chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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Hi, I'm a recent owner of a used Mewlon 250. Previously owned Cats are: Intes 500 Mak, C9.25 Ultima, C11 (NS11), and C14 (Orange Fork Mount).
So all you Mewlon lovers and haters out there, pros and cons?
Thanks,
Chuck
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Bill Barlow
sage
Reged: 12/03/07
Posts: 336
Loc: Overland Park KS
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Chuck...
What are your initial impressions on the performance of the Mewlon 250 compared to the other Mak's/SCT's you have owned in the past.
Bill
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Meade 10" SCT ACF OTA on a UA UniStar Deluxe Super 8 altaz mount on a UA heavy duty surveyor tripod and a Manny Miles eyepiece tray.
SV 102ED doublet refractor on a UA UniStar Light mount on a UA light surveyor tripod with a Manny Miles eyepiece tray.
Garrett Optical 10x50 and 12x60 binoculars. Also Garrett Optical 30x100 binoculars mounted on a SLIK Pro 700DX AMT tripod.
Several TV Plossls and Naglers, plus a few very good Celestron Ultima wide TFOV eyepieces.
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revans
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 1516
Loc: Fitchburg, MA
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I've had a Mewlon 250 on a Tak EM-200 mount for a few years now. It has become my favorite imaging scope (my other scopes being a Gladius 315 and an Orion Optics OMC300 subaperture mak). I find that its aperture and focal length are just right for lunar/planetary imaging from my particular location in New England, where the seeing is usually the limiting factor on useful focal length.
I wish the scope had a bit more backfocus, but otherwise I'm very happy with it. It has a rugged construction and holds collimation very well. The optics are very good as well. I like the electronic focus and the mount is very good... much liter and easier to use than my Losmandy G11 that I bought for the Gladius and OMC300.
Plus, the scope never collects any dew... the mirror protector pops off for fast scope cooldown... and the sliding weight allows fast and easy tube balancing on the mount. I only do lunar/planetary with it... I have a field corrector/focal reducer but haven't used it in all this time. I'm not sure if this would be a great scope for deep sky... but for lunar/planetary it is very good.
Rick
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Rick Evans
http://www.freewebs.com/revans_01420/
"The universe is there for us to see, but it cannot be understood without learning its language -- mathematics." Galileo Galilei
Edited by revans (10/04/09 02:47 PM)
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isramirez
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 1391
Loc: Mexico City
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Quote:
So all you Mewlon lovers and haters out there, pros and cons?...
Hate them for free 
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roadi
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/18/07
Posts: 531
Loc: Denmark
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Quote:
Quote:
So all you Mewlon lovers and haters out there, pros and cons?...
Hate them for free
And why?? 
--------------------
Regards Rodi
60mm Polarex, Sky90, µ210, SKW150 Binoscope
Vixen GpDx, Astro5, LX200
Modified Baader/Celestron Binoviewer.
Panoptics, Tak LE's, Baader Ortho's, Antares Erfle's
Couple of diagonals..
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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Too early to tell for me. My most used scope was my NexStar 11 (which had very good optics)
Which I sold to buy a spectacular Orange C14 ...
http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=309529
Orange C14 on my deck in Colorado Springs ...
[image]Image removed per TOS guidelines. [/image]
Unfortunately some financial issues occurred while I was over in the Mid East (as a non profit contractor getting a $3.50 a day bonus lol) and I had to sell it because I couldn't afford the mount it deserved.
In the two nights I've had my Mewlon 250 out, it was significantly better than both my C11 and my C14 on Jupiter and the Moon. I attribute this primarily to the fact that you can take the back off of the Mewlon and when doing that the mirror is at ambient and more importantly there are no tube currents! For double stars, I still haven't gotten quite used to the spider diffraction spikes. My Vixen SXW really isn't up to the job of handling the Mewlon. I sent it in for maintenance and tuning to Vixen America and am going to sell it. So my first impressions are just that first impressions...
[image]Image removed per TOS guidelines[/image]
Regards,
Chuck
Edited by LLEEGE (10/06/09 03:34 PM)
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revans
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 1516
Loc: Fitchburg, MA
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It took me about a year to get used to the Mewlon 250 and at first I wasn't overly impressed with it. But gradually it has won me over. I think that this is because it is very dew resistant, has a really rapid cooldown time for a 10 inch scope, holds collimation very well, there is no image shift or flop, and it has very good optics. The EM-200 mount is very impressive as well and is probably the easiest mount to setup and use for imaging than any I've used over the years.
The seeing at my location is usually best suited to an 8 inch or 10 inch scope and although I have a couple of 12 inch scopes they seldom give a better image than the Mewlon.
