This is only my second telescope. My first telescope for astrophotography was an SVBony 503 80ED. I learned a lot using that piece of equipment. However, the difference in image quality between the two scopes is almost like the difference between night and day. I’m new to this, so I don’t know if I’m interpreting this correctly, but it is so much

easier to get a better, lower number for HFR in my images. And my images are just visually more appealing to me.

This filter happened to be on back order for a number of months, but it was worth the wait. The filter has a sturdy metal cell with 3 thumbscrews to securely fasten it to the telescope tube. I have not used it as yet, but I have used Baader solar filters in the past and have been very pleased with their performance.

Though I already own a 72mm doublet OTA with a focal length close to 450mm, the FRA400 was irresistible to me because it was a quintuplet design and I didn't need to worry about a field flattener or backfocus. Additionally, the FRA400 is a little faster than the other scope, F/5.6 versus F/6.

So far, imaging sessions have exceeded my exp

ectations with three [3] DSO objects: North American Nebula, Pelican Nebula and the Veil Nebula complex. The FRA400 proved its worth on all three DSO imaging sessions. In my opinion, the best test case was shooting the Veil Nebula complex.

The only complaints I have with the FRA400 is that it does not come with a storage case and a tool [hex wrench provided] is required to open and close the mounting rings; an oversized knob is my preference for that chore. Still, the detractors aren't enough for me to ding its star rating.

For each imaging session with the FRA400, the following equipment list was used.

Conditions
Sky: Bortle 7-8
Wind: calm
Average Start Temp: >80 Fahrenheit, >27 Celsius

Equipment
FRA400 OTA, 400mm FL
ZWO 2600MM Pro, Gain = 100, Cooling 0 Celsius
ZWO EFW with 2” Baader 6.5nm Ha, Sii, Oiii filters
ZWO ASIair Plus controller
ZWO EAF
ZWO ASI120MM guide camera
32mm guide scope, 120mm FL

Other Equipment Used
ZWO AM5 mount
ZWO TC40 tripod with 200mm pier extension
Power Supply - private assembly

In summary, this was money well spent. By adding the 0.7x reducer, I now have a 400mm OTA and a 280mm OTA. While the reducer awaits for skies to clear, the basic FRA400 is a real winner. Setup was quick and without any need to adjust for backfocus.

It was cloudy for the first three weeks I had this scope. Finally last night was a great night. The scope performed very well. Very good contrast and great detail, especially with the ES eyepieces I have. Used magnifications from 16 to 140x. Perfect scope for public star parties or beginners. Very satisfied with this product.

This is a fantastic mount. Polar aligning with iPolar is a 2 minute job and that includes taking a dark frame. If you like to use a hand controller it is user friendly, easy to read and the options and menus are laid out logically. The tracking has been 0.8 to 1.2 arc seconds via PHD2 graphs and read outs. Handles the imaging train load very well

up to and including a Meade 8 inch deforked LX50 with DSLR coming in at 13.2 lbs.
Other mounts in this price and load range need belt drive upgrades and hyper tuning. No need with this mount! I did get the 8 inch pier extension and it takes care of any interference on longer image trains.
All I can suggest is to GET THIS MOUNT!

This is awesome paired with my 268M. Works perfectly. Love the dedicated connection between camera and wheel also. One less USB cord to send to a hub or PC. Both the filter wheel and cam are controlled thru a single USB 3 cable. Also LOVE the screw system versus endless adapters. I use a Newt - so backfocus is critical for me and although this whe

el is large, the screw system with the short 12.5 MM backfocus of the 268M make this thing easily reach 55 with space to spare.