Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Seems to me there are three groups of people here reading this post.
1. People waiting for delivery of their new D&G lens or OTA.
2. People who are planning on or are about to order their D&G lens or OTA.
3. People who think people like me and others with Long Focus Refractors are nuts.
Which are you?
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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zjc26138
Postmaster
   
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 5245
Loc: Mingo Junction, Ohio and Morga...
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I am one of those who would like to order one, eventually.
-------------------- Custom AR5
Stellarvue 80/9D
Bosma Goto Mount
Clear, dark skies everywhere,
-Zachary
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Rat
super member
Reged: 10/13/06
Posts: 144
Loc: USA
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I'll buy a D&G when they come out with a truss tube version! Ha Ha!
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Doug Culbertson
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 01/06/05
Posts: 1347
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I read this because I thought that you were giving one away.
-------------------- Doug
Midway, FL
NS11GPS/Feathertouch/Starizona Virtual View
100ED/Giro II
Some eyepieces and a barlow
1 Thermacell®
Life's too short to drink cheap beer
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I'll buy a D&G when they come out with a truss tube version! Ha Ha!
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I read this because I thought that you were giving one away.
Gotcha!
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Chris G
Post Laureate
   
Reged: 08/12/04
Posts: 4244
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I'm in the 4th group, would love to have one but it's just not in the cards.
Beautiful scope.
-------------------- "Ain't nothin' Human 'bout the Human Race"
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jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan
   
Reged: 02/28/06
Posts: 4335
Loc: Petaluma, CA
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I'm in the "sort of wants a D&G" camp. I've had one, and liked it, but mine was the "cute" little 5" f/10 special run variety. Not really a "proper" D&G in my book. The thing that D&G uniquely offers are large aperture achromats.
One of my retirement scenarios is to pick up some ranch land in northern New Mexico or Arizona or southern Utah, and set up a permanent visual use observatory with a large aperture refractor. This would be a part-time haunt; perhaps three months a year, spread out over the year. Ideally I would like a 12" f/11 to f/12 apochromatic triplet. Probably Russian lensed. The problem there is expense. An 10-11" f/15 D&G would cost a tiny fraction of what a 12" apochromat would cost, and would have a similarly long tube (hence would fit in a similarly-sized dome). It would be easier to justify the D&G than a big apochromat given that I would only be using the scope a small portion of the year.
On the other hand, folks like you and the Zig-meister who travel with extremely long focus achromats are nuts, but in a good way. I don't have the self-discipline to endure the trials and tribulations of traveling with such instruments, but I do appreciate looking through them and admire the folks that do have the drive to make it possible for me to do so.
Regards,
Jim
-------------------- "I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."
- Sir Issac Newton
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skybsd
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/01/08
Posts: 586
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Quote:
I read this because I thought that you were giving one away.
Me too!
What's the deal, Steve?
Regards,
skybsd
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I'm in the 4th group, would love to have one but it's just not in the cards.
Beautiful scope.
Thanks!
I think that you want one indicates you are in the second group. Just maybe not contenplating it now.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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I said nothing about giving one away. 
If I had one for sale it would be in the Shop and Swap section.
I received my 8" on 9/27/09 I know of only one person on the waiting list. I'm wondering who else here might be on the list and who actually is considering it seriously.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Jim:
I'm with you except that I am looking further South.
I have spent most of the summer this year looking at land from San Antonio to Tucson, from the border to Flagstaff.
I have not found the right property yet but I'm looking. If snow is a regular occouring event count me out!
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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carlcat
sage
   
Reged: 11/26/07
Posts: 256
Loc: Northern California
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If one lives in a dark site and has a observatory I can see the rationale for such a long focus telescope but for someone who has to drive a long distance and then spend so much time and effort to set up seems a bit cuckoo to me, especially when there are other alternatives.
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revans
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 1513
Loc: Fitchburg, MA
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I'd love to have one, but there is no practical way for me to mount it and I think it would benefit from a permanent installation. So, as much as I think they are great instruments I suppose I'll never have one.
-------------------- 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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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 574
Loc: Northern Arizona
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The long focus refractor is the ticket ! For you guys looking for property in Az. ...Much is available with nice Bortle 9 & 10 skies overhead . 40acre parcels at 49k etc . I'm on the mailing list & get ads all the time . Feel free to P.M.
-------------------- LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
   
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3507
Loc: bellevue ne.
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Not Me!! I'm all set and settled in here on the fruited plains. All I can say is to those who don't want one is they're nuts. You figure out what type. Mike
-------------------- 7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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Not me, got one.
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
Edited by Ziggy943 (10/31/09 07:36 PM)
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KerryR
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 1137
Loc: SW Michigan
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I'll get one some day. I'll put it on a home made large alt-az mount-- like the one on the back of "Star Testing Astronomical Telescopes (first edition)"-- assuming I can figure out a way to get it in to (or on to) a car... 'til then I'll have to be happy with my stable of shorter refractors.
-------------------- Kerry
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GShaffer
professor emeritus
   
