Premium Focuser or Electronic Focus?

First, I need to preface this by saying that I have not had the opportunity to use some of the high end focusers like the Feathertouch and others so I come to this question truly without practical experience to draw from.

I have a reverse crayford focuser on my f4.5 dob. I am satisfied with the smoothness of the mechanism - so no issue there. But as I read the comments on the premium focusers, most of the advocates cite the accuracy of focus (especially with the 2 speed focusers) that can benefit fast focal length scopes.

Also mentioned frequently is the light touch required in using these focusers.

Of course the cost of entry on some of these 2 speed focusers is considerable ($200 and up).

My question (Finally!) is: Can one achieve the same advantages with a good adjustable, smooth, and slow electronic focus motor?

It would seem to me that the hands off, slow and precise focus adjustment these motors provide would approach the functionality of the premium focusers at a much lower cost considering for instance Orion's electronic focus motor retails at around $50.

Again - I am wide open to considering all of the user advantages of these great focusers that I am unaware of as I have no practical experience using them. So please let me have the benefit of your experience.

Thanks!

I have a Moonlight focuser on my 12.5" Dob and the Orion electronic on my 6" Orion Newt (equatorial). I never really thought about comparing them! However, since you ask the question, I'd almost have to say I like the electronic one better (hmmm - maybe I should have thought about this before!). I like being able to look into the eyepiece with absolutely no motion of the scope while focusing. There are drawbacks, such as placement of the controller (I mount mine to the scope with velcro) and the fact that you may be "out of business" if the battery dies since there is no clutch to allow for manual motion (at least on mine). My $.02...

Pat

I have a Moonlite focuser which was really smooth manually. I decided to send it in for the motofocus upgrade. Now I cannot use it manually. If you buy one new with motofocus, it comes the same way. Yes, batteries can go dead, it's more effort to set it up each time, you have wires dangling. Also there are times when you would like to just focus manually. For example you're just getting your scope out for a quick look at Mercury before it sets. If you get a motofocus, try to get one that has a clutch to allow manual focussing.

Rod
I just switched to a premium (FT) focuser on a well known brand of refractor that is know for having a smooth focuser. At high powers there was movement however after switching to a FeatherTouch there is clearly an improvement. The very light touch required on the fine focus knob made a huge difference. You don't really have to grab it, just roll it with your finger tip. Keep in mind no focuser will make up for a shaky mount. I can't compare to an electronic as I have never used one. Some of the mentioned draw backs have already been pointed out. I like the action of the FT so much I have another on order to replace a JMI on my DOB. The JMI is good but man the FT is just so smooth in course and fine movement it is amazing. I know see why there is so much prase from everyone about the FT.
Hope this helps
Buck

I have only had two electronic focusers. They worked well, but it seemed to take a long time to focus when changing EPs that were not parfocal. This got to be irritating to me, so I sold them and went to Feathertouch focusers, which I find to be excellent.
I also have a Wyorock focuser that is a single speed. I made a 3" knob for the right side for it, it came with a 1.5". This allowed me to have a finer control of the focus and to focus with just a finger laying on the knob rather than gripping the knob. This helped with vibration on the refractor on the GEM mount, which I appreciated.

For Visual I prefer the faster focusing manual method. For Astrophotography, I prefer leaving it to the electronic.

Alex

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and experiences.

I think that I am going to try the Orion Electronic Focusing Unit and see how I like it. I do like the hands off aspect, the relatively low price, and not having to change out my focuser.

If it proves not to be the answer, I can always recoup a good deal of the cost thanks to our Host Site, and pull the trigger on one of the premium units.

Thanks again everyone.