2" BDS-NT Baader Diamond Steeltrack® Focuser

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2" BDS-NT Baader Diamond Steeltrack® Focuser

# 2957230

€ 345.00 Price excl. German VAT tax (19%): € 289.92

In Stock  


  • Baader Diamond Steeltrack® (BDS-NT) for Newtonian telescopes with 40 mm focus travel
  • Minimum height (as supplied – incl. 2" clamp): 63 mm
  • Minimum height (with optional S58 to M68 / M68i / M48 / T-2 direct-adapter): 51 mm
  • Minimum height (with optional S58 ClickLock clamp): 81 mm
  • Focuser weight (as supplied – incl. 2" Klemme): 1.000 g (35.25 oz)
  • Includes Baader Versabase, for perfect fit onto most tube diameters. Optional flat mounting base also available

Product Questions and Answers

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Can the Diamond Steeltrack NT focusser be installed on a Skywatcher MN190 without drilling holes?
Question by: Wouter on Oct 7, 2018 8:34:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

17
Would it be possible to fit this to a Skywatcher 130 PDS?
Question by: Fakhri Al-Alami on Jan 15, 2019 11:49:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

15
Please advise the output shaft diameter (mm) for both sides of the focuser knobs. One shaft is connected to the black colored knob, and the opposite side shaft is connected to the gold colored knob. I can't find the shaft diameters in any of the drawings.
Thank you
Question by: Wayne Richardson on May 1, 2020 11:03:00 AM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

15
Is there a unit suitable for a Celestron CPC 9.25"? the one in description says newtonian. Thanks
Question by: David Hewitt on Jan 31, 2018 10:21:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

14
Hello, I have this focuser, is there any plan to build a focuser riser? I use my scope with 2 different coma correctors. One shifts original focus 35mm outward, and other one shifts original focus 15mm inward. To achieve focus with relative same drawtube position i need 50mm and move mirror but have only 30mm because of tube dimensions and need to lengthen optical path by additional 20mm. For example Feathertouch focuser and old Steeltrack have risers available and some of us would appreciate the same thing here. Thanks in advance.
Question by: Tomas Mojzis on Sep 29, 2020 11:37:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

14
Can a Baader STEELTRACK Focuser fit on a CORONADO PST DOUBLE STACK?
Question by: Pete Krimbel on Nov 15, 2018 9:57:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

14
I want to mount this focuser on a flat (wood) square tube and need to determine the diameter of the hole to make and how much margin for error I have. It seems that I need a hole that is slightly larger than the draw tube, but most commercial scopes have a larger hole. Also, I want to drill the proper holes for the bolts. Please advise.
Question by: Patrick McDivitt on Oct 19, 2021 12:13:00 AM | 1 Answer(s)

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12
I need help choosing between # 2957210 and # 2957230
Question by: Sarah Bougueroua on Aug 31, 2020 4:27:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

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7
I have a Skywatcher 200mm F5 reflector that currently has the stand Crayford focuser fitted to it - for the 2" BDS-NT Baader Diamond Steeltrack® Focuser can a Camera or extension tubes for instance be directly screwed onto the drawtube using any adapters required ie 48 mm or 54 mm rather than using the compression ring type connection.
Question by: Derek Wilby on May 27, 2023 1:13:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

5
How do I find instructions for installing my 2" nt diamond steeltrack focuser 40mm onto my Skywatcher flextube 400p newtonian telescope?
Question by: Glendon on Dec 9, 2022 1:32:00 AM | 1 Answer(s)

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5
What are the distances between the screw holes which attach the plate to the scope? Cannot seem to find this anywhere. Thanks.
Question by: Mark Mc Manus on Jul 14, 2022 10:21:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

