krusty
member
Reged: 12/29/07
Posts: 62
Loc: Morin-Heights, QC
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Hi all ... I've just recently joined CN with hopes of getting some advice and meeting new people in my field of interest. Wow! I have to say that the abundance and thoroughness of advice/assistance has been overwhelming! Thank you so much.
I've been interested in Astronomy and photography for years, but to date have been limited to my tripod mounted OM-1 alone. I've also used binoculars for casual viewing. I am now ready to purchase my first scope, and as I've stated, have gotten bombarded with very relevant advice from many of you on which equipment I should be looking at.
Based on what you've told me, I don't believe I'm quite ready (technically or financially) to undertake astrophotography to the level I'd like to.
So, I believe that the scope I had narrowed-it-down-to (LXD75 SN-8) will not be purchased, but rather I think I will start with a good refractor instead. The "go-to" can wait until I learn how to find things myself, and photography will be kept to a minimum for the time being. I still want to be able to hook-up my OM-1 to my refractor though!
Having said all of that, I would once again like to ask people's opinions on which scope and mount they would recommend. My situation is as follows: My scope will be used exclusively at home, I have an abundance of dark skies, I am interested in observing both planets and deep sky objects; and my budget is limited to $1000.00.
Any advice is much appreciated.
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Orion 100ed f/9 refractor
SVP mount
10 & 25mm Plossl
7mm UO HD Ortho
Agena SWA 38mm
2x TV Powermate
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ken svp120
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/19/04
Posts: 1811
Loc: Ohio
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I'll take a stab at this one, but keep in mind I do not know what an OM-1 is so I'm pretending it doesn't exist.
For $650 all in you can get an Orion 120mm refractor f/8.3 so the CA will be kept down (but still there). This will come with a mount that has a single axis drive. For a couple bucks more ($50 or so) you can make that a dual axis drive. With the remainder of your $1,000 you can purchase a used Meade DSI Pro CCD camera (assuming you have a lap top) off of Astromart.com. This set up would allow you to observe planetary and a fair amount of deep sky, while also getting your feet wet with imaging.
If you're new to astronomy and using telescopes, I would hold off on the camera for 6 months to a year to allow yourself time to get the hang of using a scope and learning the sky a bit.
Maybe instead of the camera you could spend the remainder to upgrade the finder scope, diagonal, and get a couple eyepieces.
Just a thought...
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Orion 120 Refractor
Orion SkyviewPro Mount, Single Axis Drive
Losmandy G11 Mount, Non-Gemini
TEC 140 Apochromat #300
Meade DSI Pro II Monochrome
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krusty
member
Reged: 12/29/07
Posts: 62
Loc: Morin-Heights, QC
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Thanks Ken ... I had heard about the SkyView Pro 120 and am now seriously considering it. Would you be able to recommend a couple of eyepieces? I'm ready to spend extra if the quality of the eyepiece makes that big of an impact. Ideally, I'd like to be able to clearly make out Saturn's biggest moon ... 
Thanks again.
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Orion 100ed f/9 refractor
SVP mount
10 & 25mm Plossl
7mm UO HD Ortho
Agena SWA 38mm
2x TV Powermate
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ken svp120
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/19/04
Posts: 1811
Loc: Ohio
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The original upgrades I put into this scope are as follows.
I did not like the straight through finder so I got a Stellarvue 9x50 right angle - $185
1.25" Diagonal, Televue Everbright - $190
And I took the shotgun approach to eyepieces. I have a 5.1mm and 12.3mm Orion Epic ED ($45 & $90), an Orion Lanthunum SuperWide 8mm ($210), Orion Lanthunum 3.8 ($100), and Orion Highlight Plossl's 7.5mm, 32mm, and 40mm (each about $45), and a Televue Powermate 2.5x ($190).
