This is helpful but can you expound on why?
Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
- starguru
- Earth Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:31 pm
- 4
- Location: Northern Virginia
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
- Sky Tinker
- Jupiter Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2019 4:16 am
- 4
- Location: Mid-South, U.S.
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
The planets are small, and most deep-sky objects are small, therefore higher magnifications are required to see them well. Observing the Sun is accomplished by a white-light filter(most cheaply and therefore most popular), a Herschel-wedge, or an
In so far as photography, any telescope may be used. It's the mount for the telescope that is most important, depending(afocal,
"Look, son! Up there!" His son shouted back, "I see it! What is it?" The father regaled, "The galaxy! Andromeda! Our origin, our destiny!" And so the boy was hooked, and for the rest of his natural life.
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
- JayTee
- Universal Ambassador
- Articles: 2
- Posts: 5646
- Joined: Thu Apr 25, 2019 3:23 am
- 5
- Location: Idaho, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
Please go back and read post number 23, The end of line 1 and the beginning of line 2. This recommendation has been suggested by many others. You can't go wrong with this scope.
JT
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."
∞ 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."
- Sky Tinker
- Jupiter Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2019 4:16 am
- 4
- Location: Mid-South, U.S.
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
Users have reported stability problems with the OTA of the 8SE. All you have to do is to see just how undermounted the telescope is within this image...
Now, the eye and brain can deal with the shakes and wobbles, but a camera cannot, and Schmidts and cameras are oft combined during the course of ownership. The SE mount is fine for the 6" Schmidt.
Rather, these mounts offer improved support...
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... 78QAvD_BwE
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... grain.html
There is this option as well; à la carte...
https://www.highpointscientific.com/cel ... -91020-xlt
https://www.highpointscientific.com/exp ... qAQAvD_BwE
Now, the eye and brain can deal with the shakes and wobbles, but a camera cannot, and Schmidts and cameras are oft combined during the course of ownership. The SE mount is fine for the 6" Schmidt.
Rather, these mounts offer improved support...
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... 78QAvD_BwE
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... grain.html
There is this option as well; à la carte...
https://www.highpointscientific.com/cel ... -91020-xlt
https://www.highpointscientific.com/exp ... qAQAvD_BwE
Last edited by Sky Tinker on Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Look, son! Up there!" His son shouted back, "I see it! What is it?" The father regaled, "The galaxy! Andromeda! Our origin, our destiny!" And so the boy was hooked, and for the rest of his natural life.
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
- helicon
- Co-Administrator
- Articles: 592
- Posts: 12377
- Joined: Mon May 06, 2019 1:35 pm
- 4
- Location: Washington
- Status:
Online
-
TSS Awards Badges
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
I have the ES AR152 - a 6" f/ 6.5 achromat as you mention. It is good for deep sky objects. I also find it offers better views of the moon and planets than my 10" Dob . I have an alt-azimuth mount - the Twilight II. I bought the mount new from B&H Photo, the scope I bought used for about $450 as I recall. Altogether the cost was $900 or so.
-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
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
- Bigzmey
- Moderator
- Articles: 8
- Posts: 7672
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 7:55 pm
- 4
- Location: San Diego, CA USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
I mount and use these two scopes side by side, so had plenty occasions to compare them. 8"
Using them in parallel I utilize advantages od both, but for single use I always pick
Last edited by Bigzmey on Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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
- starguru
- Earth Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:31 pm
- 4
- Location: Northern Virginia
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
Two things:Sky Tinker wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:48 pm Users have reported stability problems with the OTA of the 8SE. All you have to do is to see just how undermounted the telescope is within this image...
Now, the eye and brain can deal with the shakes and wobbles, but a camera cannot, and Schmidts and cameras are oft combined during the course of ownership. The SE mount is fine for the 6" Schmidt.
Rather, these mounts offer improved support...
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... 78QAvD_BwE
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... grain.html
1. The second option is the one recommended to me by the folks at high point. I've read mixed reviews of the mount.
2. What would the difference between these 2 be? The are both 8" SCTs by Celeron. Is there a reason to prefer one to the other?
The idea of going a la carte appeals to me, particularly if buying the mount separately gives me more options in the future. Is there any reason this mount is superior to the ones offered in the bundles?
