I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

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OBXgirl
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I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#1

Post by OBXgirl »


I am thinking of buying Interstellar's eVscope.

Now, now..I know what you're going to say..."But it's not a telescope !!". And I agree on many levels. But before you boot me from the Forum, lemme explain.

The fine people of the old AF helped a few years ago to choose my last rig..and boy was she a sweet one!! The one and only Silver Surfer ! She was everything I'd hoped she would be and more.

Due to health reasons I needed a "can do just about anything" Scope that wasn't too heavy for me to set up and break down. And she was perfect ! But as such things sometimes do, my health has worsened and I found myself not setting her up for fear of dropping things. Luckily I have a great crew who lets me hang out and look through their rigs and I still get to enjoy the night sky on the regular.

But I went to check my rig one day and saw dust on the cases. Broke my heart for such a fine machine to be sitting there not getting any use. I sold it to a younger club member and it makes me so happy to get to visit it and boy, can he make it sing. Does my heart good.

So, enter the eVscope. 20 lbs, 2 peices, portable backpack. Yes, I know you can't adjust EPs and it only has 3 mag settings. But it will be great for outreach (which I do a lot of) or for when I want to just sit and wander around the sky.

So, before I hit the buy button, any feedback on any other possible choices? Ease of use and set up is paramount and I have the luxury of having other scopes to view through if I am looking for a little more control.

Help?
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. Sarah Williams


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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#2

Post by Ozman »


Sounds like you could do the same thing much, much cheaper with a 102SLT and a ZWO imager except you would have to view it on a screen instead of the eyepiece configuration. But you could look through the scope conventionally and have a choice of magnifications and have the ability to save the image and process it if wanted. And of course save over $2000. Viewing on a screen might be better for outreach in a group setting.
AD12, 8" LX200ACF, 120 Skywatcher, ES 102CF APO, AR102, ST100, 90mm Mak, ST80, 60ETX
Oberwerk BT-82XL-ED, 25x100s, 15x70s, 8x56s, Kasai 2.3x40s, Celestron AVX, CG4, SLT, LCM
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#3

Post by OBXgirl »


It's illogical, but if I'm going to buy a scope scope, I'd have to have more power than that. Then we get back into the weight issue.
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. Sarah Williams


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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#4

Post by JayTee »


I'm with Ozman on this one. The 102 SLT total weight (OTA+Mount+tripod) is 5lbs LESS than the eVscope. And if you attach the ZWO camera that Bryan uses, the ASI294 (included in the weight estimate) for viewing the image produced by the OTA, your cost is $1400 ($400+$1000) -- >50% less than the eVscope. BTW, I routinely go up to and over 150X with my two different 102mm fracs!

Just sayin,
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 EQ6, 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
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#5

Post by Ozman »


OBXgirl wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 3:37 am It's illogical, but if I'm going to buy a scope scope, I'd have to have more power than that. Then we get back into the weight issue.
The evscope is 4.5" with 450mm focal length and I believe there is an obstruction in there. The 102SLT is 4" with 660mm focal length. I'm not seeing a lot of potential power difference here. I do see the evscopes's inability to be used in any way conventionally. I don't see anything that the evscope can do that the 102SLT+ZWO can't do. Same capabilities with more options at a lighter weight at less than half the cost sounds like a no brainer to me.
AD12, 8" LX200ACF, 120 Skywatcher, ES 102CF APO, AR102, ST100, 90mm Mak, ST80, 60ETX
Oberwerk BT-82XL-ED, 25x100s, 15x70s, 8x56s, Kasai 2.3x40s, Celestron AVX, CG4, SLT, LCM
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#6

Post by notFritzArgelander »


I'm going to recommend a book, not a scope by Sxinas from AF. (Why isn't he here yet?)

I'm thinking along similar lines especially for sharing views. I think the book is excellent covers all the bases and will facilitate thinking through the best solution for your individual requirements.

I think you can customize a solution and save a bundle compared to the evscope.

https://www.amazon.com/Video-Astronomy- ... B01MCXWJ89
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#7

Post by Ozman »


notFritzArgelander wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 4:08 am Sxinas from AF. (Why isn't he here yet?)
Yeah?
AD12, 8" LX200ACF, 120 Skywatcher, ES 102CF APO, AR102, ST100, 90mm Mak, ST80, 60ETX
Oberwerk BT-82XL-ED, 25x100s, 15x70s, 8x56s, Kasai 2.3x40s, Celestron AVX, CG4, SLT, LCM
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#8

Post by JayTee »


notFritzArgelander wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 4:08 amby Sxinas from AF. (Why isn't he here yet?)
He just signed up here this week. Hopefully, we’ll hear from him very soon.

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 EQ6, 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
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#9

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Apart from recommending the book.....

I'm thinking of using my MK66 with the Intes 0.5x focal reducer for DSOs at f6 and native f12 for lunar/planetary. I've not settled on camera but I'm looking at ZWO and Mallincam products. This would ride comfortably on the Sirius EQZ.
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#10

Post by OBXgirl »


notFritzArgelander wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 4:33 am Apart from recommending the book.....

I'm thinking of using my MK66 with the Intes 0.5x focal reducer for DSOs at f6 and native f12 for lunar/planetary. I've not settled on camera but I'm looking at ZWO and Mallincam products. This would ride comfortably on the Sirius EQZ.
Thanks for the food for thought.