This was good in that I got exposure to and was able to compare a number of eyepieces. It was bad in that I had to pay for them all and no longer use most of them. My favorites are the Superwide 8mm and the Highlight 32mm. I do not like the Epic line because the images seem to dark - maybe the number of elements is not allowing enough light to pass through for my liking. And, while the Powermate barlow is a nice piece of gear, I don't use this either.
Bearing in mind that the scope comes with 10mm and 25mm standard plossl's, I would recommend something in the 6 - 8mm range, and something in the 30+mm range. Much less than 6mm and you may have trouble bringing objects to focus. Some other eyepieces that I've heard good things about are William Optics and Universal (or University?)Optics.
As a side note, I think Orion may have discontinued their Lanthunum Superwide line which is a shame - I like the 8mm so much I would have bought other sizes. If you're interested and they don't have them, you may try the used market...
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Orion 120 Refractor
Orion SkyviewPro Mount, Single Axis Drive
Losmandy G11 Mount, Non-Gemini
TEC 140 Apochromat #300
Meade DSI Pro II Monochrome
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letimotif
No Complaints
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 3221
Loc: Actually, right here.
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Hey Krusty,
Taking nothing away from the Stellarvue finder, it's a quality instrument in its own right, I'd go a little different. I'd pick up Orion's Right Angle Correct Image finder (9x50, too). It's on sale now, I think. With some of the money saved, I'd also pick up the SVP mount extension. It will make viewing much easier at zenith.
EPs I've used successfully with an Omni XLT 120 (similar to what you're looking at getting) include Baader Hyperions, Televue Plossls and TMB Planetaries. For wider views I'd think about the Hyperion 21mm. It will have a wider field of view than the Plossls, important for star hopping. Moreover, the you can unscrew part of the EP and have a very good 2" 32mm that can be essential when you're looking at big objects (e.g.: Orion Nebula) and trying to zero in on an object on which you may want to go to higher power.
Orion's Stratus line is similar to the Hyperions in design.
The TMBs may be hard to find, but the others are readily available.
Just my tuppence.
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Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a Heaven for?
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bcuddihee
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/04/06
Posts: 2031
Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
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More advice..I'd spring for a 2" enhanced diagonal, should be able to get one on AM for around 75.00 or less. This will be compatible with 1-1/4 inch ep's as well as 2" ep's which you will provably want to do if you ever get the hankerin for those 68-80 degree plus fields of view. The right angle finder is a great idea and can be had for 50-60.00 from Agena Astro, and Garrett Optical. The pier extension is a must for a longer fl retractor. Baader hyperions and orion status ep's will work very well. Also check out the Orion q70 26 or 32 mm for wide angle views. Agena and Garrett sell their versions for a bit less. An Astro chair will help you from the fatigue of standing bent over an eyepiece for long periods of time.
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B Cuddihee
1968 Jason Empire 60X700mm refractor
1977 Jason Empire 313 discoveror EQ
Celestron Nexstar8SE "The Bumblebee", with Feathertouch Microfocuser, and
Celestron CPC Heavy Duty Tripod.
Antares 89mm finder
Stellarvue 50mm "Sparrowhawk" finder
Denk bino's with Power x switch.
Pair of Edmund 15 and 28 plossls.
Pair of Edmund 28 RKE'S
Pair of 32mm Brandons.
Pair of 24mm Brandons.
Pair of Smart Astronomy 19 EF's.
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krusty
member
Reged: 12/29/07
Posts: 62
Loc: Morin-Heights, QC
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So just to make sure I'm hearing you right, if you were forced to only have 2 eyepieces for this scope, which would they be?
I realize it can be a matter of preference, but that's what I want to hear - your preference.
Thanks much!