But everything has trade-offs... the Mewlon isn't a fast scope and can never be faster than F9 with a focal reducer. The secondary moves for focusing and although this means no mirror shift it also means limited available backfocus. So, the scope is not easily used with certain accessories like spectroscopes and certain other specialized instruments.
But it certainly is a great imaging scope for the moon and planets... probably as good as anything in the same aperture class that is available. But I wouldn't give it top marks for a deep sky imaging scope unless you are at a very dark site and can take very long exposures.
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Rick Evans
http://www.freewebs.com/revans_01420/
"The universe is there for us to see, but it cannot be understood without learning its language -- mathematics." Galileo Galilei
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4116
Loc: Ireland
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Love it. I use it mostly for deep sky. Much smoother figure and slightly better control of SA than the C9.25 it replaced. Plus, as others have stated, I don't have to carry dew control equipment around.
It also cools down quite well. I have no garage or outside-temp storage at the location I keep it at, and the temp difference can easily be 40°F. I set up at dusk as soon as I can see Polaris, and then read in the car for an hour to 90 min until it's good and dark -- which has always been plenty of time for the thermals to go away.
Yeah, the back focus was kind of a pain (especially as I'm not a fan of electric focusers and have the "cassegrain" focuser on the back), but once I got all the bits worked out that ceased to be an issue.
I've become pretty much of a fixed-mirror kind of guy. I like my collimation to be bang-on, and stay bang-on. So I'm not sure I'd like the 180 or 210 as well as the 250 and 300 -- although I only have personal experience with the 250.
Cheers,
-- Jeff.
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Nikon 18x70s / UA Millennium Colorado:
Solarscope SF70 / TV Pronto / AP400QMD Coronado SolarMax40 DS / Bogen 055+3130
APM MC1610 / Tak FC-100 / AP1200GTO Tak Mewlon 250 / AP600EGTO
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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I agree Jeff, even on my C11 and C14 I never moved the primary's onceI bought a Feathertouch Crayford. I'd collimate using the crayford focuser to defocus. I haven't collimated my Mewlon 250 yet, it seemed real close, I've only had it out twice with my travel schedule and the rain. I know the difference between being "close" and dead on though so that's on my short list.
Regards,
Chuck
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isramirez
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 1391
Loc: Mexico City
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
So all you Mewlon lovers and haters out there, pros and cons?...
Hate them for free
And why??
Really? well i suspect the legendary Takahashi SCT 225 was discontinued by the factory
because the mewlons were considered a better business
It seems someone posted a picture with more than 800x600 size 
--------------------
Santel MK9 & MK6
IntesMicro 715
Celestron SCT6 & ONIX80 EDF
Meade SN6 & AR6
HiOptic 6in MakCass.Gregory
DBK + DMK + NexImage + LPI
CG-5 & LXD75 Mounts
many EP's, Barlows and Binoviewers
Great astronomic passion 
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Catapoman
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/06/03
Posts: 778
Loc: VA
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Love 'em for free.
Pros
1. No dew
2. Quick cooldown
3. Excellent at lunar, planetary and splitting doubles
4. No dew
Cons
1. Spikes are sometimes bothersome
2. Seeing conditions limited (oops, that all scopes)
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Pernel
Nexstar 11 GPS
Takahashi TSA-102
Mewlon 210
GM-8
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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Hi Jeff, I'm planning on putting on a Feathertouch Crayford focuser, but my electric focuser works fine for the time being. The spikes are kind of beautiful in my 35mm Pan but a little troublesome on bright doubles like Albireo. I think it's a real keeper for me, time will tell.
Chuck
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roadi
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/18/07
Posts: 531
Loc: Denmark
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Quote:
Hate them for free
And why??
Really? well i suspect the legendary Takahashi SCT 225 was discontinued by the factory
because the mewlons were considered a better business
It seems someone posted a picture with more than 800x600 size
Good points about buisness considerations!!
I don't love the mewlon either nor do I hate it!
Mewlon 210:
Pros:
good and well performing optic
Well build with few seriously exceptions..
Excellent dew control
Cons:
Mirror tilt (pointing the scope in other directions)
Mirror flop (focusing)
Price
--------------------
Regards Rodi
60mm Polarex, Sky90, µ210, SKW150 Binoscope
Vixen GpDx, Astro5, LX200
Modified Baader/Celestron Binoviewer.
Panoptics, Tak LE's, Baader Ortho's, Antares Erfle's
Couple of diagonals..
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4116
Loc: Ireland
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Quote:
I agree Jeff, even on my C11 and C14 I never moved the primary's onceI bought a Feathertouch Crayford. I'd collimate using the crayford focuser to defocus. I haven't collimated my Mewlon 250 yet, it seemed real close, I've only had it out twice with my travel schedule and the rain. I know the difference between being "close" and dead on though so that's on my short list.