Reged: 02/28/09
Posts: 640
Loc: Augusta GA
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Have an 8" achro but its only an f/9......and I love it but there is definately a D&G 8" f/15 maybe even f/18 in my future.
-------------------- APM 8" f/9.0 Achro
Meade 6" AR6 f/8.0 Achro
Celestron C11, Intes MK67
Vixen ED102SS, FL102S, ED102S, NA140SS, R200SS, WO Megarez 80 w/TMB Fluorite Optics
SV70ED, AT66ED
LXD75/LX200, Ioptron Mini-tower, SP, GP-DX, CG5 ASGT, LXD650, GM-8, GM-100, G11, Gemini 40
4" portable AP convertable 44" or 70" pier
APM 100mm Binos Millenium Mount, Dobstuff 10" DOB
Augusta GA
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Jeff Morgan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/28/03
Posts: 1985
Loc: Prescott, AZ
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Quote:
I said nothing about giving one away. 
If I had one for sale it would be in the Shop and Swap section.
I received my 8" on 9/27/09 I know of only one person on the waiting list. I'm wondering who else here might be on the list and who actually is considering it seriously.
Perhaps I am that person. Based on my last communication with Barry, I really am in "any day now" territory on my 8" f/12. However, I am having serious buyers remorse. I should have ordered the 10". Probably a little late in the game to supersize.
-------------------- Jeff Morgan
Prescott, AZ
Wile E. Coyote School of Telescope Making
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Jeff Morgan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/28/03
Posts: 1985
Loc: Prescott, AZ
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Quote:
The long focus refractor is the ticket ! For you guys looking for property in Az. ...Much is available with nice Bortle 9 & 10 skies overhead . 40acre parcels at 49k etc . I'm on the mailing list & get ads all the time . Feel free to P.M.
Where are you at in Arizona? The Prescott skies are nice and transparent, but the seeing is *horrible* on a continual basis. I actually dream of the Florida Keys ....
-------------------- Jeff Morgan
Prescott, AZ
Wile E. Coyote School of Telescope Making
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Doug76
Postmaster
  
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 5537
Loc: SE Louisiana, future Texan
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Quote:
I am one of those who would like to order one, eventually.
Same here.
-------------------- Doug
Truckstop Astronomer
The Universe, the light of God, in all it's majesty
6 achro refractors 50mm-150mm
1 apo refractor 90mm
1 SCT 8inch
UO Abbe Volcano Tops
Faworski Ortho's
Panoptic 24mm
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davidmcgo
professor emeritus
Reged: 10/09/04
Posts: 563
Loc: San Diego, CA
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I'd really like an 8" f15 folded OTA, 2 flat setup if it could stay in a 12" OD tube, be under 50" long with dew cap removed, and weigh 50 lb or less. Then it would fit in my Honda CRV with a passenger, ride on my AP 900QMD, and still give that special view of planets.
Dave
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Doug76
Postmaster
  
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 5537
Loc: SE Louisiana, future Texan
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Quote:
Jim:
I'm with you except that I am looking further South.
I have spent most of the summer this year looking at land from San Antonio to Tucson, from the border to Flagstaff.
I have not found the right property yet but I'm looking. If snow is a regular occouring event count me out!
Try the Junction TX area. Not quite in the desert-like area, and also not as much wind. Plenty of small trees, very few people. It's where I'm going someday. Hill country of Texas, and within a relatively short driving distance to San Antonio (about 100 miles). Beautiful area, nice people, not many lights, very dark sky. Why I chose it. There's a small river, and plenty of game animals.
-------------------- Doug
Truckstop Astronomer
The Universe, the light of God, in all it's majesty
6 achro refractors 50mm-150mm
1 apo refractor 90mm
1 SCT 8inch
UO Abbe Volcano Tops
Faworski Ortho's
Panoptic 24mm
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SMcD
member
Reged: 09/21/08
Posts: 15
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hello,
Fifth (maybe first) Group - I have a f12 and a f15.5 and love them. They are great telescopes for most uses and a very good all around visual instrument. However, do make friends with the nice guys at ATS Portable Piers...
best regards,
Steve
Edited by SMcD (10/31/09 08:31 PM)
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Jan Owen
sage
Reged: 02/12/06
Posts: 385
Loc: Sun City West, Arizona
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I believe there's at LEAST one, and maybe several other missing groups...
I have a back that's SO bad, that my spinal specialist says I need my FIVE bottom discs fused, but he knows that I do a LOT of exercise to manage my diabetes, because I like to eat, and I need all the mobility I can get, and fusing five of those puppies will take a LOT of that away... Further, I'm 66 years old, and simply lifting that OTA onto the rings would put me in intensive care... Heheheh!!! I have heavier scopes today, but they're all on JMI Wheeley Bars, so essentially, all I have to do is push them outside and observe... But if all THAT isn't enough, I now have cataracts in both eyes, so, my night-time viewing is shot to pieces until after cataract surgery, which may be another year from now, since Medicare doesn't want to pay for it yet, and while I can probably really afford it, I don't think I SHOULD have to, so I'm hanging on...
So, I've attacked this several ways... I got rid of my BIG Dobsonians. Now my largest scope is a 12" truss scope (actually, I still have a 13" Coulter Odyssey, but mostly because I can't find anyone who can lift it high enough to take it home with them, including my brother, to whom I've offered a no-strings loan of the scope, to no avail, so far...)
Then, below 8", I have mostly refractors. But the 6" slot is still open, hoping for a lightweight 6" f/8 or f/9 ED doublet *APO*, which I probably still CAN handle, though it'll be close...
Until one of THOSE things appears on the market, I think I already have my lifetime scopes... I've always admired the D&G scopes, and if they were to make a 6" f/9 ED scope, I'd jump on it in a heartbeat... But it doesn't appear to be in the cards...
So, for now, I'll just have to say you're one of my HEROES, with that superb D&G scope...
Best wishes for great views for the rest of your days!!!
Jan
-------------------- Keep on looking up...
Meade 60mm f/11.7 achro refractor from WAY back...
Vernonscope 94mm f/7 Brandon triplet Apo
Orion EON ED 120mm f/7.5
Celestron 5.5" f/3.6 Comet Catcher Schmidt-Newt
8" f/6 Newtonian w/Spooner optics on Atlas G mount
Meade 10" f/10 SCT
12" f/5 Meade LightBridge Dob/Newt
13.1" f/4.5 Coulter Odyssey early Dob/Newt
Many eyepieces and accessories
Always lusting after large MCT, but never buy one
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johnnyha
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 11/12/06
Posts: 1085
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Quote:
...Based on my last communication with Barry, I really am in "any day now" territory on my 8" f/12. However, I am having serious buyers remorse. I should have ordered the 10". Probably a little late in the game to supersize.
I have a 6"F/12 lens on order now for about four or five months, I have no idea what the status is so it could be any day now. I have since purchased the Tak FS152 so... I actually would consider switching to your 8" lens... hmmmmm... if we could find someone to take my 6".... hmmmm... of course you might be in for a long wait for the 10"...
-------------------- Johnny
Spicewood, TX
Sherman Oaks, CA
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plyscope
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 326
Loc: Perth, West Australia
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You can put me in group 1. I have ordered a 5" f15 lens. I like the 6" so much I want to try the 5". I am not ready for an 8" yet, maybe one day.
-------------------- Andy
6" f15 refractor
90mm f16.7 refractor
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starrancher
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/09/09
Posts: 574
Loc: Northern Arizona
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Quote:
Quote:
The long focus refractor is the ticket ! For you guys looking for property in Az. ...Much is available with nice Bortle 9 & 10 skies overhead . 40acre parcels at 49k etc . I'm on the mailing list & get ads all the time . Feel free to P.M.
Where are you at in Arizona? The Prescott skies are nice and transparent, but the seeing is *horrible* on a continual basis. I actually dream of the Florida Keys ....
Florida Keys ! Ugh ! Too humid for me . I like the arid climate . ( high desert & such) . I have a 40 acre patch up on the southwest edge of the Coconino Plateau . A mile high at 5200 to 5300 ft. In the Juniper Pinion . The clear sky chart is normally dark blue straight across .  But we do have our moments . All & all being on the line of Bortle 9 & 10 with the dry air to boot , can't really be beat .
-------------------- LXD75 AR5
LXD75 SN8
Series 4000 Plossls
Misc. other stuff
Fort Rock , Az .
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Quote:
I said nothing about giving one away. 
If I had one for sale it would be in the Shop and Swap section.
I received my 8" on 9/27/09 I know of only one person on the waiting list. I'm wondering who else here might be on the list and who actually is considering it seriously.
Perhaps I am that person. Based on my last communication with Barry, I really am in "any day now" territory on my 8" f/12. However, I am having serious buyers remorse. I should have ordered the 10". Probably a little late in the game to supersize.
Jeff:
You are "indeed" that person. I just didn't want to beat you out of a post. I waited for you.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Jan:
Sorry to hear of some of your conditions but why go f/9? Here is a 6" f/12 on a Scopebuggy. Easy into the garage, easy out. Requires 7' clear opening though.
If you are only 66 you may still have a lifetime of scopes ahead of you.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
You can put me in group 1. I have ordered a 5" f15 lens. I like the 6" so much I want to try the 5". I am not ready for an 8" yet, maybe one day.
Andy:
Are you working on the OTA yet?
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I actually dream of the Florida Keys ....
My brother in Law in Orlando sent us a picture. Just a picture of he and his wife at some kind of an outing. He had a mosquito on his arm and didn't even know it. It was HUGE!!!
I e-mailed him back and commented on it and he replied that that was just one of the small ones. I'm sixty years old and the only thing I am alergic to (that I know) is Mosquitoes
Florida looks great but "not for me".
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Jeff Morgan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/28/03
Posts: 1985
Loc: Prescott, AZ
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Quote:
Jeff:
You are "indeed" that person. I just didn't want to beat you out of a post. I waited for you.
Why thank you. You've been kinda quiet lately, I suspected you were sleep deprived from the new acquisition. Any observing updates to tide us wait-listers and wannabes over?
-------------------- Jeff Morgan
Prescott, AZ
Wile E. Coyote School of Telescope Making
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
   
