TheSkySearchers

Here is my William Optics GT102 piggyback on my Celestron EdgeHD11, both atop an Astro-physics 1100GTO.

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

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.

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).

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

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:

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.

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:

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

Allow me to introduce you to "The Beast" in its native environment.

Explore Scientific ED152 CF APO.

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



Cheers! Bob F.

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.

My 125mm Stellarvue Access (#001) model.

Nice scope Moe24, and welcome to TSS!

Well here's my latest arrival, which arrived today. Takahashi FS78. My first Apochromatic telescope. Can't wait to use it!

The new 4" Starfield refractor in action... The 12" dob photo-bombed the shot!!! (perhaps it's getting jealous...)

My new friend ,

helicon wrote: ↑Sun Mar 20, 2022 1:59 pm

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).

"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.