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Orion 100ed f/9 refractor
SVP mount
10 & 25mm Plossl
7mm UO HD Ortho
Agena SWA 38mm
2x TV Powermate
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mlcolbert
sage
Reged: 11/15/07
Posts: 353
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the other thing is that once you have your shopping list, the guys here may also be able to recommend reputable dealers either on-line or locally for you. That way you will get the better deal as well as finding another source of good equipment and advice. Good luck!
michael
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zeiss
APQ 130/3x500 mm Telephotos/2xMC80/MC35/5x7 back/lunar and planetary camera
Hasselblad
503cw/500el/m
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bcuddihee
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/04/06
Posts: 2031
Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
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I would look in for something around 15mm for 64x and 10mm for 96x. I would then buy a 2x barlow to increase the range to
64x 96x 128x and 192x. This is a good spread for this scope. I would also try to get as much fov as I could with this range as well. Here is a review on the Agena swa.
http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1668
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B Cuddihee
1968 Jason Empire 60X700mm refractor
1977 Jason Empire 313 discoveror EQ
Celestron Nexstar8SE "The Bumblebee", with Feathertouch Microfocuser, and
Celestron CPC Heavy Duty Tripod.
Antares 89mm finder
Stellarvue 50mm "Sparrowhawk" finder
Denk bino's with Power x switch.
Pair of Edmund 15 and 28 plossls.
Pair of Edmund 28 RKE'S
Pair of 32mm Brandons.
Pair of 24mm Brandons.
Pair of Smart Astronomy 19 EF's.
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astroN00B
sage
Reged: 10/21/06
Posts: 393
Loc: Bakersfield, CA
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Your desire to look at planets and DSOs makes me think you want a "jack of all trades" scope. Planet killing scopes tend to have longer focal lengths and DSOs are shorter. Maybe something in between would suit your needs. I have a Stellarvue 80/9d that seems to fit that bill. Stellarvue's 10th anniversary sale package including the scope, diagonal, two EPs, and mount with extension column is a fantastic deal. As for myself, I use a WO enhanced 2" diagonal and 1.25" Meade 5000 EPs of which the 26mm is my favorite. The EPs were showing up on AM in the $60 to $80 range but have seemed to taper off lately. Retail price is $89/ea for the 26-5.5mm EPs. You'd be sitting around a grand by the time you're done. You should wait on AP because you'll spend at least a grand on the EQ mount alone... if you get serious.
Hope that helps.
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SV 80/9D 10:1 focuser
WO 66mm SD APO
100mm f/5 ATM achro refractor
WO TR-188 tripod
Modified DS-2000 goto mount
Orion AZ-3
Vixen Polaris
Meade 5000 1.25" EPs, Telextender
GTO 7mm-22mm zoom
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astroN00B
sage
Reged: 10/21/06
Posts: 393
Loc: Bakersfield, CA
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I just noticed Orion has a sale on their SkyView Pro 100ED EQ Apochromatic Refractor for $1000. It's a complete package with mount, diagonal, finder, and a couple EPs.
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SV 80/9D 10:1 focuser
WO 66mm SD APO
100mm f/5 ATM achro refractor
WO TR-188 tripod
Modified DS-2000 goto mount
Orion AZ-3
Vixen Polaris
Meade 5000 1.25" EPs, Telextender
GTO 7mm-22mm zoom
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ken svp120
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/19/04
Posts: 1811
Loc: Ohio
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If that really comes with the mount, that's a really good deal
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Orion 120 Refractor
Orion SkyviewPro Mount, Single Axis Drive
Losmandy G11 Mount, Non-Gemini
TEC 140 Apochromat #300
Meade DSI Pro II Monochrome
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Jared
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/11/05
Posts: 4554
Loc: Piedmont, California, U.S.
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Krusty, I'm going to commit a "heresy" considering the forum you posted on (as well as my own preferences in viewing/imaging)...
You specifically mentioned an interest in both planets and DSO's (deep sky objects). You also mentioned an abundance of dark skies in your location. You have decided to defer astrophotography for the time being. You also mentioned a willingness to forgo fancy electronics as you wish to learn the night sky. I would recommend you not purchase a refractor at all!
