I would like to reduce the focal ratio of my Meade F/9 (5") Refractor
for primarily DS photo work with some visual use and was wondering if
there are any recommendation for a Focal Reducer or Telecompressor to do
this. (Look for F/7 or better).

Right now the only two things I have heard of are to either use the
Meade SCT 6.3 Focal reducer with an adapter, or possibly AP has a .75
Telecompressor that is used on their EDF and EDT line, however it
threads into the back of their 2.7" focuser which may have different
threads then the Meade 2.7" focuser.

Here are some additional questions:
1. If I use the Meade 6.3 Focal Reducer and the Meade Meade Universal
Thread Adapter (UTA) into the back of the focuser to use the Meade SCT
Focal reducer? I heard awhile back that you need a spacer to reach prime
focus
when using this focus reducer on the Meade APO, is that true?
2. Has anyone successfully used a Focal reducer with the Meade
refractors?
3. How does the reducer do on Deep space photos? My prime goal is to
reduce my
exposure times on regular DS stuff (or get more out of a 60 min.exp.).
Does it also work
visually to some degree?
4. How would it affect flatness to the edge of field?
5. Is there actual vignetting? Since I switched from a 1 1/4" to a 2"
adapter
staight into my camera T-adapter I no longer have any vignetting on my
35mm frame,
will I get some back? Or is it that with the focal reducer the
brightness just decreases as you move from the center to the edge of the

frame but that the frame is still full?
6. Would anyone happen to know if the Meade 2.7" I.D. focuser threads
are the same as the Astro-physics 2.7" I.D. focuser threads which would
allow me to use their
telecompressor?

Thanks for any info...
m.

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