Regards,
Chuck
Chuck --
For what it's worth, my observing spot for the Mewlon is about 1/4 mile up a dirt road from the highway. It's also been to a spot about 15 miles up a seriously wash-boarded gravel road. Through all this, I haven't had to touch the collimation in over 3 years -- so once you get it dialed in it should stay there.
-- Jeff.
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Nikon 18x70s / UA Millennium Colorado:
Solarscope SF70 / TV Pronto / AP400QMD Coronado SolarMax40 DS / Bogen 055+3130
APM MC1610 / Tak FC-100 / AP1200GTO Tak Mewlon 250 / AP600EGTO
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revans
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 1516
Loc: Fitchburg, MA
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Well... but maybe it wasn't the Mewlon series that caused the discontinuation of their 225 mm SCT... it could equally well have been the CN-212. I suspect that with the CN-212, and the Mewlon 210 and 250 all being high quality... there probably wasn't enough demand for a 225 mm scope which I suspect would not give very different views.
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Rick Evans
http://www.freewebs.com/revans_01420/
"The universe is there for us to see, but it cannot be understood without learning its language -- mathematics." Galileo Galilei
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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Thanks Jeff that's great to hear. I know the Mewlon's secondary collimation (I don't plan to have to touch the primary) is a push pull arrangement in 3 sets of pairs, so while a little slower than my Celestron's it should be easire and hold better.
Thanks again, Jeff.
Chuck
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Takman
sage
Reged: 02/25/09
Posts: 200
Loc: Maple, ON - Canada
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I don't have a Mewlon but an associate of mine has a Mewlon 180. I was impressed by the views and if I didn't already own a Takahashi refractor, I would have purchased a Mewlon.
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Takahashi TOA-130F
Celestron C-11/C-8 with FASTAR
William Optics Zenithstar 66 SD/ED Petzval
Astro-Physics Mach1 GTO/Celestron AS-GT
TeleVue Naglers 26mm, 13mm, 7mm and 3.5mm
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maknewtnut
Vendor (Teton Telescope)
Reged: 10/08/06
Posts: 859
Loc: SE Idaho
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Inherent differences in diffraction limited field size between a Dall-Kirkham and popular catadioptric designs of comparable focal ratio is the biggest difference.
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Mark
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Chaz
super member
Reged: 09/24/05
Posts: 146
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I recently acquired a 210 Mewlon and have been quite impressed overall. Images seem to have an almost 3D quality to them and the background sky is with a doubt, the darkest I have ever seen. The field of view is limited, of course, I have to use a 31mm Nagler to get a 1 degree field and this puts alot of weight on the back end of the scope causing focus to sometimes slip. Also, without using an aftermarket focuser there is mirror shift which I'm not too wild about. The Mewlon is much better than any SCT I've ever looked through though star images are not as sharp off axis as my MakNewt. Overall a very interesting and exotic scope that gets alot of attention at a star party.
Chaz
Takahashi 210 Mewlon
Intes Micro MN66
Discovery 8" f/8 Newtonian
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Fomalhaut
sage
Reged: 08/16/08
Posts: 243
Loc: Switzerland
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The Mewlons are more suitable to bad weather conditions (rapid cool down, hefty dewing) than typical cats (SCTs or MCTs).
This fact together with their reliably good optics makes the Mewlons neither telescopes to love nor ones to hate (what a strange way of thinking in black and white patterns  ), but very RESPECTABLE telescopes!
Chris
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Currently:
Tak FS-60c (guidescope for:)
Tak FCT-100/640 on Tak EM-10
Tak Mewlon-180 on same
IntesMicro-M500
Zeiss 7X42-T*P-Dialyt + Nikon 18x70 Binoculars
Coronado Maxscope 40
Edited by Fomalhaut (10/05/09 04:46 PM)
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isramirez
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 1391
Loc: Mexico City
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Quote:
Good points about buisness considerations!!
I don't love the mewlon either nor do I hate it!
Mewlon 210:
Pros:
good and well performing optic
Well build with few seriously exceptions..
Excellent dew control
Cons:
Mirror tilt (pointing the scope in other directions)
Mirror flop (focusing)
Price
I'm going to add to the cons list...
- The extremely well developed ability to work as dust collector 
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roadi
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/18/07
Posts: 531
Loc: Denmark
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Quote:
I'm going to add to the cons list...
- The extremely well developed ability to work as dust collector
IMO dust doesn't count in the cons.. All scopes collect dust, the more usage the more dust! Dust adding up on the optics might be something to deal with in 10-20 years if probably care is taken when stored
--------------------
Regards Rodi
60mm Polarex, Sky90, µ210, SKW150 Binoscope
Vixen GpDx, Astro5, LX200
Modified Baader/Celestron Binoviewer.
Panoptics, Tak LE's, Baader Ortho's, Antares Erfle's
Couple of diagonals..