I hate to confuse you in your search, and a 4" achromat is certainly a nice scope, but I would get a nice 8" Dobsonian instead if I were in your shoes--even a 10" if you can handle the size and weight. You would have money left over for accessories and eyepieces, you would get much better light grasp (which would be a huge advantage on DSO's), and you would get equally good planetary performance (ignoring sample variation).
There are certainly some trade-offs. Here's what you would be giving up:
- A Dobsonian will not track the night skies, so you will need to push it around to follow objects as the Earth rotates. It's not difficult to do, but it is certainly less elegant.
- You would need to keep it well collimated to get the most out of it.
- Cool-down times will be longer, and it will be subject to tube currents.
- Low power/wide views will show more aberrations at the edge than with a refractor, but that can be addressed with a coma corrector if it really bothers you
- It will be less portable than a smaller refractor--definitely not a grab-'n'-go type of scope
- Contrast is likely to be a bit lower in the reflector, though it may not be a substantial difference, and the increased aperture usually makes up for this easily
Here are the advantages:
- Aperture, aperture, aperture. You will be able to see a much larger number of objects, and faint objects will show much more detail in the reflector.
- On nights of good seeing, you will get better resolution on all objects (including the planets) with a well collimated, good quality reflector due to the difference in aperture.
- No chromatic aberration in a reflector
I love refractors, and in fact almost all of my viewing and imaging are through refractors rather than reflectors. However, your particular circumstances seem tailor made for a mid sized Dobsonian.
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- Jared Willson
- TV 60iS refractor
- 80mm SV/LOMO refractor
- A-P 130 EDFS refractor
- Planewave 12.5" CDK
- A-P 900 mount
- A-P Mach1 GTO mount
- Takahashi Teegul SP travel mount
- SBIG STL-11000 C1 camera with AO-L
- Some heavily light polluted skies
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Nebhunter
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/04/03
Posts: 1799
Loc: Frostbite Falls
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Heresy has been committed, and you hearby doomed to a month of clouds and rain.
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www.pbase.com/pentax67
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4Texans
super member
Reged: 12/08/07
Posts: 121
Loc: TX
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Hmmm, in the spirit of heresy, how about an Orion SkyView Pro 120 With IntelliScope Upgrade Kit? Decent aperture and while it's not goto, it at least points the way. I've been spoiled by that convenience with my last couple of scopes. 
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Meade LXD-75 8" S/N
Meade 826C
Meade ETX90EC
7x50 binoculars
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Stelios
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/04/03
Posts: 1484
Loc: West Hills, CA
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Heresy seconded.
Under $1,000 budget + dark skies = DOB.
Brighten the skies, we're talking refractor. Add money, and SCT's enter the picture.
But there's no such thing as the perfect scope on a small budget, something has to give, and with an abundance of dark skies and interest in DSO's that something should be tracking. There are far more DSO's than planets, and although a DOB is not an ideal planetary scope, it *can* show you the planets (and well if you get to be good at collimation), you just gotta keep nudging.
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APM/TMB 115/805 APO
9.25S - GT
Naglers: 17T4, 13T6, 3-6 zoom
UWANs: 28mm, 7mm
Pentax 10XW, 10mm Radian
Misc EP: 50mm Parks, 42mm GSO, 2x TV Barlow
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KWB
Postmaster
Reged: 09/30/06
Posts: 15388
Loc: Westminster,Co Elev.5400 feet
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IMO you should disassociate astrophotographic capability with a huge camera like the OM1 and trying to select a suitable OTA and mount for $1000.00. The expense and the learning curve to play in this game are considerable. IMO save the AP for later on down the road.
Since your preference is for refractors and you want a setup that is that is a jack of trades for planets and DSO's,the recommendation by Astronoob I think is a good one. With judicious eyepiece selection this rig would give pleasing performance on the deep sky.
As for this being a suitable AP platform down the road and especially with that big camera,I doubt it. Shorter focal length telescopes,2.7 inch focusers and more substantial mounts are needed in my limited opinion.
I like your budget. You'll get great optics and a sturdy mount for visual observation.
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Kenny
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