Use of Flip Mirrors

Hi All

Anyone here on the forum use flip mirrors in their image train? What are the pros and cons of such a unit? I was thinking of investing in a flip mirror system to help me with video imaging (aligning) through an SCT.

Many thanks and clear skies
Mike

For planetary imaging, in fact any kind of imaging I swear by them.
I have the 2" Meade flip mirror (#647) and its an excellent piece of equipment.
I centre the planet in the top eyepiece, turn the dial and the planets is centred on the camera, simple as that.
I also use it for observing and leave the camera at prime focus, so it acts as a fairly good star diagonal.
It was a life saver at the solar eclipse last year, I could observe the eclipsed sun through the scope, very quickly turn the dial and then get a picture with the canon, and so on. There is no way you could be swapping eyepieces and cameras on a scope during an eclipse.

Hi Mike,

I have a 2" flip mirror system that you can have a loan off to see what you think of it before you by one.

I would concur with Dave. It is a must piece of an accessory, in particular for
any type of imaging. It will save you alot of hassle interchanging optics and cameras. I happen to use a Van Slyke flip mirror.

Eamonn A

Thanks Guys
I did just a little research before my last post on what flip mirror would be potentially useful for my current purpose and possibly one that I could use into the near future. I think the Meade #647 seems to be up to the job, it can accommodate large format CCD Cameras when I decide to upgrade, so a good choice it seems there Dave. It is always good to get feedback from people that have actually used these items in the field and not get caught up in the marketing hype on various websites.
Carl, many thanks for the kind offer but I think I will just order a unit straight away!
Eamonn, I promised myself that If I ever obtained a high end telescope that it would become very close friends with a Van Slyke image train to my own design.
Clear skies and many thanks
Mike

Good stuff Mike,
Let us know how it goes, and do shop around.