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4
I am interested in your Diamond Steeltrack NT Focuser for replacing the original Rack & Pinion focuser (which is lacking 1:10 fine-focus) on my Sky-Watcher Explorer-PX250 telescope (Aperture 254 mm, Focal length 1200 mm, Newton reflector).
Have you a base plate for this focuser which is suited to this telescope tube? I have measured the distance for the bore holes lengtwise to the tube to be about 86 mm, and crosswise to about 81 mm. The latter distance is measured with a caliper, i.e. it is the straight distance between the holes, not the slightly longer distance measured along the circumference of the tube. The tube diameter is 285 mm.
I hope there is a suitable base plate available for my telescope.
Question by: Gunnar K. on Oct 27, 2016 10:58:00 AM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

4
I bought recently this focuser, but i made the hugh mistake to move the drawtube align screws and now nothing work correctly the tube is no more aligned. Do you have a trick to put the drawtube perfectly on axis ? I tried but its not okay at all.....

Thank you
Alexis
Question by: Alexis on Jun 11, 2018 3:28:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

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4
Seem to be out of stock everywhere? Are they been discontinued?
Question by: Mr. padraig farrell on Apr 27, 2023 6:58:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

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4
Hi, I would like to purchase a Baader Diamond SteelDrive System Without Hand Control, part number 2957152 plus a Baader 2 Inch Diamond Steeltrack NT Focuser, part number 2957230. Can you tell me if this set up would fit a Skywatcher Newtonian 200p and then controlled through a laptop using Sequence generator pro without the hand controller.
Hope you can help,
Kind regards,
Phil Rees
Question by: Philip Rees on Apr 7, 2018 6:06:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

3
I have a 5.75-inch f/3.5 Dobsonian I custom built when I was 13. Additionally, I used a small secondary to maximize contrast. Despite dealing with the challenges of such a design (like collimation), the biggest issue I am facing is finding a low profile focuser, and one stiff enough to use a 13mm or hopefully a 21mm Ethos eyepiece. What adapter would you recommend to achieve least minimum height (51mm?)?
Question by: Frank Kraljic on Aug 18, 2023 12:08:00 AM | 1 Answer(s)

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1
Hello, will this fit a 10inch Newtonian? Skywatcher.
Question by: Penny on Aug 9, 2021 1:12:00 AM | 1 Answer(s)

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1
How do you prevent light leaks around the focuser?
Question by: Tommy Dowling on Dec 31, 2023 10:58:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

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0
Hi, can this focuser be installed on a Orion Vx6? (150 mm newtonian)
Question by: Guillaume on May 30, 2021 4:43:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

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0
Is it possible to use this focuser with a Meade LX65 6"?
Question by: Ruben Adad on Nov 17, 2021 5:06:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

-4
Can you tell me what adapter I would need to directly connect a Baader MPCC MkIII to this focuser?
Question by: Steve on Jun 12, 2023 1:31:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

-4
Does the S58 dovetail mean that the steeltrack effectively has a rotator built in? I mean, if I use an S58 dovetail to M48 adapter for example to thread into my imaging train, I could then clamp it down onto the steeltrack in any chosen orientation of the camera?
Question by: Paul B. on Mar 11, 2019 9:26:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

-4
I have an Orion UK VX8 and the focuser hole spacing is 86.5mm (square). I can't tell from your technical drawing if the steeltrack will fit this spacing. The versabase width (horizontal) works but I'd like to confirm that its height (vertical) spacing works at 86.5mm.
Question by: Michael Kantor on Sep 9, 2022 9:59:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

-4
I would like to use this focuser on my scope using your flat base # 2957231

Am I forced to buy the 2" BDS-NT Baader Diamond Steeltrack® Focuser # 2957230 with the delivered Versabase that would be useless for me or can I buy only the focuser without it and with of course a lower price ?
Question by: Jean-Pierre PROST on Oct 4, 2020 7:24:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

-6
Can I install 2" clicklock on the focuser? Would tell me the part number?
Question by: Kiyoung Kim on Oct 1, 2021 1:23:00 AM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

