Antares 2" to 1.25" Twist-Lock Eyepiece Adapter
Brand | Antares |
Part Number | MDATL |
Availability | available |
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Product Info
Manufacturer Description
Forget about fumbling for thumbscrews in the dark. With this innovative 2"-1.25" low-profile eyepiece adapter from Antares, just twist the silver lock ring and your 1.25" eyepiece, camera nosepiece, or laser collimator is centered precisely in your 2" focuser! Standard 1.25" adapters use a thumbscrew which pushes the inserted accessory to one side when tightened - not so with this adapter.
They've thought of everything:
- Helical centering and compression mechanism
- 0.6" long compression band to nicely grip all eyepieces, including those with nosepieces that have a tapered barrel or safety groove
- Knurled twist-lock ring
- Threaded to accept standard 2" (48mm) filters (However, see important note below about this)
- Polypropylene compression ring will not mar your eyepieces
- All metal construction (except for the compression ring)
And that's not all. Unscrewing the silver lock ring exposes a male T-thread on the lower black barrel, which conveniently functions as a 2" prime focus (2"-to-T Thread) adapter by itself. So you're actually getting two adapters for the price of one! You'll want one for every scope!
The total height of this adapter is 33mm (1.3"). Its optical length is 11mm (0.43"). Also, if you use eyepieces with a long barrel with a 2" filter screwed on this accessory, be careful not to hit the filter with the eyepiece. To alleviate this problem, you can attach a 2" spacer ring (not included) to the Twist-Lock adapter to increase its overall length.
An important note about the M48x0.75 (2" filter) thread on this adapter:
This item technically has 2" filter threads at the bottom. But these are poorly cut - they show anodizing wear spots, they're not uniform in appearance, and they're very sharp edged. These threads should work with many comaptible accessories, but the connection may not be smooth or complete. Or other filters may not thread on to this item at all, even though they should.
We do not recommend that you buy this adapter if you plan to use it with a 2" filter. Buy this only if you can live without the M48 filter thread. If you decide to return this item because of this after purchase, we will be happy to take it back for a refund as per our standard return terms, but will not treat this issue as a defect since this is being disclosed and explained in detail here.
This item still works very well otherwise as a twist lock adapter for 1.25" eyepieces. It is a very popular seller, but it is not perfect. That's just the way Antares makes this item now.
Reviews
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Jul 18, 2019
Excellent price/quality. I like that
Pros: Cons: Comments:Excellent price/quality. I like that you don't have to twist too hard to open the lock mechanism. This works very well on lightweight telescopes that might get pushed off target when you twist
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Aug 3, 2017Antares 2" to 1.25" Twist-Lock Eyepiece Adapter
Pros: Cons: Comments:Sturdy. Does what it is supposed to do. No problems with the free shipping. Very satisfied with this product.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 11, 2017Convenient eyepiece adapter
Pros: Cons: Comments:Not much to say other than it is much more convenient than messing with thumb screws and it keeps my eyepiece securely in place. I've used this on four or five occasions with no issues.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 30, 2016A Wonderful Accessory
Pros:Lightweight,Compact,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:Accurately centers the eyepiece, easy to tighten & loosen. Much easier to manipulate in the dark than the original thumbscrews.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 5, 2016Great Product
Pros:Fit The Bill,Accurate,Strong Construction,Easy to Use
Cons:No Cons
Comments:New scope & needed a better 1.25" to 2" adapter. I heard about this model on the web at astronomy sites, it was well regarded, so I purchased it.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I'm glad I did.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 9, 2015Nicely functional
Pros:Lightweight,Protects Eyepieces,Compact,Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Keeps Eyepieces Center
Cons: Comments:I bought both the Antares and Blue Fireball twist lock 1.25"/2" adapters to compare... still using both after 3 months. The Antares has some sharp edges...not chamfered like the Blue Fireball. But the Antares has slightly different threads on the twist mechanism that grasp the eyepiece more quickly; the Blue fireball requires an extra twist. But the fit and finish of the Blue Fierball is much nicer than the Antares, e.g., edges are chamfered and filter threads are cleanly cut and it has a perfect anodized finish. The Antares filter threads are nearly unusable because they are so rough. I do like the twist to lock form; it's clean, and centers the eyepiece nicely, maintaining a parallel position relative to the cone of light. The labelling on the Antares unit was annoying to me; it is easily removed with acetone on a Q-tip, which will not mar the anodizing (looks much better too).
