A friend has asked me for a suggestion for a small reflector under $150. If that price had another couple of zeros I might be able to help but I'm clueless with small reflectors.
Can someone recommend something?
Thanks.
recommendation for small reflector
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1jimalexander
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recommendation for small reflector
Mount: Celestron CGX-L, Ioptron CEM70G
Cameras: ATIK 11000 mono ,ASI224MC, ASI533MC
Filtering: ATIK EFW2 Astronomik LRGB, Ha, s2, O3 (12nm) Optolong L-eXtreme
Guiding: Orion mini 50 mm, Orion Starshoot, PHD ,Primalucelab 60mm scope, Celestron OAG with ASI290mm mini
Polar align: PoleMaster, Ipolar
Software:SGP, Starry Night Pro, PS, PI
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SkyHiker
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Re: recommendation for small reflector
Just browsing around, I would go with this 4.5" 600 mm FL one, it's on sale for $99:
https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-37971 ... 1d5a8ed10b
I tried finding out if the mirror is parabolic, but I could not find any information on that. It does not say that a Barlow is included, so I'm guessing it is not a Jones-Bird. Also, the focal length is short enough that it is probably parabolic. Try finding out if you can. A red dot finder and 2 eyepieces are included, if you buy those separately you will pay as much.
Just keep the expectations modest and expect little of the mount. Long ago I bought a similar telescope (Venture RX-7 from Big 5) and found it to be useful even though many here will object. But for that price, hey it was great. I could see the rings of Saturn, the views were crisp. Not bad at all for a dirt cheap grab and go, no complaints here.
https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-37971 ... 1d5a8ed10b
I tried finding out if the mirror is parabolic, but I could not find any information on that. It does not say that a Barlow is included, so I'm guessing it is not a Jones-Bird. Also, the focal length is short enough that it is probably parabolic. Try finding out if you can. A red dot finder and 2 eyepieces are included, if you buy those separately you will pay as much.
Just keep the expectations modest and expect little of the mount. Long ago I bought a similar telescope (Venture RX-7 from Big 5) and found it to be useful even though many here will object. But for that price, hey it was great. I could see the rings of Saturn, the views were crisp. Not bad at all for a dirt cheap grab and go, no complaints here.
... Henk. 
Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images-
1jimalexander
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Re: recommendation for small reflector
Thank you SkyHker. This is perfect.
Mount: Celestron CGX-L, Ioptron CEM70G
Cameras: ATIK 11000 mono ,ASI224MC, ASI533MC
Filtering: ATIK EFW2 Astronomik LRGB, Ha, s2, O3 (12nm) Optolong L-eXtreme
Guiding: Orion mini 50 mm, Orion Starshoot, PHD ,Primalucelab 60mm scope, Celestron OAG with ASI290mm mini
Polar align: PoleMaster, Ipolar
Software:SGP, Starry Night Pro, PS, PI
ASIAIR Plus
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SkyHiker
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Re: recommendation for small reflector
You may also check the Nat Geo Alt Az one of Explore Scientific, right at your price point:
https://explorescientificusa.com/produc ... eq=uniform
When I see Scott Roberts presenting it, for sure it can't be all bad.
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/r ... &FORM=VIRE
https://explorescientificusa.com/produc ... eq=uniform
When I see Scott Roberts presenting it, for sure it can't be all bad.
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/r ... &FORM=VIRE
... Henk. Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images-
Bigzmey
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Re: recommendation for small reflector
Are they looking for reflector specifically or just a starter scope under $150?
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.
Solar: HA: Lunt 50mm single stack, W/L: Meade Herschel wedge.
Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2437, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 257
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.
Solar: HA: Lunt 50mm single stack, W/L: Meade Herschel wedge.
Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2437, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 257
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1jimalexander
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Re: recommendation for small reflector
They specified "reflector" and I didn't press the issue.
I've passed on the initial recommendation from Skyhiker and they seem to be satisfied with that.
Thanks for your responses.
I've passed on the initial recommendation from Skyhiker and they seem to be satisfied with that.
Thanks for your responses.
Mount: Celestron CGX-L, Ioptron CEM70G
Cameras: ATIK 11000 mono ,ASI224MC, ASI533MC
Filtering: ATIK EFW2 Astronomik LRGB, Ha, s2, O3 (12nm) Optolong L-eXtreme
Guiding: Orion mini 50 mm, Orion Starshoot, PHD ,Primalucelab 60mm scope, Celestron OAG with ASI290mm mini
Polar align: PoleMaster, Ipolar
Software:SGP, Starry Night Pro, PS, PI
ASIAIR Plus
Ultimate PowerBox v2
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JayTee
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Re: recommendation for small reflector
Sorry for coming in a bit late here but there is also this capable small reflector. The difference between the two other than the aperture is the mount. The Kohl's product is on a very shaky mount that usually turns people away from the hobby because the view is so compromised by the shaking. Just something to consider.
https://www.telescope.com/catalog/produ ... LcEALw_wcB
Cheers,
https://www.telescope.com/catalog/produ ... LcEALw_wcB
Cheers,
∞ 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."
∞ 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."
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Richard
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Re: recommendation for small reflector
Ok I dont know the US market but if you want a cheap small reflector but still good its best to go used , most of these cheap scopes perform poorly due to the mount and people sell them really cheap , but thats for a reason , they are poor and will turn them off astronomy
But a Mak andSCT are also Reflectors , I have a small 90mm Mak on a cheap EQ1 mount and it works well , I got it used for like 30 US and its much better than all the posts here
But a Mak and
Reflectors GSO 200 Dobs
Refractors None
SCT C5 on a SLT mount
Mak 150 Bosma on a EQ5
Refractors None
SCT C5 on a SLT mount
Mak 150 Bosma on a EQ5
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