83 replies to this topic

[Scott in NC]

My "new to me" Stardust Blue SV90TBV fluorite arrived today. After a long day at work, I drove home overjoyed to see mostly clear skies (this is after many days of clouds and precipitation). We had an unseasonably high temp of 70F today, a far cry from this past weekend when I was stuck indoors due to sleet and freezing rain, with a high temp of 24F! I peeked outside during dinner, happy to see that it was still clear outside. After eating dinner with my wife and son, I excitedly unboxed the scope and was happy to see that it arrived unscathed after the cross-country shipping.

Thirty minutes later I had the scope set up on my G&G mount (UA Macrostar alt-az on a SV Stablelock wooden tripod) and went outside to see that the clouds and fog had already started to roll in. Fortunately Jupiter was still visible through a thin cloud layer, and I was treated to a beautiful view with plenty of banding visible through Vixen 5-8mm LVWs (79-126x). I was able to do a star test on Rigel (once again through thin clouds and fog). Aside from the atmospheric effects, the star test looked essentially perfect, with nearly identical intrafocal and extrafocal patterns without a hint of chromatic aberration nor other unexpected aberrations. By this time I decided that I'd better get inside, lest it start to rain on my precious optics.

So, this didn't turn out to be the best chance to put my new scope through its paces, but anytime I get a chance to use a new scope the same day it arrives I'm quite thrilled. So I guess you could say that today has been a great day for me!

[Scott Beith]

I am appropriately jealous. Congrats on the new glass!

[Scott in NC]

Thanks, Scott! No need to be jealous, though, as you've got some really nice glass yourself.

[Scott Beith]

I'm doin' ok but I have a lust issue with the SV90 fluorite...

[Scott in NC]

I'm doin' ok but I have a lust issue with the SV90 fluorite...

I hear you, Scott. I didn't really *need* anything between my 80mm and 115mm refractors, but the AM ad on this 90mm scope just called out to me!

[Scott Beith]

It happens like that.

[spaceydee]

Pictures???

[oo_void]

Pictures or it didn't happen.

[Scott in NC]

Sorry, no pics yet. I'm hoping to snap a few after another long day at work tomorrow so I can post some!

[Tmohr36]

Congrats on your new Scope, Scott. I've been watching your comments in the SV Yahoo group. Very glad you were able to get some initial views in on "arrival" day.

[zjc26138]

Congrats on the new scope Scott!

[rockethead26]

Congrats on a fine addition to your arsenal. I'm kinda itchy for a scope of this size, although the ones I do have haven't seen the night sky in two months, so it's hard to justify. Still want one, though ...

[Widespread]

Congratulations on your scope, Scott!

I saw that ad on AM and was sorely tempted, but couldn't resist the sale on the SVR90T.

Best,
David

[Mary]

Congrats Scott! Sounds like you have a real beauty! I'm jealous also!

Mary

[Scott in NC]

I saw that ad on AM and was sorely tempted, but couldn't resist the sale on the SVR90T.

David, I don't think you'll regret having sprung for the SVR90T instead. You got a great deal on that one, at the current sale price. Re: the AM ad, there were two Stardust Blue SV90TBVs on sale within a day or so of each other. I'll bet you saw the ad for the other one, the one that someone else bought. I had been eyeing that ad for several days until it was sold. Just when I started kicking myself wondering if I should have bought it, another one popped up a day later. I was lucky enough to see the ad a few minutes after it was posted, and the seller deleted the ad not more than an hour later, as soon as we concluded the deal. So I'd be surprised if you even saw that one.

[Scott in NC]

Congrats Scott! Sounds like you have a real beauty! I'm jealous also!

Mary

Thanks, Mary! And in case you were wondering, no, this isn't going to replace my Stardust Blue SV80S. That one's not going anywhere either!

[Scott in NC]

And here's today's weather forecast, less than 24 hrs. after arrival of my SV90TBV:

Variable clouds and windy with strong thunderstorms, high 69F, winds S at 25 to 35 mph, 90% chance of rain, with possible damaging winds and isolated tornadoes threatening the South and Mid-Atlantic.

That must be a sign that my scope has exceptionally good optics!

[Mary]

Congrats Scott! Sounds like you have a real beauty! I'm jealous also!

Mary

Thanks, Mary! And in case you were wondering, no, this isn't going to replace my Stardust Blue SV80S. That one's not going anywhere either!

You're right, I WAS wondering about your SV80S! Those SV Fluorites are wonderful, I was lucky enough to look thru one several years ago. Beautiful, beautiful optics!

Mary

[Jayo]

''"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 ''

Just love your quote, Scott. This is what it's all about. Using our talents to help each other.

[Bill Barlow]

Scott,

Are you a refractor-holic? Seems like you have a lot of refractors with small differences in aperture. Not that is a bad thing, of course. Personally, I like to have at least one inch of difference in refractors and 2-3" in SCT's. That way I don't have as many scopes and I'm not in trouble with my wife.

Bill

[jjbird]

No such illness around here!

[Scott in NC]

Scott,
Are you a refractor-holic? Seems like you have a lot of refractors with small differences in aperture.

Hi Bill! I could offer plenty of rationalizations for why I own all the refractors that I do, and continue to frequently buy and sell them, but perhaps it's better that I just confine my comments to: "Hi, my name is Scott, and I'm a refractor-holic." I could tell you that I could quit anytime I wanted to, but you and I both know that that would be a lie. Unless I get locked out of Astromart and CN Shop & Swap, I'm afraid the pattern will continue. I'm not aware of any local Refractor-holics Anonymous chapters, but I do have an observing buddy who lives a few miles down the road who has twice as many refractors as I do. Perhaps the two of us could start a local RA chapter. I won't mention his name in order to preserve his anonymity, but he is a CN member, and if he reads this he'll surely know who I'm talking about. Anyway, I think I have all the scopes that I need right now. Well...for this week at least.

[Bill Barlow]

I am in the process of purchasing a new SV115 triplet from Vic, but he has to sell my 102ED on consignment first. If all goes well, hope to have it by the end of February. Enjoy all of your scopes..clear skies.

Bill

[m9x18]

Thanks, Mary! And in case you were wondering, no, this isn't going to replace my Stardust Blue SV80S. That one's not going anywhere either!

Congratulations Scott! You'll love the SV90TBV Fluorite. I have one in Stardust White and it is a wonderful scope to have. I also own a SV80S (LOMO) and like my other Stellarvue, it's dressed in white too. Both are very much keepers. Don't let the small difference in aperture make you want to give either one up someday. You'll end up kicking yourself. Both are superb instruments and a real joy to own.

[Scott in NC]

I am in the process of purchasing a new SV115 triplet from Vic, but he has to sell my 102ED on consignment first. If all goes well, hope to have it by the end of February.

Sounds like a great trade-up to me, Bill. And the end of February will be here before you know it!