Why choose the Baader 32mm prism diagonal for a refractor?
A prism diagonal is an excellent match for refractors, especially for lunar and planetary observing. The inherent high-contrast nature of a prism enhances subtle surface details that can be washed out with mirror diagonals. The oversized 32mm prism in this Baader model ensures it won't vignette the view of even the widest-field 1.25" eyepieces.
Is the Baader 90° Prism Diagonal suitable for a Newtonian telescope?
No. Newtonian reflectors require a secondary mirror to direct light out the side of the tube and do not use a diagonal in the focuser. Furthermore, adding this Baader diagonal would push the focal point too far out, making it impossible to reach focus. This diagonal is designed for refractors, Schmidt-Cassegrains, and Maksutov-Cassegrains.
What is the T-2 thread system on this Baader diagonal?
The T-2 system is a universal standard (M42x0.75 thread) used by Baader Planetarium to create a modular ecosystem of astronomy accessories. The body of this Baader 90° Prism Diagonal has T-2 threads on both the telescope and eyepiece sides, allowing you to replace the included 1.25" adapters with other T-2 components for direct, secure connections to cameras, off-axis guiders, or other accessories.
Can I use 2" filters with the Baader 1.25" Prism Diagonal?
Not directly with the supplied 1.25" nosepiece. The included nosepiece has threads for standard 1.25" filters. To use 2" filters, you would need to utilize the T-2 thread system to adapt the diagonal to a 2" focuser or filter wheel, which would require separate Baader T-2 adapters.
How does the 32mm prism in this Baader diagonal compare to a mirror for viewing Saturn?
For a target like Saturn, the Baader 32mm prism diagonal will typically provide a higher-contrast view, making the Cassini Division and subtle cloud banding stand out more sharply. While a high-quality dielectric mirror might be marginally brighter, the improvement in contrast from the prism is often more beneficial for resolving fine planetary detail.
What parts do I need to attach a camera to the Baader T-2 Prism Diagonal?
You would unscrew the 1.25" eyepiece holder to reveal the female T-2 threads. From there, you would need a T-2 extension tube of the correct length to achieve focus, and a T-2 to camera-mount adapter (e.g., T-2 to Canon EOS or T-2 to M48). The specific combination of adapters depends on your camera's back focus requirements.