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SteveC
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/15/06
Posts: 1775
Loc: The Garden State
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Quote:
Quote:
Good points about buisness considerations!!
I don't love the mewlon either nor do I hate it!
Mewlon 210:
Pros:
good and well performing optic
Well build with few seriously exceptions..
Excellent dew control
Cons:
Mirror tilt (pointing the scope in other directions)
Mirror flop (focusing)
Price
I'm going to add to the cons list...
- The extremely well developed ability to work as dust collector
--------------------
SteveC
TEC 140
Intes Micro 715 deluxe
TEC 110 (on order)
SolarMax 40
Losmandy G-11 w/Gemini, DM-6 w/Sky Commander on SV wood tripod, Vixen Skypod
TEC EP Turret, TMB Supermonos, ZAO II, Naglers, 32mm Konig, 24mm Panoptics, 14mm Meade UWA
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revans
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 1516
Loc: Fitchburg, MA
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I've had my Mewlon 250 for a little over 3 years and there is no appreciable dust on the optics. I keep the cover on when its not in use, and during use dust doesn't seem to collect. But then, my old 8 inch Newtonian never collected any dust either when it was in frequent active use.
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Rick Evans
http://www.freewebs.com/revans_01420/
"The universe is there for us to see, but it cannot be understood without learning its language -- mathematics." Galileo Galilei
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isramirez
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 1391
Loc: Mexico City
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Quote:
...IMO dust doesn't count in the cons.. All scopes collect dust, the more usage the more dust! Dust adding up on the optics might be something to deal with in 10-20 years if probably care is taken when stored
I would say 10-20 months... i don't see any problem if you likes the plus of dust in your expensive main mirror
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lionel
member
Reged: 08/12/07
Posts: 68
Loc: Delaware
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It's amusing to read all the speculation out there about why the TSC-225 was discontinued, now even blaming it on the Mewlon. It's simple...the master optician who made the corrector plates left Takahashi and there was no one else to do it. This from Art at TNR.
Lionel
--------------------
Tak Mewlon 250
Powerstar C8
1960s Bushnell 60mm f12 refractor
Sphinx SXD
CG5-ASGT
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Fomalhaut
sage
Reged: 08/16/08
Posts: 243
Loc: Switzerland
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I bought mine used this spring 2009. I got it practically sealed in an Aluminum-Box and the previous owner said he hadn't used it often. Obviously he must have taken great care of its dust protection, because from the front end (even with the help of a flashlight) there is still virtually no dust visible - in fact, the optics look like new. By the way: Pruduction-number is 03001, so it was made in 2003!
When I'm not using the scope, the (very tight) dedicated dust cap always sits on the tube, so there is no real chance for the instrument to collect dust. At night, there seems not to be much dust hanging around in the air anyway. Explanation: lacking air-convection => dust settles on the ground! This should also take place in desert-areas...
Plus Switzerland, where I live, seems to be a much less dusty place than Mexico... (in fact foreigners always say: "Switzerland? - it's sooo cleeaan!" - Seems to be valid also for telescope optics  )
Chris
--------------------
Currently:
Tak FS-60c (guidescope for:)
Tak FCT-100/640 on Tak EM-10
Tak Mewlon-180 on same
IntesMicro-M500
Zeiss 7X42-T*P-Dialyt + Nikon 18x70 Binoculars
Coronado Maxscope 40
Edited by Fomalhaut (10/06/09 05:37 AM)
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deSitter
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/09/04
Posts: 2926
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That C14 is the most beautiful cat picture I've ever seen that is just beautiful!
-drl
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Rick
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/12/05
Posts: 3046
Loc: Tokyo, Japan
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Quote:
It's amusing to read all the speculation out there about why the TSC-225 was discontinued, now even blaming it on the Mewlon. It's simple...the master optician who made the corrector plates left Takahashi and there was no one else to do it. This from Art at TNR.
Lionel
Well maybe, maybe not. I am kinda skeptical that any optician(s) left behind that were skilled enough to continue making mirrors for the Epsilon, MT-series Newts, TG Dilworths and Mewlons could not also do SCT optics. Just not the Japanese way. They practice the apprentice system for skilled craftsmen labor.
Anyway, the TSC-225 predated the Mewlons. It was introduced in May 1989 while the very first Mewlon, the Mewlon 180, came in March 1990. Dealers here believe the TSC-225 was discontinued because of economics after the initial set of 100 sold out. Its optical sets, particularly the Schott water-white corrector, were fairly expensive and Vixen began imports of Celestron's SCT at much lower prices.
cheers,
Rick
--------------------
www.japanastro.com
Edited by Rick (10/06/09 05:48 AM)
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isramirez
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 1391
Loc: Mexico City
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Quote:
I bought mine used this spring 2009....