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8306
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Seems to me there are three groups of people here reading this post.
1. People waiting for delivery of their new D&G lens or OTA.
2. People who are planning on or are about to order their D&G lens or OTA.
3. People who think people like me and others with Long Focus Refractors are nuts.
Which are you?
Steve..there is still a fourth group.
The group that doesn't own a D&G but does still owns large refractors...and who likes reading the excitement in the D&G crowd who is waiting..or making...or wishing. 
I'm good with my Homemade 6"f/15..and my new HM 10"f/15.
Rob(somewhere in the 4th crowd)
-------------------- www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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Jeff Morgan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/28/03
Posts: 1985
Loc: Prescott, AZ
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Well, I guess each area has it's advantages. I was able to attend Winter Star Party two years running and in those two weeks had more excellent seeing nights than in eight years of Arizona observing. In the Keys 50x per inch is just getting warmed up.
If I could just find a place with both seeing *and* transparency .... and observe in a short sleeves year-round ....
-------------------- Jeff Morgan
Prescott, AZ
Wile E. Coyote School of Telescope Making
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Why thank you. You've been kinda quiet lately, I suspected you were sleep deprived from the new acquisition. Any observing updates to tide us wait-listers and wannabes over?
I didn't think I had been that quiet. I speak up when there is something to say. It has been quiet around here regarding D&G's and other long focus refractors, that's why I started this thread.
I have had some great nights with both the 6" and the new 8". The public events with the 8" have been awesome. The outreach portion of my observing has left me with little time for just me.
Did you see this picture in our other threads? 8" D&G next to a 1915 9" Alvan Clark? This was a great night.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Rob:
You know you want a D&G! Sure a 10" f/15 is nice but you should see the 11" f/15 that lives fourty miles south of here.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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plyscope
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 326
Loc: Perth, West Australia
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Hi Steve,
I haven't started the ota yet. Delivery of the lens is not expected for a few months yet. I did buy a sheet of 3mm marine ply and my plan is to do something similar to the 6" only with 3mm instead of the 4mm used on the 6". I am thinking of an alt az type mount on a tripod, mostly wood and inspired by Ron Ravnebergs 4.5". I would like to keep the ota under 20 pounds.
-------------------- Andy
6" f15 refractor
90mm f16.7 refractor
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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You forgot #4, people who like taking pictures of D&G's, especially setting them up.
-------------------- Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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cavefrog
sage
   
