Why do I need a 45-Degree Erect Image Diagonal for birdwatching with my SCT?
Without an erect image diagonal, the view through your Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope will be either upside-down or mirror-reversed. This makes tracking a moving bird nearly impossible. The Celestron 45-Degree Erect Image Diagonal corrects the view to be right-side up and left-to-right correct, just like looking through binoculars.
Can I use the Celestron 45-Degree Diagonal for astronomy?
While you can, it's not ideal. The Amici prism design has a slight ridge in the center that can cause a faint spike on very bright objects like planets or bright stars. For the highest-contrast astronomical views, a dedicated 90-degree mirror or prism star diagonal is recommended.
Will this 45-Degree Erect Image Diagonal work on my Newtonian reflector telescope?
No. Due to the optical design of Newtonian reflectors, this diagonal will not produce a fully corrected image. The image orientation will still be rotationally off, and you may not be able to reach focus. This accessory is designed exclusively for refractors and catadioptric telescopes like SCTs and Maksutov-Cassegrains.
Is the Celestron 45-Degree Diagonal hard to install on my telescope?
Installation is simple. You just remove your existing 1.25" diagonal from the telescope's focuser or visual back by loosening the thumbscrews, and then insert the 45-Degree Erect Image Diagonal in its place and tighten the screws. It takes only a few seconds.
What's the main benefit of the 45-degree angle over a 90-degree angle?
For terrestrial viewing, your telescope is typically horizontal. The 45-degree angle allows you to look down into the eyepiece comfortably. A 90-degree angle would force you to bend over at an awkward angle to see through the eyepiece when the telescope is aimed at the horizon.
I have a Celestron refractor. Will this diagonal allow me to read a sign across the street?
Yes, absolutely. A standard diagonal would show the text reversed as if in a mirror. The Celestron 45-Degree Erect Image Diagonal will present the text correctly, making it readable. This is a perfect example of what this accessory is designed for.