There is this option as well; à la carte...
https://www.highpointscientific.com/cel ... -91020-xlt
https://www.highpointscientific.com/exp ... qAQAvD_BwE
Thanks for the discussion and help.
- starguru
- Earth Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:31 pm
- 4
- Location: Northern Virginia
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
How do you like it? Dang $450!! They are $950 new now....helicon wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:57 pm I have the ES AR152 - a 6" f/6.5 achromat as you mention. It is good for deep sky objects. I also find it offers better views of the moon and planets than my 10" Dob. I have an alt-azimuth mount - the Twilight II. I bought the mount new from B&H Photo, the scope I bought used for about $450 as I recall. Altogether the cost was $900 or so.
scope.jpg
- Sky Tinker
- Jupiter Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2019 4:16 am
- 4
- Location: Mid-South, U.S.
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
The diffraction-effects of a Newtonian do muck up the image a bit. Jupiter through my 6"
Even at the higher powers I can still see them. I then integrated a variable-polariser, and the effects vanished; the subtle colouring of the planet's surface was revealed, and a glorious yet brief sighting of the festoons and whorls within the planet's equatorial-bands was made manifest. The image was dimmer, of course, but that's the price you pay. Regrettably, no afocal image of that was possible at the time.
Mars, and during its last opposition...
...then, again, the variable-polariser...
The detection of chromatic-aberration does vary from individual to individual when viewing brighter objects with a fast-achromat. As we age, the effect is less noticeable; a consolation I suppose. Others integrate minus-violet, fringe-killer, and even #8 and #12 yellow filters to reduce the appearance of false-colour; but the aberration is still present, in full force, which degrades the image nonetheless. The aberration of a 152mm
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/2922 ... ge-killer/
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/3015 ... refractor/
On the plus side, refractors aren't a mile long anymore...
"Look, son! Up there!" His son shouted back, "I see it! What is it?" The father regaled, "The galaxy! Andromeda! Our origin, our destiny!" And so the boy was hooked, and for the rest of his natural life.
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
- starguru
- Earth Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:31 pm
- 4
- Location: Northern Virginia
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
Cool images! I am aware of the CA consequence of achromatic refractors. In the earlier posts many recomm them for starting out.
Do you have any examples of what proper targets for refractors look like?
Also, I see in your sig you have anAPO piece, how does that do?
Do you have any examples of what proper targets for refractors look like?
Also, I see in your sig you have an
- JayTee
- Universal Ambassador
- Articles: 2
- Posts: 5646
- Joined: Thu Apr 25, 2019 3:23 am
- 5
- Location: Idaho, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
Any target that will fit in the field of view!!!Do you have any examples of what proper targets for refractors look like?
Okay, it's time:
You have several examples of some great systems to consider as your first telescope. Most of these suggestions will give you an 80 - 90% solution. You will NOT get a 100% solution from this post because we are NOT you! Just remember that when you started this thread you were at a 0.00% solution so your knowledge has come a long way.
It is time for you to put your stake in the sand! Now go out there and conquer. We will still be here to support you after you have received your new scope!
Just do it,
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."
∞ 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."
- Sky Tinker
- Jupiter Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2019 4:16 am
- 4
- Location: Mid-South, U.S.
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
1. I must admit, I would never purchase an AVX for myself, although it does have a lot of bells and whistles; computerised and electronic aspects to aid in astrophotography. My beef is with the physical mechanics of the mount; the parts made of metal; of course, an aversion to plastic parts is a given. One thing is that thestarguru wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:23 pmTwo things:Sky Tinker wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:48 pm Users have reported stability problems with the OTA of the 8SE. All you have to do is to see just how undermounted the telescope is within this image...
Now, the eye and brain can deal with the shakes and wobbles, but a camera cannot, and Schmidts and cameras are oft combined during the course of ownership. The SE mount is fine for the 6" Schmidt.
Rather, these mounts offer improved support...
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... 78QAvD_BwE
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... grain.html
1. The second option is the one recommended to me by the folks at high point. I've read mixed reviews of the mount.
2. What would the difference between these 2 be? The are both 8" SCTs by Celeron. Is there a reason to prefer one to the other?
The idea of going a la carte appeals to me, particularly if buying the mount separately gives me more options in the future. Is there any reason this mount is superior to the ones offered in the bundles?