Reged: 11/11/08
Posts: 449
Loc: loozyanna
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I want one!! I just cain't figger on how ah'm gonner pay fer it!
-------------------- I am only an egg
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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Not yours. 
Bill
-------------------- Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I want one!! I just cain't figger on how ah'm gonner pay fer it!
That is always a challenge isn't it? At least it is for me. I sent Barry money orders on a somewhat regular basis. Once it was time for delivery I had one last MO on my desk for about three weeks waiting for the call.
K-Mart isn't the only one with "Lay-A-Way.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Hi Steve,
I haven't started the ota yet. Delivery of the lens is not expected for a few months yet. I did buy a sheet of 3mm marine ply and my plan is to do something similar to the 6" only with 3mm instead of the 4mm used on the 6". I am thinking of an alt az type mount on a tripod, mostly wood and inspired by Ron Ravnebergs 4.5". I would like to keep the ota under 20 pounds.
Andy:
WOW, 3mm must be hard to work with. Hope you will keep us posted and post pictures on the DIY/ATM thread.
Love those Plywood OTA's.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
   
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8306
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Rob:
You know you want a D&G! Sure a 10" f/15 is nice but you should see the 11" f/15 that lives fourty miles south of here.
Yeah..I saw those pictures...... 
I own to d&g's... 2 Dang/Gorgious scopes... 
Well If Berry provided a helical/crayford style electric focuser..an..a hydraulic pier...aand super cool spotter brackets with his scopes then I could be wrestled into getting one........ 
Berry makes Franhauffer objectives...both of my scopes are *Baker* designed objectives. Big thick thaangs..... 
I respect D&G...they are in a class of their own.....
So are thier scope owners... 
I'm stricken by the DIY bug......I HAVE to make my own scopes......
Rob(stricken)
-------------------- www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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"......I HAVE to make my own scopes...."
And a great job you do too.
I lived in the Sea-Tac area in 83 through 87. I spent a lot of time in Bremerton and both my wife and I still look forward to returning to visit some day.
If we make it to the Lukefisk Festival in Port Townsend we will be sure to stop at the Gold Mountain Observing Center.
Thanks for the kind words.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Have an 8" achro but its only an f/9......and I love it but there is definately a D&G 8" f/15 maybe even f/18 in my future.
F/18 would be awesome
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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Nah, You don't want it folded. Go straight.
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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plyscope
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 326
Loc: Perth, West Australia
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The thin ply is not so hard to work with. The main thing is to get top quality marine grade. I will start a thread when the time comes.
In 1999 I was able to visit Port Townsend for the wooden boat show with a group of Aussies. It was a lot of fun, the locals were very friendly and really looked after us.
-------------------- Andy
6" f15 refractor
90mm f16.7 refractor
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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You need a new shot with the modified rings.
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Not yours. 
Bill
Correct but academic since the scope still lives at my house.
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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o1d_dude
o1der than dirt
   
Reged: 10/03/07
Posts: 2115
Loc: The TV/SV Wolfpack
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Lutefisk and D&G refractors in the same thread.
Who knew?
-------------------- Kit
'Don’t worry about what telescope you own, or its quality. Just get out under the night sky, and enjoy God’s wondrous universe.' - Thomas M Back
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Dr. Dave
member
Reged: 10/04/04
Posts: 38
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I'm in the group that owns one and loves it (no, you can't have it!)
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russell23
sage
Reged: 05/31/09
Posts: 416
Loc: Upstate NY
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I'm in whatever group is waiting for him to have another special run of the 5" f/10 version. Dave
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plyscope
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 326
Loc: Perth, West Australia
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I have no idea if D & G will ever make another run of 5" f10 scopes but I would be very surprised as now it would be competing with 120mm ED scopes for similar money. I think they are quite busy with orders for their standard types. But you never know they would probably sell all they could make regardless.
-------------------- Andy
6" f15 refractor
90mm f16.7 refractor
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deSitter
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/09/04
Posts: 2925
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Quote:
You forgot #4, people who like taking pictures of D&G's, especially setting them up.
I love this picture. I have a title for it. "Bill Cowles demonstrates the 'clean and Yerkes' technique of weightlifting."
-drl
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SkyscraperJim
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/29/07
Posts: 537
Loc: Providence, RI
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Quote:
Seems to me there are three groups of people here reading this post.
1. People waiting for delivery of their new D&G lens or OTA.
2. People who are planning on or are about to order their D&G lens or OTA.
3. People who think people like me and others with Long Focus Refractors are nuts.
Which are you?
I guess I'm in 2.a. Would like to get one, but need to get land and build an observatory first. D&G's are backyard scopes, not haul out to an observing site scopes, and I'd love to own the 8-inch f/15...
-------------------- Jim
TMB/APM 130/780 (#185) on G11
TMB/APM/Lomo 80/600
Tele Vue Pronto (#3533) on Half Hitch
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russell23
sage
Reged: 05/31/09
Posts: 416
Loc: Upstate NY
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Quote:
I have no idea if D & G will ever make another run of 5" f10 scopes but I would be very surprised as now it would be competing with 120mm ED scopes for similar money. I think they are quite busy with orders for their standard types. But you never know they would probably sell all they could make regardless.
True, At the moment I'm eyeing the skywatcher 120mm f/7.5 ED as my next scope.
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ltha
super member
   