That says a lot... people is always having fantasies with mewlones just because someone added the Takahashi label to the tube but clearly no one is happy using them... your particular mewlon and this thread are a good sample of that
Quote:
...When I'm not using the scope, the ...
Sure, sure... dust always takes care of mewlons 
sorry but with your post you added a new record to the book of mewlon owners fantasies
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Fomalhaut
sage
Reged: 08/16/08
Posts: 243
Loc: Switzerland
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Quote:
Quote:
I bought mine used this spring 2009. I got it practically sealed in an Aluminum-Box and the previous owner said he hadn't used it often. Obviously he must have taken great care of its dust protection, because from the front end (even with the help of a flashlight) there is still virtually no dust visible - in fact, the optics look like new. By the way: Pruduction-number is 03001, so it was made in 2003!
That says a lot... people is always having fantasies with mewlones just because someone added the Takahashi label to the tube but clearly no one is happy using them... your particular mewlon and this thread are a good sample of that
Quote:
When I'm not using the scope, the (very tight) dedicated dust cap always sits on the tube, so there is no real chance for the instrument to collect dust. At night, there seems not to be much dust hanging around in the air anyway. Explanation: lacking air-convection => dust settles on the ground! This should also take place in desert-areas...
Plus Switzerland, where I live, seems to be a much less dusty place than Mexico... (in fact foreigners always say: "Switzerland? - it's sooo cleeaan!" - Seems to be valid also for telescope optics)
Sure, sure... dust always takes care of mewlons
sorry but with your post you added a new record to the book of mewlon owners fantasies
Sorry, but your comment is a total (probably deliberate) misinterpretation of what I was trying to say. You seem not to be willing to understand more than just single words.
And without obviously owning or using Mewlons yourself you dare to call many other people's experiences "fantasies"... 
Chris
--------------------
Currently:
Tak FS-60c (guidescope for:)
Tak FCT-100/640 on Tak EM-10
Tak Mewlon-180 on same
IntesMicro-M500
Zeiss 7X42-T*P-Dialyt + Nikon 18x70 Binoculars
Coronado Maxscope 40
Edited by Fomalhaut (10/06/09 09:09 AM)
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isramirez
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 1391
Loc: Mexico City
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Post deleted by LLEEGE
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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I'm sorry this thread is degenerating, which is unusual for Cloudy Nights.
Chuck
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Catapoman
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/06/03
Posts: 778
Loc: VA
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Chuck that started way before now. It's unfortunate. I still love using my Mewlon and hope to get many years of enjoyment out of it.
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Pernel
Nexstar 11 GPS
Takahashi TSA-102
Mewlon 210
GM-8
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JerryWise
Postmaster
Reged: 12/26/03
Posts: 7834
Loc: Lexington, SC
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Folks, don't pay any attention. Just go to his post and click the moderator button letting them know he's out of line. As mentioned, threads going down like this are not typical of CN.
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Jerry
Celestron C-11
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ahlberto
sage
Reged: 09/06/08
Posts: 363
Loc: lisbon-portugal
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Post deleted by LLEEGE
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http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1238507892&ref=nf
http://www.atalaia.org/index.php
CELESTRON C8
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isramirez
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 1391
Loc: Mexico City
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Post deleted by LLEEGE
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 rick rian
The Lockster
Reged: 08/03/04
Posts: 21207
Loc: Upper Midwest
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You know, there is a "play nice" section in the TOS ... it would be best if we all abided by that rule!
Thanks
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Rickster
NexStar 8i
TV85
Canon 15x50is Bins
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LLEEGE
Running out of Oxygen
Reged: 03/03/05
Posts: 9078
Loc: Cloud-chester,NY
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Just PM a mod or admin.
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"Okay! You draw the straws. I'm-a taking the parachute."
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LLEEGE
Running out of Oxygen
Reged: 03/03/05
Posts: 9078
Loc: Cloud-chester,NY
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Before this thread needs a lock, lets keep it civil.
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"Okay! You draw the straws. I'm-a taking the parachute."
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revans
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 1516
Loc: Fitchburg, MA
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Well, I know what you mean... but also we shouldn't stifle freedom of speech when at least it is pointed at something that can be justified in at least some way even if I don't agree exactly with the opinion expressed. As long as there is no rudeness or disrespect I think people should say what they think even if I don't agree...
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Rick Evans
http://www.freewebs.com/revans_01420/
"The universe is there for us to see, but it cannot be understood without learning its language -- mathematics." Galileo Galilei
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Bob Abraham
super member
Reged: 05/17/05
Posts: 115
Loc: Toronto, ON, Canada
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Getting back to the original topic. I've got a Mewlon 180 and have
compared it extensively to similar aperture Maksutov-Cassegrains and
apo refractors. I enjoy all these telescopes. In terms of pro and cons,
here's my take on my particular Mewlon:
Pro:
- superb optical quality
- excellent images on-axis
- extremely light weight and easy to mount
- extremely easy to move around because of the finder/handle
- holds collimation very well
- almost never dews up
- open tube so acclimitization is fairly fast (though see note
about tube currents).