-7
Is it possible to get the NT version but with a 30mm drawtube?
Question by: Nick Haigh on Oct 18, 2021 4:52:00 PM | 1 Answer(s)

Rating of Question

-16
Description

Details

Video of mounting instructions

BDS-NT Mounting instructions
on an 8" Newtonian telescope in nine simple steps

  1. Remove current Focuser
  2. Remove screws and spacers of BDS-NT Diamond Steeltrack®
  3. Loosely mount new focuser using the old holes
  4. Remove focuser from VersaBase by opening 8x hex screws
  5. Use old screws and nuts for centering VersaBase plate
  6. Drill four new 5mm holes (straight to tube center) in the middle of each elongated cutout
  7. Attach radial sliding bolts, fasten from inside out with hex tool as shown
  8. Remove old screws. VersaBase plate is now adjustable for your needs
  9. Attach Diamond Steeltrack® in prefered position, tighten 8x hex-screws
Baader Diamond Steeltrack® Adapter
BDS-NT strip shims

Using NT-strip-shims of Baader VersaBase
for different tube sizes

Our mounting instruction above was made on a 8" Newtonian – for these instruments our strip shims (adjustment spacers) are not needed. For other tube diameters, please use our strip shims between the telescope tube and the Baader VersaBase (the base of our BDS-NT Diamond Steeltrack®). You gain up to 4mm height. Please note the self-explanatory gif to the left.

Baader NT Diamond Steeltrack on Newton
Application example of BDS-NT Diamond Steeltrack®
Comparison of Classic and Diamond Steeltrack
Comparison of Classic and Diamond Steeltrack®

General Specifications for all Baader Diamond Steeltrack® (BDS) focusers:

Drive system

  • True diamonds form a micro-geared high precision drive system never accomplished before
  • In comparison to conventional crayford or rack & pinion drives, this micro-geared movement has zero backlash, zero cogging, and zero flexure
  • Diamond Steeltrack® 2" focusers lift a payload of 6kg (13 lbs) straight up, without slipping, without excessive bearing preload (bearing preload can be increased further if necessary)
  • Bearing system utilizes unbreakable Instrument Grade Roller-Bearings instead of simpler Ball Bearings - handles higher loads with greater rigidity and accuracy. No Teflon-pads anywhere
  • 1:10 Stainless Steel fine-focus mechanism, ready for attachment of the optional Diamond Steeldrive temperature-compensating motor drive system
  • Detachable drive block assembly is reversible for right hand or left hand fine-focus operation and for attaching the Diamond Steeldrive motor block
  • Shortest possible mechanical design achieves optimum balance between focuser height (backfocus) and rigidity requirements
  • Zero shift locking knob to precisely stop any movement without affecting optical axis adjustment

Baader Diamond Steeltrack Adapters
Multiple Adapters available for shortest possible connection to most cameras / eyepieces
Multiple  Telescope-Adapters
Mounting of BDS-Adapters on the example of BDS-NT Diamond Steeltrack

Clamping system

  • S58 Dovetail ring-clamp built into focusing tube for accepting optional T-2 / M48 / M68 and other S58 direct-thread adapters to enable direct thread connection of accessories and cameras without 2" clamp
  • 2" eyepiece clamp with hardened bronze clamp ring (length of clamp: 12.5mm / ½") included as standard
  • Optionally available 2" Baader Clicklock-clamp w. integrated S58 dovetail (added length: 16mm / 5/8")
  • Two auxiliary threads (M60x1 and M55x0,75) cut into the RT & NT focusing-tube for attachment of dedicated field flatteners or focal reducers/correctors

Baader NT Diamond Steeltrack
BDS-NT: all views
Imaging / Eyepiece projection
Imaging / eyepiece projection on the example of BDS-RT Diamond Steeltrack

Focusing Drawtube:

  • Each bearing individually adjustable for precise alignment of mechanical vs. optical axis
  • Ultra-hard subzero coated bearing races – precision milled and much harder than anodizing or stainless steel
  • Oversized 55mm inner clear diameter, to prevent vignetting, with anti-reflection knife-edge baffles
Specifications

Additional Information

Manufacturer Baader Planetarium
SKU (#) 2957230
Net weight (kg) 1.02
EAN Code 4047825031990
Focuser Travel 40 mm
Payload Capacity (kg) 6 kg
Inner Diameter / Clear Aperture (mm) 55
Shortest overall height (standard) 63 mm
Shortest overall height (w. opt. adapters) 50 mm
Reduction 1:10
Rotatable Yes
Finder base No
Motorized No, but can be upgraded
Special Features True diamonds form a micro-geared high precision drive system
Included Accessories Includes Baader Versabase, for perfect fit onto most tube diameters. Optional flat mounting base also available
Outer Connection (lens sided) S88
Inner Connection (eyepiece/-camera-sided) ø 2" (50.8mm), M55, S58
Optional Accessories Baader Steeldrive temperature compensating motor drive system
compatible telescopes Newton
Focuser style Crayford
Focuser size 2 inch
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7 Item(s)

AstroML 253/09/2021 11/09/202112:32
  • Rating:
Diamond stelltrack
Der stelltrack ist absolut hochwertig und präzise gearbeitet und verbesert den Umgang mit meinem Teleskop durch seine absolut steife und präzise Gängigkeit deutlich.
Die Montage fand ich an meinem 8"-Celestron-Newton anspruchsvoll und es viel mir nicht leicht, vier neue Löcher in den Tubus zu bohren. Wichtig: Bei mir waren es 6 mm Bohrungen für die VersaBase-Schrauben (nicht 5 mm wie im Erklärvideo angegeben!). Und diese müssen wirklich nach temporärer Fixierung der Paltte über die "alten" Löcher sehr präzise und wirklich zur Tubusmitte hin ausgerichtet sein.
Ärgerleich fand ich den beigelegten Sechskantschlüssel für die Madenschrauben der VersaBase: Er war zu klein (hat die Madenschrauben nicht gegriffen!) und ist für die on-Tubus-Montage eigentlich zu kurz. Ich habe mir dann einen Orginal-Imbus 1,5 mm gekauft (ca. 2,40 €) der sehr gut paßt (der hätte bei einen Prudukt für 305 € dabei sein sollen)
  • Hochwertiger, präziser und steifgängiger Okularauszug, sehr deutliche Verbesserung zum orginal Vormontierten.
  • Fehlerhafter beiliegender Innensechskant, Montageanleitung über Video etwas zu unpräzise.
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Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung. Wir bedauern, dass Ihnen ein falscher Sechkantschlüssel beigelegt wurde. Wir haben umgehend weitere Produkte auf Lager geprüft, dort passt alles. Das war also wohl ein einmaliger Ausrutscher der hoffentlich nicht nochmal passiert.
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sagittarius 48/02/2021 18/02/202116:30
  • Rating:
Baader diamond steel track Okularauszug
Wie gewohnt bei Baader hochwertige fertigung, einfach zu montieren. Es ist angenehm zu wissen, dass man für sehr hohe ansprüche noch weitere schritte bezüglich justiergenauigkeit durchführen könnte, welche aber im "normalfall" nicht nötig sind.
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Fares 175/06/2020 24/06/202014:05
  • Rating:
Tolles Produkt
Super Produkt. Ich hatte zuerst Angst die Löcher in meinem C8N zu bohren, aber die Schablone macht es richtig einfach.
Fokussieren lässt sich super damit.
Cheers.
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Harald 126/05/2020 06/05/202014:08
  • Rating:
Montage Baader Steeltrack
Mit dem Kauf des Baader Steeltrack habe ich mir mehr Stabilität vor allem in der Fixierung meiner Canon EOS 6D Vollformatkamera am Okularauszug meines Newton erwartet und wurde auch nicht enttäuscht. Vor allem auch in Kombination mit dem 2" ClickLock erhält man eine stabile Lösung die wirklich fest hält.
