Quality image erecting prism?

Started by Bob Chester, 10/06/2002 01:18AM
Posted 10/06/2002 01:18AM Opening Post
Is there such a thing as a high quality image erecting prism in the 1-1/4" format or is it not necessary since most terrestial viewing is not done at very high powers. I own a high quality apo that I would like to use for eagle spotting and photography ( digital afocal ) and fear the run of the mill prism will degrade the image. Are my fears unfounded? Any recomendations are welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Bob

Fujinon 10x70 FMT-SX binocs
Tak FS-78 ƒ/8.1 - 630mm fl.
6" ƒ/6.5 homeground newt. - 981mm fl.
10" ƒ/4.85 homeground dob. - 1231mm fl.



Posted 10/07/2002 06:02AM #1
I've got three 90 degree erect image diagonals, two I got from University Optics and one from Pocono Mt. All three are much superior to my 45 degree Celestron erect image diagonal. But all are inferior to any of my prism and mirror diagonals.

Bright planets and the bright stars exhibit a diffraction spike either side of them. So they're suitable for moderate power viewing of DSOs. The images at high power seem okay - you still see bands on Jupiter -until you do a side by side comparison with a standard diagonal.

If you're into eagle spotting, you'd presumably be doing it at lowish power, and would find them okay. For an afocal digital image, you'd probably be better off using a standard diagonal, and using the mirror image function in your picture processing software to get the correct image orientation.
Renato