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Baader 90° Prism Diagonal w/ 32mm Prism - T-2

SKU BAA-2456005
Original price CA$161.00 - Original price CA$161.00
Original price
CA$161.00
CA$161.00 - CA$161.00
Current price CA$161.00
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  • 90° comfortable viewing angle
  • Large 32mm prism for full field illumination
  • Baader T-2 thread system for modular connections
  • Maxbright-series prism for high-contrast images
  • Optimized for planetary and lunar observing with refractors
1 in stock
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Warranty
  • Baader 90° Prism Diagonal w/ 32mm Prism - T-2

    The Baader 90° Prism Diagonal is built around a substantial 32mm prism, providing a full-aperture light path for T-2 system components. This 90° diagonal is designed for maximum modularity, offering T-2 threads on both the telescope and eyepiece sides to create a completely rigid, flexure-free optical train.

    The 32mm Prism: High-Contrast Views for Refractors

    This diagonal's core is a precision-polished 32mm prism. Unlike mirror diagonals that can develop scatter-inducing micro-scratches over time, a prism's hypotenuse surface is protected, delivering consistently high-contrast views ideal for resolving fine detail on Jupiter's cloud bands, Saturn's rings, and lunar crater walls. The generous 32mm size ensures that the light cone from the telescope passes through without vignetting, fully illuminating the field of view of most 1.25" eyepieces.

    T-2 System Modularity: Build Your Ideal Optical Train

    The true power of this diagonal lies in its integration with the Baader T-2 Astro System. With female T-2 threads on both the input and output faces, you can directly attach a vast range of adapters. This allows you to build a custom, rock-solid imaging or visual setup, eliminating the alignment issues and potential tilt common with standard slip-fit diagonals. You can configure it with a 1.25" ClickLock eyepiece clamp, a 2" nosepiece, or connect it directly to T-2 threaded flatteners and cameras.

    Please note: This is a core system component. To use it, you must purchase the appropriate T-2 nosepiece for your focuser and a T-2 eyepiece holder (such as a ClickLock or standard clamp) separately.

    Prism vs. Mirror: Choosing the Right 90° Diagonal

    Choosing between a prism and a mirror diagonal depends on your telescope and primary observing targets. While both provide a 90° viewing angle, their optical properties differ.

    • Mirror Diagonals: A high-quality dielectric mirror offers slightly higher light transmission and superior color correction, making it a better choice for fast refractors (f/7 or faster) and for deep-sky observing where every photon counts.
    • Prism Diagonals: This Baader 32mm prism excels at reducing light scatter, which measurably increases image contrast. This makes subtle planetary and lunar details pop. While it can introduce a negligible amount of chromatic aberration in very fast systems, its performance in f/8 or slower refractors is often considered superior for high-magnification targets.
  • What is the advantage of the Baader T-2 Prism Diagonal's thread system?

    The Baader T-2 thread system allows you to create a completely modular and rigid connection between your telescope, diagonal, and eyepiece or camera. This eliminates the potential for tilt, sag, or poor alignment that can occur with standard 1.25" or 2" slip-fit accessories, which is critical for imaging and high-magnification visual work.

    Will the Baader 90° Prism Diagonal work with my 2" focuser?

    Yes, but it requires the correct adapters, which are sold separately. To connect the Baader T-2 Prism Diagonal to a 2" focuser, you will need a Baader T-2 to 2" nosepiece. On the other side, you will need a T-2 compatible eyepiece holder, such as a Baader 1.25" ClickLock clamp.

    Is a 32mm prism diagonal better than a mirror diagonal for my refractor?

    It depends on your telescope's focal ratio and your targets. For slower refractors (f/8 and longer) and high-magnification viewing of the Moon and planets, a prism diagonal like this Baader 32mm model often provides higher contrast. For faster refractors (f/7 and shorter) or deep-sky observing, a quality dielectric mirror diagonal is typically preferred for its higher light transmission and better color correction.

    Can I use the Baader T-2 90° diagonal for imaging Jupiter with my 100mm f/9 refractor?

    Absolutely. That is an ideal application for this diagonal. The high-contrast view delivered by the 32mm prism will help resolve fine details in Jupiter's cloud belts and the Great Red Spot. The rigid T-2 connections will also ensure your planetary camera remains perfectly aligned with the optical axis, free from tilt or flexure.

    Why does this Baader diagonal use a 32mm prism instead of a mirror?

    A prism is used to maximize image contrast by minimizing light scatter. The internal reflection surface is perfectly smooth and protected from environmental degradation. This makes the Baader 90° Prism Diagonal an excellent choice for observers who prioritize the sharpest possible views of bright objects like the Moon, planets, and double stars.

    Will the Baader 32mm Prism Diagonal vignette with a Tele Vue 24mm Panoptic eyepiece?

    The 32mm prism provides a very large clear aperture designed to fully illuminate the field stops of nearly all 1.25" eyepieces, including wide-field designs like the 24mm Panoptic. When properly adapted within the T-2 system, you should not experience any significant vignetting caused by the diagonal itself.

  • Product Name Baader 90° Prism Diagonal w/ 32mm Prism - T-2
    Diagonal Angle 90°
    Prism Size 32mm
    Telescope Connection Female T-2 Thread (M42 x 0.75)
    Eyepiece Connection Female T-2 Thread (M42 x 0.75)
    Series Maxbright
    Net weight (kg) 0.13
    AR-Coating Phantom Coating® Group
    Clamping System no clamp
    Optical length (mm) 35
    Optical Design Star Diagonal Prism
    Image Orientation Erect image, Mirror inverted
    Reflection surface Total reflection
    • Baader 90° T-2 Prism Diagonal Body

      Note: Nosepiece and eyepiece holder sold separately.

  • Baader Planetarium Warranty