Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Our products are not just aftermarket add-ons – they are carefully engineered upgrades. We combine optical expertise with mechanical precision, and every component is purpose-built for function, not just looks.

All of our products are developed in-house – from CAD design and FEM simulation to production-ready drawings. We fully understand the physics behind what we build – because we’ve studied optics, not just claimed to know them.

Our spiders significantly improve the mechanical stability of the telescope. The secondary mirror is held firmly and precisely in position – no flexing, no shifting during collimation or transport.

At the same time, our design improves diffraction behavior: carefully aligned, flat vanes create sharp, clean diffraction spikes – with no double edges or blurred structures.

Primary mirror masks cover the optically unused and often problematic outer edge of the primary mirror – known as the turned edge, which can result from overcorrection during the parabolization process. This zone often introduces unwanted stray light and diffraction artifacts.

They also eliminate diffraction spikes and shadowing caused by the mirror clips that hold the primary mirror in place.

The result: a cleaner and more defined light path, higher image contrast, and the elimination of irregular reflections – a clear benefit, especially in astrophotography where image quality is critical.

Our carbon tubes are available for selected Skywatcher models – currently for:

– Skywatcher 130PDS

– Skywatcher Quattro 150

– Skywatcher 150PDS

These tubes are significantly stiffer than standard metal tubes, while noticeably lighter.

Especially on long focal length or ultra-fast telescopes like the Quattro f/3.45, this is a major advantage: the focuser stays properly aligned even with heavy imaging gear – no tube flex, no tilting, no mechanical deformation.

That means: sharper images, a stable focus point, and less effort spent on collimation – ideal for demanding astrophotography setups.

Our support doesn’t stop with shipping – quite the opposite.

If you have questions after installation, you’ll receive personal help – whether it’s about mounting, collimation, or unexpected challenges.

We take the time – and that’s exactly what sets us apart from anonymous large-scale vendors or low-cost imports.

Hundreds of satisfied customers confirm:

Backyard Universe provides not just parts, but knowledge, experience, and real support.

es – you can read many real customer reviews on our official ShopVote page.

Here’s the direct link:

👉 ShopVote

We’re still there for you – even after your purchase.

Many low-cost accessories from overseas may look similar at first glance, but they often come without:

❌ Technical support

❌ Assembly guidance

❌ A contact person if something doesn’t fit

With us, you get:

✔️ Personal support – even after the sale

✔️ Assistance during every phase of your upgrade

✔️ Help with measurements, installation, and configuration

✔️ Advice on collimation and optical alignment

We understand our products and how they integrate into real-world setups – and we’re here to help you get the most out of your telescope.

Our secondary spiders are compatible with many Newtonian telescope tubes – especially those from Skywatcher and GSO, which are widely used on the market.

These telescopes are often sold under various brand names, such as TS Photon, UNC Photon, Orion US, StellaLyra and others.

👉 To ensure the spider fits correctly, you’ll need to take a few key measurements:

– The inner diameter of the tube (not the outer diameter!)

– The diameter of the central secondary mirror screw

– If available: the spacing and layout of the original mounting holes

📝 For telescopes from Vixen, Orion Optics UK, Sharpstar or similar brands, these dimensions may vary significantly.

🛠️ When in doubt:

Always measure the inner diameter of the tube – this is the most important factor when selecting the correct spider.

If you're unsure, feel free to send us a sketch or a few photos – we’ll be happy to help.

📄 Each product includes a printed flyer with a QR code that links directly to the matching instructions on our HowTo webpage.

There you'll find:

– Step-by-step instructions

– Photos and diagrams

– Mounting notes for different tube types

📱 You can scan the QR code with your smartphone or navigate directly to the page via our website.

If you need help, we're happy to guide you via email – or send you illustrated instructions upon request.

To ensure our secondary mirror spider fits properly, it’s the inner diameter of your Newtonian tube that matters – not the outer diameter!