Reged: 11/22/05
Posts: 189
Loc: Long Beach, CA
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I am in group #4: people who owned a D&G scope (two actually, 8" F/12 and 6" F/15) and sorely regret selling them!
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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OK, upgrade to rings and new ability to stand on the ground and save the back. 
Bill
-------------------- Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Jan Owen
sage
Reged: 02/12/06
Posts: 385
Loc: Sun City West, Arizona
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Hi, Steve!
Great looking setup there... I concur that the rollabout systems make things MUCH easier to deal with... I have three mounts on JMI Wheeley Bars, and swap several different scopes between two of those mounts...
The reason I had kind of settled on a 6" f/9 ED doublet was to minimize size and weight, given my back... I do a lot of exercise, so I have the musculature to handle big scopes, but just the slightest *wrong move* in the wrong direction can be relatively catastrophic... Though it does appear that your setup wouldn't be THAT much more difficult to handle than my 120mm f/7.5 on it's wheeley bar...
Hmmmm!!!
Thanks!!!
Jan
-------------------- Keep on looking up...
Meade 60mm f/11.7 achro refractor from WAY back...
Vernonscope 94mm f/7 Brandon triplet Apo
Orion EON ED 120mm f/7.5
Celestron 5.5" f/3.6 Comet Catcher Schmidt-Newt
8" f/6 Newtonian w/Spooner optics on Atlas G mount
Meade 10" f/10 SCT
12" f/5 Meade LightBridge Dob/Newt
13.1" f/4.5 Coulter Odyssey early Dob/Newt
Many eyepieces and accessories
Always lusting after large MCT, but never buy one
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I'm in the group that owns one and loves it (no, you can't have it!)
Dr. Dave:
Great to hear from you. What part of the world are you in. I don't know that I have seen you around CN. Look forward to hearing more about you and your D&G.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan
   
Reged: 02/28/06
Posts: 4335
Loc: Petaluma, CA
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The 5" f/10s are also quite a bit more colorful than the slower models. Were I to do another D&G, it would likely be an f/15+ version in an aperture that mass-producers don't offer.
Regards,
Jim
-------------------- "I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."
- Sir Issac Newton
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plyscope
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 326
Loc: Perth, West Australia
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For me the appeal is in the long focal length and old fashioned style. But that wouldn't stop me wanting a D & G apo if they did another run of those.
-------------------- Andy
6" f15 refractor
90mm f16.7 refractor
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1730
Loc: Lancashire UK
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I'm in group 1 at the moment. 5" f/15 on order. Getting on with finishing my 6"f/10 istar optics when the health improves a little.
-------------------- Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
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Dr. Dave
member
Reged: 10/04/04
Posts: 38
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Quote:
Quote:
I'm in the group that owns one and loves it (no, you can't have it!)
Dr. Dave:
Great to hear from you. What part of the world are you in. I don't know that I have seen you around CN. Look forward to hearing more about you and your D&G.
Thanks, Steve. I'm in Virginia, right outside Washington. I don't post much, but every once in a while I add my 2 cents.
Here's my D&G, a 5" f/10 from the last production run.
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dlapoint
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/18/03
Posts: 529
Loc: Moncton NB Canada
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I want one... The 6" F15, but it may take a few years
-------------------- Derek
Orion 72mm Eon
Orion 100Ed (Back again)
C4.5
Naglers 16mm T5, 9mm T6
Orion Planetary ep's 5-6mm
Antares 3 Element Barlow
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I'm in the group that owns one and loves it (no, you can't have it!)
Dr. Dave:
Great to hear from you. What part of the world are you in. I don't know that I have seen you around CN. Look forward to hearing more about you and your D&G.
Thanks, Steve. I'm in Virginia, right outside Washington. I don't post much, but every once in a while I add my 2 cents.
Here's my D&G, a 5" f/10 from the last production run.
Dave:
She looks like a beauty! You should get it out West and under some dark skies.
There appears to be a lot of interest in that scope.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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o1d_dude
o1der than dirt
   
Reged: 10/03/07
Posts: 2115
Loc: The TV/SV Wolfpack
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There's just something about a long focus refractor, isn't there.
Old school to the max.
And yes, a 6" f/15 would be swell.
-------------------- Kit
'Don’t worry about what telescope you own, or its quality. Just get out under the night sky, and enjoy God’s wondrous universe.' - Thomas M Back
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RAKing
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 2069
Loc: West of the D.C. Nebula
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You can put me in Group 2 - a 6 inch f/12 might be just what I want sometime soon. 
I don't quite have the back problems Jan has, but I must be very careful using my scopes and mounts. I was playing around with a 10 inch Dob this summer and tried to load it onto my GEM. Ouch! One full month in a back brace and twelve trips to the physical therapist. What was I thinking? 
Ron
-------------------- Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
   
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1541
Loc: New Hampshire
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I have my 6" f/15 Jaegers and my 6" f/15 Mogey. I'm all set for now. I haven't used either for several years because we moved. I also have major back issues and just don't want to bother with them. Last, I'm having too much fun with all of the new gear that we sell.
So to which group do I belong?
Steve
-------------------- Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619
6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower
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DNTash
scholastic sledgehammer
   
Reged: 09/02/07
Posts: 762
Loc: India
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Uh, I'm reluctant to say that I opened the post because I didn't know what a D&G was.
Now I know.
Oh, and now I want one!
-------------------- AT 72
TMB 92
Orion 120ST
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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How is your back? 
Bill
-------------------- Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I have my 6" f/15 Jaegers and my 6" f/15 Mogey. I'm all set for now. I haven't used either for several years because we moved. I also have major back issues and just don't want to bother with them. Last, I'm having too much fun with all of the new gear that we sell.
So to which group do I belong?
Steve
You are indeed in a unique group. You are in the group that may get an e-mail from me one day saying "Hey, you want to sell one of those sweeeet f/15's? 
We are all watching you and your new gear. I'm sure I speak for a great many here wishing you the best.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Uh, I'm reluctant to say that I opened the post because I didn't know what a D&G was.
Now I know.
Oh, and now I want one!
Dale:
Welcome to the long focus looney bin. Using and observing with a D&G or any other long focus refractor can be an experience you may never forget.
I'm glad you now know what a D&G is and hope you will get the opportunity to observe with one some day.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
How is your back? 
Bill
Good back, it is my knees that are shot. Probably from all this jumping.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Texas
member
Reged: 01/14/08
Posts: 23
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You forgot category 4 - people who think they are great scopes but physically, just too large to be practical for their use. I had a 6" D&G about 5 years back. With the dew shield in place, it looked like a white cannon, and about as cumbersome to setup. But what an attention getter! I don't think anything sparks interest in a crowd like a big refractor. Part of me wishes I still had it. BTW, how big is that big dovetail and where did you pick it up? Best,
-------------------- Typical stargazer. Too much money spent on too much stuff. This "hobby" has gotten out of hand.
Mewlon 250
AP Traveler
TV 85
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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A white "Cannon"? 
Bill
-------------------- Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
You forgot category 4 - people who think they are great scopes but physically, just too large to be practical for their use. I had a 6" D&G about 5 years back. With the dew shield in place, it looked like a white cannon, and about as cumbersome to setup. But what an attention getter! I don't think anything sparks interest in a crowd like a big refractor. Part of me wishes I still had it. BTW, how big is that big dovetail and where did you pick it up? Best,
Nope! Sorry, Texas. You don't get your own group. You had your D&G and got rid of it. The subject thread is who wants a D&G. 
Seriously though. The D&G is anything but convenient. Most could never enjoy one unless you had it in an observatory or you are a little odd like me and enjoy transporting and setting up one of these things.
The dovetail you noticed is a 1.18" thick piece of solid aluminum 36" long made by Anthony Divoli of ADM. I ordered it long before the scope arrived and Anthony had it to me in about 10 days. He is awesome.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
   