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 5, 2015Doesn't hold heavy loads rotationally
Pros: Cons:Diagonals Rotate Inside
Comments:I bought two of these. They work only if you plan for holding a small eyepiece vertically. It may also work with heavy loads but only if you place it at the output of 2" diagonal. If you plan using it for reduction to 1.25" diagonal then be careful placing heavy pieces at the end of the diagonal. The whole diagonal will rotate inside the Antares adapter and you may lose your eyepiece. I already dropped my binoviewer to the ground 3 or 4 times. To get a better friction I used to screw it so tight that I struggled to unscrew it after and still it didn't hold.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? NoThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 25, 2015Not good choice for 2" binoviewer
Pros:Twist Ring Is Great,Light
Cons:Poor Parrallel Stabilty
Comments:Bought two for my 2" binoviewer. They are light and easy to use. Nice design if you are going to leave them in your diagonal and swap out the eyepieces themselves.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? No
However, for my 2" binoviewer they did not work because they cannot hold the two eyepieces parallel. It is not an issue of finding a good parallel between the two eyepieces. The issue is both left and right eyepieces have two much slop (each not tightly holding a fixed axis) hence the parallel is continually moving around if I touch either eyepiece.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Orlando_Jeff New Member
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- Review by Jeff in Orlando of Orlando, FL.
Jul 4, 2015Easy to use
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:This is easy to use and well built. Makes switching out eyepieces easy and keeps them centered in the focuser...
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 26, 2015It has one job and does it very well.
Pros:Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Precision,Lightweight
Cons: Comments:Located between my 2" Baader Diagonal and 1.25" eyepiece, this very nicely built, strongly confident adapter centers and holds the eyepieces in a consistent location without re-collimation or my fear of eyepieces falling out. It does it one job very well.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 28, 2015Made me feel happy..
Pros:Accurate,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:Impulse for buying this was to remedy unwanted play when cheshire/sightube was inserted into stock XT8 adapter (thus ruining collimation efforts).
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
This little piece of equipment is so smooth and sleek that now I cant imagine being without it before, when observing..
Also it adds a possibility for using 2in. filters with 1.25 eyepieces (which stock Orion adapter doesn't have)
P.S. Kudos to this great company, it a pleasure shopping at AgenaAstro!This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
ransanjaya New Member
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- Review by ransanjaya of Sri lanka.
Dec 1, 2014No more hassle in the dark....!
Pros:Easy to Use,Accurate,Compact,Lightweight,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:As this adapter doesn't contain any thumbscrews you don't have to worry in the dark, just twist and untwist the upper part of this adapter. It has a fine grip that even my heavy TV Delos eyepieces are secure in position without any loose. My DGM NPB filter is also nicely threaded in to the adapter. I think this should be added to your must list now....!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
ransanjaya New Member
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- Review by ransanjaya of Sri lanka.
Sep 17, 2014The best all purpose adapter...
Pros:Easy to Use,Accurate,Compact,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:This adapter is well constructed and works as discribed. You can thread 2" filters well to the adapter without having any extension tubes.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Especially I would like to thank Agenaastro for their excellent service with best packaging and light speed shipping even to my country. Thank you very much Agena.....!This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 5, 2014Nice low-cost adapter
Pros:Lightweight,Accurate,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:High quality, accurate adapter. Works great with my HC-2 focuser. No issues.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 30, 2014Thumbscrewless 2" to 1.25" adapter
Pros:Lightweight,Easy to Use,Accurate
Cons: Comments:The twist-lock mechanism's compression band does not mar your eyepiece as with those that use thumbscrews and offer a more secure fit, mitigating the usual wobble that comes with the other designs.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? No
This design also gives you better or at least a more consistent orthogonality.
