What is the benefit of a dielectric diagonal like the Askar 2" model over a standard one?
A dielectric diagonal provides two main advantages. First, its multi-layer coating delivers higher reflectivity for brighter images compared to standard aluminum. Second, the coating is far more durable and resistant to environmental degradation, ensuring consistent optical light transmission for years of use.
Can I use the Askar 2" Diagonal with my 8" SCT?
Yes. The Askar 2" Diagonal is designed to be fully compatible with Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. It includes the necessary threads to attach directly to the rear cell of most commercial SCTs, providing a secure, rigid connection for your 2" and 1.25" eyepieces.
How does the Askar 2" Diagonal improve image contrast?
The interior of the diagonal is finished with a non-reflective matte black coating. This treatment absorbs stray light that enters the optical path, preventing it from scattering and reducing contrast. This results in a darker background sky and makes it easier to see faint details in objects like nebulae and galaxies.
Will I be able to see the full field of my 2" wide-angle eyepieces with this diagonal?
Yes, the Askar 2" Diagonal is built with clear apertures designed to fully illuminate the large field stops of 2" wide-field eyepieces without vignetting or cutting off the edge of the view.
Is the Askar 2" Diagonal a good choice for planetary viewing of Jupiter?
Absolutely. For planetary observation of targets like Jupiter's cloud bands or Saturn's rings, optical precision is critical. The high-precision flat mirror in the Askar 2" Diagonal ensures that it does not introduce any optical errors, preserving the sharpness and detail delivered by your telescope's main optics.
How do I switch between using 1.25" and 2" eyepieces with the Askar 2" Diagonal?
The diagonal features a 2" eyepiece holder with a non-marring compression ring for your larger eyepieces. To use smaller 1.25" eyepieces, you simply insert the included 2"-to-1.25" adapter into the eyepiece holder and secure it as you would an eyepiece. You can then insert your 1.25" eyepieces into the adapter.