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8306
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
"......I HAVE to make my own scopes...."
And a great job you do too.
I lived in the Sea-Tac area in 83 through 87. I spent a lot of time in Bremerton and both my wife and I still look forward to returning to visit some day.
If we make it to the Lukefisk Festival in Port Townsend we will be sure to stop at the Gold Mountain Observing Center.
Thanks for the kind words.
You eat Ludafisk....... I'm impressed.
If you do come this far West you Must stop by.
Rob
-------------------- www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
   
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8306
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Lutefisk and D&G refractors in the same thread.
Who knew?
Just shows you the intrinsic value one needs to participate.... 
Rob(Not into rehydrated brined cod)
-------------------- www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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Jason B
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 06/21/04
Posts: 2852
Loc: Mid-Michigan
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Hey all, If you don't care about D&G refractors, please don't post in the thread about them.
Let the discussion continue....
Thanks!
-------------------- Jason
My Photostream
Lead Volunteer/Coordinator for Fox Park Observatory
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Hey all, If you don't care about D&G refractors, please don't post in the thread about them.
Let the discussion continue....
Thanks!
Jason:
Thank you so very much. It was kind of a thread killer wasn't it.
Without saying anything more I'll just post this picture and let the discussion continue.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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Very impressive scopes
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Very impressive scopes
Yes, I know the guy who owns the 6" f/17.5 in the foreground.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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|
Quote:
Quote:
Very impressive scopes
Yes, I know the guy who owns the 6" f/17.5 in the foreground.
I guess actually I should say I know the young woman who owns it and her father who built it for her.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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bluestar
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/06/05
Posts: 1123
Loc: Maryland Eastern Shore
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Quote:
3. People who think people like me and others with Long Focus Refractors are nuts.
Which are you?
Certifiable.
-------------------- D&G refractors 5" f/12 & f/15; 6" f/15; 8" f/12...
Royce Dall-Kirkham Cass 10" f/20
Epoch Instruments Parsec/12, Astro-Physics 1200 DA, AP800 HDA mounts...
Previous telescopes A-Z...Astro-Physics to Zeiss
Old school @ BlueStar Observatory...this is how we do it.
D&G Optical Telescope Users Group ...D&G/long focus Yahoo refractor Group...back up and running
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Quote:
3. People who think people like me and others with Long Focus Refractors are nuts.
Which are you?
Certifiable.
Good to see you. You have been "conspicuous by your absence".
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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oldsalt
Astro Philosopher
  
Reged: 02/12/05
Posts: 8660
Loc: Pa - between starparties
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Put me in group 2, I'll order mine about 6 months before i retire, and go pick it up myself.
-------------------- There are no winners in war, only bigger losers.
Jim
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Put me in group 2, I'll order mine about 6 months before i retire, and go pick it up myself.
The only part I regret in the purchase of my new 8" f/12 is that I did not get to go to PA. and pick it up myself. That would have made it 100% perfect. 
I'll wish you luck with your plans.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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Steve, Bluestar, has more D&G's than you and even a F/15. What do you think, 10" F/12? 
Bill
-------------------- Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Nope! I'm thinking about an 11" f/15.
I can't get it off my mind.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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You know we have to have a look through it. But it's getting soo ooo coo oooo ooo oold.
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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Anil
member
   
