Your refractor - let's see it

Discuss your refractor type scopes here.
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XCalRocketMan United States of America
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#61

Post by XCalRocketMan »


IMG_1135.JPEG
IMG_1134.JPEG
Here is my William Optics GT102 piggyback on my Celestron EdgeHD11, both atop an Astro-physics 1100GTO.
Scopes Celestron EdgeHD-11; William Optics GT102; William Optics ZS61; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Mounts AP1100GTO mount w/APCCpro; iOptron iEQ30 Pro; Criterion Dynamax-8 SCT
Lenses Hyperstar-III; Celestron 0.7x FR; WO Flat/Reducer 0.8x
Guiding Celestron OAG w/ASI174mm mini; WO 50mm; Orion ST80
Cameras and Filters ZWO2600mm Pro w/Optolong 3nm NB and RGB; ZWOASI1600mm Pro (ZWO LRGB and Astrodon Ha-5nm, Oiii-3nm, Sii-5nm), QHY10, Canon 50D; ASI174mm mini; ASI462MC; ASI120MC
Misc Moonlite focuser on Edge - Feather-Touch focuser on GT102; ZWO EAF on ZS61; ZWO 2" and 31mm FWs; Kendrick Dew System, Temp-est Fans
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LDW47 Canada
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#62

Post by LDW47 »


My long sought NP101. They are very rare to come across up here in Canada.

668D6C89-E6F4-48BB-B479-FB7D543C5EC5.jpeg
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John Donne United States of America
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#63

Post by John Donne »


20211016_132605.jpg
Skywatcher 72mm ED f5.8 Evostar.
Mounted on my camera tripod.
Excellent views.

Birdwatching in daylight.
Star hopping in the night sky when clouds permit. 😊
SCOPES :ES127 f7.5, SW100 f9 Evostar, ES80 F6, LXD75 8" f10 SCT, 2120 10" f10 SCT, ES152 f6.5.
MOUNTS: SW AZ/EQ5, MEADE LXD75, CELESTRON CG4, Farpoint Parallelogram.
BINOCULARS: CL 10X30, Pentax 8X43, 25X100 Oberwerks.
EP: Many.

"I am more than a sum of molecules.
I am more than a sum of memories or events.
I do not one day suddenly cease to be.
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#64

Post by mikemarotta »


I am late to the party, but here they are: My primary instrument (Explore Scientific 102-mm), then my best instrument (Astro-Tech 115 APO ED), then the one I like to keep around (Natl G with homemade Vixen bar to fit Explore First Light mount).
Explore 102 (ready) 16 copy.jpg
Explore 102 (ready) 16 copy.jpg (87.08 KiB) Viewed 11866 times
Nicely Balanced  - 3 copy.jpeg
refitted for ES First Lightjpg.jpg
---------------------------------------
Michael E. Marotta
Astro-Tech 115 mm APO Refractor Explore Scientific 102 mm f/6.47 Refractor Explore Scientific 102 mm f/9.8 Refractor Bresser 8-inch Newtonian Reflector Plössls from 40 to 6 mm Nagler Series-1 7mm. nonMeade 14 mm. Mounts: Celestron AVX, Explore Twilight I Alt-Az, Explore EXOS German Equatorial
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DeanD Australia
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#65

Post by DeanD »


Thanks for this Michael. Just for interest: why is the ES 102 your "primary instrument" ahead of your "best instrument" AT 115, especially given that you seem to be using the same mount for each? It is better for certain objects or easier to carry out to set up or ...?

(eg: my Tak TSA 102 is my "best instrument" and most used, but I often get the f5 150 achromat out more for deep space, and the TV76 for wider views or super-quick set-up.)

Happy viewing,

Dean
Telescopes: 12" f5 dob, Celestron CPC800, 150mmf5 Celestron achro, Tak TSA102, TV76, ETX125...
Binos: Steiner Wildlife XP 10x26, Swarovski 8x30 Habicht, Zeiss SFL 8x40, Vanguard Endeavour 10.5x45, Fuji FMTR-SX 10x50, Tak 22x60, Orion Resolux 15x70
Eyepieces: way too many (is that possible?), but I do like my TV 32mm plossl, 13mm Nagler T6, 27mm Panoptic and 3-6mm Nagler zoom, plus Fujiyama 18mm and 25mm orthos and Tak 7.5mm LE
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#66

Post by mikemarotta »


Thanks, Dean. You pay attention to details. Yes, the mount is the same, but it is not the one that I use for the Astro-Tech 115 ED APO. Technically, the Twilight mount can carry the weight of the telescope (13 lbs.), but I was warned here that the set-up would be shaky, and it was so. I acquired a Celestron AVX computerized "go-to" mount for the AT-115 (capacity 18 lbs) and it is a much better arrangement. But all of that is a lot to haul out and set up. I bought the ES-102 specifically to have a suitable aperature in a light instrument (12 lbs). So, it is the one I use most often.