Lisa
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. Sarah Williams


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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#11

Post by helicon »


Good luck on the purchase - whatever you decide.
-Michael
Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope
Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50
Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#12

Post by OBXgirl »


helicon, thanks..have lots to ponder. A fellow club member should be receiving his soon. I think that will be the deciding factor of whether I go with the eVscope or maybe a doublet instead...so many choices to think of it keep things at a low weight and easy set up. While cost is a consideration, it's not the final decider.
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. Sarah Williams


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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#13

Post by OBXgirl »


Any thoughts on this..it's less than 5 pounds.
https://www.highpointscientific.com/tak ... FMQAvD_BwE
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. Sarah Williams


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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#14

Post by Don Quixote »


OBXgirl wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 4:46 pm Any thoughts on this..it's less than 5 pounds.
https://www.highpointscientific.com/tak ... FMQAvD_BwE
Its 8.4 lbs.
But...heck yea ! :-)
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#15

Post by a100171 »


Personally, I'd say go for it. It looks like a nice piece of gear. What is it that Rod Mollise says about "..the best telescope.." ?? My guess is that you would use it more.
For outreach, I think that this may set unrealistic expectations to someone without such a scope (they would never be able to recreate this experience without an AP rig). I use an ETX-90 for outreach. I can't see any school-age children getting these for the Holidays.
As someone who has (and has had) trouble moving things around, I can appreciate wanting to have something easy to setup. That is why I am getting to a point where all I need to lift is a cover (the 10" is just about done) or open a dome (if the landscapers ever get time to come here).

If it gets you out there more, then it is all good!
Meade 6", 8", and 10" SN, Meade 10" f/6.3 Lx200, ES ES-102, Meade 90mm DS-2000, Celestron CPC-800 HD, Celestron , AVX, CGEM-DX, Twilight I mounts. Omegon 2.1x 41mm Binocs.
Hyperstar for EdgeHD, ZWO and Celestron Nightscape CCD. A fully-functional Meade 12" RCX-400.
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#16

Post by OBXgirl »


a100171 wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 9:35 pm Personally, I'd say go for it. It looks like a nice piece of gear. What is it that Rod Mollise says about "..the best telescope.." ?? My guess is that you would use it more.
For outreach, I think that this may set unrealistic expectations to someone without such a scope (they would never be able to recreate this experience without an AP rig). I use an ETX-90 for outreach. I can't see any school-age children getting these for the Holidays.
As someone who has (and has had) trouble moving things around, I can appreciate wanting to have something easy to setup. That is why I am getting to a point where all I need to lift is a cover (the 10" is just about done) or open a dome (if the landscapers ever get time to come here).

If it gets you out there more, then it is all good!
I have been thinking of the possibility of an Observatory and Pier, but I'm still tossing things around in my head.
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. Sarah Williams


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#17

Post by a100171 »


I am no even waiting to put in the observatory. A 10" Meade SCT on an LX-200 Classic mount is going out in the yard, and just one of those Telezismo "365" shrouds will go over it. Setup-time: 30 seconds.

Because I KNOW that I am getting too old!!!
Meade 6", 8", and 10" SN, Meade 10" f/6.3 Lx200, ES ES-102, Meade 90mm DS-2000, Celestron CPC-800 HD, Celestron , AVX, CGEM-DX, Twilight I mounts. Omegon 2.1x 41mm Binocs.
Hyperstar for EdgeHD, ZWO and Celestron Nightscape CCD. A fully-functional Meade 12" RCX-400.
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#18

Post by OBXgirl »


Don Quixote wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:56 pm
OBXgirl wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 4:46 pm Any thoughts on this..it's less than 5 pounds.
https://www.highpointscientific.com/tak ... FMQAvD_BwE
Its 8.4 lbs.
But...heck yea ! :-)
Turns out to be a big nope. The Mount is the same weight of the last rig I had. So back to square one.
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. Sarah Williams


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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#19

Post by Lady Fraktor »


That was going to be my question, the minimum mount you would want with that refractor is a CG-4 or EQ-3/2 so the weight adds up quickly.
I agree with Oz on the 102SLT.
Lightweight and versatile, if you can find a aluminium tripod from a EQ-1 or EQ-2 you can make a very sturdy setup.

This is my "slightly" modified 102SLT :)
The whole setup minus power pack still weights a bit less than 9kg (20lbs)
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Celestron 102 SLT.jpg
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
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Re: I'm about to commit Blasphemy.

#20

Post by OBXgirl »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sat Aug 17, 2019 5:35 am That was going to be my question, the minimum mount you would want with that refractor is a CG-4 or EQ-3/2 so the weight adds up quickly.
I agree with Oz on the 102SLT.
Lightweight and versatile, if you can find a aluminium tripod from a EQ-1 or EQ-2 you can make a very sturdy setup.

This is my "slightly" modified 102SLT :)
The whole setup minus power pack still weights a bit less than 9kg (20lbs)
Thanks Lady Fracktor.
It really helped to see the whole rig. My friend should be getting his eVscope very soon, so I'll have plenty of time to play with it and see if I'd be happy within its performance parameters. If not, something along the lines of what everyone is recommending looks like a good solution. If I go that route I'll be coming to you for advice on your mods, if you don't mind. If someone's already got it dialed in, why not learn from their experience.
Thanks, this has helped.

Lisa
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. Sarah Williams


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