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Steve.Greene
member
Reged: 08/12/07
Loc: South Florida
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Next Level Recommendation
#5658323 - 02/02/13 03:11 PM
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I currently own a Celestron NexStar 130 SLT, which I have truly enjoyed for the last three years. However, I've been thinking about moving up to the next level of scopes. I am not interested in astroimaging at all, just observing. However, I'd like to be able to see more deep-sky objects than I am currently able to.
I'd like to stay with a computerized scope with a tripod that is easy to use, as well as easy to configure. Since I recently invested in a SkyQ Link, I'd prefer to stay with a Celestron model.
Your ideas and suggestions are sincerely appreciated.
Thanks!
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rmollise
Postmaster
Reged: 07/06/07
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: Steve.Greene]
#5658328 - 02/02/13 03:13 PM
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Celestron CPC. Your choice of aperture--don't get more than you will be willing to tote out regularly...
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Mike B
Starstruck
Reged: 04/06/05
Loc: shake, rattle, & roll, CA
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: Steve.Greene]
#5658420 - 02/02/13 04:07 PM
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I'd like to stay with a computerized scope with a tripod that is easy to use, as well as easy to configure.
Well, not to ignore your parameters entirely.... but the conventional wisdom for attainin' a deeper reach has been aperture, and bang fer buck that generally means a Dob.
And an Orion Intelli-Dob meets all but your "tripod" criteria! So if one were trying to get 10-12 inches of easy-2-use & computer-assisted aperture for the smallest investment, this might be worthy of consideration.
As an aside, were one looking to increase aperture beyond even this range, the computerized & tripod mounted CATs get crazy-expensive, and are beasts to install on their mounts, and to manage in general. But this is probably incidental to where you're headed- at least immediately.
Still, i've gotta hand it to CATs... in their more modest iterations they are very comfortable to view with! Their short, stubby tube means the EP doesn't range around a bunch, so seated observing is easy to do. And they take binoviewing really well. They are, by design, somewhat limited for wideness-of-view... at least compared to Dobs of half the F-ratio, and when used in climates of greater temp swings CATs have dewing & thermal issues that can be a challenge.
Hope these forums can help grease yer thinkin', and get ya pointed in a happy direction!
 mike b
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Raginar
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/19/10
Loc: Rapid CIty, SD
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: rmollise]
#5659542 - 02/03/13 09:02 AM
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+1. More aperature. I'd think about some type of large dobsonian as well.
As always, go lift some of these things before you buy them... a C14 is cool till you have to set it up every night!
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AhBok
sage
Reged: 12/02/10
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: Steve.Greene]
#5659747 - 02/03/13 11:11 AM
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Based on your parameters, I agree with Unk Rod. I have a CPC800 and a 12" dob. The CPC is my main scope for general purpose observing, travel, public observing and imaging. I got the dob for its cheap aperture when deeper reach is more important than portability. For every 8-10 nights I use the CPC, I use the dob once or twice. I love them both, but if I could only have one, it would be the CPC. Caveat: this suits my preferences which differ greatly from observer to observer.
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Bart
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/28/06
Loc: Somewhere near Charlottesville...
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: rmollise]
#5659752 - 02/03/13 11:15 AM
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Celestron CPC. Your choice of aperture--don't get more than you will be willing to tote out regularly...
I'll second that....
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csrlice12
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/22/12
Loc: Denver, CO
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: Bart]
#5659784 - 02/03/13 11:28 AM
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of course that's true of any scope.......
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EFT
Vendor - Deep Space Products
Reged: 05/07/07
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: csrlice12]
#5659958 - 02/03/13 01:06 PM
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For what you want, I would look at an 8-inch SCT in the Nexstar SE or CPC series. The CPC is the better choice if you can deal with the size and wieght. The Nexstar 6SE is another possibility if you are looking to spend less than the 8-inch scopes.
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Steve.Greene
member
Reged: 08/12/07
Loc: South Florida
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: EFT]
#5661735 - 02/04/13 01:01 PM
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My sincere appreciation to all of you for both your insight and your suggestions. I've always been attracted to the CPC's when seeing their ads. On the other hand, when I belonged to the local Astro club, they had a 12" Dobbie that was amazing. So, looks like I'm in for the worst type of argument - the one between one side of my head and the other! LOL
Thanks again and best wishes for clear skies!
Steve
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Mike B
Starstruck
Reged: 04/06/05
Loc: shake, rattle, & roll, CA
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: Steve.Greene]
#5662131 - 02/04/13 05:07 PM
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So, looks like I'm in for the worst type of argument - the one between one side of my head and the other!
Reminds me of the old job performance evaluation criteria:
Communication....... and.... Performance:
________________ _______________________
Talks with God......... Far exceeds job requirements!
Talks with angels...... exceeds job requirements
Talks with self........ meets job requirements
Argues with self....... slightly short of job requirements
Loses those arguments.. does not meet job requirements
Happy inner-office communications!
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csrlice12
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/22/12
Loc: Denver, CO
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Re: Next Level Recommendation
[Re: Mike B]
#5662262 - 02/04/13 06:26 PM
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Then give in and buy both??? Listen to the voices in your head.....
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