Come join the friendliest, most engaging and inclusive astronomy forum geared for beginners and advanced telescope users, astrophotography devotees, plus check out our "Astro" goods vendors.
Come join the friendliest, most engaging and inclusive astronomy forum geared for beginners and advanced telescope users, astrophotography devotees, plus check out our "Astro" goods vendors.
I'm thinking that I'd like to dip my toe in the AP pond without breaking the bank. I have a Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 and it's only 4.5 lbs. Initially I'd like to shoot the moon and then work my way to more challenging targets. I was just looking around at my EQ mount options. A wedge for my Nexstar mount is ~$300 - not the best choice - but affordable. The next closest thing jumps to $500+ in iOptron or Orion gear. Then I come across the Explore Scientific iEXOS-100 PMC-8. I looked around on the Web for reviews and user experiences. All I can find are 4 or 5 videos put out by the VP and marketing folks at ES. Not surprisingly, they are all very pleased with the product launch. But it's been over a year and the Web and forums are freakishly quiet on the subject. A few mentions here and there that are mixed. It just went on sale in the States at $349. It would really have to be a dog for that not to be the deal of the century.
Just to be clear, I'm just looking to mess around and see if I like AP.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Glen
Celestron Nexstar 8SE controlled by SkyPortal and iPad
Sears 6344-4 76mm f/15.8 Achromatic Refractor
AWB One Sky on Orion StarBlast Mount and WiFi Control
Orion 102mm f/6.5 Achromatic Refractor
Alvan Clark 18" f/22 Achromatic Refractor (kidding - just making sure you're awake!)
I've heard that PMC-8 is poor quality, but that's only hearsay.
(BTW there's an 18-in Clark refractor in Evanston and I've used it. )
============================================================================= I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do. =============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
There were a lot of issues with setting up/ using the mounts as there was no manual so to speak since the programming was open source.
I think someone has posted a manual for one now or at least a version of one.
For size and capacity it would be the same as a Skywatcher EQ-3/2 goto mount.
Gabrielle See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885 EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102 Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1011110) The only culture I have is from yogurt
Just a suggestion, but instead of going for a new bargain-basement EQ mount, look into a used higher quality mount (AVX, ZEQ25, EQ5, etc), this way you won't have the issues that this mount poses. Most people selling their telescope mounts do so to upgrade. So typically these mounts are in good shape.
Cheers,
JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac ∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO ∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5 ∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros. ∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6R, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000 ∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3 ∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100 ∞ AP Gear: ZWO EAF and mini EFW and the Optolong L-eXteme filter ∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°
Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."
Hey Lady Fraktor - Thanks for the feedback. I don't think we have the Sky-Watcher 2/3 here in the US - at least not by that name. It might be branded by another manufacturer. But I see it on the EU sites for sale. Your knowledge on all things astro continues to be a blessing. Thanks!
James and JayTee- All good suggestions. The idea of finding a more robust used model is a good one. Right now the issue would be finding something close enough to where I live so that the shipping doesn't exceed the cost of the item! I"ll keep my eyes out.
Celestron Nexstar 8SE controlled by SkyPortal and iPad
Sears 6344-4 76mm f/15.8 Achromatic Refractor
AWB One Sky on Orion StarBlast Mount and WiFi Control
Orion 102mm f/6.5 Achromatic Refractor
Alvan Clark 18" f/22 Achromatic Refractor (kidding - just making sure you're awake!)