Bushnell 675x 4.5 GoTo

K1W1 · Guest

We have just got this Bushnell telescope and we are trying to master it - I have noticed it is very sensitive in alignment - even adjusting focus throws the scope off the object under view and we have to continually adjust with the movement buttons. Is this normal?

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 9:10 am Post subject:

Hi

The higher the magnification used on any telescope, the more sensitive it becomes to any forces acting on the scope such as wind, touching, bunping and so on. This is an inevitable consequence of using high magnification. At the highest nagnifications, even touching the focuser introduces shaking and vibration that may take several to many seconds to disappear.

There are several ways to combat this. First and always the best is to use a heavy and sturdy mount. Unfortunately, the Bushnell would not be included in this category, though it is adequate for reasonable magnifications up to about 150x. Second, is to use vibration suppression pads. You can add these to any telescope. Last is to use an electronic focuser. This is an accessory offered for specific models of telescopes (usually expensive ones). Sorry, nothing is offered for the Bushnell at this time.

The most practical solution for you is probably to reduce magnification if vibration has become a serious problem. Image quality is usually best at lower magnifications, anyway.
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AstroBoy · Guest

You don't say where you are using it, but I would add that it's best to place it on solid ground.

You don't want to have the mount standing on a deck/porch or a floor of a house as any movement will cause the mount to vibrate.

You also want to avoid soft ground, gravel or any kind of loose surface that can shift as you apply pressure.