Hi Steve - wasn't me, but thanks for the link. It looks nearly identical to the tripod on my WO EZ Touch mount, and would likely be a good match if I need to replace a leg, or something.
Timm
William Optics GTF 102 - first light barely
Started by
timmbottoni
, Feb 25 2013 10:17 PM
79 replies to this topic
#26
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 27 February 2013 - 01:53 PM
#27
Kon Dealer
-
-
- Posts: 1,029
- Joined: 05 Jan 2011
Apollo
Posted 27 February 2013 - 02:24 PM
Post deleted by Scott in NC
#28
Agatha
-
-
- Posts: 8,284
- Joined: 04 Jun 2012
Cosmos
Posted 27 February 2013 - 02:30 PM
Timm,
Congratulations on your beautiful new telescope.
I look forward to your report on that beauty. And I am celebrating your wonderful new WO.
Have fun.
Best, Linda B.
Congratulations on your beautiful new telescope.
I look forward to your report on that beauty. And I am celebrating your wonderful new WO.
Have fun.
Best, Linda B.
#29
Kunama
-
-
- Posts: 6,672
- Joined: 22 Oct 2012
Aussie at large
Posted 27 February 2013 - 04:00 PM
William Optics certainly bring some colour to astronomy with their trim finishes, a far cry from the black n white of old.
#30
KWB
-
-
-
- Posts: 19,027
- Joined: 30 Sep 2006
James Webb Space Telescope
Posted 27 February 2013 - 06:41 PM
Post deleted by KWB
#31
microstar
-
-
- Posts: 1,549
- Joined: 05 Jan 2008
Surveyor 1
Posted 27 February 2013 - 06:49 PM
Beautiful looking scope Timm. Looking forward to your review of the optics and mechanics.
...Keith
...Keith
#32
Scott in NC
-
-
-
- Posts: 39,816
- Joined: 05 Mar 2005
Refractor Aficionado
Posted 27 February 2013 - 08:27 PM
This thread is now being returned to the forum. Let's please stay on topic and refrain from any further disrespectful comments. Thanks!
#33
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 27 February 2013 - 08:52 PM
Hi all,
One important thing to consider if you are interested in this design is that it is set up for astrophotography as the primary goal. The picture of the moon I took was with a WO 2" photo adapter, T-Ring connected to a Canon 60D with perfect focus, meaning I didn't have to rack the focuser all the way out. Because it is designed to not have to add extra extensions for photo use, it also means that you will be at the very inside limit of the focuser with a 2" diagonal for visual use with eyepieces. I found that my WO SPL eyepieces would not quite reach focus with the 2" diagonal, but the UWANs and 2" WO SWAN would. Using the 1.25" diagonal and all of the 1.25" eyepieces were fine. I knew the WO zoom would need the 1.25" diagonal, as that eyepiece also requires more inward focus.
Not really an issue, in my opinion, but certainly something to note, as its quite possible that other eyepieces would require the use of a 1.25" diagonal.
Once I can get more testing in I will let everyone know, and hopefully I will be able to let the scope cool down and do a really good star test. Because of the flattener, in the middle (right where you see the red ring in the middle) there is a large area of air that will require more time to cool before it will settle down, especially considering the current large difference between the inside temp and outside temp this time of year.
Timm
One important thing to consider if you are interested in this design is that it is set up for astrophotography as the primary goal. The picture of the moon I took was with a WO 2" photo adapter, T-Ring connected to a Canon 60D with perfect focus, meaning I didn't have to rack the focuser all the way out. Because it is designed to not have to add extra extensions for photo use, it also means that you will be at the very inside limit of the focuser with a 2" diagonal for visual use with eyepieces. I found that my WO SPL eyepieces would not quite reach focus with the 2" diagonal, but the UWANs and 2" WO SWAN would. Using the 1.25" diagonal and all of the 1.25" eyepieces were fine. I knew the WO zoom would need the 1.25" diagonal, as that eyepiece also requires more inward focus.
Not really an issue, in my opinion, but certainly something to note, as its quite possible that other eyepieces would require the use of a 1.25" diagonal.
Once I can get more testing in I will let everyone know, and hopefully I will be able to let the scope cool down and do a really good star test. Because of the flattener, in the middle (right where you see the red ring in the middle) there is a large area of air that will require more time to cool before it will settle down, especially considering the current large difference between the inside temp and outside temp this time of year.