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 128
Loc: Bangalore, India
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I would love to build a DIY refractor using 6" f/15 D&G lens.
Anil
-------------------- DIY 100mm CARTON @ f/13
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plyscope
sage
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 326
Loc: Perth, West Australia
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You did a great job with your 100mm Carton Anil, I am sure you can as well with a 6" lens.
-------------------- Andy
6" f15 refractor
90mm f16.7 refractor
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Jaxdialation
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 04/01/07
Posts: 2454
Loc: Northeast, FL
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The OP posted a question which I answered.
Don't get bitter about my Illini whipping Michigan last week
Quote:
Hey all, If you don't care about D&G refractors, please don't post in the thread about them.
Let the discussion continue....
Thanks!
-------------------- John
Stuff: TSA102 & EM400, RCOS 10RCA, STL- 6303, AP 1200GTO, too much software to list
My Image Gallery
My Weather
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galaxyman
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/04/05
Posts: 1471
Loc: Limerick, Pa
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Ah D&G... my retirement scope for West Virginia in a backyard observatory.
Yes, a 12" f/12 would do me quite right. Wife approved ( ) after she saw a 12" tube assembly (less optics) in Barry's garage heading for California I believe.
Karl E.O.H.
Chesmont Astronomical Society Telekit (Swayze optics) 22" F/4.5 Dob Homemade (Parks Optics) 12.5" F/4.8 Dob TMB 8" F/9 Refractor”The Beast”. One great achro ES 6" F/6.5 achro- NEW Orion 4" f/6 Refractor. Also not bad for an achro Celestron 10x60 binos
-------------------- So many galaxies, so little time!
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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F/18 or the CA will kill you
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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galaxyman
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/04/05
Posts: 1471
Loc: Limerick, Pa
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Quote:
F/18 or the CA will kill you
Hi Ziggy
My current refractors the ES 6" f/6.5 (see the new review), and of course the APM 8" f/9 suit me quite well. The eyepiece images in both scopes are excellent. For the overall optical quality is very very good, in particular the APM.
As I have mentioned before, a club member and observing partner owns the APM 7" f/6. This scope provides wonderful images even at 300x plus, showing the overall optical quality is very good. If one needs to be convinced, he may take it at Cherry Springs in the spring with his new 22" dob.
Mounting and size of the observatory is another factor. Need room for the 22" dob and the 8" refractor.
So for me if the optical quality is very good (which D&G does have), then a 12" f/12 is perfectly fine for the very dark skies of West Virginia.
Karl E.O.H.
Chesmont Astronomical Society Telekit (Swayze optics) 22" F/4.5 Dob Homemade (Parks Optics) 12.5" F/4.8 Dob TMB 8" F/9 Refractor”The Beast”. One great achro ES 6" F/6.5 achro- NEW Orion 4" f/6 Refractor. Also not bad for an achro Celestron 10x60 binos
-------------------- So many galaxies, so little time!
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Scott Beith
SRF
   
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37110
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Plus Karl is old and older eyes are less sensitive to blue. 
You better know I am teasing you!
--------------------
SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Scott Beith
SRF
   
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37110
Loc: Frederick, MD
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and in reference to the original question:
When I retire I would love to have an 11" f/18!
--------------------
SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Jeff B
professor emeritus
   
Reged: 12/30/06
Posts: 677
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Umm.. you're suppose to look thru the OTHER end.
Jeff
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
Plus Karl is old and older eyes are less sensitive to blue. 
You better know I am teasing you!
That was good
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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galaxyman
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/04/05
Posts: 1471
Loc: Limerick, Pa
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Quote:
Plus Karl is old and older eyes are less sensitive to blue. 
You better know I am teasing you!
Yes Scott I know , though if I did look at a planet (for some reason ), I could mask it.
Anyway, you in Maryland with a 11" f/18 and me in neighboring West Virginia with a 12" f/12 sounds like a plan  
Karl E.O.H.
Chesmont Astronomical Society Telekit (Swayze optics) 22" F/4.5 Dob Homemade (Parks Optics) 12.5" F/4.8 Dob TMB 8" F/9 Refractor”The Beast”. One great achro ES 6" F/6.5 achro- NEW Orion 4" f/6 Refractor. Also not bad for an achro Celestron 10x60 binos
-------------------- So many galaxies, so little time!
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Scott Beith
SRF
   
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37110
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Darn right. Just wait the next 19 years for me to retire.
--------------------
SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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He can't reach the eyepiece. 
Bill
-------------------- Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Scott Beith
SRF
   
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37110
Loc: Frederick, MD
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that picture is so cool!
--------------------
SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
that picture is so cool!
Scott:
The picture IS cool but you should see the thing in person. It is awesome.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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Scott Beith
SRF
   
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37110
Loc: Frederick, MD
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I need to make a trip out there.
--------------------
SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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You'd never want to leave.
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
|
bluestar
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/06/05
Posts: 1123
Loc: Maryland Eastern Shore
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
3. People who think people like me and others with Long Focus Refractors are nuts.
Which are you?
Certifiable.
Good to see you. You have been "conspicuous by your absence".
Less than a year old Acer desktop PC suffered motherboard-failure just after the warranty ended and I have an HP system on order...I'm working off my netbook and home network held together by duct tape and spit courtesy of geeky-son. Too much trouble fighting the Missus/daughter for PC time on the other desktop.
Off on solo trip to West Virginia tomorrow for a week; don't worry, no telescopes in tow. Yet...
Been installing insulation (Reflectix/1/2" foamboard/white pegboard wall treatment) in the observatory...about 1/3 done. Taking pics for a thread in Observatory Forum.
-------------------- D&G refractors 5" f/12 & f/15; 6" f/15; 8" f/12...
Royce Dall-Kirkham Cass 10" f/20
Epoch Instruments Parsec/12, Astro-Physics 1200 DA, AP800 HDA mounts...
Previous telescopes A-Z...Astro-Physics to Zeiss
Old school @ BlueStar Observatory...this is how we do it.
D&G Optical Telescope Users Group ...D&G/long focus Yahoo refractor Group...back up and running
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bluestar
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/06/05
Posts: 1123
Loc: Maryland Eastern Shore
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Quote:
He can't reach the eyepiece. 
Bill
Bill,
This is a VERY dangerous photo because it illustrates a concept I've given much MUCH consideration...the Pier-Tech hydraulic pier and big(ger) D&G. The logistics of wall/pier height was the variable I had to work out. I have the vintage black AP1200DA (serial #4) mount already... the observatory in the pic looks JUST like mine...any way I can get more detail from the owner or via another?
-------------------- D&G refractors 5" f/12 & f/15; 6" f/15; 8" f/12...
Royce Dall-Kirkham Cass 10" f/20
Epoch Instruments Parsec/12, Astro-Physics 1200 DA, AP800 HDA mounts...
Previous telescopes A-Z...Astro-Physics to Zeiss
Old school @ BlueStar Observatory...this is how we do it.
D&G Optical Telescope Users Group ...D&G/long focus Yahoo refractor Group...back up and running
|
bluestar
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/06/05
Posts: 1123
Loc: Maryland Eastern Shore
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Quote:
Anyway, you in Maryland with a 11" f/18 and me in neighboring West Virginia with a 12" f/12 sounds like a plan
All dreaming and drooling aside we need an East Coast/Mid Atlantic version of what's going on out west. After all, this IS is D&G's backyard. Surely we can assemble some scopes for a get together. The little guys 5" refractor idea didn't pan out; maybe the Big Guys should show them how it's done.
-------------------- D&G refractors 5" f/12 & f/15; 6" f/15; 8" f/12...
Royce Dall-Kirkham Cass 10" f/20
Epoch Instruments Parsec/12, Astro-Physics 1200 DA, AP800 HDA mounts...
Previous telescopes A-Z...Astro-Physics to Zeiss
Old school @ BlueStar Observatory...this is how we do it.
D&G Optical Telescope Users Group ...D&G/long focus Yahoo refractor Group...back up and running
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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Sig can you help? I was using a 10mm lens on my camera and still to tight for this monster D&G.
Bill
-------------------- Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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Here is an image of the whole pier. Steve or Sig should be able to give you more info on this arrangement.
Bill
-------------------- Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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I'm hoping Dave is monotoring the thread and will answer any questions.
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
|
Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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I've sent a few PM's
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
|
Scott Beith
SRF
   
