Takahashi FCT-L 0.8x Focal Reducer
CHF 817.46
FCT-114DS telescope with an 114 mm fluorite triplet lens, 800 mm focal length, and retractable dew shield. Standard rack-and-pinion focuser for visual observation.
CHF 2'899.81incl. Swiss VAT
Part Number TCK11410
The Takahashi FCT-114DS features a diameter of 114 mm and a focal length of 800 mm, with an F/D ratio of 7. Its three-element apochromatic objective places the fluorite element between two glass elements. It is designed to reduce chromatic aberration and preserve fine details during lunar and planetary observation.
The 114-mm-diameter tube and retractable dew shield make installation and storage easy. This design provides a versatile platform for observation and photography when used with the appropriate optical accessories.
The DS version emphasizes visual observation with a conventional rack-and-pinion system, without a gear reduction. It features the same fluorite objective as the DF version but with a simpler focusing mechanism.
This offer includes the optical tube only. The collars and mount should be selected based on your setup. In photography, the FC/FS Multi-Flattener 1.04× corrector or the FC-35 0.66× reducer are used with the adapters shown in the corresponding Takahashi diagram. These optical accessories are sold separately.
These accessories are sold separately from the optical tube. For a photographic setup, be sure to use the connectors and spacing specified for your chosen configuration.
The Takahashi FCT-L 0.8x Focal Reducer allows the FCT-114DS to be used at 639 mm and f/5.6, with an image circle of 44 mm.
The Takahashi FCT-L 0.99x Field Corrector flattens the field while maintaining a focal length of 795 mm at f/7.0, with an image circle of 55 mm.
These two accessories are sold separately and use the FCT-L CO 114D ring, which is compatible with the FCT-114DS. The assembly also includes the Camera Angle Adjuster M. With the FCT-L 0.99x corrector, the M72 L52 extension tube is part of the assembly and is included as standard with the FCT-114D.
For a CMOS camera, select the M72-M48 or M72-M54 end adapter that matches the camera’s connection. The sensor plane must be located 55 mm from the base of the thread on the camera side of this adapter. Refer to the Takahashi diagram for the selected converter for the order of the parts and the necessary connections.
The Takahashi FCT-114DS is a triplet refractor with a 114 mm aperture and an 800 mm focal length (f/7), designed primarily for deep-sky astrophotography. Its focal length is ideal for observing galaxies (M51, M101, the Leo Triplet), planetary nebulae such as M27, and globular clusters, with a good level of detail. At f/7, its classic aperture-to-focal-length ratio requires slightly longer exposure times, but in return delivers very fine star points.
With an APS-C camera featuring 3.76 µm pixels (Sony IMX571 sensor), you get approximately 0.97″ per pixel for a field of view of 1.7° × 1.1°. This is a fine resolution: under moderate turbulence, 2×2 pixel binning or a reducer will produce rounder stars. With the 0.8× reducer, the resolution increases to 1.21″ per pixel and a field of view of 2.1° × 1.4°.
Yes, whenever you're using an APS-C or full-frame sensor: like any uncorrected triplet lens, it has a slight field curvature that stretches the stars in the corners. Dedicated correctors: Takahashi FCT-L 0.8x Focal Reducer (equivalent focal length of 640 mm, f/5.6); Takahashi FCT-L 0.99x Field Corrector.
55 mm from the M72-M48/M54 adapter with the FCT-L 0.99× or FCT-L 0.8× reducer. This focal length is measured from the thread to the sensor, including rings, filter wheel, and filter drawer: adhering to this measurement down to the millimeter ensures that stars remain round in the corners.
The tube weighs about 5.3 kg; with the camera, filter wheel, and guide scope, expect it to weigh around 6.8 kg: an HEQ5-R Pro-class mount provides plenty of headroom. A refractor requires no collimation: once balanced, it’s ready to use as soon as it reaches operating temperature. At 82.4 cm long, it requires a decent-sized trunk.
Yes, as a bonus: with an angled mirror and an eyepiece, it provides high-contrast, color-accurate images of the Moon, the planets, and double stars, up to about 228×.
Here are a few accessories we've selected for this model, depending on your needs.
Pair of Takahashi 114WB collars for the FCT-114D. The 220B dovetail for the mount is sold separately.
Vixen Takahashi 220B dovetail for 114WB clamps, sold separately. Check your mount's clamping mechanism and balance.
Optional top plate for 114WB clamps, allowing for the attachment of accessories. The clamps and lower dovetail must be ordered separately; check for clearance and balance.
1.04× Extender for FCT-114D: 821 mm at f/7.2. Alternative to FCT-L lenses; use a single correction lens. Use the L5 TKA34201 and Multi CA-100 TKA19203 rings, then check the focus.
FC-35 0.66× Reducer for FCT-114D: 532 mm at f/4.7. Alternative to FCT-L optics; use a single correction lens. Be sure to use the CA102 TKA23202 ring and check the connections and focus.
