What is the main advantage of the Baader T-2 Maxbright Diagonal over a standard diagonal?
The primary advantage is modularity. A standard diagonal has a fixed nosepiece and eyepiece holder. The Baader T-2 Maxbright Diagonal uses T-2 threads, allowing you to choose your own adapters to create a shorter, more rigid optical train that is perfectly matched to your specific telescope and camera or eyepieces.
What adapters do I need to use the T-2 Maxbright Diagonal?
This diagonal is sold as a core component and requires separate adapters. For visual use in a standard 1.25" focuser, you would typically need:
- A 1.25" nosepiece with a T-2 male thread for the telescope side.
- A T-2 eyepiece holder, such as the Baader 1.25" ClickLock, for the eyepiece side.
For imaging, you can use various T-2 extension tubes and adapters to connect directly to your camera or field flattener.
Is a mirror diagonal like the Baader Maxbright better than a prism diagonal for my SCT?
For most applications, yes. A high-quality mirror diagonal like the Maxbright introduces no chromatic aberration, preserving the true color fidelity of the telescope. This is beneficial for all telescope types, but especially for "fast" optical systems (below f/7). While prisms can sometimes offer slightly more contrast, modern dielectric mirror coatings have largely closed that gap.
Can I use the Baader T-2 Maxbright Diagonal for astrophotography of planets like Jupiter?
Absolutely. The high reflectivity of the Maxbright mirror ensures maximum light reaches your planetary camera, allowing for shorter exposures and higher frame rates, which helps to "freeze" atmospheric seeing. The rigid, threaded T-2 connections also prevent any tilt or flexure in the imaging train, which is critical for maintaining sharp focus at high magnifications.
What does the "Maxbright" designation mean?
Maxbright is Baader Planetarium's designation for their high-reflectivity mirror coatings. While a standard aluminum mirror might reflect around 88-92% of light, a modern dielectric coating like that used on the Maxbright mirror offers significantly higher reflectivity. This results in a noticeably brighter view at the eyepiece.
Will this T-2 diagonal work with Baader's binoviewers?
Yes, this diagonal is an excellent choice for binoviewing. Its T-2 connections allow it to integrate seamlessly with accessories like Baader's Glasspath Correctors, which are often necessary to reach focus with binoviewers in refractors and Newtonians. The modularity helps in creating the shortest possible optical path.