Die Montage des Steeltrack am Newton ist allerdings nichts für "schwache" Nerven. Die Bohrungen sind zwar rasch gesetzt, aber die Fixierung der Versabase war nicht ganz einfach. In meinem Fall ist der Durchmesser des Tubus gerade an der Grenze der Montagemöglichkeiten. Die beiliegenden Abstandstreifen bieten zwar eine gute Auflage, die Schrauben aber dann von innen durch die Bohrungen in die V2A-Druckstücke einzuschrauben bedurfte einiger "Fingerverrenkungen". Schlussendlich hat es aber geklappt. Am nächsten Tag gab es dann auch das first light für den Steeltrack und alles funktionierte ganz tadellos. Wie gesagt auch das ClickLock System ist einfach super, früher musste ich ein paar mal die Klemmschrauben weiter lösen um endlich den 2" Einschub mit der Kamera und allen Zusätzen einfädeln zu können. Jetzt einfach einsetzen und festklemmen - passt.
Also daher für das ganze System eine 5-Stern Bewertung.
  • Stabilität und einfache Bedienung
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    • @Harald Haben Sie den Steeltrack auf einem 200/1000 Newton montiert? Ich habe ein solches f/5 Meade und bin nicht sicher, ob ich bis zur Schraube genug Platz habe. Grüsse aus Spanien.
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    • @Harald Haben Sie den Steeltrack auf einem 200/1000 Newton montiert? Ich habe ein solches f/5 Meade und bin nicht sicher, ob ich bis zur Schraube genug Platz habe. Grüsse aus Spanien.
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Nikolaus Popa 275/10/2019 03/10/201917:44
  • Rating:
Spitzen OAZ
Ich habe den original OAZ gegen den 2“ BDS-NT ausgetauscht und bin absolut begeistert, wie geschmeidig dieser läuft und wie Bomben fest dieser sitzt. Vielen Dank an Baader!!
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Alex 290/10/2017 18/10/201702:06
  • Rating:
good value for money
looking for an alternative to others expensive focusers on the market and a good value for money?
it is time to take an interest in these Steeltrack focusers.
As always with Baader, the finishing is perfect and the telescope has a great look with it.
It was not so easy to install because you have to drill your tube. Even if it is thin, the drill bit can slip because the surface is not flat.
Do not forget to protect your secondary mirror (for NT) from the filings.
You should certainely have to redo your optical lane with the two mirrors, but this is not a hard process.
Then enjoy: very smooth, really precise with micro movements, and very rigid.
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Bernd Gooßmann 286/10/2016 13/10/201603:47
  • Rating:
BDS-NT
Vor wenigen Tagen habe ich einen 2" Diamond Steeltrack BDS-NT incl. SteelDrive erhalten und damit meinen bisherigen 2" OAZ (hochwertiger Hersteller mit Focus-Stepper) ersetzt.
Der Umbau ging extrem leicht von der Hand und ich darf an dieser Stelle sagen: Was für eine tolle Qualität! Ich bin total begeistert von der Steifigkeit und der Stabilität! Es rutscht nichts durch (trotz 2,5kg-Kamerakopf incl. Korrektor, Filterrad usw.) und es wackelt und federt auch nichts. Die Kollimierung bleibt bei meinem 10"er nach einem Meridian-Flip einwandfrei erhalten! Auch das Positionieren des Auszuges mittels SteelDrive funktioniert wie aus dem Lehrbuch - ohne Backlash!!

Einen herzlichen Glückwunsch an das Baader-Team für dieses extrem durchdachte Produkt!
  • absolut stabil, extrem steif, federt nicht, kein Backlash, in Verbindung mit dem SteelDrive absolut positionierbar
  • noch nicht ganz fertiger ASCOM-Treiber
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