Cons:
- strong coma inherent in the optical design. I use it for things
where on-axis image quality is most important. It would not be my
choice for mounting alt-az as a quick look scope though, and you
do need to be fastidious about getting collimation right.
- open tube so tube currents are occasionally visible on nights when
the temperature is dropping quickly.
The business with dust on the optics is a non-issue in my opinion.
Dust collects on exposed optical surfaces in any design, and while I do
feel dust on reflective optics is somewhat worse than dust on transmissive
optics (due to the direction of scattering), the primary of the
Mewlon is at the base of the tube which is sealed at the bottom,
so it collects less dust than the objective lenses of my other
telescopes (e.g. my Mak). So the Mewlon needs cleaning less often,
if anything. Also the mechanical construction of my Mewlon is such
that cleaning the primary of dust is a 5 minute operation which
leaves collimation unaffected.
Bottom line: I find Mewlons wonderful telescopes with some
strengths and some weaknesses, just like any optical design.
On balance, I prefer my 8" Mak to my Mewlon 180, but the
latter is much more portable, so they are somewhat
complementary. The only scope I would consider trading my
TEC MC200 for would be either a 10" TEC Mak or a Mewlon 250.
Bob
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Fomalhaut
sage
Reged: 08/16/08
Posts: 243
Loc: Switzerland
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Bob,
Excellent post - sums it all up 
Chris
--------------------
Currently:
Tak FS-60c (guidescope for:)
Tak FCT-100/640 on Tak EM-10
Tak Mewlon-180 on same
IntesMicro-M500
Zeiss 7X42-T*P-Dialyt + Nikon 18x70 Binoculars
Coronado Maxscope 40
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LLEEGE
Running out of Oxygen
Reged: 03/03/05
Posts: 9078
Loc: Cloud-chester,NY
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I deleted some offending posts. Any further insults or accusations will result in a lock.
--------------------
"Okay! You draw the straws. I'm-a taking the parachute."
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 3996
Loc: Bolton, MA
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best view of Jupiter I have EVER had was through my neighbor Steve's Mewlon 300... amazing detail, perfect Moon transit...
We're I into planetary, doubles and astronometry of doubles, etc... it would be on my list...
But, I'm kinda a wide-field/fuzzies guy...
clear enough skies
--------------------
Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
TV: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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isramirez
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 1391
Loc: Mexico City
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Quote:
I deleted some offending posts. Any further insults or accusations will result in a lock.
Well i can forward to you the kind of PM i received today but i also want to ask you please to lock, ban or delete my CN account
Thanks in advance!
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maknewtnut
Vendor (Teton Telescope)
Reged: 10/08/06
Posts: 859
Loc: SE Idaho
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Israel. I know this is a tough sell, but consider hanging in there. Many of the most experienced have left this site, myself included. I however opted to return, which has not been a completely smooth road, but still worthwhile if it results in helping to further the understanding of a fellow amateur astronomer or two now and then.
I know your reactions were likely the result of what was perceived as claims that an open tubed scope does not collect as much dust as other design types, but perhaps there was something lost in translation. I know that is the likely cause for ill words directed at me recently. Other causes include brand loyalty, which it appears is how you may have taken comments.
In either case, here's a tip that might make staying worthwhile. Stick to stating fact and offering sound opinion. If and when someone disagrees, let them. Over the past year I've learned there are more folks watching and reading that are able to come to common sense conclusions than you might think when it's perceived you are fighting a noble battle.
Contributors to this forum may take for granted the number of unbiased minds reading, many of which do not reply to a discussion. Many appreciate when corrections to misstatements is presented and/or when experienced opinion is offered.
Spending just a little less time at the PC doesn't hurt either, especially when you feel your blood pressure lower as a result. Give it a try. With a title that included "...Love or Hate?", it was bound to happen.
--------------------
Mark
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LLEEGE
Running out of Oxygen
Reged: 03/03/05
Posts: 9078
Loc: Cloud-chester,NY
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Quote:
With a title that included "...Love or Hate?", it was bound to happen.
Yep. But as long as the conversations are polite, all opinions are welcome. Private messages are just that. Private. We do not monitor them.
--------------------
"Okay! You draw the straws. I'm-a taking the parachute."
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JerryWise
Postmaster
Reged: 12/26/03
Posts: 7834
Loc: Lexington, SC
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Quote:
... Stick to stating fact and offering sound opinion. If and when someone disagrees, let them. ...
and then ask them to validate their stance. There are some wonderful lengthy dialogs here on glass type, design and performance all supported by references and side by side evaluations with caveats about sample size and individual equipment differences.
