system?
Yes. The reducer is used on the rear cell of the telescope for f/7.7 imaging. The Fastar system operates independently by replacing the secondary mirror for ultra-fast f/2 imaging. Together, they make the EdgeHD 1400 an incredibly versatile imaging platform, offering three distinct focal ratios in one telescope.