DeanD wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 12:34 am (eg: my Tak TSA 102 is my "best instrument" and most used, but I often get the f5 150 achromat out more for deep space, and the TV76 for wider views or super-quick set-up.)


Takahashi was easy enough--and I enjoyed the reads on their website--but I had to google TV76 to find the listing from Televue (of course).
TV76 from Televue:
pTV76_tv3b.jpg
76mm, f/6.3, APO (Doublet) Refractor. From astronomical, to spotting, to birding, the Tele Vue-76 combines compact size with the APO optical performance of the Tele Vue-85.
The expansive 5.5° rich-field drizzles your view with delicate jewel-like stars, while the APO performance of the Nagler designed, fully multi-coated 2-element objective and optional 2" Everbrite diagonal produce natural stellar and planetary color rendition even at the highest useful powers.
You have some tremendous glassware, Dean.
Screen Shot 2021-10-28 at 11.14.11 PM.png
---------------------------------------
Michael E. Marotta
Astro-Tech 115 mm APO Refractor Explore Scientific 102 mm f/6.47 Refractor Explore Scientific 102 mm f/9.8 Refractor Bresser 8-inch Newtonian Reflector Plössls from 40 to 6 mm Nagler Series-1 7mm. nonMeade 14 mm. Mounts: Celestron AVX, Explore Twilight I Alt-Az, Explore EXOS German Equatorial
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#67

Post by DeanD »


mikemarotta wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 4:16 am Thanks, Dean. You pay attention to details. Yes, the mount is the same, but it is not the one that I use for the Astro-Tech 115 ED APO. Technically, the Twilight mount can carry the weight of the telescope (13 lbs.), but I was warned here that the set-up would be shaky, and it was so. I acquired a Celestron AVX computerized "go-to" mount for the AT-115 (capacity 18 lbs) and it is a much better arrangement. But all of that is a lot to haul out and set up. I bought the ES-102 specifically to have a suitable aperature in a light instrument (12 lbs). So, it is the one I use most often.

DeanD wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 12:34 am (eg: my Tak TSA 102 is my "best instrument" and most used, but I often get the f5 150 achromat out more for deep space, and the TV76 for wider views or super-quick set-up.)


Takahashi was easy enough--and I enjoyed the reads on their website--but I had to google TV76 to find the listing from Televue (of course).
TV76 from Televue:
Image
76mm, f/6.3, APO (Doublet) Refractor. From astronomical, to spotting, to birding, the Tele Vue-76 combines compact size with the APO optical performance of the Tele Vue-85.
The expansive 5.5° rich-field drizzles your view with delicate jewel-like stars, while the APO performance of the Nagler designed, fully multi-coated 2-element objective and optional 2" Everbrite diagonal produce natural stellar and planetary color rendition even at the highest useful powers.
You have some tremendous glassware, Dean.
Image
Hi again Michael,

Sadly I don't own a TOA150 like the one pictured: that is a bit out of my wallet's reach! My 150 is a Celestron f5 achromat, which cost me around $300...
The TSA102 is the only refractor I have bought new: long story. It is a keeper! And, the "finance department" approved the purchase of the TV76 as "payment" when I re-furbished and tiled our toilet and laundry. Also a keeper! ;)

All the best,

Dean
Telescopes: 12" f5 dob, Celestron CPC800, 150mmf5 Celestron achro, Tak TSA102, TV76, ETX125...
Binos: Steiner Wildlife XP 10x26, Swarovski 8x30 Habicht, Zeiss SFL 8x40, Vanguard Endeavour 10.5x45, Fuji FMTR-SX 10x50, Tak 22x60, Orion Resolux 15x70
Eyepieces: way too many (is that possible?), but I do like my TV 32mm plossl, 13mm Nagler T6, 27mm Panoptic and 3-6mm Nagler zoom, plus Fujiyama 18mm and 25mm orthos and Tak 7.5mm LE
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#68

Post by mikemarotta »


