Baader 2" 90° Erecting Amici Prism Clicklock Diagonal # AMICI-DX2 2456120

Precision Engineered Zeiss-Spec Correct-Image Diagonal

The Amici prism has long been favored as the best choice for producing correctly-oriented images in refractors and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. These prisms are hard to make, however, and they require a much higher level of quality control and manufacturing precision than mirror or prism diagonals. The faces of an Amici prism must be polished smooth and flat at the proper angles to produce symmetrical images without astigmatism. The sharp roof edge of the prism must also be made vanishingly fine to prevent a single prominent diffraction spike in images. These demands on prism quality are the prime reason why even expensive Amici prism diagonals have developed a reputation for poor image quality. And to save cost, many manufacturers use undersized prisms which may cause vignetting.

Baader Planetarium has overcome these challenges to produce what might be the finest Amici prism star diagonal available today. The Zeiss-spec prism has been made to the correct specifications to ensure highest image quality. The finest 7-Layer Multi-Coatings ensure the image is bright and contrasty, and the oversized prism provides the full clear aperture of 44mm, large enough to prevent vignetting with most 2” eyepieces. The precision-machined aluminum housing provides stress free mounting and precise location for the prism.

Most prism diagonals rely on total internal reflection within the prism to direct light to the eyepiece. This approach results in high reflectivity without the need to use a reflective coating. However, when relying on total internal reflection, the reflectivity can degrade if dew or dust gets on the surface of the diagonal hypotenuse. That’s why this diagonal employs a Baader BBHS (Broad-Band Hard Silver) coating on the hypotenuse. This silver coating is sealed in a hard dielectric coating for enhanced reflectivity and long life.

ClickLock Eyepiece Holder

The 2" ClickLock non-marring eyepiece holder delivers the same acclaimed simplicity and security as its smaller 1.25" ClickLock cousin. With a quick 20 degree twist of the rubber knurled ring using a convenient fingertip lever, the ClickLock holder clamps 2" eyepieces so securely that you can lift your scope with them. The unique action utilizes 3-point clamping which positively and accurately locks 2" eyepieces without any of the wobbling and misalignment that can occur with single point clamps.

When used for terrestrial and astronomical viewing, this diagonal provide crisp, sharp, high-contrast views and low and high magnification without aberrations or image breakdown. The diagonal is perfect for observers who wish to match their view through the eyepiece to astronomical deep-sky charts and lunar maps, or for sketching correctly-oriented planetary detail.

The effective optical path length of this Baader Amici prism diagonal is 80 mm. The diagonal weighs 23 oz (650g).

Note: This diagonal body uses a prism made under license for Baader by the same production facility that made this item for Zeiss and to the same exacting Zeiss specifications. This "Zeiss-spec" prism was made for Baader and it is not an actual Zeiss-branded prism.

Manufacturer part number: 2456120.