I took off one star because the mechanism can be a little difficult to operate in the dark with gloves on, but it's still preferred to those with thumbscrews.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
spongebob New Member
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- Review by Spongebob of NJ whiter than white zone.
Dec 6, 2013Fantastic Accessory!
Pros:Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Quality Contruction,Lightweight,Accurate
Cons:None
Comments:I tried another brand before reading these real life reviews and buying one of these. It came fast, well protected and with a fine finish and no nicks in the finish. It tightens up well and holds even my heaviest 1.25" EPs. I double up on this with my Baader Clicklock and it makes a great one two punch! I hope to buy more. Highly recommended.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Nov 29, 2013Another Quick Change Artist
Pros:Lightweight,Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Compact
Cons: Comments:Talk about a quick change artist!! You can change EP's with this adapter faster than you can blink your eyes! I recommend this for anyone who loves this hobby and their scope! It can't get any better than this!!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 27, 2013A Must Have
Pros:Compact,Easy to Use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:How many eyepiece thumbnail screws do you have to lose until you realise that's so 19th Century?
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I have valuable eyepieces that are now securely attached to my diagonal. 5+++This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Aug 18, 2013Genius is not Knowlege, but Imagination
Pros:Accurate
Cons: Comments:I happen to be familiar with removing the Barlow nosepiece from a Baader Hyperion and threading it to the front of the Baader 8-24mm Zoom to make it a 5.5-16mm Zoom.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? No
I just discovered unexpectedly that the same Hyperion nosepiece can also be inserted into the threads below an Antares 1.25" Twist Lock eyepieces holder.
Consequently, you can get rid of eyepiece thumbscrews and use an Antares 1.25" Twist Lock eyepiece holder from Agena with the option of inserting a 1.3x Barlow in front of it.
Due to various eyepiece f-stops you may need to find at what distance you will put an eyepiece relative to the Barlow.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 20, 2013Solid and protects EP barrels
Pros:Compact,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:I hate putting marks on my eyepiece barrels; this device allows me to avoid that and makes swapping out EPs during a night of viewing, easy breezy.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The hold is secure and solid, it didn't hurt that I found it cheaper here at Agena!This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Apr 6, 2013Works great and easy to use!
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:Pros:
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
-Easily centers and locks eyepieces into place with a simple twist of the ring
-Eliminates need for fiddling with thumbscrews while trying to center eyepieces (especially grateful for this in cold weather)
-Slides easily into the 2" hole in my XT8i
Wishes (not really cons):
-It would be nice if the outer 2" casing of the adapter had a self-centering/self-locking mechanism like Hotech's laser collimator just to ensure centering accuracy even further.
-I wish the branding could be easily removed but this is just my personal preferenceThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 22, 2013Great item
Pros:Strong Construction,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:This thing is designed for use to center an eyepiece in a telescope. It works perfectly for that application. I use it to center my eyepiece projector for astro photography. Without it the weight of the variable eyepiece projector and camera causes what the camera sees to be off center.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 12, 2013Simple and well engineered
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:This is a solid well executed adapter. I especially like the machining on the adjustment ring - just right with a really positive grip with or without gloves. It's also handles all barrels regardless of whether undercut, tapered or smooth.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 8, 2013Secure and Easry to use
Pros:Secure Fit,Compact,Accurate,Strong Construction,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:Purchased to secure binoviewers this is a very nice addition to a 2" focuser.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 8, 2013A must have!
Pros:Easy to Use,Accurate,Lightweight,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:Great product. Makes changing eyepieces in the dark much simpler. Better centering too. I wish my 2" focuser was of this type of holder.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Dec 11, 2012Antares 2" to 1.25" Twist-lock Eyepiece
Pros:Easy to Use,Compact,Strong Construction,Lightweight
Cons: Comments:This is a great accessory to have when you have a mix of eyepieces of different barrel diameters.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It has solid build quality, weighs little, is easy to use and has compression rings rather than set screws to firmly hold the eyepiece.
