I have obtained a new scope. One of the interesting things about the DIY
Kineoptics website is here: http://www.kineoptics.com/
To be honest, I have never used one before, but do have a Crayford Moonlite to compare it to. What I have found is that the helical focuser is growing on me.
1. The nice things this focuser has is its very light weight, and an extremely low profile. The beauty of a low profile is that the design allows for a very small secondary. Also, the design is very minimalist - with little intrusion of the focuser tube into light path of the business end of the scope. As its a Crayford, its smooth. Also this is a very inexpensive focuser @ $107 USD or so. Its so light that my scope has an extra balance weight up top to provide overall balance.
2. What may not be too good about the design:
The ID of the draw tube provides the bearing surface for the crayford mechanism, and it can accumulate dirt, which can lead to a grainy feel when focusing in and out. There is no fine focus per se.
How does it compare to my Moonlite Crayford?
Honestly, I found that in my
Overall, the helical focuser design emphasizes low profile and low weight, and my first inclination was to replace it. After a couple of sessions, I have decided NOT to replace it.
They are a nice piece of kit.
Thanks for reading to the bottom,
Ian