DeanD wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:41 am ... Sadly I don't own a TOA150 like the one pictured: that is a bit out of my wallet's reach! My 150 is a Celestron f5 achromat, which cost me around $300...
Ah, also more in my own league. Not to put too fine a point on it, but we fall into symbols and acronyms all too easily. It is even worse with astrophotography because their patois is all new and is a creole whereas mainstream astronomy among amateurs has some history of its own. Even so, it is too easy to lead others astray by not spelling out what it is we want to say. YKWIM?
DeanD wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:41 am The TSA102 is the only refractor I have bought new: long story. It is a keeper! And, the "finance department" approved the purchase of the TV76 as "payment" when I re-furbished and tiled our toilet and laundry. Also a keeper! ;). Dean
The telescope, the water utilities, and the finance department are all keepers! :heart: :heart: :heart:

Here at our house, we try not buy anything that we will have to move or leave for our heiress to sort out. So, the new 70-mm telescopes will be given away after my current project. I will keep the new Explore Scientific 102-mm f/10 and give my f/6.47 with tripod, etc., to my brother. I will probably keep the new Celestron 70-mm f/13 and give the others to nephews, or schools, or someplace. I will still have four with the Astro=Tech 115 ED APO in its carrying case an a Bresser 8-inch Newtonian in its shipping cartons waiting to be colimated. That instrument like much else here was purchased used and factory reconditioned with warranty for 40% off retail. I also answer to a "finance department."

While new telescopes, etc., are fun, my pocket money has gone into astrophysics classes online and a couple of books for reference. I think that it is important to understand what you are looking at. My other hobby is numismatics (25-year pin from the ANA), and we have a catchphrase:
  • Buy the book before you buy the coin.

That was from Aaron Feldman who also said that if you do not own a single coin but have the knowledge that is in books, then you are a true numismatist. So, too, with astronomy, in my opinion.
---------------------------------------
Michael E. Marotta
Astro-Tech 115 mm APO Refractor Explore Scientific 102 mm f/6.47 Refractor Explore Scientific 102 mm f/9.8 Refractor Bresser 8-inch Newtonian Reflector Plössls from 40 to 6 mm Nagler Series-1 7mm. nonMeade 14 mm. Mounts: Celestron AVX, Explore Twilight I Alt-Az, Explore EXOS German Equatorial
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#69

Post by Jones »


20211104_153154.jpg
20211104_153302.jpg
20211104_153423.jpg
TS Optics dash 51 triple lense on home built tube assembly.
Probably the maximum scope you should use on the SV M2 mount if you like going to 300x and beyond.
Arizona- where the sky's are not cloudy all night.

Triple lensed fracs are so yummy when looking at planets.
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#70

Post by AstroBee »


Allow me to introduce you to "The Beast" in its native environment.
Image
Explore Scientific ED152 CF APO.
Greg M.~ "Ad Astra per Aspera"
Scopes: Celestron EdgeHD14", Explore Scientific ED152CF & ED127 APO's, StellarVue SV70T, Classic Orange-Tube C-8, Lunt 80mm Ha double-stack solar scope.
Mounts: Astro-Physics Mach One, iOptron CEM70EC Mount, iOptron ZEQ25 Mount.
Cameras: ZWO ASI2600mm Pro, ZWO 2600MC Pro, ZWO ASI1600mm
Filters: 36mm Chroma LRGB & 3nm Ha, OIII, SII, L-Pro, L-eXtreme
Eyepieces: 27mm TeleVue Panoptic, 4mm TeleVue Radian, Explore Scientific 82° 30mm, 6.7mm , Baader 13mm Hyperion, Explore Scientific 70° 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, Meade 8.8mm UWA
Software: N.I.N.A., SharpCapPro, PixInsight, PhotoShop CC, Phd2, Stellarium
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#71

Post by BFaucett »


My new scope and mount that I received this month (Nov 2021). It's my Xmas gift to myself this year.

Astro-Tech AT70ED (D = 70, FL = 420, f/6)
Orion VersaGo II mount

Image

Cheers! Bob F.
_____________________________________________________
I'm a backyard stargazer.  Houston Astronomical Society (link)
scopes: Astro-Tech: AT60ED, AT70ED, AT72EDII ● Celestron: 80ED, Omni XLT AZ 102, C90 Mak ● S-W: Skymax 102 Mak
eyepieces: ES82 4.7, 6.7, 8.8, 11, 14 ● Astro-Tech UWA  4, 7, 10, 13, 16 ● ES68 20, 24 ● ES62 5.5, 9, 20 ● ES52 4.5, 30 ● APM UFF 30
Meade 5000 UWA 82° 5.5, 8.8, 14 ● StarGuider Dual ED 60° 3.2, 5, 8, 12, 15, 18, 25 ● Astro-Tech PFF 60/65° 5.5, 10.5, 15.5, 19, 25
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#72