Occasionally, very competent folks leave CN that have little tolerance for inane comments as seen in this and other threads by those wanting to play rather than learn. Also, some experts have moved into the commercial realm and withdrew from their active posting levels because of obvious potential conflicts of interest.
Also, as competence grows there is a natural tendency to acquire exactly what you consider ideal and no longer need to participate in forums on that topic. As an example, I was a prolific poster in mounts looking for the ultimate mount for my needs. The experience of others was put to good use and eventually I worked up to a mount that does everything I could ask. Having that hurdle under my belt, I no longer visit the mounts forum except on rare occasions. I'm not competent to comment on a Celestron CGE Pro or ME-250 since I've never read on them or touched one.
And I think that is a lesson. If you are not conversant on a topic and do not have something valid to contribute or ask then stirring the pot with comments like "your scope s**ks" is not worth addressing. It's a childish attention play and nothing more. Experts will leave if that mentality takes over and from everything I've seen CN will do whatever it takes to prevent that. A glowing endorsement of CNs success is their massive membership, the number of experts that are on the site, the congenial manner of 99.9% of the postings, and the excellent information available for the asking. If that doesn't fit a posters needs then...
--------------------
Jerry
Celestron C-11
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AlienRatDog
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/15/05
Posts: 1091
Loc: Ann Arbor
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*Sniffle...*Sniffle....can't we all just get a long??? 
--------------------
Abe -- the poor PhD student
-----------------------------------------
12" LX200GPS-SMT w/UHTC
Explore Scientific 127mm Triplet ED APO
Losmandy GM8 EQ mount
Nagler 31mm, 17mm, 13mm, 12mm, 9mm, 2.5x Powermate
12X50 Binoculars
Understanding wife
One beautiful daughter, Emma-Rose (born 7-29-2009)
Twin boys (cats), half Persian/half Alley Cat but all Vermin!
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JoshH
member
Reged: 11/07/08
Posts: 47
Loc: Jefferson City, MO
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I've been able to view quite a bit with a friend's Mewlon 210 and I really enjoy the scope. The contrast is fantastic, and on axis it is very sharp, to me the coma is about the only drawback worthy of serious consideration if price isn't an issue. About the only other scope of similar size and price that can give a better overall view in my opinion would be a Mak-Cass of equal optical quality because of the off axis sharpness. If you live in an area where dew and frost is a serious problem like I do, the lack of dew problems with the Mewlon is a worthwhile trade off. We did have the secondary dew up one night, but on that particular night ground fog would drift past from time to time, but it was only about 6-8 feet high and the viewing at zenith was still quite good. Unless you are very sensitive to coma, want wide field views, or just want huge aperture, I don't think you will be at all disappointed with a Mewlon.
--------------------
16" F4.5 Astrosystems Telekit, Galaxy Optics Primary
Meade LX-50 8" F10 SCT Magellen II DSC (For Sale)
Intes Micro MN-56 Maksutov Newtonian
Orion 100mm F6 Achromat
Orion ST-80 F5 Acrhomat
Unistar Alt-Az Mount
Celestron CI-700 Mount
UO 40mm MK-70, 26mm Nagler, 20mm Pentax XW, 13mm Ethos, 8mm Ethos, 4.7mm 5k UWA, TMB Planetary Set, Paracorr.
Modified Canon 400D
Edited by JoshH (10/12/09 10:19 PM)
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Fomalhaut
sage
Reged: 08/16/08
Posts: 243
Loc: Switzerland
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Quote:
I've been able to view quite a bit with a friend's Mewlon 210 and I really enjoy the scope. The contrast is fantastic, and on axis it is very sharp, to me the coma is about the only drawback worthy of serious consideration if price isn't an issue. About the only other scope of similar size and price that can give a better overall view in my opinion would be a Mak-Cass of equal optical quality because of the off axis sharpness. If you live in an area where dew and frost is a serious problem like I do, the lack of dew problems with the Mewlon is a worthwhile trade off. We did have the secondary dew up one night, but on that particular night ground fog would drift past from time to time, but it was only about 6-8 feet high and the viewing at zenith was still quite good. Unless you are very sensitive to coma, want wide field views, or just want huge aperture, I don't think you will be at all disappointed with a Mewlon.
For DSO, I am using my Mewlon-180 mainly with a Pan-22 (98x) which is perfect for globulars and nebular objects such as M27 (Dumbbell). Within this limited real FOV of 0.6 deg there is no coma visible to the edge of the field.