I suspect it wouldn't hold the bigger, heavier eyepieces (the "glass hand grenades"), but I don't own any. What about a binoviewer ? I have yet to try it with mine.
Test it before you even install it on your scope.
The diagonal (if you use one) has to be firmly attached to the scope; the twist adapter has to be firmly attached to the diagonal and the eyepiece has to be firmly in the adapter - no matter what scope/accessories you're using.
All in all, this is great practical (ie: immediately useful) piece of gear to own.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 10, 2012Twist-Lock Adapter Rocks!
Pros:Accurate,Lightweight,Strong Construction,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:No more fumbling with set screws when changing eyepieces. Just a slight twist releases one eyepiece and/or tightens another. There is no slippage. I use a 1.25" laser collimator in my 2" focuser and after collimating I can remove the collimator and replace it with no movement from the center spot upon replacement. My only problem is that I didn't order 2 of them so that I can keep one permanently in both scopes.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 26, 2012Nice accessory
Pros:Convenient,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:The plastic on this is somewhat thin. However, it gets the job done, and at a reasonable cost.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 21, 2012How simple. The best 1.25 to 2" adapter.
Pros:Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Accurate
Cons: Comments:The best 1.25" to 2" adapter. Simple, quick and accurate switching between eyepieces. It's a joy to use it.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 29, 2012Works great!
Pros:Strong Construction,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:This is a great accessory for your 2" focuser. It was especially useful when using my 1 1/4" collimation combination tool to collimate my dob with 2" focuser. Highly recommended.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 29, 2012Easy to use, easier to switch EP's
Pros:Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:This has helped me both with switching out eyepieces, as well as gaining more accurate collimation. I highly recommend it!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It's also very nice that you can use 2" filters with this adapter, so I can use all of my 2" filters with my 1.25" eyepieces.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 25, 2012Very Nice
Pros:Lightweight,Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Accurate
Cons: Comments:I was having problems collimating my 6" Meade Newt. So I bought the twist lock adapter hoping it would help center up the collimator in the focuser. It worked perfect! If you have this problem and have a Meade with the factory 2" focuser get one it will make collimation a snap. All my eyepieces are 1 1/4" so leaving in the scope is not a problem.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 25, 2012Great Adapter
Pros:Easy to Use,Lightweight
Cons: Comments:This is great adapter for 1.25 eyepieces. I like the fact that I don't have to use the little screw to secure the eyepieces with my old adapter. With this adapter just place any 1.25 eyepiece and twist. To remove just untwist is that easy. I'm very satisfied with the product.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 24, 2012Excellent kit
Pros:Quality
Cons:None
Comments:I just purchased the Antares twist lock adapter and it is a superb bit of kit. It simply goes into a 2inch opening and is locked down. The ring on the 1.25 end can then be tightened to comfortably grip eyepieces and cameras etc. It is a well made and sold item. Agena astro in USA were very quick to ship it to me.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It is very useful for collimation of Newtonians. I used it on my SkyWatcher flextube 300p and it gave much more central positioning when using the laser collimator.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 23, 2012GREAT PRODUCT - GREAT SERVICE & SUPPLIER
Pros:Easy to Use,Compact,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I ordered this in the UK (Scotland), arrived in no time, and was cheaper even including shipping than I could buy over here.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 10, 2012Just realize this isn't self centering
Pros:No
Cons:No
Comments:I really like this product. I was thinking it was a self-centering adapter though (like the Hotech SCA) but it only centers a 1.25 inch eyepiece it doesn't have a mechanism to self center outwardly in the 2 inch focuser. You still need to use your thumbscrews. This is just my mistake though... the product description doesn't indicate that it is a SCA. Still, it does a better job centering a laser collimator vs. a thumbscrew. It is fantastic for using with eyepieces. I found that I really prefer it over using a thumbscrew.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
mikeforeman New Member
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- Review by Mike the visual of Texas.
