melinda fry
super member
Reged: 04/28/10
|
Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
#5512326 - 11/09/12 09:15 PM
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Hi all
I was looking at getting one of these scopes a vixen 115 Ed f7.7
Or the tak tsa 102 f8.
I want to use it as a visual scope for planets , double star. And some of the bigger deep sky objects. I'm not sure which way to go the scopes are the same price here in Sydney as well.
Any help which way to go will be great. Thanks
|
tomharri
sage
Reged: 09/19/08
Loc: Arizona
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5512336 - 11/09/12 09:21 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Bigger is better.
|
plyscope
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/23/06
Loc: Perth, West Australia
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5512344 - 11/09/12 09:28 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
If you are only wanting it for visual then the Vixen will show slightly more. Please check out this review.
I have not looked through a Vixen 115 but would expect it to be high quality and well made. I do have a TSA 102 and can confirm it is excellent but perhaps it is not necesary to go to that extent for a visual only scope.
If you ever wanted to sell one of these I think it would be easier to sell the TSA and it may hold it's value slightly better than the Vixen. Either way they are both great scopes for visual and the differences will be minor.
|
johnnyha
Postmaster
Reged: 11/12/06
Loc: Sherman Oaks, CA
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: plyscope]
#5512451 - 11/09/12 11:20 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Yeh I would go TSA102 no question. No regrets later.
|
Sky Muse
sage
Reged: 10/26/12
Loc: De Soto County, MS
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5512476 - 11/09/12 11:31 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Hello Melinda,
For starters, both utilise ED glass. The Vixen is an ED doublet, while the Takahashi is an ED triplet. The Vixen, if it was the same diameter(102mm), the views would be a tad brighter, but it's a 115mm, so the views would be noticeably brighter.
I like my previous-generation Takahashi FS-102 for its fluorite doublet. It may exhibit just a tiny bit more chromatic abberation than the current triplet, albeit wholly negligible with both being true apochromats, but it's a little brighter and sharper in exchange. Takahashi abandoned the fluorite doublet configuration in four-inch and upwards to the six-inch, either due to rising costs of fluorite or perhaps in an effort to banish spurious color once and for all from their line. I don't think the company ever gave a reason as to why. I've always regretted their decision, and not having bought the FS-152 instead back in 2003.
Here's an interesting review of three refractors...
http://wlcastleman.com/equip/reviews/100mm_refractors/index.htm
If they're the same price, give or take a few dollars, go with the Takahashi. It's quite a presence. It exudes quality, and with views tough to beat. I feel that if one had the Takahashi, they would not regret not having bought the Vixen instead, for long in any case. Conversely, if one had the Vixen, they'll forever wonder what the Takahashi would've been like had they chosen it instead.
For me, the choice is obvious.
Cheers,
Alan
|
Erik Bakker
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/10/06
Loc: The Netherlands, Europe
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5512605 - 11/10/12 01:34 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
The Tak is a no-compromise scope for a lifetime. The Vixen, though nice, is a price/size compromise and will likely only last until you upgrade to a Tak or the likes. Besides, the TSA 102 is a smallish 4", the ED115 is considerably bigger in OTA size. So for portability and a lighter mount, the TSA102 wins.
|
melinda fry
super member
Reged: 04/28/10
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: Erik Bakker]
#5513380 - 11/10/12 03:59 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Hi everyone thanks for your help.
The vixen is ready to go but with the tak I'm looking buying extra bits to get the scope mounted and fitting with a finder.
But still like the tak. Putting the scopes side by side which would give the better views thanks.
|
plyscope
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/23/06
Loc: Perth, West Australia
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5513477 - 11/10/12 05:34 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Melinda
This review of the Vixen 115 has direct comparison to Takahashi 102mm and 128mm scopes.