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37110
Loc: Frederick, MD
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|
Quote:
Quote:
Anyway, you in Maryland with a 11" f/18 and me in neighboring West Virginia with a 12" f/12 sounds like a plan
All dreaming and drooling aside we need an East Coast/Mid Atlantic version of what's going on out west. After all, this IS is D&G's backyard. Surely we can assemble some scopes for a get together. The little guys 5" refractor idea didn't pan out; maybe the Big Guys should show them how it's done.
--------------------
SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
|
Steve Fisher
"Curmudgeon in Training"
   
Reged: 08/12/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Utah
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It is hard to put together an event like the 5" shootout isn't it. I guess I don't need to tell you guys.
Most of our best gatherings have been accidental but both my 6"f/12 with Siegfrieds 6" f/17.5 and the 8" D&G with the 9" Clark were planned. Still, that is only two people in the planning. When the other big lenses showed up that was just a bonus.
-------------------- Steve
8" f/12 D&G Achromat Refractor Delivered 08/27/09
6" D&G f/12 Achromat Refractor
66mm f/6.1 William Optics Petzval
6" f/8 Celestron Starhopper
----------------------
"Never try to teach a pig to sing, It wastes your time and it annoys the pig". (Robert Heinlein)
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bluestar
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/06/05
Posts: 1123
Loc: Maryland Eastern Shore
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Quote:
Most of our best gatherings have been accidental
This is the key. A personal fav quote from Lemmy of Motorhead paraphrased "Your biggest events in your life are not the planned ones but those that come by accident". Life is organic and not static; we ebb and flow with nature.
Thanks for the pics and any PM's/contacts, I'm working long term retirement time, in Delmarva or West Virginia. Nice to see great minds thinking alike
-------------------- D&G refractors 5" f/12 & f/15; 6" f/15; 8" f/12...
Royce Dall-Kirkham Cass 10" f/20
Epoch Instruments Parsec/12, Astro-Physics 1200 DA, AP800 HDA mounts...
Previous telescopes A-Z...Astro-Physics to Zeiss
Old school @ BlueStar Observatory...this is how we do it.
D&G Optical Telescope Users Group ...D&G/long focus Yahoo refractor Group...back up and running
|
Jeff B
professor emeritus
   
Reged: 12/30/06
Posts: 677
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I too would like to know how well the AP1200 handles the 11" F15 as I'm casting around for an upgrade from the old Cave for my 11" F12. Parallax makes some very interesting big mounts as well.
Jeff
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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
   
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 16249
Loc: Hoover, AL
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Quote:
Quote:
Jim:
I'm with you except that I am looking further South.
I have spent most of the summer this year looking at land from San Antonio to Tucson, from the border to Flagstaff.
I have not found the right property yet but I'm looking. If snow is a regular occouring event count me out!
Try the Junction TX area. Not quite in the desert-like area, and also not as much wind. Plenty of small trees, very few people. It's where I'm going someday. Hill country of Texas, and within a relatively short driving distance to San Antonio (about 100 miles). Beautiful area, nice people, not many lights, very dark sky. Why I chose it. There's a small river, and plenty of game animals.
I would love to move to the Alpine area of TX, but it is so far out from anything. But land is cheap
I am eyeing a 5in f/12.
-------------------- Preston
Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Tak FS 78
Tak Teegul-Lapides
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33
Vixen Porta Mount
Edited by LivingNDixie (11/05/09 08:49 AM)
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jayscheuerle
Post Laureate
   
Reged: 01/16/06
Posts: 4064
Loc: S. Philadelphia, PA
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In order to even consider wanting one of these, I'd need to live somewhere else, but they certainly look cool and I'd take one for that reason alone. That's why I hang onto my red-tube Edmund 8" f/5 on the fork mount. HOT!! - j
-------------------- Fight indignorance!
The Green Goblin - 12" of dobsonian excellence!
The PortaBowl-a $100 4.5" f/8 ball-scope YOU can build!
Eero2-a 6" f/5 ball-scope you probably can't.
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
It is hard to put together an event like the 5" shootout isn't it. I guess I don't need to tell you guys.
Most of our best gatherings have been accidental but both my 6"f/12 with Siegfrieds 6" f/17.5 and the 8" D&G with the 9" Clark were planned. Still, that is only two people in the planning. When the other big lenses showed up that was just a bonus.
Yes, but... these wern't 'shoot outs', they were photo ops. I love the pictures of these beauties set up side by side. In fact I have some up here at work. Yep, there is Steve putting up the 8" ...
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
and in reference to the original question:
When I retire I would love to have an 11" f/18!
Scott, you almost have it right. A 12" F/18, now there's the ticket of a lifetime.
-------------------- May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
|
Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
   
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1040
Loc: Utah
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