Burgess Optical's Model 200a 2" Focuser

*Image taken from BurgessOptical Web site

I'm sure more than a few LXD55 owners would agree with me when I state the stock focuser on the refractors and the Schmidt Newtonians are nothing to write home about. There is a large amount of image shift and don't even get me started on the amount of play between focuser and the draw tube.

I finally decided to do something about it and ordered the Model 200a. Bill Burgess answered all my questions when I called on the phone. I was concerned about the length of the focus tube, whether or not the base plate would match existing holes in the OTA, and finally I was still concerned about image shift and flexure when the tube was rack all the way out. He assured me the focuser would live up to my expectations.

It did. After a three week wait for delivery, my focuser and custom base plate to fit the AR5 arrived. I carefully removed the three screws holding the stock focuser on the OTA and removed it. I had a bit of difficult with one mounting screw hole on the new focuser. There was a small filing of metal, perhaps left over from threading the hole for screws that caused the slow-down. Once the filing was removed installation continued smoothly. Within a few minutes I had the Burgess Focuser installed.

The focuser has adjustments for collimating but a quick test showed it was just a small amount off perfect. I'll adjust it at a later date. The focus knob assembly rides on bearings and is very smooth. The aluminum knobs are smaller than the stock plastic knobs that came on scope but I believe the smooth motion of the focuser will make up for it. Lastly, this thing is rock solid. Even with the draw tube fully extended there is no flexure and no image shift noticeable to the eye.

I’m quite happy with this purchase. The product met my expectations and I feel I've made a good purchase. If you want to replace your focuser consider the Burgess Optical focusers.