There is this option as well; à la carte...
https://www.highpointscientific.com/cel ... -91020-xlt
https://www.highpointscientific.com/exp ... qAQAvD_BwE
Thanks for the discussion and help.
2. No difference; Synta simply decorates them differently. Also, some come with CG5 dovetail-bars(Vixen), and others with the CGE type(Losmandy). You'd want the CG5(Vixen) type bar. This
https://www.highpointscientific.com/cel ... -91031-xlt
...HD(High Definition), but for a price.
In so far as the mounts, I believe that the Explore Scientific would be a better value over the Celestron AVX; and it's cheaper to boot, the reason being that Explore Scientific is a relatively "new kid on the block" compared to the other brands. It has ball-bearings for both axes. However, your best bet is to pore over user-reviews throughout the internet about this mount and that before finally deciding. High-dollar purchases such as these require, no, demand, intense scrutiny online, and for perhaps a week or more. You do want to get your money's worth. Don't rush into anything at present.
Incidentally, what did you not like about the classical-Cassegrains?
Last edited by Sky Tinker on Sun Jan 05, 2020 12:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Look, son! Up there!" His son shouted back, "I see it! What is it?" The father regaled, "The galaxy! Andromeda! Our origin, our destiny!" And so the boy was hooked, and for the rest of his natural life.
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
- starguru
- Earth Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:31 pm
- 4
- Location: Northern Virginia
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
Yes I appreciate your patience in this discussion. I’m pretty sure I’ll go some sort ofJayTee wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2020 12:30 amAny target that will fit in the field of view!!!Do you have any examples of what proper targets for refractors look like?
Okay, it's time:
You have several examples of some great systems to consider as your first telescope. Most of these suggestions will give you an 80 - 90% solution. You will NOT get a 100% solution from this post because we are NOT you! Just remember that when you started this thread you were at a 0.00% solution so your knowledge has come a long way.
It is time for you to put your stake in the sand! Now go out there and conquer. We will still be here to support you after you have received your new scope!
Just do it,
JT
I’m held up on which one, and whether to do with package, or a la Carte.
- Refractordude
- Interdicted
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 1493
- Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 1:05 am
- 4
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
all he has to do is add a 102mmSky Tinker wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:16 pmThat 152mmf/ 6.5 achromat would exhibit quite a bit of false-colour when viewing brighter objects, like the planets, and the brighter single and double stars. It's an ideal for the dimmer deep-sky objects however.
- Sky Tinker
- Jupiter Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2019 4:16 am
- 4
- Location: Mid-South, U.S.
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
There is that, yes, but then you would lose the increased resolution(detail) afforded by the full 6" ofRefractordude wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2020 2:13 amall he has to do is add a 102mmSky Tinker wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:16 pmThat 152mmf/ 6.5 achromat would exhibit quite a bit of false-colour when viewing brighter objects, like the planets, and the brighter single and double stars. It's an ideal for the dimmer deep-sky objects however.aperture mask, and turn thef/ 6.5 into af/ 10. 102mmaperture is sufficient for the bright moon and planets.
"Look, son! Up there!" His son shouted back, "I see it! What is it?" The father regaled, "The galaxy! Andromeda! Our origin, our destiny!" And so the boy was hooked, and for the rest of his natural life.
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
"Desserts tend to corrupt, and absolutely delicious desserts corrupt absolutely." - Chef Acton
Alan
Apochromat: Takahashi FS-102 4" f/8 - Achromats: Meade S102 102mm f/5.9, Antares 805 80mm f/6(flocked & blackened), Meade "Polaris" 70mm f/12.9, Sears(Towa) #4-6340 50mm f/12(flocked & blackened) - Newtonians: Orion 6" f/5(flocked & blackened) - Catadioptrics: Explore Scientific 127mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain, Celestron "PowerSeeker" 127mm f/8 "Bird Jones" reflector(modified, flocked, blackened, and collimated!) - Mounts: Meade LX70(EQ-5), Astro-Tech Voyager I alt-azimuth
- starguru
- Earth Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:31 pm
- 4
- Location: Northern Virginia
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
Ill check out that HDSky Tinker wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:48 pm This OTA however provides considerably sharper views...
https://www.highpointscientific.com/cel ... -91031-xlt
...HD(High Definition), but for a price.