Please follow these steps for an accurate measurement:

– First, remove any end ring or baffle that may be installed at the front of the tube

– If an old sheetmetal spider is installed, loosen it slightly so it doesn't distort the tube

– Measure the inner diameter at several positions (e.g. top, bottom, across, diagonal) and calculate the average

– Use a caliper, a meter stick, or a solid ruler placed across the tube opening

Precise measurements are important – even a deviation of ±1 mm can affect how well the spider fits.

If you’re unsure, we’ll be happy to help!

At the moment, we are unable to offer custom-made parts (e.g. spiders, baffles, or adapters built to specific dimensions).

However, we’re planning to introduce this service starting in 2026, including CAD-based custom parts and small-batch manufacturing.

📌 If you already have a specific request or requirement, feel free to contact us – we’ll note it down and get in touch once the service becomes available.

📧 customized@backyard-universe.de

Customers within the EU can place orders directly through our webshop.

Customers from Switzerland or non-EU countries (so-called third countries) can find further details below.

🇨🇭 Switzerland:

Orders via our logistics partner:

👉 www.meineinkauf.ch

🌍 Third countries (e.g. UK, USA, Norway):

Please place your order by email to:

📧 shop@backyard-universe.de

Currently, we offer the following payment methods:

– Advance bank transfer (SEPA or SWIFT)

– PayPal

Payment by invoice is not available.

You will receive an invoice without German VAT (net amount).

Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or handling fees may apply in your country – these are the responsibility of the buyer.

We will include all required customs documents with the shipment.

No problem – just send us a message!

📧 shop@backyard-universe.de

We’ll be happy to assist you personally, for example with questions about:

– Shipping to your country

– Available payment options

– Product compatibility

– Custom or special requests

We usually ship within 1–2 business days after receiving payment.

For custom-made or special products, shipping may take a little longer – we’ll notify you by email in those cases.

Delivery time within Germany is typically 2–4 business days with DHL.

Yes, you will receive a shipping confirmation including a tracking link as soon as your order has been dispatched.

Yes, delivery to DHL Packstations within Germany is possible – as long as the package stays within the allowed size limits.

You can also specify an alternative delivery address (e.g. workplace, neighbor, parcel shop) during checkout

Yes, we do ship to Switzerland – via our logistics partner MeinEinkauf.ch

1. You register for free at MeinEinkauf.ch

2. You receive a personal @MeinEinkauf.ch email address and shipping address in Germany

3. You order in our webshop using that address

4. MeinEinkauf.ch forwards your parcel to Switzerland – fully customs cleared!

You pay:

- Standard shipping within Germany in our shop

- a small handling fee to MeinEinkauf.ch (starting at CHF 17.90)

No additional customs or VAT charges apply – everything is handled by MeinEinkauf.ch.

Yes, we ship to third countries worldwide – including the UK, USA, Canada, Norway, etc.

However, direct ordering via our webshop is not possible for customers outside the EU.

➡️ Please contact us by email for a manual order.

We usually ship with UPS International, including full tracking and all required customs documents.

Delivery time depends on the destination country and selected shipping tariff – typically 3 to 7 business days.

Within the EU, we offer the following payment methods:

– Advance payment via bank transfer (SEPA)

– PayPal

Outside the EU:

– Advance payment via bank transfer (SWIFT)

– PayPal

Yes – that's no problem.

If you select PayPal as your payment method during checkout, you can either:

– log in with your existing PayPal account, or

– pay directly by credit card without creating a PayPal account

In the PayPal window, simply select the option

“Pay with Debit or Credit Card” and follow the instructions. PayPal handles the transaction, but no account is required.

You still benefit from PayPal Buyer Protection and can use Visa, Mastercard or Amex.

No, unfortunately we do not offer payment on account.

Yes – for all orders within Germany and the EU, we issue an invoice with valid German VAT (19%).

For deliveries outside the EU, we issue a net invoice without German VAT.

Import VAT and any applicable customs fees will be charged by your local customs authority or shipping service provider.

Yes – if you provide a valid EU VAT ID, the German VAT will be removed (intra-community supply).

Please include your VAT ID during checkout or when placing your order by email.