TheSkySearchers

I am currently using my Twilight II as the mount for my AR152. I have been looking for a companion refractor for awhile, think I should consider a 102mm scope? Or an 80mm?
Have not been able to decide yet so any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks.

I have a Explore Scientific ES80ed and I've been really happy with it!

Although I don't own one, most folks just love their AR102. FWIW.

Cheers,
JT

Gordon wrote: ↑Thu May 09, 2019 10:08 pm I have a Explore Scientific ES80ed and I've been really happy with it!

I have two of those... One for solar imaging and the other for visual astronomy.

On the TW2, it doesn't take much work to get both scopes exactly lined up.

When I had an AR152, I used a tricked-out ST-80 as a finder on the TW2.

Hi Michael!

With my Twilight II, I really enjoy having a faster frac on one side, and a nice long slower one on the other side. To me, it is fun to compare the views of the same object through each. I also find it fun and valuative to compare similar exit pupils between the two.

Fast fracs are fun, but the slower ones are even more fun to me!

A nice APO would be glorious too.

Thanks everybody - now I am narrowing it down a bit. I think it would be fun (and useful) to get a slower scope (f/8 or more) for planetary use. The AR 152 is f/6.5 and with a 30mm eyepiece gives about a 1.7 degree field of view. Anyway, I'm looking forward to balancing out the load on the tripod.

I would be tempted just to try something like this beside the 152.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Celestron-Nexs ... Sw7aNcu9hV

Maybe consider the SW100 Evostar at f9.

SCTs/Maks make great companions to the fast fracs. I have been enjoying this combo for years.

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2019 4:49 am SCTs/Maks make great companions to the fast fracs. I have been enjoying this combo for years.

Thanks Andrey - I hadn't considered a Mak but that makes a great deal of sense.

I don't have a dual mount, but when I take a second scope (the binoculars don't count as they ALWAYS go) the first is commonly a refractor but the second usually is something else. I would definitely have a Mak available to sit beside my refractor if I had a dual mount.

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2019 4:49 am SCTs/Maks make great companions to the fast fracs. I have been enjoying this combo for years.

Nice combination, I too am a fan of a SCT type scope to pair with a refractor or two. With an AR152 I think I would go for an 8" SCT / f/15.">DK.