Telescope Reviews: Just purchased my first refractor

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Equipment Discussions >> Refractors

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Escher
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 08/30/07

Loc: Fenton, MI

Just purchased my first refractor - ES 127AR F6.5
#5305306 - 07/06/12 12:26 PM

I have been wanting a nice widefield refractor for deep sky to complement my Mak for some time - and this just came up for sale in our Swap and shop - so I jumped.

I had purchased the 10" dob for this job, but honestly, I'm just not that much of a DOB guy - so it may either get sold or end up going to the dark sky site permanently (cottage up north).

I plan to use my DIY EQ mount (1/5" threaded pipe with friction locks) for this.

So, what should I know as a Newt and SCT/Mak user coming into the world of refractors?

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dhaval
sage

Reged: 07/21/08

Loc: Round Rock, TX

Re: Just purchased my first refractor - ES 127AR F6.5 new

[Re: Escher]
#5305356 - 07/06/12 12:55 PM

Quote:

I have been wanting a nice widefield refractor for deep sky to complement my Mak for some time - and this just came up for sale in our Swap and shop - so I jumped.

I had purchased the 10" dob for this job, but honestly, I'm just not that much of a DOB guy - so it may either get sold or end up going to the dark sky site permanently (cottage up north).

I plan to use my DIY EQ mount (1/5" threaded pipe with friction locks) for this.

So, what should I know as a Newt and SCT/Mak user coming into the world of refractors?

First off, congrats! The ES was my first real refractor and I was really impressed by it.

As to what you should know? No more collimation and a willingness to spend more - eventually, you will get sick of the chromatic abberation and will be looking at APOs. I'd say, sell your DOB and Mak and get the finances ready for that APO!

Dhaval

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Escher
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 08/30/07

Loc: Fenton, MI

Re: Just purchased my first refractor - ES 127AR F6.5 new

[Re: dhaval]
#5305442 - 07/06/12 01:48 PM

HAHA!!!

Well - that is why I bought this - To try side my side and see what I like best. To be honest, the Mak needs to be worried since its just a massive beast and I hate lugging it around... but it is exceptional from an optics perspective.

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Mark Costello
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/08/05

Loc: Matthews, NC, USA

Re: Just purchased my first refractor - ES 127AR F6.5 new

[Re: Escher]
#5305743 - 07/06/12 05:13 PM

Well, personally, I'd say you picked a winner.

See my "signature."

I've found mine to be a fairly versatile instrument, doing well at both low power wide field view (27X) and at high power views of some of the smaller and brighter deep sky objects (206X on M5, M13, the Eskimo Nebula, M11, M35-NGC2158, ...). I do a lot of DSO observing at middling power with mine (118X).

I'd be interested in how you like pairing it up with your Meade 7" Maksutov Cassegrain. My guess is that they'll make good complements. I've found that my AR127 serves up good images of the moon and planets but in these cases and in particular in the case of the planets, the false color is noticeable. I don't let it bother me but your Mak probably will serve up good high power view of the planets....

Here's hoping you get a lot of enjoyment out of your new refractor.

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elwaine
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/06

Loc: S.W. Florida

Re: Just purchased my first refractor - ES 127AR F6.5 new

[Re: Mark Costello]
#5307531 - 07/07/12 11:33 PM

You will live to regret your purchase. After using your fine new refractor for a few months, you are going to start thinking about upgrading to a TEC 180... and it will gnaw at you until you rob a bank to buy one. And then your entire life will be ruined.

(written from my prison cell...)

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Super08
sage

Reged: 05/18/12

Loc: Great White North

Re: Just purchased my first refractor - ES 127AR F6.5 new

[Re: elwaine]
#5307541 - 07/07/12 11:39 PM

LOL that is so funny, true, but funny.

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