Review of Vixen 115
Andy
|
Sky Muse
sage
Reged: 10/26/12
Loc: De Soto County, MS
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5513650 - 11/10/12 08:22 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Hello Melinda,
One other important aspect to consider: Which has the highest and most consistent level of quality control, Takahashi, or Vixen? What percentage of, say, 500 units manufactured per company might prove inferior compared to the finest example from each?
In other words, might the receipt of a "dud" be more likely with Vixen, or Takahashi?
Good luck!
Alan
|
coopman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/23/06
Loc: South Louisiana
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: Sky Muse]
#5514179 - 11/11/12 10:09 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
A TSA-102 popped up for sale on Astromart overnight.
|
jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan
Reged: 02/28/06
Loc: Petaluma, CA
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5514191 - 11/11/12 10:16 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
I'd go Tak in that match-up.
- Jim
|
jtaylor996
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 09/02/08
Loc: North Texas
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: jrbarnett]
#5516950 - 11/12/12 10:37 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
You'll hate yourself if you don't get the Tak instead of the Vixen doublet...
|
melinda fry
super member
Reged: 04/28/10
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: jtaylor996]
#5517191 - 11/13/12 01:50 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Hi all
Thanks for your help.
Well I did it deposit on a tsa 102N should be here in about 2 weeks.
Just have to get some nice eyepieces to use with it now.
|
chboss
professor emeritus
Reged: 03/24/08
Loc: Zurich Switzerland
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5517240 - 11/13/12 03:36 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Congratulations this is a great choice!
You are in for a lifetime telescope.
best regards
Chris
|
Erik Bakker
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/10/06
Loc: The Netherlands, Europe
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5517257 - 11/13/12 03:58 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Quote:
Hi all
Thanks for your help.
Well I did it deposit on a tsa 102N should be here in about 2 weeks.
Just have to get some nice eyepieces to use with it now.
Melinda,
You just got yourself an extraordinarily fine telescope that should be with you under the stars for the rest of your life. 
On the eyepieces, start with what you already have and slowly take it from there.
|
coopman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/23/06
Loc: South Louisiana
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: Erik Bakker]
#5517694 - 11/13/12 11:13 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Way to go, Melinda! You're going to love it. The 27mm Panoptic and 22mm Nagler are favs of mine with my FS-102.
|
jtaylor996
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 09/02/08
Loc: North Texas
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: coopman]
#5517832 - 11/13/12 12:30 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
The TSA 102 at F8 is very forgiving on eyepieces, so the world is your oyster in that regard. Many, many designs will work well with that scope.
|
FaronD
sage
Reged: 03/25/10
Loc: Richmond Hill, Ontario
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5518693 - 11/13/12 09:05 PM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Hi Melinda, congrats on your purchase!! Whenever I make a substantial purchase, I'll read as many reviews as possible to help me make an informed decision. Afterward, I continue to read to back up my purchase. If you are interested in an excellent shootout where the TSA102 comes out on top, check out Daniel's shootout 2/3rds down the page. There are 110mm and 115mm scopes compared as well.
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbarchive/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=refractors...
Faron
|
melinda fry
super member
Reged: 04/28/10
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: FaronD]
#5518996 - 11/14/12 01:56 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Hi
Thanks I will have a look at that, I can't wait to get my hands on the scope and get out and use it. I saw the review on Astromart I like the finder scope holder he was using on the tsa,
I've been trying to look up to see how it would be, as i have the same finder scope.
If anyone has the part number please let me know.
Thanks again everyone.
|
Eric Gage
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 12/13/05
|
Re: Vixen 115 Ed or tak tsa 102
[Re: melinda fry]
#5519324 - 11/14/12 10:39 AM
|
|
Edit
|
Reply
|
Quote |
Quick Reply
|
|
|
Congrats Melinda. You're going to have a great scope. I don't think you can go wrong buying the best optic you can within an aperture class. The "extra reach" of the 115 is not insignificant, but IMO you'd be better off with the best 4" you can afford, supplemented by an 8" (or larger) reflector for the dim stuff.
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