Dec 25, 2011Great solution for an old problem
Pros:Low Profile,Fast Change
Cons: Comments:Bought a Baader 2" diagonal and found I could not bring my crosshair eyepiece to focus.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It was sugested by someone on Cloudy Nights that I try this adapter.
Wow! it is the best. It is my primary now.
Easy to change and complements the Click lock of the 2" BadderThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
KevinK New Member
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- Review by Kevin of Indiana.
Nov 4, 2011Very good especially for collimation
Pros: Cons: Comments:This device allows accurate centering which is particularly useful when using a laser collimator. Conventional thumbscrew adapters have a small amount of play leading to difficulty in getting the collimator square with the focuser. This translates to appreciable error and variability in where the laser hits the primary center spot leading to inaccurate collimation. This unit completely eliminates that inaccuracy. I also enjoy using it when changing eyepieces as a light twist is all that is required to loosen or tighten the eyepiece into the adapter. Highly recommended.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? NoThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
HawaiiAstro New Member
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- Unknown
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- Review by Tiebreaker of Maine.
Nov 4, 2011Innovative and Useful Adapter!
Pros:Compact,Easy to Use,Lightweight,Good fit
Cons: Comments:Works well to center the eyepiece and easy to use. Useful in centering a laser collimator.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 28, 2011Antares has done it right
Pros:Compact,Lightweight,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:This product at first appears to light weight but actually is still very effective. The design allows easy removal and placement of any 1.25" eyepiece simply by turning the silver ring. I would highly recommend it.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 28, 2011A great bargain!
Pros:T2 Thread,Compact,Fully Functional T2 Thre,Accurate,Easy to Use,Lightweight
Cons:Multiple Turning
Comments:This product is excellent and fully functional. I use it as a 2'' to 1.25'' reducer with all my 2'' focusers and my Proxima Barlow 1.5x, but I think I should buy 2-3 more to have one for every focuser permanently. I can combine it with my T2 Baader Click Lock when I need to turn just a little. But Antares Twist Lock is much cheaper anyway. I wish they had also a 2'' model (accepting 2'' eyepieces I mean).
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
ScoJo1969 New Member
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- Review by Scott of Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Oct 16, 2011Better than you think
Pros:Lightweight,Accurate,Easy to Use,Compact,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:This adapter is soo good that I leave it permanently on my refractor. In fact, it should be a standard feature on all diagonals and focusers sold. I'm thinking in buying two more.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 4, 2011What a great idea!
Pros:Build Quality,Compact,Accurate
Cons: Comments:I bought this for easily changing EPs, which it does wonderfully. No more tightening small thumbscrews in the cold. Very easy to use.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 28, 2011You would have bought it before
Pros:Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:Once you have it, you guess why you didn't bought it before. Ease eyepiece changing and collimating. Eyepiece remains firmly in place and collimation is less eyepiece-dependent.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Used with a skywatcher 200mm newton . Thank you
alessandroThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
sebagr Member
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- Review by sebagr of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Feb 3, 2011Great adapter, get one!
Pros:Compact,Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons:Loose parts
Comments:This adapter is great. It allows me to use 1.25 eyepieces and switch immediately to T-ring while keeping the 2'' filters I'm using.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The only drawback is that once you unscrew the top, there's a loose ring that comes off, the one used to tighten the eyepiece while screwing. I wasn't expecting this and now I have to keep 2 loose parts while it's dismantled, but its accuracy due to the all-around tightening ring makes this a minor drawback.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
dsvanderbilt New Member
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- Review by DSV of Ramah, NM & Paw Paw, IL.
MAK7 New Member
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- Review by Brad of Phoenix, AZ.