In so far as the mounts, I believe that the Explore Scientific would be a better value over the Celestron AVX; and it's cheaper to boot, the reason being that Explore Scientific is a relatively "new kid on the block" compared to the other brands. It has ball-bearings for both axes. However, your best bet is to pore over user-reviews throughout the internet about this mount and that before finally deciding. High-dollar purchases such as these require, no, demand, intense scrutiny online, and for perhaps a week or more. You do want to get your money's worth. Don't rush into anything at present.
Incidentally, what did you not like about the classical-Cassegrains?
Im still doing research on the classical Cassegrain. From the link you provided it seems like all benefits and no draw backs, but I know that can't be true, so I'm just trying to learn more.
- Bigzmey
- Moderator
- Articles: 8
- Posts: 7672
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 7:55 pm
- 4
- Location: San Diego, CA USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
When you select the mount consider portability vs stability. Yes, the mount which comes in SE package is a bit shaky, but from what I gather is sufficient for visual observing. The advantage is that it makes together with 8"starguru wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2020 12:56 amYes I appreciate your patience in this discussion. I’m pretty sure I’ll go some sort ofJayTee wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2020 12:30 amAny target that will fit in the field of view!!!Do you have any examples of what proper targets for refractors look like?
Okay, it's time:
You have several examples of some great systems to consider as your first telescope. Most of these suggestions will give you an 80 - 90% solution. You will NOT get a 100% solution from this post because we are NOT you! Just remember that when you started this thread you were at a 0.00% solution so your knowledge has come a long way.
It is time for you to put your stake in the sand! Now go out there and conquer. We will still be here to support you after you have received your new scope!
Just do it,
JTSCT .
I’m held up on which one, and whether to do with package, or a la Carte.
The heavier
One of the reasons I am so enthusiastically advocating for 8"
Finally, if you decide to buy the mount and scope separately, buy the orange tube
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
- starguru
- Earth Ambassador
- Articles: 0
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:31 pm
- 4
- Location: Northern Virginia
- Status:
Offline
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
Heh, exchanges like this make me more indecisive .Sky Tinker wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2020 2:30 amThere is that, yes, but then you would lose the increased resolution(detail) afforded by the full 6" ofRefractordude wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2020 2:13 amall he has to do is add a 102mmSky Tinker wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:16 pm
That 152mm f/6.5 achromat would exhibit quite a bit of false-colour when viewing brighter objects, like the planets, and the brighter single and double stars. It's an ideal for the dimmer deep-sky objects however.aperture mask, and turn thef/ 6.5 into af/ 10. 102mmaperture is sufficient for the bright moon and planets.aperture . Still, that's a decent solution.
- Bigzmey
- Moderator
- Articles: 8
- Posts: 7672
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 7:55 pm
- 4
- Location: San Diego, CA USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
You are reaching paralysis by analysis state! As I mentioned before it took me a few scopes to get where I want to be. Chances are you may not like your first scope. Just don't buy something large which weigh a ton. You will loose a lot trying to resell or return.starguru wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2020 3:03 amHeh, exchanges like this make me more indecisive .Sky Tinker wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2020 2:30 amThere is that, yes, but then you would lose the increased resolution(detail) afforded by the full 6" ofRefractordude wrote: ↑Sun Jan 05, 2020 2:13 am
all he has to do is add a 102mm aperture mask, and turn the f/6.5 into a f/10. 102mm aperture is sufficient for the bright moon and planets.aperture . Still, that's a decent solution.
150mm refractor or 8"
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
- JayTee
- Universal Ambassador
- Articles: 2
- Posts: 5646
- Joined: Thu Apr 25, 2019 3:23 am
- 5
- Location: Idaho, USA
- Status:
Offline
-
TSS Awards Badges
TSS Photo of the Day
Re: Another seeking recommendations for a first telescope question
GO
DO IT
GO
DO IT
GO
DO IT
GO
DO IT
Should I go on?
JT
DO IT
GO
DO IT
GO
DO IT
GO
DO IT
Should I go on?
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."
∞ 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."
Create an account or sign in to join the discussion
You need to be a member in order to post a reply
Create an account
Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute