13161 replies to this topic

[t.r.]

Nice display cases!  It's probably a good thing that I don't live within driving distance of TNR. 

 

This is true! At NEAF last year, I got to "fondle" the TAK 120 and even though I have a similar AP130GT, I almost bought the thing on the spot, twice. I had to walk away!!! The TAK allure is a truism once you get to see and touch them in person. I'm glad TNR is thousands of miles away!

[Paulimer]

I have to read these forums less often; i wanna get a TSA120 even i already have a Borg125SD. 

[Fomalhaut]

I have to read these forums less often; i wanna get a TSA120 even i already have a Borg125SD. 

 

I profoundly understand both thoughts of yours    

Chris

Edited by Fomalhaut, 25 August 2014 - 02:26 PM.

[Paulimer]

 

I have to read these forums less often; i wanna get a TSA120 even i already have a Borg125SD. 

 

I profoundly understand both thoughts of yours    

Chris

 

 

 

Having already owned a Sky90 and 2 60cs, I decided to move away and try something else and got that Borg125SD for that ultra light package. Well, really couldn't resist the Takisits.

[chboss]

Paul,

 

Do you use your BORG 125SD also visually?

I would be interested to hear your opinion.

 

....and yes although my stable is big enough a TSA120 has a magic attraction.    

 

best regards

Chris 

[Paulimer]

Chris,

I'm primarily an imager, so I can't really give good comparison to other scopes. 

 

I know there are some other users on this forum that can give you good comments.

 

Regards,

Paul

[NHRob]

Well, haven't posted in awhile.  the weather has not cooperated for critical viewing but I can make the following comments:

 

Star Tests:

    The FS-102 has an incredibly good star test ... a keeper for sure.  The TSA-120 has virtually a perfect star test ...  need to check it a few more times.

The SV105T has an excellent star test as well.  At first, it seemed identical to the FS-102 but the Tak I think tests a tad better.   All are 

well above acceptable, or even good.

 

Viewing:

   The FS-102 has a slightly different character than the SV-105 for planetary.  Both are very sharp and contrasty but the FS102 somehow is a tad more engaging when viewing Saturn and lunar.    The SV105 was delightful for low power, wide field viewing.  My favorite for just scanning the milky way and getting lost in stars.   The TSA was also quite nice being brighter but, the focal length wasn't as conducive for LP viewing.  No color seen on the lunar limb with all three.

 

Hard to call.  I wish I could afford to keep all three.  They each have a different personality.  Definitely keeping the TSA-120 due to aperture and exquisite optics.

The fluorite doublet FS102 has always been among my favorites but, too close in FL to the TSA.    The SV105 is a delightful apo, friendly, and a performer.

If I could keep two I'd keep the SV105 and the TSA120, even though the optics on the FS102 seem a bit superior to the SV.

 

If I couldn't afford the TSA-120, I'd keep the FS-102. Always loved Tak fluorite doublets.

 

 

 

Anyway, enough rambling .... the clouds are starting to affect my thought precesses.

[Scott99]

 

If I could keep two I'd keep the SV105 and the TSA120, even though the optics on the FS102 seem a bit superior to the SV.

 

If I couldn't afford the TSA-120, I'd keep the FS-102. Always loved Tak fluorite doublets.

 

 

 

3 great scopes!   But in the long run, the TSA will blow the others away with more detail on DSO's, planets, etc. 

 

There can be only one!  

[Scott in NC]

Nice report, Rob!  Hope you get plenty of clear dark nights this fall to fully check out the TSA-102.  It would be interesting if you could keep the FS-102 until the winter so you could compare the thermal equilibration times of the doublet and the triplet in the cold NH winter.

[Allan Wade]

Very nice Rob, I am envious that you have the opportunity to use so many great telescopes. It makes me think of future refractors I would like to own which can't be good for the bank balance. I think I need to get out of here.

[t.r.]

You are going to get your brake Rob...with Fall, our best viewing season has begun and this week, starting Wednesday, high pressure will overtake the region through to next week! Get your sleep in during the day...here it comes.

[NHRob]

Clear tonight and looks like good forecast for the week!    Yay!

 

BTW, the FS-102 has been sold.

[tomcody]

Rob, other than just having it, why would you keep the SV-105 when you have the TSA120? As they need the same class of mount, its not like one is big and the other a small grab and go. Just curious?

Rex 

[Scott in NC]

Rex, I think that Rob has listed the SV105 for sale; it's just that the FS-102 sold first.

[NHRob]

The SV105 is a quicker grab and a little better for wide field.  I plan to sell it anyway.  It's been posted.

 

I think a 80mm ED would be a better wide field companion for the TSA-120.

Down the road perhaps.

[tomcody]

The SV105 is a quicker grab and a little better for wide field.  I plan to sell it anyway.  It's been posted.

 

I think a 80mm ED would be a better wide field companion for the TSA-120.

Down the road perhaps.

Agreed, especially if you pair it with a lightweight easy to carry/setup mount.

Rex

[Scott in NC]

I agree with Rex as well.

[tomcody]

I agree with Rex as well.

http://www.cloudynig...anyone-got-one/

 

My new FS60CB with Tak alt-az mount is doing well for me and when I get the  optional 76 mm objective lens for it, should be my new " I can live with this " setup, giving me both wide field and  general use viewing, plus the 60mm is a great daytime nature scope!

Rex

[Balok]

' Back in the day" when the TSA and TOA lines first came out there were some unbelievable deals on new FS 102s, 128s and 152s... half price rings a bell.

 

I had the 102 and a CN 212 ... like a dummy... I failed to strike while the iron was hot.

 

 

The FS series was fantastic ... love those doublets.

 

 

 

Best Regards,

 

Balok

[samovu]

  +1 on those Fluorite doublets  

[Scott in NC]

  +1 on those Fluorite doublets  

  The only fluorite doublet that I've ever looked through is my Tak FS-102.  If they're all as good as my particular sample is, then I wholeheartedly agree with you!

[samovu]

 

  +1 on those Fluorite doublets  

  The only fluorite doublet that I've ever looked through is my Tak FS-102.  If they're all as good as my particular sample is, then I wholeheartedly agree with you!

 

 

Scott, if you don't mind my stealing your line..... I've never met a Takahashi Fluorite doublet I didn't like. 

 

Just keep them away from me. 

 

So far, I've viewed through an FS-102 (two samples), two FC-60CB (one with the Q module also), an FS-78 and most recently, an FC-76. The views were great through my old eyes but YMMV. There are probably some bad samples somewhere but I think these have a pretty good reputation with most folks. 

 

Clear views to all,

John

[Scott in NC]

Thanks for sharing that info, John.  I'd love to look through FS-128 and FS-152 fluorite doublets some day, but right now they're a little out of my price range.  Maybe I'll meet someone with one of these at a star party some day.

[LewisM]

I HAD a Vixen FL102S for years - I thought it the perfect scope for me.

 

Then I was offered the Takahashi FC-100 (original model)....

 

I sold the Vixen.

 

Just WOW. Built like a tank, look beautiful, perform amazingly.

 

I use an FSQ85 for imaging AND visual, and I have to admit I think it is better than the FSQ106 (though not as photon grabbing of course).

 

Almost got a Tak TSA120 recently, but it meant having to sell the FC100 and maybe the FSQ85. I was glad when the seller changed his mind.

[crazyqban]

I'd love to look through FS-128 and FS-152 fluorite doublets some day.  Maybe I'll meet someone with one of these at a star party some day.

 

Scott, I am planning on attending the Peach State Star Gaze on Sun, Mon & Tues (Oct 19-21) if the weather is good. I am considering taking my FS-152 instead of my dob If you are attending, you are more than welcome to observe with me.