Chris
--------------------
Currently:
Tak FS-60c (guidescope for:)
Tak FCT-100/640 on Tak EM-10
Tak Mewlon-180 on same
IntesMicro-M500
Zeiss 7X42-T*P-Dialyt + Nikon 18x70 Binoculars
Coronado Maxscope 40
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4116
Loc: Ireland
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Quote:
... About the only other scope of similar size and price that can give a better overall view in my opinion would be a Mak-Cass of equal optical quality because of the off axis sharpness. If you live in an area where dew and frost is a serious problem like I do, the lack of dew problems with the Mewlon is a worthwhile trade off. ...
That about sums up my take on it as well. I use a Mak-Cass in the observatory where I have ready power for dew control (and don't care about the 100 lbs it weighs), but I use a Mewlon as my portable rig.
Of course a Dob would also be a good portable scope, but it's much easier to sketch from the back of a refractor or Cassegrain.
Cheers,
-- Jeff.
--------------------
Nikon 18x70s / UA Millennium Colorado:
Solarscope SF70 / TV Pronto / AP400QMD Coronado SolarMax40 DS / Bogen 055+3130
APM MC1610 / Tak FC-100 / AP1200GTO Tak Mewlon 250 / AP600EGTO
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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I'm also hopeful that Tak will eventually listen to the clamoring for a Mewlon visual corrector/flattener but not reducer(essentially making the Mewlon a CDK). There are folks on the Mewlon groups constructing their own from lenses .... But with FOVs of .5 degrees or less in my Mewlon 250 the views are nothing short of stunning and I'm comparing them to a very good C11 and a spectacular C14.
Regards,
Chuck
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pmesquita
sage
Reged: 04/04/09
Posts: 428
Loc: Lisbon, Portugal
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All this fighting...thank God I don't like Cats. Maks or Schmidts...I'm happy just to be a simple Dob guy...:)
--------------------
A clear soul is the only thing better than a clear sky - Paulo Mesquita
"Jaws" - XX12 Orion Intelliscope Truss Dob
SW Pro 180mm Maksutov + Giro Mount
31mm T5 Nagler - 22mm T4 Nagler - 13mm Ethos - 7mm Pentax XW
TV Paracorr
2" 1.6 Antares Barlow
2" Astronomik OIII - 2" NPB UHC - 2" Lumicon H-Beta - 2" Baader Moon&SkyGlow
Rigel Red Dot Finder
- 1.25/2" Glatter with Blug
10x50 Bak 4 Binocs
Asus eeePC 1000HE
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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A quick update on my Mewlon 250. After talking with Fred at TNR, I took up my trusty 2.5mm T-handle allen wrench and began collimation. I've collimated my C11 and Intes 500 before, but it's never something I'm looking forward to, in particular with an OTA the cost of a Mewlon 250.
Bottom line, I'm about half way through step two (about 300x) of Legualt's collimation procedure, so I'm still a long way from the final step 3 "critical collimation", but even being this close (or far away) views have improved tremendously.
http://www.astrosurf.com/legault/collim.html
The diffraction spikes on brighter stars are razor sharp, I can see very little if any coma on stars at the edge of a 35mm Pan. I collimated on Friday and observed for several hours Saturday (last night). The contrast, resoluton and black background against a light polluted suburban sky was just wonderful(I live on the west side of Colorado Springs and my deck faces East ugh). The views were definitely superior to my very good C11 that I had gotten through step 3 and had achieved critical collimation.
In my mind, we hear of some Mewlon owners who complain of some coma, others who see almost none. I'm guessing some observers are more critical, but others don't have their Mewlons collimated well enough.
Anyway I'm in the Mewlon love column ...
Chuck
Edited by chuckscap (11/08/09 11:36 AM)
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Tony Bonanno
member
Reged: 04/03/07
Posts: 29
Loc: Santa Fe, New Mexico
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I've had a Mewlon 210 for about a year and am generally quite pleased with the views. I put a feathertouch focuser on it and that minimizes having to deal with image shift. I only use the scope for visual. When seeing is good, the Mewlon is very good.
--------------------
Mewlon 210
Vixen VMC-260L
Intes MN61 Mak-Newt
CGE
Atlas
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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Hi Tony, the Mewlon 250 doesn't move the primary (it has an electric focuser on the secondary). I do miss the Feathertouch Crayford I put on my old C14. I may get one yet for the Mewlon.
Clear skies
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Tony Bonanno
member
Reged: 04/03/07
Posts: 29
Loc: Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Hi Chuck,
If you ever decide you want to part with your 250, let me know.. I could drive up there without much difficulty :-).
Cheers,
Tony
--------------------
Mewlon 210
Vixen VMC-260L
Intes MN61 Mak-Newt
CGE
Atlas
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chuckscap
sage
Reged: 07/18/09
Posts: 220
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO USA
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Thanks Tony, I paid $3800 including a BT dovetail plate, so I think it's a keeper for a while. It does have one little dent on top from one of the previous owners (maybe that's why it was out of collimation)
Maybe see you at RMSS?
Chuck
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