Timm
#34
Erskin71
-
-
- Posts: 655
- Joined: 13 Dec 2010
Viking 1
Posted 27 February 2013 - 10:12 PM
Good info. Thanks. I bought mine with a 80/20 split (AP/Visual) in mind. I'll do most of my visual after an AP session while I shoot darks.
I use the 60Da for AP. I've been needing to pick up a 2" adapter. Guess I will order one this weekend.
I use the 60Da for AP. I've been needing to pick up a 2" adapter. Guess I will order one this weekend.
#35
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 27 February 2013 - 10:15 PM
Good info. Thanks. I bought mine with a 80/20 split (AP/Visual) in mind. I'll do most of my visual after an AP session while I shoot darks.
I use the 60Da for AP. I've been needing to pick up a 2" adapter. Guess I will order one this weekend.
Oooh a 60Da -
Post pics if you have any - would love to see your setup.
WO has a nice 2" photo adapter but any will work, I think.
I would love to hear what mounts people are using for AP with this scope or in general.
Timm
#36
Erskin71
-
-
- Posts: 655
- Joined: 13 Dec 2010
Viking 1
Posted 27 February 2013 - 10:40 PM
Your to kind.
Flikr
http://www.flickr.co...in/photostream/
I have a couple of wide field images on Flikr. I also have 1 pic of the 60Da on my C8. I think its the night I imaged M81 and M82 (which are on AstroBin)
Astrobin:
http://www.astrobin.com/users/ATX_71/
With the exception of M16 and M8 everything was shot with the 60Da.
I was thinking about one of these:
http://www.cncsupply...x.htm?true2.htm
I may just go with the WO. I hate the thought of ordering something and it not working. Being that I can't just run to the store and buy what I need and all.
I use the Orion Atlas. Rock solid. When doing research it felt like the Atlas was the best/most mount in its class. Combined with the Orion SSAG and 50mm guide scope I almost never have issues. Almost because I do make mistakes
Flikr
http://www.flickr.co...in/photostream/
I have a couple of wide field images on Flikr. I also have 1 pic of the 60Da on my C8. I think its the night I imaged M81 and M82 (which are on AstroBin)
Astrobin:
http://www.astrobin.com/users/ATX_71/
With the exception of M16 and M8 everything was shot with the 60Da.
I was thinking about one of these:
http://www.cncsupply...x.htm?true2.htm
I may just go with the WO. I hate the thought of ordering something and it not working. Being that I can't just run to the store and buy what I need and all.
I use the Orion Atlas. Rock solid. When doing research it felt like the Atlas was the best/most mount in its class. Combined with the Orion SSAG and 50mm guide scope I almost never have issues. Almost because I do make mistakes
#37
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 28 February 2013 - 07:49 AM
Excellent pics! The photo adapter looks like a great idea.
The Atlas looks like a good choice, thanks for the info.
The Atlas looks like a good choice, thanks for the info.
#38
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 02 March 2013 - 12:28 PM
I want to test the focuser with different loads, or weights, to see how much it can handle.
Does anyone have some suggestions for weights?
My Canon 60D with the 2" photo adapter and T-ring weighs about 1Kg or 2.25lbs so I'll start with that, but what's the most weight I should test it with?
Thanks!
Timm
Does anyone have some suggestions for weights?
My Canon 60D with the 2" photo adapter and T-ring weighs about 1Kg or 2.25lbs so I'll start with that, but what's the most weight I should test it with?
Thanks!
Timm
#39
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 02 March 2013 - 09:37 PM
I was able to get in some viewing tonight. It was very cold outside, about 20 degrees F, and the wind chill was about 11, so I only stayed out an hour.
I was able to star test on Sirius though, and it is as perfect of a star test as my eyes can determine.
Not only that, but based on what I can see, the field of view is very flat. While this scope is designed for AP use, I can say without question that it makes an amazing visual scope as well.
Clear skies,
Timm
I was able to star test on Sirius though, and it is as perfect of a star test as my eyes can determine.
Not only that, but based on what I can see, the field of view is very flat. While this scope is designed for AP use, I can say without question that it makes an amazing visual scope as well.
Clear skies,
Timm
#40
Scott in NC
-
-
-
- Posts: 39,816
- Joined: 05 Mar 2005
Refractor Aficionado
Posted 02 March 2013 - 09:58 PM
Nice report, Timm! Glad to hear that your new scope is working out so well for you. 
#41
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 02 March 2013 - 10:35 PM
Nice report, Timm! Glad to hear that your new scope is working out so well for you.
Thanks - the optics are amazing. Now I just need a good mount. I'm pretty sure its going to be the new the iEQ45.
#42
Erskin71
-
-
- Posts: 655
- Joined: 13 Dec 2010
Viking 1
Posted 02 March 2013 - 11:21 PM
Nice. I am getting ready to post my 1st light report in a few. I feel bad I wimped out after a little over an hour in the low 40's.
I agree the optics do look amazing.
I agree the optics do look amazing.
#43
nirvanix
-
-
- Posts: 2,164
- Joined: 07 Jun 2007
Vanguard
Posted 03 March 2013 - 04:02 AM
Timm I hope you do a thorough review of this scope and submit it to CN.
#44
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 03 March 2013 - 11:13 AM
Timm I hope you do a thorough review of this scope and submit it to CN.
I absolutely will - with pictures, and maybe a youtube video!
Timm
#45
Erskin71
-
-
- Posts: 655
- Joined: 13 Dec 2010
Viking 1
Posted 03 March 2013 - 11:40 AM
Oh ya have to have a youtube video these days 
#46
Jim7728
-
-
- Posts: 9,864
- Joined: 10 Apr 2005
Cosmos
Posted 03 March 2013 - 12:28 PM
Congrats on the GTF, fellas. I almost bought one, but blew my play money on my other hobby.
Questions:
Does the GTF-102 have enough back-focus for all your eyepieces and are there no signs of field curvature with your low power, wide field eyepieces?
Thanks!
Questions:
Does the GTF-102 have enough back-focus for all your eyepieces and are there no signs of field curvature with your low power, wide field eyepieces?
Thanks!
#47
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 03 March 2013 - 02:56 PM
Congrats on the GTF, fellas. I almost bought one, but blew my play money on my other hobby.
Questions:
Does the GTF-102 have enough back-focus for all your eyepieces and are there no signs of field curvature with your low power, wide field eyepieces?
Thanks!
I posted above about my eyepieces that I tried and which ones required a 1.25" diagonal, and others that worked with a 2" diagonal.
I spent some time looking at the Pleiades cluster (M45) which fills the view of my WO SWAN 33mm, and is too big but amazing in my WO UWAN 16mm. Both eyepieces showed significant curvature in my WO 80FD, and significant edge deterioration in with my C8. In the GTF 102 they are sharp and in focus to the edge with some edge false color showing. The lateral chromatic abberations are common in eyepieces, but honestly because the stars near the edge have never been in focus along with the stars in the middle, I never really paid much attention to it. I might try to take a 1 second shot tonight, as I don't have a tracking mount at the moment. It might be enough to demonstrate the flattness of the field at least.
Timm
#48
Jim7728
-
-
- Posts: 9,864
- Joined: 10 Apr 2005
Cosmos
Posted 03 March 2013 - 09:03 PM
Thanks! Sounds like a nice performer.
#49
timmbottoni
-
-
topic starter
- Posts: 2,284
- Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Vanguard
Posted 04 March 2013 - 10:04 PM
Thanks - I'm convince of the new scope curse. Third major snow tomorrow since I got the new scope.
Timm
Timm
#50
Gasmansteve
-
-
- Posts: 4
- Joined: 29 Aug 2012
Lift Off
Posted 24 April 2013 - 11:42 AM
Hi Guys
New to the forum and Hi to all from the UK !.
I found Timm`s thread last week and it got me interested in the GT102 only to find they were just available in the US but I`ve just found out today they will be available to European dealers ;-)) so I`m more than interested now and would be very keen to know how Timm is finding it so far in particular the weight the focuser can carry as I have an Atik 314 plus Atik usb filterwheel which is quite a chunk to hang off the focuser and my current C8 with Crayford just can`t cope with them. More info please Timm ;-)
Regards
Steve
New to the forum and Hi to all from the UK !.
I found Timm`s thread last week and it got me interested in the GT102 only to find they were just available in the US but I`ve just found out today they will be available to European dealers ;-)) so I`m more than interested now and would be very keen to know how Timm is finding it so far in particular the weight the focuser can carry as I have an Atik 314 plus Atik usb filterwheel which is quite a chunk to hang off the focuser and my current C8 with Crayford just can`t cope with them. More info please Timm ;-)
Regards
Steve
CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.
Recent Topics
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Some questions about establishing environment control (temp, humidity, dew) inside the observatoryHindsight2020 - Today, 09:19 PM
Observatories
-
-
Cuda acceleration for PixInsight using Kubuntu
energizedgu - Today, 09:14 PM
Astronomy Software & Computers