Post by pakarinen »


BFaucett wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 1:34 pm Astro-Tech AT70ED (D = 70, FL = 420, f/6)
What do you think of your AT? I was looking at the AT80s, but they're out of stock again.
=============================================================================
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
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#73

Post by Moe24 »


My 125mm Stellarvue Access (#001) model.
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#74

Post by Thefatkitty »


Nice scope Moe24, and welcome to TSS! :D
Mark

"The Hankmeister" Celestron 8SE, orange tube Vixen made C80, CG4 & AZ-EQ5 mounts.
Too much Towa glass/mirrors.

H/A - PST stage 2 mod with a Baader 90mm ERF on a Celestron XLT 102 (thanks Mike!)
Ca-K - W/O 61mm, Antares 1.6 barlow, Baader 3.8 OD and Ca-K filters with a ZWO ASI174mm.
W/L - C80-HD with Baader 5.0 & 3.8 Solar film, Solar Continuum 7.5nm and UV/IR filters with a Canon EOS 550D.

Oh yeah, and Solar Cycle 25 :D
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#75

Post by Dave1 »


Well here's my latest arrival, which arrived today. Takahashi FS78. My first Apochromatic telescope. Can't wait to use it!
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IMG_20220107_201356.jpg
Skylight 60mm F16.7 - Takahashi FS78 F8.

Brandon 8mm, 12mm - Edmund Optics RKE 8mm, 15mm - Takahashi MC Ortho 5mm, 7mm - Pentax Ortho 6mm - Carl Zeiss Jena Ortho 10mm - Carl Zeiss Jena Huygens 16mm, 25mm. 

Baader Zeiss 2" prism diagonal - Parks 1.25" prism diagonal.
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#76

Post by davesellars »


The new 4" Starfield refractor in action... The 12" dob photo-bombed the shot!!! (perhaps it's getting jealous...) :lol:
IMG_0253.jpg
SW Flextube 12" Dobsonian.
Starfield ED102 f/7; SW ED80; SW 120ST
EQ5 and AZ4 mounts
Eyepieces: TV Delos 17.3 & 10; Pentax XW 7 & 5; BCO 32,18,10; Fuyiyama Ortho 12.5; Vixen SLV 25.
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#77

Post by helicon »


z10.jpg
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-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
Camera: ZWO ASI 120
Naked Eye: Two Eyeballs
Latitude: 48.7229° N
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#78

Post by messier 111 »


My new friend ,
Attachments
IMG_0085.jpg
I LOVE REFRACTORS , :Astronomer1: :sprefac:

REFRACTOR , TS-Optics Doublet SD-APO 125 mm f/7.8 . Lunt 80mm MT Ha Doublet Refractor .

EYEPIECES, Delos , Delite and 26mm Nagler t5 , 2 zoom Svbony 7-21 , Orion Premium Linear BinoViewer .

FILTER , Nebustar 2 tele vue . Apm solar wedge . contrast booster 2 inches .

Mounts , berno mack 3 with telepod , cg-4 motorized , eq6 pro belt drive .

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.”
― Isaac Asimov

Jean-Yves :flags-canada:
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#79

Post by davesellars »


helicon wrote: Sun Mar 20, 2022 1:59 pm Image
Image
Nice! That 6" refractor looks quite substantial. I'm surprised you needed to upgrade the focuser.. Although the Moonlite focusers are lovely (such a shame they've stopped making them for visual only purposes).
SW Flextube 12" Dobsonian.
Starfield ED102 f/7; SW ED80; SW 120ST
EQ5 and AZ4 mounts
Eyepieces: TV Delos 17.3 & 10; Pentax XW 7 & 5; BCO 32,18,10; Fuyiyama Ortho 12.5; Vixen SLV 25.
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Re: Your refractor - let's see it

#80

Post by pakarinen »


"Shrimpy" joins the stable. My $50 f/5 50mm RACI RFT. Rig weighs maybe 4 pounds total.

I'm insufferably pleased with myself; absolutely no reason not to grab-n-go now (except for clouds). And yes, the "rings" are duck tape until a lens ring gets here from China. Also the designated scope now if my 5-year old grandson wants to do some observing.
:lol:
IMG-2186.jpg
=============================================================================
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
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