I've been looking around for a used right angle eyepiece for a Topcon 250 series instrument (for astro shots); Then it occurred to me that what would really help is a magnifier for the telescope. It seems that at 30x, the star is just about as fat as the reticle. Doubling this (or tripling it) might allow for more precise shots. I could use it for those 1000 meter shots to tacks in trees that I do all the time too! 😀 I've searched some and found what I think to be one for a Nikon TS, but none for a Topcon.
Would anyone know if those 2X "telephoto adaptors" for cameras would work without screwing up the paralax of the reticle? Any other ideas?
The problem with using a non-Topcon Magnifier is in the mounting.
Without the correct mounting, you cannot ensure that the lenses all line up perfectly, and that could throw your image off of the crosshairs.
Now if you could do the magnification on the eyepiece side, then it doesn't matter.
Be aware that all magnifiers cause a loss of light, as it is more material for the light to pass through.
I see right angle eyepieces for Topcon total stations on ebay on a regular basis. You might try there.
At our latitudes, a right angle eyepiece is not essential, but sure would make Polaris easier.
I doubt magnification would give you much improvement unless you can hide the star behind the reticule during a detectable amount of motion. The eye can normally find the center of an object with amazing accuracy if it can see both edges. And you don't want to lose any contrast from the image by having too many pieces of glass involved.
> I see right angle eyepieces for Topcon total stations on ebay on a regular basis. You might try there.
Right Angle eyepieces don't provide additional magnification do they?
I do not think mine does, but it is a must for the higher altitude shots