Nov 8, 2009Easy to use and secure
Pros:Compact,Strong Construction,Holds EP's securely,Accurate
Cons: Comments:I used this to replace the 1.25" adapter on my Feather Touch focuser, it was difficult to quickly change to 1.25" with the FT set screw assembly for the compression ring. This is quick, simple, secure and non marring to the EP's barrels as the compression ring is plastic/poly. It has changed my exchange time to 1.25" to twice as fast with its simple twist lock design. Great adapter A+++++
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 26, 2009Great adapter
Pros:Compact,Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons: Comments:I keep it in the eyepiece case and use it for my 1 1/4" eyepiece in my 2" focuser. It is easy to use as advertised.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 17, 2009Great adapter
Pros:Easiest to use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I just ordered the adapter from you, thanks for it!, I use it on all the telescopes, I do not like any more the compression rings, thanks again.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It is strong and does not leave any marks on my eyepieces.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 1, 2008Antares 2"-1.25" Twist-lock Adapter
Pros:- Good construction
Cons:
- Smooth operation
- Low cost- Compression ring may require modification for use with some accessories
Comments:I admit it. I’m a gadget guy. I’m always on the lookout for accessories that I think will enhance my observing experience, so I obtained one from Agena AstroProducts for evaluation. The idea of a twist-lock adapter seemed like a good one, and I was anxious to see how it would work.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Initial impressions:
A few days later, the adapter arrived in the mail. My initial impression was that it was well made and nicely finished. I immediately noticed a couple of things I wasn’t expecting. Firstly, the barrel was smooth – no safety undercut. Secondly, the adapter’s compression ring was plastic rather than brass. After inspecting the twist mechanism design, I discovered that a flat compression ring really wouldn’t work properly, and that plastic was probably a good cost-effective material for the ring.
Some other features of the adapter are a black barrel interior and a knurled twist ring. If the twist ring is removed completely, the threads are T-ring compatible, which is nice. The adapter is also threaded for 2” filters. With the exception of the compression ring, the adapter is of all-metal construction, and the twist lock operates very smoothly.
A problem discovered:
To test the holding power of the adapter, I inserted a 13mm Baader Hyperion eyepiece, which weighs about 14 oz., tightened the twist-ring, and then held them upside down and gave a little shake. I was surprised when the eyepiece slid partially out of the adapter. I tried it several times, with the same result – the eyepiece came out of the adapter about 1/8”, and then met enough resistance to stop it from dropping out completely. What was happening was that the safety groove on the eyepiece did not line up exactly with the compression ring when the eyepiece was fully inserted into the adapter. When the compression ring was tightened, it was riding on the shoulder of the groove, which didn’t provide enough surface for the ring to grip properly. When I shook them, the ring slipped off the shoulder and into the safety undercut, where latent tension compressed it just enough to prevent the eyepiece from coming all the way out of the adapter.
Obviously, the slippage was a problem. I then tried lining up the compression ring with the safety groove before tightening, which, although it meant the eyepiece was not fully inserted into the adapter, I figured would at least allow the compression ring to tighten fully and solve the slippage problem. To my further surprise, I was unable to tighten the compression ring enough to grip the eyepiece. When fully tightened, the compression ring was just slightly too big.
A DIY solution:
I decided to try cutting a little off one end of the compression ring, hoping it would then compress more, and grip the eyepiece. I snipped about 1/16” off, filed it smooth, and tried again, this time with success! The compression ring was now able to get a solid grip on the eyepiece barrel in the safety undercut. Unfortunately, this meant that the body of the eyepiece was sitting about 1/8” above the surface of the adapter (see photo). Esthetically not very pleasing, but at least it worked.
Conclusions:
Since there seems to be no standard for where on a barrel a safety undercut should be placed, or how wide or deep it should be, I can’t say whether the adapter will have the same problem with other eyepieces. Other than what I have described, I think the adapter is a nice accessory if you are using several smooth-barrel 1.25” eyepieces during an observing session, and you want a quick and easy way to insert and remove them from a 2” focuser or diagonal. However, I wouldn’t recommend the adapter for use with heavy eyepieces, binoviewers, or cameras with safety-undercut barrels unless you take the time to shorten the compression ring, and always make sure the compression ring is fully seated in the safety undercut.
UPDATE (5/1/2008): I have been told that Antares has modified the adapter design, and now ships the adapter with a shortened compression ring. In addition, at least two of the product retailers have shortened the compression ring on existing stocks.Sort by